I’ve written this in my head many times over the last few weeks and sitting now to type it out, my mind is blank. Our lives have changed so much over the last few months and yet it also feels like we are at a standstill. I wish we could say that we are “doing well”, “hanging in there”, “moving forward” but honestly, that is just the lie we tell if we are asked on the street. The reality is that we are broken still. That our grief is still larger than we are. That the strength you might see in us is not our own but in Jesus Christ alone.
The outpouring of love from you all, and those you’ve shared our story with, has been overwhelming! I cannot put it fully into words and many of them will not do it justice. While we are still deep in our grief and the valley, we have yet to really feel called into action by God to use the funds that are growing in Eli’s Donor Advised Fund. However, we did not want to let the holiday season come and go without paying forward the support we experienced during our trials.
We will be making grants to the following charities who, among others, supported us greatly. If you are looking for an organization to support this season, I highly recommend looking more into these few below. If you are not in the position to give financially this year, consider donating blood or platelets. The need is always great and these products are so critical for the kids that are still fighting.
• ROC Solid Foundation – they supplied us with a backpack filled with items that helped make our first stay at Akron Children’s a little more comfortable. In addition, we were selected to receive a free play set for Eli to play on when he was home. It brought him a TON of joy, swinging and playing with Ava in the tower. Looking back, this was one of the single best things our precious son received.
https://rocsolidfoundation.org/
• Wishes Can Happen – this local to Canton, Ohio organization offered us a wish grant for Eli when he was cleared by the doctors. While this was not to come to fruition, they still granted us funding to cover final expenses. Their heart and mission was felt deep by us and we are grateful for their support even though it wasn’t in the form we would have wanted…a trip or experience with our boy.
https://wishescanhappen.org/
• Ronald McDonald House of Cincinnati – without RMH, I do not know what we would have done while we were at Cincinnati Children’s in June-July this past year. From housing to two fresh meals a day, gifts for the kids, ice cream socials and a place to see family from a distance, they went above and beyond to support us during our time away from home. We were able to have Ava close while we continued to battle with Eli.
https://www.rmhcincinnati.org/
• Project Outrun – a local Akron, Ohio organization that decked us all out with shoes! Eli loved his dinosaur tennis shoes that Chris designed. They have continued to reach out and offer us support and it is so appreciated!
https://projectoutrun.org/
• Grace Church, Bath - our local church did what local churches do, supported us through messages, gifts, prayers and love. And like all great Christian communities, they continue to love Chris and I as we continue in our journey.
https://bath.gracechurches.org/
We love you all and thank you for your support. We ask for continued prayers as we navigate the coming days… prayers of comfort, strength and peace.
- The Finefrocks
