Back To School Blues

It’s been an emotional week in the Herschelman household as students get ready to go back to school.

While I have enjoyed seeing all the photos of the kids with their backpacks and school supplies, it’s also been a reminder that Grace isn’t starting school this year with all her friends.

If things in our life were “normal,” Grace would be starting third grade this fall at Beckemeyer Elementary School, a place where she found lots of love and laughter for two and a half years. We made the hard decision last fall to take Grace out of her classroom because she just didn’t have the stamina to stay, even for just two hours in the afternoon.

But for six years, I got to take a “first day of school” photo with Grace and celebrate in the joy school brought to her. 

She started at our church’s preschool program with a full-time aide just before her third birthday. At the time, we knew Grace had some developmental delays, but we had no idea she would be diagnosed with INAD just three months later. She had her very first school program just after we found out she had INAD, and though I cried most of the way through it, I still remember her trying to sign the words to “Jesus Loves Me.” She also got to play the bells during her first Christmas program and play her drum when the kids got to bring instruments to school.

During her three years in preschool, Grace was lucky to have two really great aides in addition to her teachers. They helped her with art projects. In the beginning, she was able to help with some special crayons we bought, and the aide would mark the portions of the page Grace helped with. She has always loved reading and being read to, and just interacting with kids.

After her preschool years, Grace spent two and a half years at Beckemeyer. She went to school for two hours in the afternoon, and had time to socialize with her friends in kindergarten. Although Grace would never learn to read or write, she loved this one lamb puppet and reading Junie B. Jones books with her teacher.  We were very blessed that she had some amazing aides and teachers in kindergarten as well.

I think the thing that always amazed me the most was the way the kids interacted with her. When I would bring her into the classroom, everyone would say “Grace” and come over to see her. They found joy in their interactions with her, even though she couldn’t talk to them. They still found a way to connect. My teacher friends tell me that’s the mark of some really great teachers, and we were lucky to have some of the best.

It was a hard decision to pull Grace out of school, but as INAD progressed, it affected her hearing and her eyesight, making it harder for her to enjoy all the things that once made her smile. But it warms my heart to know she is still making a difference in the lives of so many of her peers.

So, my momma heart is breaking a little this week watching other moms send their kids off to a strange, new school year. But I will forever be grateful for everyone who made school such a joyful place for our Grace.

Feet of Grace

We get by with a little (or a lot) of help from our friends.

Kyle and I are continually humbled and blessed by the goodwill shown to us throughout our community as Grace battles INAD. Friends and family bring meals or come to visit. Churches keep us on their prayer chains. Just before valentines day, a church in Litchfield brought us a bag full of cards, and Kyle and I enjoyed reading all the scriptures people picked out for us.

Last weekend was a very special show of love for our family. For the second time, dancers from Fusion Dance Center hosted the Feet of Grace benefit in honor of our beautiful Grace. They held a show full of special dance routines and raised money to help us take care of Grace. In addition, Grace’s first grade teacher at Beckemeyer and some of her school friends hosted a bake sale during the performance.
 

Since Grace got sick last December, we haven’t really been able to take her very many places, due to cold weather and rampant sickness. But that Sunday (Feb. 9) was a pretty afternoon and we made the short trek to the high school for the show, where they had saved us seats in the very front row. Although Grace slept through part of the production, Charley was enraptured by the dancers from the very first song. She leaned over to me and said, “this is wonderful.” Her attention span didn’t make it through the whole concert, but we all loved being there.

One of my favorite parts of the concert was when it was over. We knew some of the dancers and their families, and many stopped by to say hi. But several of the dancers we didn’t know came over to meet Grace. They wanted to tell her they were dancing for her and that they hoped she felt better soon. It always warms my heart to see kids interacting with Grace, and makes me know the world will be a better place someday because of wonderful kids like these.

It doesn’t seem like enough just to say thank you to everyone who helped raise over $1,400 for our family that day, but we will always be grateful to our friends who help us get by, that day and every day on this Grace-Filled Journey.

Another Grace Game In The Books

It was a great day for the Lady Blues of Illinois College as they picked up a big 81-48 win over conference foe Beloit from Wisconsin. Hillsboro native Carly Cameron even picked up a double-double with ten points and ten rebounds in the win.

But while it was a great game for the senior on the court, it was what happened on the sidelines that made it truly special.

