February is American Heart Month. I’m guessing it’s because of Valentine’s Day, it’s a likely bed fellow. Bed fellow? Who am I?
Any way, most people focus on heart health and preventable heart diseases, as they should.
There’s another affliction for children that is rarely discussed. Congenital Heart Defects are the most common birth defect, affecting about 1 out of every 110 births. There is no cure for CHDs and most children undergo at least one if not more surgeries before their first birthday. Many children end up with additional medical difficulties, developmental delays, and feeding difficulties due to their precious hearts.
After only 7 weeks, these are the medical bills that he racked up, including 5 weeks in the NICU, 1 week in the PICU and open heart surgery. The bills totaling over $130,000!
But after losing my son to Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, a CHD in which the left ventricle of the heart is severely underdeveloped, I would like to do something for him. With medical advances, more and more of our CHD kids are living long and healthy lives! There are many organizations that are doing research to find a cure and help further advance medical technology.
Thankfully Alexander was double covered, both my husband and I had insurance and both of us had Kaiser. There are many families out there that are not so lucky.
Alexander was born at Kaiser – Sunset, in Hollywood. His surgery took place at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. During the first five weeks, we stayed in the Ronald McDonald House of Hollywood.
As I mentioned in the If I Had a Million Dollars, Finish the Sentence Friday post a few weeks ago, I would donate to them on behalf of my son. Since it’s hard to win a million dollars since I don’t play the lottery, I figured I could start donating anyway.
In celebration of Heart Month, I will donate 100% of the commissions that I receive off of my site, to the Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House. I have a goal of $1,000.
So, what does that mean? Any time you purchase through any of the following, I will give 100% of what I receive to them. It does not include any fees that other services deduct, just the amount I receive.
- Beachbody, with products like P90x, Insanity, Focus T25, Shakeology, and the brand new 21 Day Fix
- Norwex, which is green cleaning company where most products allow you to skip the use of ANY chemical!
- . Anything, just anything! Doesn’t cost you a penny more, but can benefit the cause! Click the link and find something you LOVE!
- Sponsor spots
Or if you would like to donate directly to one of these fabulous organizations: Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles (please choose Heart Care for the option of need) or Ronald McDonald House, choosing support in memory of Alexander Grant and locally to the Ronald McDonald House of Southern California.
If you choose to donate directly, please email me at spiritedlife @ gmail.com so I can keep track of the donation total. ANY little bit helps, so please consider any of the above options!
I would love if you would help me reach this goal.
This is a part of Finish the Sentence Friday….
I love that you are giving all your profits to this cause in Alexander's name. Absolutely perfect and thank you for sharing that with us tonight, April
Wow. What a wonderful and noble thing to do with the money you raise from your blog. Thank you for sharing, April. Beautiful.
That's a great goal, and I really feel so … what's the word, in awe of you.
Wow. April your idea is a gem and although this is one of my first visits to your blog I highly suspect that you are too.
What a wonderful idea and beautiful way to pay tribute to your son. I've had friends who've stayed in the Ronald McDonald houses and I know that they appreciated that so much. Kudos to you!
Yes, they bless a lot of families. Those who are displaced for the illnesses of their children needs a place like the Ronald McDonald House.
What a powerful message! To give back is truly divine.
Thank you, Kerith. I wanted to do it last year, but I was led to do more than I did last year.
What a story. Definitely glad to meet you and will definitely follow along your journey.
Thank you! Glad that you were able to stop by!
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your son. I can't imagine how difficult that it is and was. I love how you are making a difference in his honor. I'll click through and see what I can find…
One should never have to bury their child. it was a heartbreaking, faith-testing experience. Thank you. I would really appreciate it.
Wow. I love that you used this linkup as your platform for this great cause. Very noble of you. I'm sorry for your loss.
Thank you. I really hope that people are willing to buy, especially through Amazon. Doesn't cost you more but helps me give more back!
This is a true testament of your love not just for your son but for other children who are experiencing heart problems and others. I'm sure you will be blessed!
Thank you. I hope to give a blessing. They gave me hope for his life which I cannot have wished for more.
April what a lovely thing you're doing in memory of your son.
What a great way to remember your precious son by giving back! I love that. I cannot ever imagine that heartache of losing a child. Sharing this!
Thank you. I really appreciate it!
Wow, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son. I will definitely do what I can to help out. It's awesome that you are helping others and bringing awareness in his honor.
This is so amazing! You told me briefly about what happened to him but this really explains it! I can't believe those medical bills. So crazy. I'm so glad you are donating. It must feel so wonderful to be able to do that.
What a wonderful and fitting tribute this month! I hope that you reach your goal, April!
Bookmarking this page so that I remember to purchase through Amazon through you this month!
Thank you! I really appreciate it!
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what a wonderful gesture! i clicked the amazon link and purchased something i needed. i hope it helps!
Anything helps! I'm glad you were willing to help! Thank you!
Anything helps! Thank you for clicking through!
What a wonderful way to honor your son! I am so sorry for your loss <3
Thank you so much. I appreciate you stopping by.
Hi April. First, I offer my condolences on the loss of your son. I cannot imagine the depth of sorrow that must cause.
Second, I congratulate you on the work you are doing, in your son's name, to help others. That is a very noble cause.
I think it is wonderful that you want to be fit for your family. I too am on a health and weight loss journey. I am using a different program, however. It is Isagenix. I have released about 20 pounds and 28 inches so far, as well as two sizes and working on the third. I feel better than I have in a long time and my energy is off the charts. I am on a mission to help others improve their health as well, whether that is through weight loss or just getting fantastic nutrition in to their bodies. My website for that is http://www.mentoringforhealth.com
Keep up the good work. I will check out your links and see if there is something I need or want.
