The other day, I was in a Facebook conversation with Connie. Every day, I do a “Today I’m grateful for…” post, and mentioned my son. Although his challenges with Tourette’s Syndrome and schizophrenia have been daunting at times, it’s nothing compared to parents who are faced with life threatening situations.
Connie told me about Matt and Michelle Ramsey who have two little girls: Olivia and Emma Grace. Olivia is seven years old and is a leukemia survivor.
They’re having a benefit this weekend, where Olivia’s artwork will be auctioned off to benefit The Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. 
I’m going to do something I never do on this blog. I’m not asking for money. I’m just asking that you check out the following sites. If you can do anything to help the organization called Barbara’s Friends, then wonderful. If you can spare a thought for Matt and Michelle and a prayer for Olivia, that’s wonderful, too.
Article about Olivia
http://www.news-press.com/article/20120220/LIFESTYLES/302200004
Barbara’s Friends
http://www.leememorial.org/foundation/barbaras-friends.asp
Southwest Florida Wine and Food Fest
*Olivia’s artwork features a large purple cat.
I would very happily have that picture up on my wall.
Isn’t it darling? I would, too.
Karen, I am crying as I read this. I wish I could fully express to you what this means to me and to the Ramsey family. I will be sure that everyone sees this. I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I’m sure you will hear from the Ramseys as well.
I plan on sending you a private email later as I want to ask more about your son.
Thank you so very much, Karen. You are such a wonderful friend.
Lots of Love!
Connie
What a lovely thing to say, Connie. It doesn’t hurt to help someone along the way. Warm fuzzies! gets a bunch of daily hits. Only about 1% of the visitors comment, which I’ve never understood. Maybe someone will read this and want to contribute.
I am so thankful that she is surviving! We went through this with my cousin’s son back in the early 90′s and he is in our hearts as he watches from heaven now. He battled for 5 years with it and we lost him at the age of 8.
I fell in love with her artwork and her and her family watching the video yesterday from Karen’s FB link. Karen, thank you for the link to Barbara’s Friends. I looked yesterday and couldn’t find a link like this anywhere.
How awful about your cousin’s son, Leah. How horribly sad that a child has to die at the age of 8.
What a blessing each day is for us, isn’t it?
Thank you for the information.
I will definitely check out the sites.
My prayers to Olivia and her family.
Thank you, Dalila. Isn’t the artwork sweet?
Thank you, Leah, for your caring thoughts. I am so very sorry that you lost your cousin’s son. It’s difficult enough when we adults go through cancer (I’m a breast cancer survivor), however, it is just wrong when little children have to suffer like this.
Olivia has never ceased to amaze me with her poise, confidence and strength throughout this whole ordeal. Their whole family are just wonderfully loving people and I pray that she beats this disease.
Bless you for your concern.
Connie Fischer
conniecape@aol.com
You’re very welcome, Connie
My mother is also a breast cancer survivor. You are some tough women! Yes, it is wrong when little children have to suffer. Nicholas spent so much time in the hospital, when he had home visits, he was always telling them he was ready to go home (the hospital). He always had a smile for everyone throughout it all and showed me, as an adult, how to really live.
My sincere thanks to you, Dahlia and Mary. Olivia is such a special little girl as are all of the patients in the pediatric oncology unit at The Children’s Hospital. I’m looking for ideas for ways I can help even more.
Bless you ladies.
Connie Fischer
conniecape@aol.com
Ah, I don’t think it’s a bad thing to help out a great cause like that. I like her big purple cat.
Z