At Carly's suggestion, Coach Jennifer McCormick and the Lady Blues hosted a Grace game this afternoon in the Bruner Center at Illinois College to raise awareness for INAD and funding for research.  Carly and her friend, Lindsey Storm, both former Lady Hiltoppers who have always been some of our biggest supporters, came by over Christmas break to see the girls. Carly told us that she's been wanting to do a Grace game with her team since arriving at Illinois College, but it seems that the stars aligned for a game this January.

We told Carly that we thought a Saturday game might work best for us, and together, we picked Jan. 11, when both the men's and women's teams hosted Beloit. After Grace's second admission to the hospital last week, we weren't entirely sure we would be able to bring Grace, but we promised that Kyle and Charley would go for sure. Fortunately, Grace was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday and had a really good week at home, and we decided to make the trip together.

I don't know how many Grace games we have been to as a family in the last five years, but they will always be some of my favorite memories. That's why we really wanted to make this trip a special one. From basketball to baseball and softball to soccer, we have loved meeting players from all over and sharing Grace's story. Classified as an ultra-rare disease, sharing Grace's story helps us bring more awareness to this devastating disease. And the more people who know, the better.

That's why we were just thrilled when Carly told us she and her teammates wanted to host a Grace game this year. And even more exciting that some of our family made the trip with us. Although there was some snow in the forecast, we made our way the hour and a half to Jacksonville in plenty of time for the game.

When we arrived, we saw the team hung a huge BeatINAD banner in the gym. In addition, instead of collecting admission for both of today's games, the school accepted donations for the INADCure Foundation, and brought in nearly $500. We continue to be so humbled and honored by people's generosity on our journey.

As we made our way down to the gym, we got a big wave from Carly and Coach McCormick stopped by to meet us. Meanwhile, Kyle was interviewed by one of the local television stations about our story, which was another great way to raise awareness. And we enjoyed sitting with our families for the game.

Just before they announced the starting line-up, our family was invited to midcourt for a special presentation. Carly and fellow senior Grace Yaunches presented our Grace with a jersey signed by all the members of the Lady Blues. Even cooler, after the game, we found out that jersey belonged to another former Lady Hiltopper (Jaicie Halleman), who went on to play for the Lady Blues as well.

It was an awesome game, as the Lady Blues dominated from start to finish. We have always loved going to sporting events together, and this one was so much fun. After the game, we had a chance to meet the team for a group photo, and Kyle told them a little more about Grace's story. We were so touched to see that the players had purple ribbons tied in their shoelaces as well.

She may only be eight years old, but our little Grace has touched so many lives in her eight years, and we are so proud of her for continuing to be an inspiration to so many. Special thanks to Carly and her teammates for helping us raise awareness and helping us make another really great memory on this Grace-Filled Journey.

An Unexpected Visit

This year’s holiday season started out just like any other. We celebrated Thanksgiving with both our families and had a wonderful day. We made Christmas cookies with Kyle’s family. Kyle even brought our tree into the living room so we could decorate it.

But on December 2, our holiday season took an unexpected turn. After having a cough for a couple of days, Grace started really struggling to breathe. A quick trip to the doctor’s office meant an ambulance ride to Springfield for our beautiful Grace. Despite Grace’s genetic illness, she has been very healthy over the past eight years, and she’s only landed at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield twice. The first time was more than two years ago and for less than 24 hours. The second was earlier this fall, for about 36 hours. Both were respiratory related, but since Grace has been healthy, she was able to recover quickly.

Kyle and I both assumed this trip to the hospital would be about the same. But we had no idea how sick our Grace really was. From the ER, she was moved to the PICU (pediatric intensive care unit) and diagnosed with RSV. At that point, she really struggled to breathe, and was placed on a bi-pap machine for a few days and later a high-flow nasal cannula.

But our Grace is a fighter, and wasn’t ready to leave us just yet.  During our two and a half-week hospital stay, we learned that Grace has episodes of central apnea, where her brain basically forgets to breathe. In most instances, she recovers on her own, or is able to be rousted from the episode by stimulation or a change in position. We also learned that it was no longer an option to feed Grace orally because her risk of aspiration was too great.  We came home on an NG feeding tube (through her nose), with hopes of getting a G tube when she is fully recovered from her respiratory issues. It was pretty scary for me at first, but you can truly do anything you put your mind to, and her feedings have gone really well.  I only tipped the pole over one time, and the feeding bag was closed so it didn’t even spill all over the floor.

