Honoring children everywhere

I interrupt your not-so-regularly scheduled blog postings to bring a very important message.

I think that Trey and I, more than many, understand the blessing that is a healthy child. Or do we? Despite the hardships we have endured, I think we often take for granted how amazing it is that our son is healthy (or so he seems). There are so many things that can go wrong, and we hope and pray that they never do. Yet if, God forbid, something ever goes wrong, I hope people will reach out to help.

I want you to meet Jake, one of the cutest little boys (aside from my own) that I know!

I recently shared here that one of my dearest friend’s son was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy; sadly, it is the most common fatal genetic disorder diagnosed during childhood. Jake is that son. “Fatal” and “childhood” are two words that should never be in the same sentence. It’s out of sync with the world. It’s unfair. It’s wrong. But unfortunately, it’s a sad reality that mothers and fathers out there are forced to face. We faced it, and now my dear friend and her family are too.

Jake needs help. Jake needs prayer. Jake needs miracles. Jake needs a cure. And for something really wonderful to happen, Jake needs research…and research needs money. In honor of your own children, or the fact that you yourself once were a healthy child, I challenge you to donate to this very worthy cause.

I am the first one to say, “I would if I had any money,” but then if I wanted go out for lunch, or make some other unnecessary purchase, I would somehow find it. So skip that next dinner out. Don’t buy that knick-knack you don’t really need anyway. Donate $5. Donate $10. Donate whatever you want. Every bit helps get Jake, and other children just like him, closer to the miracle he and they need/s. If my family members want to know something I want for Christmas, this is it.

Earlier this week Jake and his parents went to see a world-renowned specialist in Cincinnati about Jake’s condition and how to move forward with his treatment. Jake’s parents were very encouraged by their visit. There is a possibility that in the future there will be a clinical trial that could really make a difference in Jake’s life. We must all pray that this becomes a reality.

For more information on Jake, you can visit his webpage here: www.caringbridge.org/visit/jakepritchard

To make a tax-deductible donation to this very worthy cause, you can go to this website that has been set up for Jake: www.parentprojectmd.org/goto/jakepritchard I hope that soon they surpass their goal and need to set a much higher one! There is also more information there about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

Or, if you prefer, you can send a check to Jake’s parents as instructed on that website, or let me know if you would rather send it through me.

I know not a lot of people post on this blog, but I know many people who have told me they read it. So I know you are out there, and I challenge you. Honor your child by honoring Jake. I promise you won't regret it. And if you can't send money, please send prayers.

And by the way, thank you so much for all of your emails and calls in response to our last posting. We are so thrilled to have another baby on the way, and appreciate your love and support more than you know.