I want to tell you about some very special people. Very special families who even after losing their treasured children keep fighting. It isn't easy. Grief does many things to people. Living in the SMA world, we are witness to grief in its varying forms — constantly. It impacts the entire family and alters the course of lives. There is no one way or one right way to live after losing your child. And I think it is incredibly brave when families who, even in their grief, somehow manage to add fundraising to their plate. It isn't the best thing for everyone. But for some, they find healing in it, and we are so honored that they selected GSF and trusted us to be part of the memory of their children.
Eli — Beautiful Elias Beasley-Wright was born August 2nd, 2008 to Rita and Jason. Their first child. Their only child. Sweet Eli smiled easily and laughed often. Eli passed away at only 5 months old. In honor of what should have been his 2nd birthday, Rita and Jason organized the second Eli Memory Walk. They gathered friends, collected donations, released balloons and honored the beautiful life that was cut far too short. Happy Birthday sweet Eli! You are so loved and missed.
Stephen — Baby Stephen Ruocco was born to Steve and Gina of New York. He was their first child. He loved baths and when his Mommy sang to him. Sweet Stephen passed away in May of this year at only 5 months old. Stephen's Aunt Danielle organized a Step Up For Stephen event at Paulie's Bar in Pleasantville, New York in memory of her darling nephew. The event included a raffle, food, and drinks. Lots of people came out and they raised funds for GSF's “$200K for SMA” campaign. Thank you Danielle and the Ruocco family for being part of this in honor of beautiful Stephen.
Logan — Logan Harman was born in March 2005 to Shelle and Chris. He was four years old when he passed away in May of 2009. Logan was one of the first children we learned about after our diagnosis. We looked at Logan and his wonderful parents with enormous respect and admiration. And when Logan suddenly lost his fight with SMA last year, well, we were stunned and heartbroken. Shelle and Chris organized efforts to increase awareness and research funding throughout Logan's life. And they have continued. The Harmans send donations to celebrate any special occasions in memory of Logan. And in honor of what should have been Logan's 5th birthday, Shelle and Chris organized a birthday party asking friends to donate to GSF in Logan's name. It was a beautiful celebration in honor of a wonderful little boy.
In memory of Eli, Stephen, and Logan. Three special events in honor of three special little boys.