With the help of the palliative care team at St. John’s, we were able to bring Grace home mid-December, not really knowing what the first few days would hold. Fortunately, Grace thrived at home, and we had an amazing Christmas and New Year’s with our family and friends. It was an incredibly special two weeks.

Then on Jan. 3, just over one month from her last hospital admission, Grace once again had trouble breathing and we ended up taking her back to the ER in Litchfield, where they discovered she had an infection. Since we didn’t have any oxygen at home for Grace, we opted to take her back to St. John’s where they could make her comfortable. When we arrived at St. John’s, Grace had a very high fever and was throwing up, and the doctor was concerned she was septic.  We asked them to make sure Grace was comfortable.

But our Grace is a fighter. She did great over the next few days with antibiotics and we got to bring her home once again. This time, we do have oxygen at home to keep her more comfortable. It’s been wonderful to be back home with our whole family and enjoy our time with Grace.

We want to give a special shout out to all the doctors, nurses, residents, techs and respiratory therapists at St. John’s Hospital. We loved getting to know all of you during our stay. The hospital is NEVER the place you want to be, but if you have to be at one, let me tell you, that’s the place to be. An extra-special shout out to Montgomery County’s own Aaron Golitko, who was her resident doctor the last couple of days and took extra special care of our Grace.  We are so incredibly grateful to each and every one of you, and it’s been our privilege to get to know you. We know you will keep working hard to take care of all the kiddos who end up there.

Just as it’s always been, the future is Grace’s story to write. We plan to follow her lead and let her be the guide on this Grace-Filled Journey. She’s always been so strong and such a fighter, and we are always proud of her. It’s been amazing to be back home, watching Charlotte take care of Grace, and remembering why it’s so important to cherish each and every single day making memories to last a lifetime.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25

A Five-Year Anniversary

"It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live." ~ the fictional Albus Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts (Harry Potter series)

Five years ago, every single dream that we had for our then three-year-old Grace were crushed. How do I remember that it was five years ago today? When I looked at TimeHop, a photo came up of a billboard for St. Francis Hospital with our family photo. We were so excited to have been asked to be part of their campaign for their maternal center, and that day was the very first day I saw that billboard from the parking lot at the Ariston.

Kyle and I picked Grace up at preschool and went to the backroom at the newspaper office where we returned a call to a geneticist at St. Louis Children's Hospital. She had the results of Grace's whole exome sequencing test that had been done four months earlier in July. She patiently explained to us that Grace had an ultra rare genetic disorder called INAD (infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy). It's a disease that is characterized by a build-up of iron and other toxins in the brain and on the nerves, which causes a loss of all nerve function, and is always terminal. At that time, there were no treatment options or a cure. We were told just to continue doing therapy with Grace and making the best of the time we had with her. 

I was at the Ariston that Thursday because as most Thursdays, I had lunch with my mom at the Ariston. This particular day, I asked her if we could sit in the back room away from the crowded lunch spot. And I tearfully told her what we had learned, which is probably one of the hardest things I have ever had to do.  Kyle didn't join us for lunch that day, but he made a similar phone call to his mom, and we very gradually told family and friends. Kyle would eventually write a column about it for the paper, and we soon found out what a generous and supportive community we live in.

One of the most devastating statistics about INAD is that most kids don't live to see their tenth birthday. And while that's not always the case, we have seen quite a bit of regression in her condition over the past year. Grace was only three when we found out she had INAD, and it seemed impossible to believe we might only have seven years left with her. This fall, she turned eight, and while no one knows what the future holds, our days with Grace are numbered.

Although we knew that Grace had global delays in her development, like the fact that she never learned to walk independently or say more than a handful of words, therapists and health care providers thought for awhile she would be able to catch up on her skills. Kyle had dreams of her being on the United States women's national soccer team or being president of the United States someday. More realistically, he had dreams that she would go to high school sporting events with him to help him take stats, loving sports just as much as he does.  I always hoped she would excel in school and maybe someday want to help us at the paper, making a difference in her community. But five years ago today, all our dreams for Grace, whether they be ballet classes, playing in volleyball games or just saying "Mommy, I love you," were gone.  I know how much Grace loves me, but I will never get to hear her say those words.

I was having a particularly hard time one night in our kitchen, and Kyle looked at me and told me that if I didn't figure things out, I was going to miss everything that was great about Grace. At the time, it probably made me really mad at him, and was the cause of a fight. But it's kind of become a family mantra.  You see, after her diagnosis, I spent a lot of time grieving for the dreams I had for Grace, dreams that would never come true. But Kyle was right. To continue grieving for those dreams meant I would miss all the wonderful things about Grace. And just because none of my dreams for her wouldn't come true, didn't mean that life still couldn't be wonderful.

