Hi, I’m Tanya, Christian’s mommy. Every year since 2016, we host a toy drive in memory of Christian in order to celebrate his birthday on February 18th. This is our tenth annual drive in his honor!
We lost our sweet, precious baby boy to pediatric cancer at just 19 months old. He was born with a condition called giant congenital melanocytic nevus and developed malignant melanoma in his nevus as a result.
My family and I consider it an honor and privilege to give to other little ones who are struggling and fighting big battles like our sweet baby did. We know firsthand how hard it is to be isolated from the outside world and for these children to be separated from everything they know and love. So, our hope is to bring a little bit of light, love, and hope to their faces through the gifting we do.
A little about our story:
Christian had his first tumor removed at just two months, and our arduous journey began as the cancer spread throughout his body over the next year and a half, robbing him of his ability to walk (but not to smile that big smile of his). We had the honor and privilege of celebrating one birthday with Christian. Only one. And he is missed all the more with each passing year.
Christian will be having yet another birthday in Heaven on February 18th. He is turning THIRTEEN and I still can’t believe it’s been well over eleven years since he left this world for Heaven. Sometimes, it still feels like yesterday.
But even though he’s not physically with us, those of us who know, know of, love, and remember Christian can still celebrate his life by donating to this fund, which will allow us to contribute to pediatric cancer research as well as purchase and donate some larger priced items( such as PlayStations, switches, Xbox systems and games, professional musical instruments for music therapy ect) , personal hygiene items for comfort bags, and gift cards to grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, and of course, our precious Spot dogs!!! We are hoping to raise enough to put one in the hand of every child the Dragonfly Foundation helps this year to encourage them and help them feel brave and loved.
We very much want and need your help to touch the lives and hearts of children like Christian and help them “lean toward happy.”
We will be able to deliver directly to Children’s Hospital (where Christian spent over half his life) and The Dragonfly Foundation. The Foundation’s specialty is helping “pediatric cancer patients and their families find strength, courage, and joy. We do this by providing ongoing support, relevant materials, and caring, nurturing, and transformative experiences.”
Both Dragonfly and Children’s provided care, support, and encouragement to my little warrior (and me) in ways I can’t begin to explain. They were always beside us as we fought for Christian’s life! Because of the Dragonfly Foundation and the doctors, nurses, child life providers, and social workers of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, we never walked alone. Now it’s time to pay it forward. I know Christmas is over, but it’s still the season of giving!
Most years, we donate over $10,000 worth of toys, personal essentials, gift cards, and funds toward research! I know we live in uncertain times and we all struggle in different ways, but I believe this is a great opportunity for us to spread joy, cheer, and love in the midst of chaos.
Please help me make Christian proud in some small way. NO amount is too small. Thank you and God bless.