Starlight Christmas 2013

Starlight Children's Foundation is a non-profit global charity that partners with many different companies, to help improve the quality of life of families going through medical crisis, or facing life-long medical challenges.

Our family joined Starlight almost 3 years ago and we have been so blessed to be a part of such a wonderful organization, that truly cares and seems to understand how important it is to shake off all of the medical worries, take a night off....and just have fun!

We drove downtown to the amazing Sherman Event Center and our family was greeted by some cheery volunteers - who showed us to the party....The kids ran ahead, so excited.

Brooklyn refused to sit on Santa's lap.  She kept saying "He isn't real...He isn't real"...

She told me that Santa was like Jesus...."He lives in your heart...and makes you feel magical."

I couldn't argue with that, so we just enjoyed watching as the other kids hopped on Santa's lap.

Each of my kids got a special gift, marked with their names, which we took home to put under our tree.

The amount of love and detail put into the Starlight events truly make me feel blessed.  We are able to allow our guard to come down, and just enjoy an evening out as a family...Not worried about how much money we are spending (Starlight covers all costs), or having someone feeling left out.

Thank You Starlight, for helping to make our family feel so loved!

StarLight Foundation!

I can't say enough good things, about the organizations that have come into my family's life since the diagnosis of Neurofibromatosis.  We have been so blessed by these charities and non-profits that words cannot possibly express how truly grateful we are!

Last night, our family was invited to a Denver Nuggets game, 

thanks to the awesomeness of the Starlight Foundation!

The kids were invited to "High Five" the players as they went onto the court...Riker says, 

"Wow basketball players have really big hands!"

We sat courtside during the practice and pre-game --

When we got to our seats - we settled in to watch an amazing game!  We know...as do the people who have had experiences with hardship of any kind, that events like this don't come around very often.  

It's organizations like Starlight, that understand how important "feeling normal" is to families...And for that OUR family would like to say THANK YOU!  Thank you for the thoughtfulness, and kindness you show families, who truly need it. 

THANK YOU STARLIGHT!

Starlight Foundation!

Last Night, our entire family was invited to our very first 'Great Escapes' event, held by the Starlight Foundation of Colorado.  It was AMAZING!

We were greeted by a wonderful group of volunteers who welcomed us with so much love, and handed us bracelets that got us into ALL the events held at Boondocks Fun Center.  Pizza and drinks were provided as well as a back pack filled with school supplies, for EACH of my kiddos.

We had a blast...An all expense paid "ESCAPE", was just what our family needed...And we soaked up every minute of our night out!

These are the times to hang onto...The times when worry is miles and miles away.  Where chemotherapy treatments, MRI's, blood draw and endless doctor visits are the farthest thing from our minds.

Our family has been blessed by so many wonderful people...who have created AMAZING circumstances.  This is what LIVING and THRIVING is all about!  Giving...Receiving.  And graciously appreciating all that we experience.

Hang on to the good...And give good to the world, you'll be amazed at what it can do!

Thank you StarLight Foundation, for our "Great Escape"...And helping to create memories to hang onto!

<3
The Hopkins/Archer Family!