Life's simply not fair. It never will be, and we may never know why things happen. Marriages fall apart. Kids get sick. Jobs fall through. Life is hard, and everyone faces different challenges. It's a good reason to be kind to everyone you meet because you never know what challenges they are facing. 

But despite all those challenges, we find there's always a reason to be happy every day. Just last month, we posted our 2000th #foreverhappydays photo. For the math majors in the room, that's almost five and a half years. I would be the first to admit that some days life's challenges make it incredibly hard to post a #foreverhappydays photo. And when I look back over the days, I can always tell when we had a particularly hard day. But we kept trying and we keep going. 

Five years ago today was probably the single hardest day of my life in letting go of all the dreams I had for Grace. But I'm so glad that it doesn't keep us from living our best days with her. Remember, "it does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live."

mlh

Dancing Queen Of The Softball Field

Sometimes you have to make sacrifices to get what you want in life. Mary has always told me at work that you do the things you don't want to do, so you can do the things you do want to do. I've also learned that sometimes you do the things you want to do, consequences be damned.

Family photo at the Father Daughter Dance

Kyle and his beautiful dates

This weekend was a little bit of the latter as we managed to cram a week's worth of memories into two days with the daddy/daughter dance at Lincolnwood and the Grace-Filled Journey Game at Purdue Northwest University. The trip featured plenty of long drives and short nights, but looking back we wouldn't have changed a thing.

Kyle, Grace and the dance committee

The daddy/daughter dance at Lincolnwood has been one of our favorites since it began four years ago. The second one was particularly special for me as I got to celebrate with not one, but two daughters as Charlotte was just a few weeks old. The night is always a little bittersweet, especially watching the other girls run around, something Grace should be doing if it weren't for this terrible thing called INAD. But ultimately, it's more inspirational than anything as I watch the community I love come out in droves in honor of my little girl.

Kensey and Charley

This year was no different, with 70 young ladies and their dates in attendance, including my two princesses. With a western theme this year, Charley sported her boots, while both girls wore their special Bisous For Leo dresses we ordered from Pixie Lane. A portion of the proceeds of the dresses, made of a soft black fabric adorned with "kisses", go to the INAD Cure Foundation, which supports studies like Dr. Kotzbauer's at Washington University in St. Louis. They looked amazing and the dresses were a huge hit.

While we didn't spend a lot of time dancing, we did spend a lot of time on the dance floor as Charley was in heaven running around with my cousins Kayley and Kensey, who donated their time to the event along with my other cousin Katelyn and my aunt Angie. They've been at every dance too, which means the world to us. 

The best part of the dance is what the proceeds go to. The group that puts on the dance decided to start a scholarship in Grace's honor for students going into the therapy or medical or special education fields. Reading the essays for the scholarship is always inspiring and we are proud that these talented and caring young men and women are representing Grace so well.

Hanging out with the Purdue Northwest softball team

As the night wore down, we made our way to my parents' house, where we fed Grace supper. Originally we thought about feeding her at the dance, but we opted to just enjoy the moment and get a slightly later start for the next part of our journey. Rather than wake up early and head north to Hammond, IN, about a four hour drive or so from Hillsboro, we decided to make the trip after the dance so the girls could sleep in the car. We hit the road about 9:30 p.m. from Mom and Dad's and made it to the Hampton Inn in Tinley Park around 1 a.m. Traffic was nonexistent and the girls slept almost the whole way, which gave Mary and I some time to catch up. I like to drive, but I'm extremely lucky to have such a great co-pilot on long trips.

Charley helping Coach Stansell with the line up

Being just a half hour away from the field allowed us to sleep in, or at least as much as you can with a two-year-old ball of fire like Charley Danger. Still, we managed to stay in bed until after 8 and took our time getting ready to make the final drive. After a quick lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings, where Charley showed that she has her daddy's skill at the claw machine, we made our way to the field.

Pride Coach Niki Stansell had told us that they had Grace-Filled Journey sunglasses and bracelets to hand out at the game, so we made sure to pick up ours. They came in handy as the weather was fantastic for the game, a lucky break since Hammond actually got snow the following day and Purdue Northwest called off their scheduled doubleheader.

