Expressing Gratitude for Life and Humor

Expressing Gratitude for Life and Humor

Eliza’s giggle is contagious. Her genuine joy and laughter, which were captured on film in just a few brief seconds, gave me hope for the rest of her life and the remaining work that needs to be done to combat childhood cancer and other fatal diseases. Eliza’s pure joy is made all the more hopeful by the fact that her life was in doubt when she was only 4 years old and was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, an aggressive eye cancer. Thank goodness St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was able to help Eliza. This little “ray of sunshine,” as her mother calls her, is giggling and brightening her parents’ days as a result of all of you, our supporters. I’m thinking about gratitude and the things I’m most grateful for as we prepare for Thanksgiving next week and the start of the holiday season. family and community, as well as, yes, children’s dreams and laughter. In a world more divided all the time, it’s the big things and small uniting us that I’m thankful for. The compassion and empathy of those who have embraced this mission, especially my own parents who imbued our lives with a sense of purpose early on. I’m grateful for this community and the ongoing opportunity we all have to make a real difference in the lives of families everywhere. These are families like Eliza’s, whose mom said, “We are so thankful that there are people out there who care and who give to St. Jude so we can care for our baby girl.” When I hear their story and her laughter, and the stories of thousands of others who have been given a second chance at life, I’m filled with immense hope for the future and our plans to impact the more than 400,000 cases of childhood cancer globally each year. I’m reminded, too, especially during this time of year, of those moms and dads who won’t hear the laughter of their children. We hold them in our hearts and thoughts, and vow to do all we can to help the kids in need today and patients of tomorrow. I’m so grateful to share this journey with all of you. Thankful for millions of supporters who hold fast to this lifesaving mission and join together to forge a new frontier of global pediatric healthcare with a goal of raising childhood cancer survivor rates for all. These are exciting and optimistic times. I see it in the faces of hopeful parents, hear it in the laughter of a child who has her whole life ahead of her and in the articulation of their dreams about the future. Thank you for the part you play in those moments, and I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and safe and happy holiday season. We are on a mission to raise $25K for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital this year! Your Referrals HELP! We donate a portion of our income from our real estate sales to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital! Who do you know considering buying or selling? Not only will they benefit from our award-winning service, but you can also result assured a very worthy cause will benefit as well. Please contact me or pass on my info! 914-885-4050Go Serve Big!!!

Worthy Cause