Support Little Bridget Vinard

On June 19, 2020, 2 year old Bridget Vinard was diagnosed with Rhabdomyoscarcoma, a rare type of cancer that forms in soft tissue. Bridget's tumor formed in her abdomen.  This began the long journey for Bridget and her family, Janelle (mom), Paul (dad), Paul Jr (brother) and baby Penny (sister). 

I worked with Janelle for 5+ years at Medtronic. We followed very similar paths as we joined motherhood, both having 3 children (1 boy and 2 girls). We shared stories about what it was like to raise kids so close in age while maintaining full time jobs (and becoming landlords!). We had a lot in common and provided a lot of support to each other. When she told me that she was now facing this new journey, a journey that diverged our paths, my heart broke. 

Bridget faces 42 weeks of Chemo...and that is just the beginning. Possible surgery follows along with radiation and 6 more months of maintenance chemo. Already the battle has been up and down with ICU stays and transfusions.  Adding this to an already full plate has to be overwhelming. I cannot find a better way to try to support her then by finding ways to raise money to try to make life easier - pay for medical bills, meals around the hospital, easy transportation to and from the hospital. Many of you reading this have known Janelle even longer than I have. She has impacted many lives and it is time to come together to impact hers, and of course support Bridget during this time. She turned 3 yesterday - here is to many, many, many more birthdays to come!