HUGS for HOUSTON
Have you ever received the dreaded, middle of the night, phone call? The one where you know that there is something wrong? Well, I got that call around 4:30 this morning... "HOUSTON HAS CANCER"
I met Sara about 10 months ago. Single mom, recently divorced, with two beautiful, smart, and all around GREAT kids. She had just moved back to the area, trying to begin again. Although she works long and hard trying to make ends meet; sometimes there just isn't enough money to go around. She was having difficulty paying for daycare, so I offered to care for the kids a few days a week free of charge, and that is where our story begins.
Her meager salary is just enough to afford a small, two bedroom apartment, in one of the most impoverished neighborhoods the Baltimore area can offer. She is too proud to beg and too selfless to ask for help. It's hard to hear the kids say, "I know mommy can't afford it." But it is even harder KNOWING there is no way she can financially get through this. The family has been through a series of illness this year, and because of that, everyday she does not work is a day without pay. I now understand why GOD brought us together... This is something she would never do for herself.
Houston celebrated his 5th birthday in May. He is an active and typical little boy. He loves baseball and bike riding, Pokémon and Captain America. His smile warms your heart and his laugh is infectious. He is wise beyond his years and has the heart of a giant. He was admitted to John's Hopkins last night, after being sick for about a month. He has been diagnosed with leukemia. It's only been 24 hours and so far he has had two blood transfusions, a bone marrow surgery, and his first round of chemo. I was able to spend a little time with him today. His spirit is high, but I can see that the illness is starting to take its toll; and this is just the beginning.
State insurance only goes so far. This little man is going to have to undergo several more rounds of chemo, radiation therapy, bone marrow surgeries and blood transfusions. Mom can't leave the hospital, so working is not an option. Her limited support system is doing what we can to care for his 7 year old sister, but in the end, they still need a place to come home to.
Our fund raising goal is $10,000. This should be just enough to help pay the rent and utility bills, while Houston is receiving medical care over the next 6 to 12 months. Any amount donated will help to elevate mom's worries, so she can focus on her kids and not have to worry about where the next meal is coming from. Every dollar counts! Even a $5 donation will go a long way to help this family.
If you have read this and are still unable the donate financially; we simply ask your donation come in the form of prayer. Pray for Houston to remain the strong little man he is and have a full recovery. Pray for his sister so she feels no fear and finds comfort in the fact she is loved. And pray for Sara! May the good LORD provide her the strength to endure, the ability to find peace within, and comfort in knowing HE will never challenge us with anything more than what we can handle. ANY AND ALL DONATIONS ARE WELCOMED AND APPRECIATED!!!
