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It has been said the best way to deal with a problem is to reach out and help others; get out and do something for others in need.
A fundraiser coming up needs volunteers like you. What you get from volunteering depends on what you give; after reading this, I hope you want to give more than you thought you ever would.
The fundraiser is to raise money for juvenile Batten disease. Without going into much detail, imagine a once-healthy and thriving child over time becoming blind, epileptic and autistic, as well as having symptoms similar to ALS, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, all at once.
These children usually don't live past their teens or early 20s. (I'll bet your problem doesn't seem to so bad now, huh?)
Now is your chance to help a husband and wife who are dealing with having both sons stricken with Batten disease.
This courageous family, the Hawkinses, have been through a lot. You can read their heartwarming story on their Web site, www.ourboysjourney.com.
I have written before about them and how they are determined to do anything to help their sons with this devastating disease. One way they do that is by raising money for research.
Now they are planning a 5-kilometer run/walk for June 6. They need runners, walkers and volunteers as well.
The volunteer coordinator for this event, Andy Brown, has been helping the Hawkins family for three years. He told me why he got involved.
“I have been inspired by the way that Chris and Wendy (Hawkins) have dealt with Batten and its impact on their children,” Brown said. “They are dealing with a situation that is tough to get your head around, let alone your heart.
“However, in the years since the initial diagnosis they have always appeared upbeat and have always been ready to enjoy every day with their children.”
Brown and his wife, Vonda, also have two sons, Grant and Drew, who are near the Hawkins boys' ages. “It is a privilege to help Chris and Wendy in any way we can,” he said.
Brown said they hope to have more than 200 runners and walkers and raise between $15,000 and $20,000 for the Batten Disease Support and Research Association's South East Chapter, which funds research toward a cure.
“We also are looking for volunteers to help us distribute free reusable grocery bags with the BDSRA logo that weekend to help raise public awareness,” Brown said.
Don't want to run or walk? Plenty of volunteer opportunities are available. Contact Andy Brown at andy.brown@ wachovia.com for more information.
Even if you can't volunteer, come out and show support. Activities will be going on all morning. Hope to see you there!
