11/22/2025
This is just the reminder I needed as to why the giveback we do is so dear to my heart.
I was just scrolling through some old photos because if weâre being honest, the last few months have been hard, and the holiday season is even harder when a huge piece of your heart is missing. My Hayley girl brought so much joy to every single day, so the holidays were always special too. And then I saw these photos đ
I started doing a Christmas giveback before I even had Hayley. I worked as a nurse with kiddos who didnât get Christmas so we did a give back then. Then Hayley was born, got sick, and was in the hospital for a few months. During this time, she was inpatient at Frazier Rehab twice to help her gain strength back and she had the most amazing doctor who fought fiercely for her, her wonderful sidekick NP, and the best therapists that we couldâve ever asked for. But, I saw a need for more items for the kids, especially those who would be spending Christmas there so we gave back. And then life was crazy, she became more sick, and I was creating IEPâs for preschool and planning her make a wish trip, when in reality I was losing her before my eyes before I could even comprehend what was happening. I never expected to lose her despite what any doctor said. She always got better. But on an early Tuesday morning my world stopped as i held my precious three year old for the last time. Something no one should ever experience and something i wouldnât wish on anyone in the world. It was brutal and my world was so dark. And the only way I could bring some dim amount of light to it again was to give back, but this time in my Hayley Jadeâs memory!
Last year we gave back to Norton Childrens ER who are full of some of her (and my) favorite people and to Cincinnati Childrenâs GI unit who also is full of some of the best nurses I have ever met! I still think of all of these people most days, and as crazy as it sounds, I miss seeing them. Because at least when I was seeing them, Hayley was there!
I received this picture from Norton Childrenâs ER after our last giveback. And then a few weeks later they had this review from a patient. A simple fidget toy made a huge difference. And Hayley is the reason. She is the difference maker.
Some may see it as just fundraising, but the blessings we are being able to provide to these kids, especially in Hayleyâs memory is unmatched. While I could choose to be resentful this holiday season because my daughter isnât here, I am at least thankful that we have created a community in which she is remembered and where we are able to make a difference. BECAUSE OF HER. ALWAYS.
We have made so much progress on our Amazon list - Iâm honestly so blown away and I know Norton Childrenâs ER and Meade County Preschool will be too. Itâs Black Friday time at Amazon and now is the BEST time to clear the list. The list in general will only be open for about another week or so, so that we are able to pack, organize, and deliver before Christmas. I have went through and marked some of the âhighestâ priority items as these ones were specifically requested by the facilities, but literally anything is so appreciated and we do not take a single thing for granted. The Christmas shirt orders will also only be open for about another week. We could not give back in Hayleyâs memory if it wasnât for the support that we receive!
So if you have a chance, check out the list, help us clear it, but above all else remember what itâs for and who itâs for. Say her name. Hayley Jade. All for her and because of her, forever and ever đđ€
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1DJK58VP818Y8?ref_=wl_share
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