Charley helped Grace with her first pitch

We found Coach Stansell and our buddy, Pride shortstop Tessa Steffens, after that to see what they had planned. I had the pleasure of covering Tessa when she played for Litchfield High School and the support of her and her parents, Marty and Kara, have made these Grace games at Purdue Northwest possible. 

Tessa giving Charley a signed ball for Grace

Like the year before, the plan was for Grace, Mary, Charley and I to join the team on the field after player introductions, then for Charley to throw out the first pitch. What we weren't expecting was the Dangerous One to latch on to Coach Stansell and join her for the line-ups at home plate. Charley is very much a mama's girl and usually doesn't let Mary get far from her sight, but in this case, she seemed perfectly at home in the middle of the action.

Charley giving high fives to the players

While we waited for the introductions, we watched the players get ready for the game, except Charley of course, who ran full tilt into center field, claiming Dowling Park as her own. I tried to prep her for her big first pitch, but she refused to even touch the softball I tried to hand her. Of course when the time came for the real thing, she rocked it, sprinting to within a few feet of Tessa before lobbing a perfect strike. I may be biased, but I'm pretty sure she's the next Jenny Finch. 

She and Mary then went down the line and gave high-fives to the Purdue Northwest players, or at least some of them as Charley played favorites and shutout some of the Pride. After the national anthem, we found some seats behind the plate and settled in for the first of two games.

As good as the weather was, the Pride were even better as they swept both games from Ferris State. I got to hang with Grace for the first game, while Mary tracked the ever-in-motion Charley Danger around the park. Mary got her break in game two, when she was able to just sit back and feed Grace while watching our team continue to succeed. I got to watch part of that game too, but took one for the team and took Charley to the van for a nap after the opening inning. She made it all the way through the first song in her Frozen dvd before zonking out for an hour, waking up just in time to see the Pride put a bow on the second win.

Snuggling at the game.

After the game we said our goodbyes and took a few pictures, with a hope to return again next year. Tessa graduates this year, but the game has become one of our favorite events and we will take Coach Stansell and Purdue Northwest up on their hospitality as long as they'll have us.

Grace was all smiles to get her photo taken with Tessa after the game

The drive home was filled with more naps and more conversation, with a pit stop for pizza in Bloomington. We even got to share our story with some new friends at the table next to us. We are always touched when someone asks about Grace and we love to share her story. She inspires us a lot and hopefully she can do the same with our new friends, who we gave a couple Flat Gracies.

Family photo before heading for home

It was late when we got home, but it was more than worth the limited sleep for all the memories. Ultimately, the weekend was kind of what I dreamed for Grace and for Charlotte when I found out we were having girls. I hoped they would be able to do what they wanted in life, whether that be the princess on the dance floor or the warrior on the playing field. I know that's probably not going to be possible for Grace, but God has given her a different mission and she is definitely both a warrior and a princess. For Charley, I just want to keep surrounding her with good role models, strong, smart and talented women like the group that organizes the dance, my cousins, Tessa and of course, her mom and Grace. And I'll make whatever sacrifices I need to to make that happen.

krh

A One-Month Update

It seems hard to believe that we have already passed the one-month check ins as part of the clinical trial last month.  Some days, it seems like it’s been so long since we have been to New Jersey, and other times, it feels like we just started the trial.

But one month has already come and gone. After the first 30 days, we switched from two tablets twice a day to one tablet three times a day. Grace can’t swallow tablets, so we pierce them and squirt the liquid into her mouth. And I’m happy to report only one injury when Kyle poked himself in the hand trying to get it open. We consider that a win. 

Also part of the clinical trial, we have to make a set of four two-minute videos and submit them to the study. They include feeding, interacting, bathing and sitting/standing/walking. Although it’s kind of a challenge to do the videos, mostly from a logistics point (two-minute videos take up a lot of space on my phone!), I think it will be a great way to track progress in the study.  

Shortly after Grace started taking the study drug, we noticed more vocalizations, more smiles, more alertness and some trying to move her arms. That was very similar to what other families in the study were seeing, and although those are very small things, we consider them big wins in our household, especially the smiles.

But I did notice another improvement when I made one of the one-month check in videos. Although Grace cannot sit, stand or walk on her own, you have to document that in a video. So, I sat her right in the middle of our loveseat, where her back was supported, but not the kind of support she is provided in her wheelchair. We’ve propped her up there in the past for photos, and I honestly expected she would immediately topple over to one side or the other, which is still probably important to document. However, much to my surprise, Grace sat up for the entire two-minute video, moving her arms and her head just a little as well. She tipped over just after the two-minute mark, and I have to say I was completely shocked. It’s nearly impossible to know if that’s an effect of the drug or just a good day for Grace, but I will always take small victories.

