Chasing Rainbows: aide

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

They Said Yes!...

I could write about so many different things today...but nothing would trump the phone call I got this morning.

I would say that some things are worth pushing for - and my insistence that Gavin be able to go to school with our Miss Sara was one of those things.

Today...they said YES!!

I don't have a start date for this pre-school program yet. Actually, the classroom doesn't even exist yet! It will be staffed and filled with the few kids they have lined up...Gavin being one of them. It's a dream situation - like this classroom will be tailored to fit him just right.

And knowing that Sara can accompany him as a personal aide every day? Brilliant. I think it will make Gavin's transition much easier. I think it will help the teachers and therapists get to know him faster. But, let's face it - it will spare my heart, save me on anti-anxiety medication and lower my stress level. I can't even begin to tell you how happy this makes me.

Miss Sara, too. When I got off the phone we did the happy hugging dance together. She and Gavin really have become buddies.

I'm feeling just so grateful today.

Gavin's Playground Project

Gavin's Playground Project was born from my desire to see an "All Abilities" playground built at Nemours/A.I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, Delaware. This is the hospital where Gavin spent a lot of time during his life... and where he ultimately died, surrounded by friendly and familiar faces. To mark the one year anniversary of his death, I held a fundraiser on April 5, 2014. You can read all about it in THIS post.

We raised a LOT of money, but not enough for a playground! If you would like to contribute to help make this playground a reality - so no kids will ever have to sit on the sidelines watching their peers play - you can contribute directly to the hospital through the Chasing Rainbows fundraising page HERE. Your donation will go directly to the hospital for the playground and is tax deductible. You can also create your own fundraising team page and start collecting donations in honor of anyone you want!! There is also a mailing address on their page if you prefer to mail a check. Designate your contribution in memory of Gavin Leong - or write in that this is for the playground so your dollars will go to the right place. Thank you for your support of Gavin's Playground Project!

Gavin's Trust Project

I created "Gavin's Trust Project" to help support Gavin's friends who receive services from the Chester County Intermediate Unit in Pennsylvania. I wanted to continue to try to "make the impossible... possible" for kids like Gavin, knowing well how hard it can be to get much needed "special needs" items. It makes me happy to know that even after his death, Gavin continues to help others. Click HERE to learn more about the Trust Project! All of your donations, big and small, will be added to Gavin's Trust Project to help therapists and teachers get what they need for children in this program. You can write a check made out to CCIU and mail it to: Chester County Intermediate Unit, c/o Deb Hiller, 455 Boot Rd., Downingtown, PA 19335. Please be sure to add "Gavin's Trust Project" in the memo. Thank you on behalf of me and my little superhero!