Day 104 - Helped Build a Park

Today was one of the last Build Days for Hope Park Frisco.  I went out to volunteer and help where I could.  It was so wonderful to see all those volunteers working together!!  I was in a small group of 4 and we tackled putting together 6 picnic tables.  I was just excited to use power tools and I apologize in advance for any poor child who may end up sitting on an uneven bench...we did our best.  I promise :).

Day 104 - Helped build a park

Day 103 - Bought A Picket

Imagine a playground built to suit the needs of all children, at any age, with a focused consideration for children with special needs – an inclusive play adventure that brings children together and helps them build self-confidence, make friends and play as equals.  Imagine Hope Park!

Tomorrow I will be helping to build during Hope Park's Build Week so for today's random act of kindness I decided to buy a personalized name picket for the park.  These pickets will be a great way to support the park and leave a lasting mark on this wonderful all-inclusive community playground.

Hope Park’s design will be interactive, evoking a sensory play experience that engages children at many developmental levels.

Their mission is to bring the community together to give hope to children of all abilities, to provide a place where they can play side by side in a peaceful atmosphere built for them by a community that values the foundation of family.

Day 103 - Bought a picket

Day 102 - Gift to Someone Very Deserving

Anonymous gifts are so fun to give and a great opportunity to show appreciation.  I want to keep this vague in case this person reads the blog.  Just know the gift was for someone who has touched so many people and makes a lasting difference daily.

Day 102 - Anonymous gift

Day 101 - Butterfinger Bars for Walgreens Customers

When I went into Walgreens today the employee working behind the counter was having a tough day.  Some financial stuff was stressing him out and you could tell his thoughts were some place else.

I noticed that the butterfinger bars at the counter were 2 for $1 so I purchased 4.  I asked him to keep them out of the bag and he asked if I wanted a separate bag.  I said no I wanted him to take one and give the other 3 to customers that may check out after me.  People that really looked like they could use a little pick me up.

He told me that he wasn't able to have one because he was having a root canal but that he would love to pass them along to other people.  It definitely seemed to brighten his night a bit :).

Day 101 - Butterfingers for unsuspecting Walgreens customers

Day 100 - Fought Cancer

Day 100 was a pretty big milestone of this journey that I had been thinking about for a couple of weeks now.  Trying to think of something memorable to do.  Then things started to turn with our dear friend Ileana, Kailey's 6 year old classmate.  Suddenly my 100th random act of kindness seemed not so important.  Her trial medication to fight the cancer was not effective and she returned home a couple of weeks ago from St. Jude with every possible option exhausted.  After almost a year long fight Ileana lost her battle last night with cancer.  It's all I've been able to think about today and anything I can do to take my mind off the sadness is where I have focused my time and energy.

So for today's random act of kindness, dragging my broken heart, I worked to help pull together some loose ends for a few Relay for Life fundraisers to raise awareness and fight cancer in loving memory of sweet Ileana.  Our local event is in 2 weeks and we will do all we can in the next 2 weeks to make this the most successful fundraiser it can be.

Each year, more than 4 million people in over 20 countries take part in this global phenomenon and raise much-needed funds and awareness to save lives from cancer.

I know I will make a difference in the fight to end cancer and I know that by raising funds and walking in the American Cancer Society Relay For Life event, I will help save lives from cancer.

It's amazingly heartbreaking to think that millions of people will be diagnosed with cancer this year.  One more life lost is one too many.  We have to fight to find a cure.

A Relay For Life event is not only a way to join my community to fight back against cancer, but it is also a way to inspire hope by raising funds and awareness to help those facing the disease.

Please Join the Fight in honor of sweet Ileana Shuman!!

Join the Fight

Day 100 - Fought Cancer

Day 99 - Supported One Day Without Shoes

Next week the girls' school is participating in the one day event hosted by Toms, One Day Without Shoes.  One Day Without Shoes is a day to bring global awareness to children's health and education by going without shoes.

So for today's random act of kindness, in anticipation of next week, I purchased a shirt to bring awareness to One Day Without Shoes on April 16th.  The more bare feet there are, the bigger the footprint!  The best part is that with each Toms' purchase they help a child in need by providing a pair of shoes. 

Day 99 - Bought a t-shirt to support One Day Without Shoes

Day 98 - Sent a Superhero Her Cape

We have a little friend that is a real-life superhero in every possible way.  She is a fighter to the core and has the most amazing faith filled, loving family I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.

For the girls' 6th birthday they had a superhero theme and got some pretty cool capes to wear during the party.  Just yesterday Kailey mentioned that it was sad that her classmate wasn't able to make the party because she is sick.  I suggested to the girls maybe sending a cape they wore for the party as a special gift.  They thought it was a great idea and thought it could really brighten her day.

So for today's random act of kindness we packed up that cape and mailed it off to our amazing little superhero.

Day 98 - Cape to a superhero