Many years ago,
when I was training for Triathlons, I would frequent the local YMCA to get in
my swim training. There I often bumped
into an older gentleman (over 80) and we would exchange the usual morning pleasantries. When asked how he was doing he would smile
and say “Better than yesterday, not as good as tomorrow”. I love the optimism of that saying and use
it on an occasional basis as a reminder despite life’s challenges I’m still on
the right side of grass. It was with
that optimism that I approach this year’s Marathon challenge,
The weather
was perfect when we started out in the run,
“We” included 5 of my grandchildren {ages 9-15), my daughters, and son
in law. Pam and my 5 year old
granddaughter manned the water station and cheered us on. Our
combined goal was to run a full marathon plus an additional mile for each year
Nick has been gone (46,2 miles). The running
was challenging (for me anyway) but the shared stories, good natured teasing
and support made the effort more enjoyable.
I continue to be amazed by everyone’s willingness and ability to pitch
in to support me and Help in the Nick of Time.
With their help we were able to complete the challenge. I’m truly blessed.
Thank you to
all who have donated. There’d still time
if you haven’t donated yet. 100% of funds
raised go to helping children with cancer and their families. This is also a good time to give everyone who
supports the effort a brief peak into how Help in the Nick of Time has impacted
children and their families. Here are a
few examples.
Thank you for sending my daughter and I special gifts from
your Good Boxes...As you can see from the pictures Mary was very excited to
receive her special gifts. Thank you for the gift of experiencing her pure joy.
”
In 2011, at just three years old, Malia was diagnosed with
stage 4, high-risk neuroblastoma. She had been doing well until 2021, when she
relapsed and quickly resumed treatment. Sadly, Malia passed away in June 2023.
During her final days, we were able to support her family by assisting with
medical and insurance expenses through the Never Alone Fund, allowing them to
focus on being by Malia’s side. While Malia's family continues to grapple with this immense
loss, they are channeling their energy into honoring
her memory.
Myah Viens was diagnosed in April 2022 with Neuroblastoma,and
her mom, Stacy, has been struggling to provide for Myah and her twin brother
Leo ever since. Myah’s child life specialist reached out to One Mission in
September of 2024, asking for any kind of help we might be able to provide. The
Viens have been having trouble with their car, which is crucial to getting Myah
to and from her medical appointments, and the repairs had caused Stacy to fall
behind on medical and other crucial household bills. Help in the Nick of Time
covered car payments to help get back on financial footing.
THE
PARK/LIAU FAMILY
We
fulfilled a Junior Good Box for 14-year-old Peter Liau in the Fall
of 2024.
Peter’s mom, Jessica, sent an email thanking us for this care
package,
and explained that the family had recently lost all their
possessions
in a house fire. Everything that we included in the Junior
Good Box
was now all that Peter owned. The family is having their
home
rebuilt but will need to start from scratch, purchasing all new
items to
fill their house once renovations are complete.
