Hands down, my Happiest Memory was when our community came together to help support my Little Family in 2004. Hannah's medical diagnosis (Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1) would require modifications to our home and some necessary medical equipment outside of what insurance would pay for. We were now down to only my husbands income since I stayed home to care for my sweet daughter. A simple mention in our local paper article about her SMA spurred interest and the next thing I know....
A previous co-worker got the ball rolling. Then, a middle-aged couple well-known in the community joined our "Count Me In" Benefit for Hannah. The fundraiser kept expanding even beyond our corn rows and county. A news anchor contacted us for an interview and provided coverage at the fundraiser. Much younger at the time, and admittedly nervous, I found myself at a radio station talking about our upcoming fundraiser and explaining Hannah's disease.
Much attention was drawn to our little one stoplight town here in NE Indiana. God turned the grim future described by our doctors into something good. It presented an opportunity for people to help out! It was overwhelming, the contributions that were made to assist us in caring for Hannah. Many people helped coordinate and seek donations and items for our auction/freewill donation chili dinner, while others provided materials and services. I won't forget one of the guys from the radio station attended that evening of the benefit and auctioned himself off to do any kind of work and even auctioned the K105 jacket off his back!
Food was donated, a bake sale with pies and cookies, love baked right in the middle. There were very nice usable, and even collectible items, given to auction off along with gift certificates to restaurants and area businesses. So much had been given that area auctioneers were recruited (for free) to help auction every last item. The bids were very generous, above and beyond the physical value of an item. These dollar amounts were coming straight from the heart..... I'm getting tears as I type. This all couldn't have come at a better time for this fairly new Special Needs Mom. Learning my new responsibilities as medical provider to my daughter and advocate, it seemed overwhelming. Just knowing that People cared meant so much.
A large amount of money was generated that started a trust fund to use for "Hannah expenses." The local attorney set it all up legally pro bono. A new driveway and sidewalk with deck and ramp, all materials donated by area businesses. A new whole house generator covered by a local factory... Corporate matched what the employees contributed. The man that installed the generator and wired the house volunteered his time.
When the deck with ramp was built, it was a local construction company and they utilized the Building Trades students from the high school. One of the young men recently introduced himself as he was delivering some of Hannah's medical supplies for UPS. He never forgot and neither have we. Thank you Lord for the Blessing of Hannah and all those that blessed us with their kindness and much hard work. We have never forgotten. We give you all the Glory Father as you bless those that blessed us Abundantly!
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