Thank you for sharing and for sacrificing for these children.
Thank you for such kind words. There are many great programs out there. People feel attacked when they are told or suggested that they should lose weight, but overall, it's about feeling better. When you're bigger, I don't think you realize what you're missing.
That is a great goal for the month! I am wishing you all the blessings on raising money to help children pay their medical bills!
It's very difficult when you're in the midst of it all. Not only can you not work a regular schedule, if you do, then you feel guilty about not being there for your child. Thank you.
What a wonderful tribute to your son! Thank you for bringing this information to us and I'm also thankful for the Ronald McDonald house.
Thank you for stopping by. It's something that it's taken me some time to come to grips with. I knew he was sick, but dealing with his death has been hard.
That's such a wonderful thing you're doing. I'll have to check out some of your donation options.
Anything from Amazon, provided you click the link first will work, even something you intended on purchasing. It doesn't cost you more, but can benefit a GREAT cause!
My heart goes out to you. What a wonderful thing to do to honour your son. Amazing Mom!
Thank you so much. I really want to benefit other families. I'm just one person I would love to help in any way I can.
We had some dear friends whose son was diagnosed with leukemia last year. They were so very thankful for the Ronald McDonald House that gave them a place to live while he was undergoing treatment.
As little as the company gives to the foundation (one penny from every happy meal), it's an awesome organization!
What a great cause to support in your son's honor. I'm sorry to hear of your loss. Thanks for bring awareness to this condition. Good luck on your goal.
Thank you. As common as it it, many are unaware. I hope that more considre the pain that some moms go through. Thank you for coming by.
Beautiful idea to share the love you have for your son with others! Thank you for the reminder of how precious life is and how we need to share what we have!
Losing my son really changed my life, not only in the hole in my heart that he produced, but the increased expression of love for my other children. Thank you for stopping by.
What an awesome tribute!! I can't imagine what that's like but my heart and prayers are definitely with you!! How awesome you are!!
It took me a long time to be able to express my pain… almost 5 years. Now I want to give back how I can!
I'm rooting for you to reach your goal. I'm a BeachBody Coach too so I can't help you there but will check out your other resources!
Thank you for considering donating in any form. I appreciate you stopping by. I would LOVE to reach my goal!
What a great tribute to your son! Thanks for the information about heart defects too.
Thank you. It's really disconcerting how many children are born with defects and what we can do about it. Thank you for stopping by.
God Bless You for doing this – what an awesome way of showing love!
Thank you. I love all of my children very much. Unfortunately, I can only show three of them that I do.
What you are doing is wonderful. I truly hope you reach your goal!
Thank you very much! I hope so too!
You have a very loving and generous heart. After all you have lost you still want to help others instead of choosing to be bitter. God bless you and your efforts.
I wish I could say it was that clear cut. I was bitter for a long time, until I realized that no matter the amount of bitterness, my son would not return to me. The only people my hurt was hurting were the people I loved the most. I had to stop hurting them for them and myself. In helping others, I feel a lot more peace. I hope they don't have the same outcome that I did, anything that I can do to help them not suffer the same fate is what I think God wants me to do.
What a wonderful way to celebrate your son's life. I wish you sucess!
This is amazing. How great for you to turn such a difficult thing for good. I can't imagine how hard the days must still be, but thank you for showing us a better way.
I can hold pain in my heart or hope for others. I love the support that I'm being shown.
You have a good heart. I'm praying that you'll be able to raise enough money to make a difference in other people's lives. Your son and your love ones are surely proud of you!
I have been blessed by the people around me. I'm glad that I do not have to be in that situation anymore. I can see him when I sleep, and that's enough for now.
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss, and am inspired by your commitment to give back in his memory.
Thank you, I appreciate your sentiments.
What a fantastic tribute to your son! I hope you reach your goal, and admire you for sharing your story!
Thank you very much!
What a beautiful tribute to your son!
When my daughter was born prematurely, they were building a Ronald McDonald House across the street. It is such a valuable thing to have access to.
Thank you.
I love that you are doing this! Wish I could help, but I have no money :(, not even a dollar to my name. But, this is a great cause and praying you reach your goal!
I appreciate your honesty. I hope that you are blessed financially . Thank you.
Great tribute & I love this inspiration. What a wonderful organization to the RMD house <3 keep going
Thank you so much!
How great that your giving something back. We should all do more of that.
LIfe is very short and somes manage to live much more comfortable lives than others. If I can help ease someone's pain, I will.
What a worthy cause! I pray that you will reach your goal.
<3 What would the world be without generous, loving souls. Stay strong!
Thank you!
Such a touching story. And what a great way to honor your son! I actually have something to purchase from Amazon tonight, so I have bookmarked your post so I can go through your link.
That would be SO awesome! Anything is appreciated. Thank you so much!
I sure hope you achieve your goal – great post!
Thank you very much on both accounts!
Lovely! Your blog is awesome and your cause is amazing. wishing you well in this cause! I will check out the products. Blessings
Thank you. Anything is appreciated!
What a great way to make a difference in the world and help others become aware of your cause. Thank you for standing up for something worthwhile, such boldness is brave and to be respected. Blessings to you.
Thank you for saying that. I would love to do more for the organization, and I'm definitely going to work toward that.
In many ways a loss can be a gain as you have shown here. Very admirable and enlightening.
Thank you. I gained that I knew I didn't want to miss any time with my children.
I know I visited but not sure if I commented. I love your journey to health and it seems like we have a lot in common. I'll look forward to talking with you soon.
If your comment doesn't come up immediately, don't despair, I moderate comments, especially new commentors because otherwise with the topic being weight loss I get a lot of spammy comments! it sucks. Anywho! Thanks for stopping by!