Being Thankful

This year has taught us many lessons but being thankful is one we tend to think about daily as we watch Liam grow into a little boy. Can you imagine being a child or a parent of a baby who is in the hospital during the holidays? Its bad enough at any time but during a time typically spent with family celebrating, I would think its a bit more cruel.

Liam decided he wanted to put some smiles on the faces of other kids, I know, ambitious at 12 months old, and do a toy drive. CHOP has put together a holiday wish list, much like the tree's you see at the mall and church, looking for specific toys, clothes, activities for kids. We will accept all donations up until December 13th, unwrapped. We will head to CHOP that week to deliver the gifts to the Child Life, Education and Creative Arts Therapy Department.

When Liam had the chest tubes and couldn't move much, there was a light up toy that showed birds flying and chirping- something Liam loved and it meant a lot to us to see his eyes light up despite being positioned only one way. These are the kinds of toys that can really make a difference for other kids, please consider joining us and participating! The list has toys, gift cards, clothing, phone cards, etc.

Here is a link to the list. Please contact me directly if you'd like to help and participate: theresambrown@gmail.com

http://www.chop.edu/export/download/pdfs/articles/child-life-education-and-creative-arts-therapy/2010-holiday-wish-list.pdf