Thursday, March 6, 2014

6th Annual Blood Drive and Bake Sale

Thanks to so many friends and family members, Colby's 6th Annual Blood Drive and Bake Sale was another success!



We had a steady flow of people in and out of the gym all day.  Almost 80 people signed in to donate blood! The Red Cross was able to successfully collect 66 units of blood.  This will potentially help save 198 lives!  Thank you to everyone who came out to give blood.  We really appreciate your sacrifice, and I know that the people receiving this life-saving blood will also appreciate it.





























The Bake Sale also did well again this year.  We are very thankful to have so many people donate all of these delicious baked goods, thankful for everyone that made a purchase, and thankful for the people that kept it running smoothly throughout the day...Catherine and Emma Wiggleton, Jennifer and Katie Brown, Rachel Koch, Lisa and Sara Stubbs, Ryan, Keri, Devin, and Ansley Thompson, Kendall Moore, and Brody Hitchcock.  As of right now, we have $2,218.  We've had several people mention that they would still like to donate, so we will wait another week or two before sending the money in to the hospital.  If you would like to make a donation, please make checks payable to "Monroe Carrel Jr Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt," and write "CHD Research" on the memo line.  Contact me if you need our address.







We always love seeing everyone having a good time at this event, especially the kids!!  Thanks to Rob and Kelly Thompson for helping us out with an awesome bounce house for the kids to enjoy all day.  If you ever have any party needs, you should definitely give Rob a call...Leap Into Fun!  615-975-3375.






School Valentine's Parties

Colby's Valentine's Day Party...





Brody's Valentine's Day Party (Colby was so happy to attend Brody's party too!)...














CHD Awareness Reception

On Tuesday, February 12, Colby and I went to Vanderbilt for the annual Congenital Heart Defects Awareness Lunch.  I always enjoy this event.  It's fun to be surrounded by so many amazing heart kids that are full of life, personality, and love.  It's also nice to talk with other parents that know what this crazy CHD journey is all about.  

Once again, Catherine was able to get a proclamation signed by the Governor declaring the week of February 7-14 Congenital Heart Defects Awareness week in the state of Tennessee.  This proclamation was presented to Dr. Baldwin by a song writer who also has a baby with a CHD.  As heart parents, we try to do whatever we can to raise awareness of congenital heart defects with the hopes that it will produce more research funding, and more research will hopefully result in a better "fix," or maybe even a cure for the many, many people living with congenital heart defects.