Nevaeh's Lemonade Stand

When life hands you lemons...

Nevaeh Denine is an incredible five year old girl and survivor of Neuroblastoma. I wrote about Nevaeh's journey with Cancer, HERE. After watching the Janeway Telethon last year, she told her Mom that she wanted to help other sick children in our province. When asked what she had in mind, her response was "I want to have the biggest lemonade stand EVER!" And so she did! Over $22,000 was raised last year, which went to assist five different sick children and their families!

photos above by Aamie Gillam

A year ago, Nevaeh took a break from her treatments and met with local musician and songwriter, Damian Follett to write a song about her Lemonade Stand. Once the lyrics and music were put together, she headed over to Rick Hollett's studio, 'Record Time Productions' and started laying down the tracks. Rick played on this song and also graciously produced it. Here is the song and a flashback of Nevaeh's first Lemonade Stand:

Nevaeh has been doing really well this past year, and just received some very exciting news: her recent tests have come back clear, and Nevaeh is Cancer-free!! YAY! I can't imagine anything greater!

Nevaeh wanted to give back to the community once again, and to raise money for families with children who have been diagnosed with Cancer. On Sunday, July 19th, Nevaeh hosted her second annual Lemonade Stand, which was a massive success! Andrew and Brennen and I went to show our support for such an inspiring little girl and her heartfelt cause.

Because the weather wasn't great (we have yet to see Summer here in Newfoundland), the event was moved into the Goulds Arena, and the crowds came in droves! There were carnival games, antique cars, face painting, break-dancing, zumba, live musical performances from The Celtic Fiddlers and The Masterless Men, and appearances by Mark Critch, Allan Hawco, and more! Oh.. and there was lemonade!

Nevaeh, congratulations on another successful fundraiser! You've got a wonderful team around you, and from the crowd there today, it looks like you have the support of the whole community. You are an incredible little girl, and an inspiration to so many. I saw a few tears there today when you performed your song on stage! Way to go, Nevaeh!! I look forward to posting the total amount raised later this evening! (Now rest! You deserve it!!)

*Update - As of 8:00pm this evening, the total raised with donations still coming in, is over $40,000!!!

One Tough Mother

You guys! I've discovered another insanely awesome line of t-shirts through Instagram! (I told you, I'm addicted!)

Go Shout Love is an online company that sells inspirational apparel to raise money for families who have sick children. The company features a new child each month, and 60 percent of the profits from its t-shirt sales will be donated to that child's family.

"Go Shout Love is a social-good company that strives to do amazing things for amazing people. We raise awareness, funds, and create community through social media for families who have children battling rare illnesses. We feature a different family every month and we spend all month long celebrating that family and shouting love for them. We believe in the power of being loud and we hope you will join us in making some noise for these families. We raise funds through the sales of our inspirational, unique, and hip apparel that is designed every month in honor of our featured child. Over half of everything we earn goes straight to the families at the end of the month to help with medical costs and related expenses!"

I purchased this shirt in June, in honor of Kaiyanna, who is battling multiple rare genetic diseases. You can read her story HERE.

Special Needs Moms are the toughest of the tough, and no one can take that away from us!

Kaiyanna's Mom said it best: 
"Here's to all the mothers who are also a teacher, a nurse, a chef, a secretary, a businesswoman, an advocate, a lawyer, a storyteller, a rocket scientist, an encyclopedia, an explorer, a jungle gym, a stylist, a therapist, a physical therapist, a risk taker, a dream builder, a goal maker, a go-getter, a get back up and try again motivator, a best friend, and a hero- all within the span of one short day. 

Here's to the mamas who are loving their children with a love that could change the world. Here's to the mamas who grow with their little ones. Here's to the mamas who take the time to laugh at what life can deal out. Here's to the mamas who push themselves to the limits, and still continue to give, even when it seems impossible. Here's to the mamas who defy the odds."

I am proud to consider myself One Tough Mother, and I know that I am in good company.

Please watch this touching video about the creation of Go Shout Love. It is amazing to see the power of blogging and social media, and how it can bring people together for a common purpose: to inspire, to encourage and to build a supportive community. It's amazing what things can happen when we Go Shout Love!