This month we are having a lot of “this time last year” moments. They really started in February with, “This time last year we took Little to the ER and got her diagnosis.” Little went to the ER two days before her birthday and actually turned 14 in the cardiac unit. A nurse we grew to love over the next five months spent time drawing and cutting so that when our daughter woke up there were decorations all around her room that had appeared over night! Claire continued to care for Little through many nights and was actually our nurse the night before Little crashed and returned to the ICU to stay until a heart became available.

Last month I received a call from Children’s Hospital and was told that during this year’s fundraiser, (a two-day bike ride where sponsored nurses and doctors cover over 80 miles to raise money for the hospital) Claire had chosen to ride with the Cardiac team and wanted to honor Little as she rode. She’ll wear a picture of Little on her shirt and has written a lovely “blurb” about our girl and put it on her fundraising page. We will get to travel up the mountain to be present and celebrate with Claire when she crosses the finish line.  What a joy to be able to encourage her as she was such an encouragement to us during our hospital stay.

The Courage Classic is July 20-21 and Claire has the goal of raising $1000 for the Cardiac Climbers (Heart Institute Riding Team). She is halfway there and I am hoping our friends and family will help her get the rest of the way and beyond. So many have given so much to us already but the thought of giving  so that other families can see their children as healthy as our Little is exciting.

Click here to go to Claire’s page, read her description of Little, and find out more about the Courage Classic. If you are able, there’s a place for you to donate too.