We are especially grateful to everyone who has supported us on our journey with the clinical trial this year. From those who have provided financial contributions for travel or other resources in helping us figure out exactly what we are trying to do, we feel truly blessed. You guys make life great on this Grace-Filled Journey, and I can’t wait to see what improvements the next video might show. 

And while we know this isn’t a cure for INAD, and likely won’t restore Grace’s health completely, we have already seen improvements in her quality of life, which is an awesome win for our family in the fight to #BeatINAD.

mlh

Thank You For Being A Friend

Thank you for being a friend. Every time I have stopped to think about our church’s pancake fundraiser, I can’t help but think of the theme song from the Golden Girls. And I keep singing it over and over again in my head, because we really, truly are blessed to have such amazing friends.

Family photo at the pancake and sausage benefit.

Some of the decorations in the church fellowship hall.

One of our favorite photos of Gracie Lou!

Each year, our church hosts a pancake and sausage breakfast as a fundraiser for someone in the community, and this year, they asked if they could host it for us to help offset the travel costs of taking Grace to the clinical trial in New Jersey. Although sometimes it’s hard to be accepting of such generous thoughts and gifts, we agreed, mostly because it is a HUGE help to us in paying for the travel expenses, which add up fast, even when you’re frugal!

Grace's friends colored Beat INAD pictures for the wall.

Toppings for the pancakes.

Not that we arrived when it started first thing in the morning, but the church’s fellowship hall was absolutely beautiful. They had purple balloons on every table, and special Grace-Filled Journey placemats. Kids in the church’s preschool program and Grace’s kindergarten class colored Beat INAD pictures that hung on the wall in one corner of the room. They even set up a special coloring table where kids attending the breakfast could color their own pictures and hang them on the wall. We especially liked a photo booth type station where kids and families could get their photo taken with Flat Gracie.

Charlotte and her Mickey Mouse pancake.

I just happened to check Facebook when I was getting ready in the morning, and some of our friends had already been to breakfast and had tagged us in photos. It was so much fun to see them enjoying themselves and a really special community event.

Volunteers from the church wearing new Grace shirts.

Although breakfast was served starting at 7, I would say we arrived sometime after 9:30. It takes a little while to feed Grace in the morning, and most anyone that knows us, knows we don’t see 7 a.m. very often! 

Grace and her teachers.

Since it was raining, Kyle let me and the girls out underneath the awning and some of her former classmates were already waiting to see her. She had big smiles when Hazel and Kendall came over to say hello. And we enjoyed visiting with all those who came while we were there.

Grace and her friends Tim and Kris Carpenter.

Grace and some of her friends at the breakfast!

I have to say the food was fantastic as well. We loved the pancakes and sausage, and Charlotte even got a Mickey Mouse pancake that they made special for the kids who came. I think her dad ended up eating most of it though, as there was WAY too much going on for Charlotte to care anything about eating.

Kinsley Trader saved $100 of her own money from working to give to Grace.

 One especially touching moment was when Kinsley Trader, a junior high student in Hillsboro, brought Grace the money she had herself saved to donate. She had been working hard in her Uncle Matt and Aunt Alora's food truck and wanted to save her money to donate. Her mom told me she made a thermometer chart so she could keep track of her goal to raise $100. How amazing is that!!

Hanging out with my mom and dad.

After we ate, we just enjoyed chatting with our friends who came from all over the county to support us. Some came over to the table to get their picture taken with Grace. Others enjoyed visiting while Charley and I mingled around the room. But that entire morning, I just had such an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for everyone. From those who came early to set up and cook, to those who served and cleaned up, and of course, all those who came to eat, we feel truly blessed.

Charley coloring pictures with Dahlia and Demi Maass.

They announced in church the following morning that the breakfast raised about $5,700. Wow! Can you believe that?! We were so humbled, and that money will definitely help us offset the travel expenses we incurred in our first two trips out east, and we will save the rest for our return trip in August.

Grace's friends Lucy and Frankie in the photo booth.

So, to everyone who helped out that morning and to everyone who continues to follow our story and help us raise awareness for INAD, thank you for being a friend.

mlh