This Christmas, we are beginning a new tradition in honour of our daughter, Ruth—lovingly nicknamed Ru.

Ruth was born this year on July 14, 2025 and went home to be with the Lord, just three days later, on July 17. Though her life was brief, it was deeply meaningful. Early in our pregnancy, we learned that Ru had a very severe form of a rare congenital condition called Pentalogy of Cantrell. We were told she was not likely to survive the pregnancy, and if she did, she would not live long after birth.

Ruth defied medical expectations. She made it to term, she survived birth, unexpected complications and emergency surgery. She had incredible fight in her and spent nearly three precious days with us —days filled with so much love, prayer, worship and faith. Ruth was a miracle baby who's story is full of hope and love. We believe she fulfilled every purpose God had for her life and her story continues to change lives.

Throughout this journey, we were surrounded by prayer and compassion. God placed people in our path—family, friends, medical staff, and our church community—who carried us when we couldn’t carry ourselves. We learned firsthand how vital it is for families facing medical uncertainty and loss to be supported, not just with practical needs, but emotionally and spiritually as well.

As Christmas approaches, we’ve been asking God how to honour Ruth’s life in a way that reflects what God taught us through her life. In a conversation with a close friend, I shared how much I wanted to do something for her this Christmas. She suggested hanging a stocking in Ru’s memory, or donating to a cause close to our hearts.

The image of an empty stocking felt too painful—but it sparked something deeper.

Instead of leaving Ruth’s stocking empty, we felt led to fill it—not with toys or gifts, but with love, compassion, and hope.

“Ru’s Christmas Stocking” is our way of turning grief into generosity by raising funds for Chai Lifeline Canada, a charity that supports children living with chronic or life-threatening illness and the families who love them. Chai Lifeline walks alongside families in seasons of fear, exhaustion, and heartbreak—offering practical help, emotional support, and community when it is needed most.

This cause reflects what God taught us through Ruth:

-that every life, no matter how short, is sacred

-that no family should walk through suffering alone

-and that love multiplies when it is shared

By donating, you are helping to “fill Ru’s stocking” with care and kindness for children and families who are going through incredibly hard roads—especially during the Christmas season, when pain can feel heavier and hope harder to hold on to.

We believe Ru’s life continues to bear fruit. God used her to soften hearts, draw people to prayer, and remind us what it truly means to trust Him. This fundraiser is one small way we hope to honour her and extend the love Ru and her family were all surrounded by to others.

Thank you for praying with us.

Thank you for remembering Ruth.

Thank you for helping us fill her stocking.

With love and gratitude,

Jamie & Allison

More information about Chai Lifeline Canada: When a child is born or diagnosed with a serious illness, the entire family is affected. Chai Lifeline Canada steps in, offering whatever is needed. Counseling, volunteers, tutoring, family retreats, special sibling programs, information, peer and professional support, and two extraordinary summer camp programs. All programs are free of charge.

Ru's celebration of life was held on July 24th, 2025, we were able to share her story during this time. To learn more about Ruth and the incredible little girl she was you can view this service here: https://www.youtube.com/live/VcZy-xs5yMg?si=bGqdWvi9IPjDqASf