If you've been reading my blog long enough you'll know there was a time when I wasn't sure she would ever learn to eat or walk. I remember going home after school meetings and bawling my eyes out after filling out surveys which assessed where she was at developmentally. There were things on the infant list, such as holding her own bottle, or batting at a toy, that she was not capable of. Certainly not engaging socially or using sign language to communicate her needs. Or walking.
I am convinced that her school has a lot to do with those accomplishments.
It is that time of year when we ask our friends and family members to celebrate Ava's milestones. It is time for Mini Laps, The Little Lighthouse's biggest fundraiser. We would like to ask you to sponsor her in walking one lap around the track. The Little Light House has been around for over 30 years and was voted Oklahoma's Best Charity. It is a tuition free, private school for handicapped children. We are fortunate to be a part of a community that LOVES special kids. The school operates fully through donations by local businesses and friends of the students. We have a goal to personally raise $5,000 by September 25. Already we have received a generous donation from our family dentist (Boyd dentistry rocks!) but we are looking for other corporate sponsors as well as private donations. If you have been touched by Ava's life and story, will you please consider helping other children by either donating or spreading the word? You know that we do not like to ask for donations, but it is for a wonderful cause and is helping kids like Ava!!!
Everyone who donates will receive a one-of-a-kind, original, art masterpiece created by Ava Urban herself. Please send your address so we know where to mail it! :)
Click here to donate.
Remember your donation is tax-deductible. And if you are local you are welcome to come watch on September 25th. You will get to see exactly 67 special kids crossing the finish line via whatever means they can get there, be it wheelchair, walker, wagon, or as in Ava's case, their own two feet. There is rarely a dry eye in the place. I guarantee it will be an unforgettable experience.
By the way, the theme is Down on the Farm. Anyone have any costume ideas? Being the procrastinator that I am, I have put this off far too long. It's only 3 weeks away.
5 comments:
Sunflower costume. Isn't the sunflower ukraine's national flower?
What a blessing Ava is! I'm so grateful for the progress that Keith has made, too. Learning how to sit up, crawl (or scoot, in his case), walk, and he's only been chewing food for about 5 months now. Amazing. We are so blessed!
Ava has truly come so far in 2 years! I remember when you were in the Ukraine adopting her . . . such a difference in her now :).
You could dress her up as a little farm girl . . . overalls, boots, a little flower/grass wreath for her head.
Of course she'll be adorable in anything!
yes she is all those things, but you forgot to add doggone cute! or maybe you were hoping that was obvious. = ) she is adorable.
She is a miracle!! Look at how healthy and gorgeous she is, walking, eating, smiling, potty training, signing, oh my! She has been a busy girl these past few years. :)
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