VOLUME 8: ISSUE 6
How many 11-year-olds do you know willing to give up birthday presents to help a complete stranger? Kayla Whitner's generous spirit made it possible for little Gianni Shields to travel in mid-June to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota for a long-awaited diagnostic evaluation.
Finally an Appointment, but...
Gianni's mom, Catherine, called Dream House for financial assistance to offset the anticipated $600 in gas and two nights' hotel expenses for their journey to Minnesota and back. Gianni is ventilator-dependent, and commercial air travel was not an option. Insurance covered rental for a van large enough to transport all his medical equipment and supplies, but travel expenses for the 2,500 mile round trip were outside the family's budget. Immediately, Snellville-based Career Training Concepts, Inc. donated $200 to help Gianni. Encouraged, we decided to wait before contacting the Shields, hoping to secure the full $600.
Never Underestimate the Power of a Compelling Story
Blessed with two healthy kids, Lisa Whitner is very sensitive to stories about children with special health issues because she had an unfounded scare when expecting her son. Over two years ago, Lisa read the January 8, 2007 PEOPLE Magazine article about Dream House and what stuck with her was mention of a local retired couple, Ken and Judy Hammett. They have devoted their lives to caring for their adopted and foster children who are medically fragile. Their story, and how the Dream House organization has helped them care for their children at home, touched Lisa and she kept the article.
Now this is where the story really gets interesting...
Earlier this year, Lisa's daughter Kayla attended a friend's birthday party. Instead of presents, the guests were asked to bring donations for a pet charity. Inspired by the experience, she asked her parents if she could do something similar for her own birthday this year.
Keith and Lisa Whitner discussed with Kayla what her goals were for this donation. When Kayla asked for help choosing a charity to support, Lisa remembered the Dream House article. She had Kayla read it and also suggested other charities to evaluate. Together they learned about different causes that interested Kayla.
Kayla's Choice? Kids Helping Other Kids
It just so happens that the day we needed to contact Gianni's parents, Lisa dropped by the Dream House corporate office carrying an envelope filled with donations from Kayla's birthday party. Six of her young friends plus family had given Dream House $480 and a $50 Kroger gift card.
A bit stunned and bemused by this unexpected and very generous financial gift, from an 11-year-old no less, it did not immediately dawn on us the significance of Kayla's donation. Only minutes after Lisa left, we had the 'ah ha' moment. This was exactly the remaining amount the Shields needed for their travel expenses, plus a little extra. Seriously, how cool is that?
Kayla's Decision Made Real
Kayla was not with her mom that day. Because we quickly decided how the money would be used, in a written note to Kayla, we offered to arrange a visit with Gianni before his trip. Ten days later, Lisa called asking if it was too late. Kayla had just returned from a visit with her grandparents and read the note.
The entire Whitner family made time for a quality visit with Gianni in his home the day before the Mayo Clinic trip. Kayla got to meet Gianni's mom and two of his home nurses. She saw how the living room had been converted into Gianni's bedroom, with the sunshine pouring through the windows and a vaulted ceiling that made all his equipment less overwhelming. By the visit's end, Kayla and Gianni had made a connection.
- Kayla, parents Keith and Lisa, and brother Kielan pictured with Gianni. Kayla, Gianni and his mom, Catherine.
The Sheilds are now home. The extra cash Kayla gave Dream House came in handy as hotel fare because the Shields family was not able to stay in hospital housing the entire time. Next steps for Gianni's treatment? That is not yet clear.
Kayla and Lisa dropped by the Dream House corporate office a few days before the Shields got home in late June. Kayla has made a blanket to give Gianni. She also had another birthday gift to share. Her grandfather was so touched that Kayla got to meet Gianni, he felt compelled to make a significant donation to Dream House in her honor. Kayla shared with us how she wants the money to be used.
Important Things Take Time
Dream House needs to act on many important opportunities within reach, actions that will positively impact quality of life for medically fragile children like Gianni. However, we need sustained financial support to do so. Please share our mission with others and invite them to join Kayla's efforts. You can help provide momentum for Dream House to take action today that tomorrow will change lives, one child at a time.
Rest Assured, Our Focus is Unwavering
Devoted to children with very complex health issues, Dream House continues to gain momentum for a mission that empowers families and communities to care for their medically fragile children at home.
Perseverance, ingenuity and collaboration with our community of supporters clearly illustrates how, during the first six months of 2009, Dream House has provided our ground-breaking Family for Keeps™ transition care program and related services for 55 medically fragile children and their families in 13 Georgia counties, as well as seven others in California, Florida, Missouri, Mississippi and West Virginia. This is important.
