On June 6th, a 15 year old girl named Alice Pyne started a blog. She's 15 years old and is dying of cancer - the blog is her bucket list.
Her list is a compilation of typical things all 15 year old girls want to do, 'have a private movie party with my BFFs', to things she's always wanted to do but is no longer able to because of the cancer.
Within days, her blog went viral and people from all around the world are leaving comments, sending emails, and helping to make her dreams come true.
My friend Elaine emailed me this morning....we met by chance a few years ago and have kept in touch through email and facebook ever since. She often leaves thoughtful and thought provoking comments on my blog, sometimes giving me great advice on parenting, always guided by her heart and instinct. I respect her as a person and as a mother.
So when I read her email about Alice's blog and the words that followed "I think this is a good opportunity for all us to reach out and email a child who is ill....try to brighten their days. I would also think this is a good idea for teachers to create pen pals", I didn't hesitate.
As a mother, I can't imagine the strength it takes to put on a brave face while they fight an unfightable battle or the devastation of losing your child for any reason.
And these children....these brave children who are fighting so hard.
Maybe you're like me and you want to help but don't know how.
This is where Elaine comes in.....there is a way you can help. On Alice's blog there is a link to Post Pals, an organization in the U.K. that allows you to write and send messages to a child who is fighting a terminal illness.
Elaine also found an organization in the U.S. that does this as well - it's called Make A Child Smile.
She's currently on the hunt for a Canadian organization that does similar work - when she does, I'll update it here.
Today may not be your last day on earth, but imagine if it was....and you could spend those last moments making a sick child smile.
Printer-friendly version