"Lillie's Friends Foundation" Family Festival

By Rachel H

A few years ago, a friend of mine told me about a little girl named Lillie, who was battling a terrible disease called Neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is a rare cancer of the sympathetic nervous system. My friend directed me to a Caring Bridge site, which was being maintained by Lillie’s mom, Michelle. I was immediately drawn to this little girl and her family. I logged on to the website daily, prayed for Lillie nightly, and waited for this sweet little girl to beat this cancer.

The Boyte family went through a tremendous list of emotions throughout the months as Lillie’s body fought this disease. Through their ups and downs, many followers of the Caring Bridge site offered words of hope and strength. I remember the morning I logged on to Lillie’s site and read that she had earned her angel wings and was finally at peace. I cried like Lillie was my own child. It was amazing to me that I could feel so much compassion for a family whom I had never even met. This was in August 2007.

I now know that the reason I was able to feel so much compassion was because the Boyte family is so compassionate themselves. I finally had the privilege of meeting Michelle, and have no doubt that she will make an impact in this world through what she has learned. The Boytes, along with friends and family, have started a foundation called Lillie’s Friends Foundation. Lillie’s Friends is committed to honor children fighting neuroblastoma and help families realize their hope.

Michelle took the time last year to write a heart touching blog for us about the foundation and the first event they organized. You can read her post here, which also shares some details about neuroblastoma.

This year, Triad Smarty Pants is so happy to help Lillie’s Friends Foundation promote another fantastic family event. You are invited to the “Got Friends?” Family Festival. This will be held on April 3rd, 2010 in honor of Lillie, who would be turning six on April 9th.

The festival will be held at Tanglewood Park from 10am -2pm, with a 5K race prior to this at 9am. (You can double click on the poster above to see it larger.) Your family will have a blast as they enjoy inflatables, an egg hunt, raffles, crafts, entertainment, and more. You can visit www.lilliesfriends.org to learn more or to register for the race.

We hope to see you there as we join together to celebrate Lillie and raise awareness of this disease.

Posted by Triad Smarty Pants at 5:00 AM