MILLION DOLLAR SMILES :) :) definitely NF

[Pikeslayer]

Million Dollar Smiles...Not Fishing
Our beautiful Grandaughter Leah was diagnosed with Wilm's Tumor shortly after her second birthday last October. Thanks to her incedible team @ Sick Kids Hospital Network (Toronto, Boston & Dallas), Credit Valley Hospital and her heroic parents, Leah is an angelic survivor before her 3rd birthday. With a "Wish" in the bank redeemable when she turns 5 years old


So my daughter calls me a couple of weeks ago and is excited beyond comprehension. "Leah's been nominated to receive an 'gift' from Million Dollar Smiles. They're coming on Saturday July 20th to install a playhouse in the back yard!!!"
Saturday arrived and Mom & Leah had to be offsite for the build so they spent a fun filled morning keeping distracted (thanks to Ta Tia).
The team from $1,000,000 :) accompanied by a volunteer crew from Elevation Church bright and early @ 8:30 am. We were told there would be approximately 20 volunteers and my SIL did a head count of 42 @ mid day.

The the build was on!!
With so many wonderful people volunteerring their time on a beautiful Saturday, the build completion & 'reveal time' was pushed ahead to 1:00 pm vs. 3:30. So after a bit of scrambling and tracking the girls down, it was time for the big reveal......
It was a very emotional surprise (yes, Poppa shed a few tears) and Leah was not happy with a yard full of angels, but quickly came around...
At the end of an exciting day, it was time to spend some quiet time with her new baby sister Kiera Grace.
To an amazing organization ( www.milliondollarsmiles.ca ) and the volunteers @ Elevation Church, our families heart felt gratitude and blessings go out to you all :)
 
If your interested to see the full video ( build + reveal), you can see it here.
 
Thx for looking,
Simon
 
ps. Sean is doing well, and despite the long road ahead he is getting better and a little stronger every day

Edited July 23, 2013 by pikeslayer

[porkpie]

Sometimes your reminded that the world is a good place! Glad to hear you've been blessed with assistance and support in tough times! All the best!

[solopaddler]

A truly heart warming story. All the best to you and yours.

[Rizzo]

heart warming story, very nice

[fishnsled]

Great story Simon, it's awesome that there are such organizations like that. Nice to hear that Sean is doing better as well.

[lew]

1st story I read this morning and what a great way to start my day. Sure does sound like a fantastic group of people and thanks for sharing that with us Simon.

 

Also good to hear Sean is coming along better now too.

[spincast]

What Lew said, x2. Thanks for sharing Simon.

[asdve23rveavwa]

Heartwarming post, my friend. Thanks for sharing Simon. We will have to get out on the water again, or ice, when you have time.

[misfish]

Glad it all came together and put big smiles on everyone Simon.

 

Thanks for sharing.

[irishfield]

Needed a big smile today Simon!!! Thanks for sharing the wonderful progress.

[wormdunker]

Thanx for the nice story. The pix are awesome!

I think of my own grandchildren as I vew your pix (for the 4th time)!

[Big Cliff]

This is wonderful news, so glad you shared it with us! Thank you my friend!

[Terry]

great

thanks for sharing

[danbouck]

Thanks for sharing Simon!

[mercman]

Simon !! I am so very happy things are looking brighter. You are a pillar of strength my friend. I look forward to "shareing" another windy conversation with you again soon. I admire you as a human being of great strength and compassion.

 

Paul

[bigugli]

Such a good story to read. I am ever so thankful for the good people who make these organizations so successful and put a ray of hope and happiness in our lives. 18 years back, it was the Sunshine Foundation that gave my daughter the royal treatment after major life saving surgeries through Shriner's Hospital in Erie.

 

I am also glad to hear your son is on the road to recovery.