{photo above used with permission from oh so posh photography}
I haven’t mentioned Kate McRae lately, but she is on my mind all of the time. I have to admit that I cannot read her mom’s blog entries everyday, because I can’t handle even reading what she is going through without the tears flowing. I read it about once a week when I am alone. I can honestly say that this little girl has changed my life. Her situation makes me appreciate what is most important in my life (my family), and nothing else matters. When I lay my own kids down to bed, I think of Kate and thank my lucky stars that my own babies are healthy and happy. My heart breaks into a million pieces for Kate and her family.

The holiday boutique I participated in last weekend was at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship in Chandler. This is the church that the McRaes are members of, and where Kate’s father works. A magazine was handed out at the boutique….and there she was on the cover, sweet Kate. A smiling, beautiful little girl with a brain tumor. There’s that pit again in my throat.

Despite their own needs, the McRae family is organizing a toy drive for ALL of the children at the hospital where Kate receives treatment. How’s that for thinking of others? It’s so cute, they are calling it “Kate’s Crazy Cool Christmas” and YOU CAN HELP! If you would like to donate a toy(s), please contact me, or view the post on 11/8 for a list of what items are suggested. I would be happy to collect them from you and drop them off all together, or you can ship directly to:
Cornerstone Christian Fellowship
c/o Kate’s Crazy Cool Christmas
2211 E. Pecos Road, Suite 2
Chandler, AZ 85225

Also, I recently connected with Holly (Kate’s mom) and she has taken me up on the offer to make Kate’s birthday party items! Kate’s birthday is the day after Christmas. I hate to even write this, but all I can think is…what would it feel like to wonder if this birthday would be your child’s last? The thought devastates me. I would love to help make Kate’s birthday celebration special, even if it has to be in the hospital. If you have a product/gift that you would like to send to Kate, please email me. Modern Frills has already offered to design a t-shirt for Kate to match the party goods I create (thank you!). Kate will be 6 years old.

{tomkat studio photo from my kate’s lollipop party}

I will do whatever I can to help make this little girl smile.
I hope to one day have the pleasure of meeting her and her amazing family.

Visit www.PrayforKate.com to read Holly’s inspiring posts and updates on Kate’s treatment and progress.