author: Jeanette Mesite Frem

We have heard the expression, “it takes a village to raise a child”.  It’s beyond true.  It’s more than true.  It’s perfectly true.

Today was another demonstration of how a village works.  A few weeks ago, after quietly supporting the family of a little 2-year-old boy named Kai, who was fighting a brain tumor, Kai’s Village rallied out loud.  Kai’s parents and doctors had reached a point where there wasn’t anything more they could do so–they knew that Kai was soon to become an angel.  Friends of Kai’s parents gathered and decided to make meals, deliver clothes and organize a fundraiser.

That fundraiser was held today.  Kai’s Village Holiday Market collected 45 vendors, a local musician, a bake sale, free massages and over 140 donated raffle items.  Most of the vendors volunteered to donate a portion (or even 100%) of their sales to Kai’s family*.  Volunteers from the community (some who hadn’t even met Kai) even volunteered to man or woman booths or help set up and clean up.  It was mind-blowingly wonderful.

It’s wonderful to see something so magical happening for a good cause.  And my heart grew as I watched so many smiling people lifting up Kai’s family with their hard work.

Kudos to those of you who organized today’s event–you know who you are.  Thank you.

And thank you, Kerri, Kai’s inspirational and strong mom, for sharing your journey through your blog and allowing us to surround you with love and become an even stronger village.

* more evidence of how generous and loving Kai’s mom is, she asked that a portion of all funds raised go to Sherry’s House.