Hi there everyone! I wanted to share the story of an amazing family and the accident that occured last week prompting me to want/need to help them. My dear friends, Brian and Anita Grattidge, know all too well that, "when it rains, it pours." Last week their little girl, Shannan, flipped a pot of boiling water on top of herself. The almost-two-year-old has 2nd and 3rd degree burns on the entire right side of her body. This beyond-brave little girl was required to have skin graft surgery this morning on her right arm, chest, abdomen, and thigh. (I will post updates as they come.)

The Grattidge family is the definition of perseverance. They can (and have) fallen a dozen times, yet they get up, and stand, two-dozen times. The word "tough" doesn't even do justice. They've had many hardships in the last several years including dozens upon dozens of surgeries for their youngest boy, multiple surgeries for their eldest boy who was struck by a car causing severe damage to his mouth and head, inadequate insurance, and forced employment changes. Brian works an hourly traffic control job in Milwaukee to support his wife and five children.  The job is considered "seasonal" as most construction workers get laid off in the winter, so, there are no benefits. However, there is ALWAYS work to be done on the roads in Milwaukee, so Brian works day or shine, snow or sleet, and blustery or heat. Brian is required to be by his daughter and family's side during this difficult time. Unfortunately, this leaves the Grattidge family without a paycheck for up to two weeks depending on when he is able to return to work. Shannan will remain in the ICU for at least a week after her surgeries, if not longer. 

I know there are thousands of GoFundMe accounts floating around out there and you probably get passed a link for some sort of fundraiser at least once a week, so I want to start out by saying thank you for even taking the time to take a look at this . To be honest, I've been somewhat skeptical of the motives and utilization of certain GoFundMe accounts and wasn't sure this was the avenue I wanted to use. However, we all know Facebook has become a, if not the, main source of communication between friends and family across the world.  I cannot imagine going through half of what the Grattidge family has gone through or what they're currently going through. Seeing their 23 month-old daughter in pain and undergoing surgery for new skin most definitely lies heavy on the heart. They remain strong to the outside world and for their children because they are, indeed, strong. But they could use a little help. A little extra money to pay for medical bills, groceries, utilities, rent, and other every day living expenses. 

My goal is to raise enough money so that the Grattidges can focus on what is important right now, and that is their little girl and the rest of their family. I know that I can speak on their behalf in saying they would be beyond grateful to be able to not have to worry about Brian rushing to work just so they can feed their family for the next month. On top of the medical bills their not-the-greatest insurance doesn't cover, Brian not being able to work, and everyday living expenses, this family could use anything you're willing to give. If money isn't something you feel comfortable with, maybe a gift card to Costco or other grocer would be more up your alley. I'm here to answer any questions and am open to all suggestions. I am trying to keep this somewhat of a secret from Brian and Anita until I can surprise them with a gift of donations. They're not "too proud" accepting help, but I know it would weigh on their hearts: just another thing I do not want them to have to worry themselves with during this time. Once donations have been made, all I have to do is email Anita the link where she can then input her banking information and withdraw the funds.