I lost my beloved daughter, Sadie Grace, four months ago after she fell at a birthday party. The past months have been a blur as I've surrounded myself with a whirlwind of busy to try to distract myself from the pain. I feel like I have been surrounded by God's grace, and upheld by love from all of you. I have been focusing my energy on raising money for Smile Train in honor of Sadie. Smile Train repairs cleft palates for children in developing countries for an average of $250 per surgery. These children are often shunned from their communities, not allowed to attend school, or marry. They cannot eat or speak properly and are often hidden away. Sadie and I were moved by this organization that completely changes a child's life for so little money. So far, in her memory, more than $25,000.00 has been donated. Thank you so much to all of you who have already contributed. I have a lifetime goal of $478,250.00. That is one smile surgery for each day of Sadie's life; 1913. Will you consider donating $25.00, $100.00 or a 'smile', $250.00. You could raise the funds among coworkers, family members, or raise awareness in your neighborhood by gathering enough to change one child's life forever. It also makes a wonderful gift to donate to the fund in someone's name. Your contribution is fully tax-deductible. Please share our cause with anyone you think would be interested in helping. Please also mark your calendar for May 12, 2012. I am organizing a 5K for this date, Sadie's birthday, this spring. All proceeds from this race will go to Smile Train. I am also competing in a half-ironman July 15th in California and will offer 'opportunities' to sponsor this 70.3 mile endeavor in support of Smile Train. All of these things are giving me a reason to get out of bed in the morning, to help others have a better quality of life while I get through my life until I can see Sadie again. I appreciate your support. Please take a minute to click on the link below. It will take you to Sadie's tribute page on the Smile Train website where you can make a donation. Again, it is 100% tax-deductible, so what better time to donate than the end of the year. Surgeries are often scheduled within 24 hours of your making a donation! http://support.smiletrain.org/goto/Sadie
