Making a Difference

Missing Kyla is a feeling I have daily. Yes, some days are less then others and when those days come it is a nice relief. I have been speaking to a lot of people lately about Kyla and it still amazes me how much of a loss others feel, even now. Kyla's story touches so many people and it makes me wonder and ask the question again.... why did Kyla have to leave us? It seems odd to me that there are some people in the world who make a difference in life while they are here and working hard for it. Then there are others who make more of a difference after their light goes out. I'm not sure why God decided to take Kyla early other then He knew her name would make a difference in other children, and their families lives.

Bret and I are in contact with both Make-A-Wish and Doernbecher Children's Hospital and they are very excited about what we are doing. Slowly but surely Kyla's story is getting out, it's been a wonderful thing, and that is what is most important to us. We want to help as many children as we can, but with Kyla's name and Kyla's story to tell. At our last meeting with our group of co-coordinators, Bret and I showed them the families our last years benefit dinner sponsored. The emotions were somber; It was so surreal for all of us to see...those of us who are participating in the endeavor, really are making a difference. Bret and I are blown away by this and feel so blessed that we were able to put smiles on faces of families who are experiencing such pain in their lives.

I know I have written this before, and I'm sure it will be in every entry from now until the night of the event, but please mark your calendars for April 12th. This year is going to be so much fun for all of us, and the things we are planning for this event are huge! I cannot believe some of the things we are coming up with...it's incredible! I just feel like everything is getting enhanced this year... that's very good but very scary all at the same time. It's nice to have the people we have around us to push us in this direction that is right for the fund.

Let me tell you a little more about the night of April 12th. If you are not aware of this yet, the event will be at the Crystal Ballroom located in downtown Portland. We are letting people know they can start to show up at 6 p.m. to start browsing around the room at all the auction items (which I must say are already very awesome, and we've just begun!). Please do not get intimidated by the parking or the drive...there are plenty of parking structures near the Crystal Ballroom. If you are worried about the drive for your way home that night we do have rooms at the Embassy Suites designated for that night. There will be an option for you to sign up for a room on the reservation form that will be going out soon. More information will come soon, keep checking in to see.

This really is a good thing, and we know that if you become a part of it you will not be disappointed. Donating your time to The Kyla McCullough Gift Fund is not only rewarding but it gives you a way to contribute, if you don't know how to otherwise.