THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SMILE BOXES
This has been a work in progress! Research is, and always will be, a huge part of why we raise funds for children and families who are affected by ARPKD/CHF. However, if you know our family, you know that Caroline had a very rough start to the year 2016. Starting in December 2015 she started to develop fevers. She was sick from roughly mid-December to mid-May of 2016. She had four hospitalizations, 2 PICC lines, and numerous medications in addition to her 5 daily meds. She struggled with a constant infection of cholangitis and cdiff for months. The scary part is, is that can happen at any time to any of our ARPKD kids. She went from seemingly very healthy, to starting the process to be listed for a transplant within a few months. Throughout the time at the hospital, we would surprise her with stuffed animals, snacks, visitors, anything to just bring a SMILE to her face! Of course, financially, that is difficult to do all the time, and the gift shop runs out of options! She had a few deliveries during that time that were unexpected from friends and families and it brightened her day INSTANTLY!!! Whether it was cookies, fruit, balloons, or a simple card! It's hard being in the hospital, especially for a child. We want to be able to send a SMILE to one of our kids who are stuck in the hospital, whether it is a few days, weeks or months. We are hoping that this small act will bring joy to a child, and smiles to parents as well!
If you know someone who could use a SMILE, please email CarolinesCrew@outlook.com or visit our Facebook page.