OUR FAMILIES
The Minor Family, December 2023
We had the privilege of meeting Ryan, his wife, Allyson, and their sweet daughters, Reagan (17) and Finley (10) on December 10. Ryan was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022 and sadly passed away on December 22, 2023, at the age of 49, just before one of his favorite holidays, Christmas.
In less than 2 weeks time, we lit up their home for Christmas with help from SoDel Santa's; purchased and delivered birthday cards for Ryan to sign for both his daughters through the age of 21; assisted with assembling a vanity for Finley that she received as a gift from her daddy with a framed handwritten note from him that says "Stay Beautiful, Love, Dad;" and ordered a bouquet made from the book "The Wizard of Oz" to be gifted to Finley at a future dance performance.
The Wooters Family, March 2024
On March 17, we stepped into TidalHealth Peninsula Regional where we met Tina - a woman whose grateful spirit shone bright, even as she battled the merciless storm of triple negative breast cancer. Her eyes sparkled as she spoke of her unwavering faith, her voice softened with love for her family, and her smile widened at the mere mention of the beach and its playful dolphins. Jeff, her husband, stood by her side.
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Tina knew exactly the perfect gift for her children - necklaces. We immediately worked with a local jeweler to create a cross for Dean (18), symbolizing strength, and hearts for Kelsie (14) and Meredith (5), embodying their mother's endless love. The Bibles we provided stand ready to offer comfort and guidance to these children in the weeks to come. Tina walked into Heaven on Mother's Day, May 12, and we're thankful to have witnessed her courage, faith, and love.
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We are also eternally grateful to The Good Ole Boy Foundation for their generosity in providing this family with gift cards to help ease their financial burden during a very difficult time.
The Cauffman Family, May 2024
There are many people in our community who adore the Cauffman family and shared their story with us. Our paths finally crossed at our kickoff event on May 5 where we first met Lee Lee. She is courageously battling breast cancer. Later, over coffee, we had the chance to connect with her husband, Cody, too where we learned more about their beautiful children, Charleigh (5) and Crew (2).
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​Our first priority was to help this family create lasting memories before Lee Lee's scheduled surgery in July. We worked quickly with a realty company to arrange a vacation for the Cauffmans in the Outer Banks. In June, they embarked on a week-long journey of joy, engaging in activities like painting shells, swimming in the ocean and pool, and simply enjoying family time. The value of these shared experiences and the break from everyday life is immeasurable.
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We also focused on practical matters, prioritizing the establishment of a written estate plan for the family. As Lee Lee progresses through her recovery, we're planning for the future. We've discussed retrieving her wedding gown from storage to repurpose it into meaningful keepsakes for her children's future wedding days. We're also considering other ways to prepare gifts for her children's future milestones.
The Kerr Family, July 2024
The Kerr family's story is one of love, courage, and the power of creating lasting memories. Kevin, a devoted father and husband, alongside his wife, Mary Jo, and their daughter, Olivia (5), faced an unexpected journey when Kevin was diagnosed with stage 4 colorectal cancer in 2019. For 5 years, Kevin fought valiantly, during which time the family created unforgettable moments together, including a magical trip to Disney World to meet Olivia's favorite character, Queen Elsa.
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As Kevin's journey neared its end, the Kerrs reached out to Red Bird Legacy Foundation, seeking support in preserving Kevin's presence in Olivia's life. Together, they prepared heartfelt gifts for Olivia's future milestones – her birthdays, first job, and graduations to name a few. On August 10, 2024, Kevin gained his angel wings, finding peace in knowing Olivia would always remember him. Now, as Olivia – described as both "spicy" and strong – prepares to start kindergarten this fall, she carries with her the enduring legacy of her father's love and the resilience she inherited from both her parents.
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The Williams/Miller Family, October 2024
We first met Kerrie over coffee on a Monday afternoon and were immediately touched by her grateful heart and deep love for her children. Despite having just completed a cancer treatment, Kerrie’s stories weren’t about her struggles—they were about the support from her partner, David, her pride in her children, and her dreams for their future. Her ability to focus on others, even in the face of such personal challenges, was truly inspiring.
Kerrie is courageously battling stage IV spindle cell sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer. Her two children, Damian (25) and Addie (7), are her pride and joy. Addie, affectionately called "princess" by her family, has always dreamed of seeing "blue water." To help fulfill this dream and create unforgettable memories, the family will embark on a surprise Disney Caribbean cruise right after Christmas. This special journey will give them the opportunity to soak in the warmth of tropical waters, share the enchantment of Disney, and celebrate their time together as a family.
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In addition, we worked with Kerrie to purchase gifts for Addie’s future milestones, many with a princess theme to honor her love of all things royal, but some with a touch of "Grinch," one of Addie's favorite characters. From tiaras to keepsake treasures to an everlasting flower bouquet, these gifts will remind Addie of her mother’s love. "Whenever you feel overwhelmed, remember whose daughter you are and straighten your crown."