If you would like to check out her post and buy the CD or make a donation to Charlie go HERE or read on...
Adult Version of a Pitiful Lemonade Stand by Jo Crabb
We met when I was a sophomore in college. It was love at first site. She was a vivacious, bombshell blonde with an intensely loud voice and an infectious laugh. We were in choir together but I was certain she'd never seen me. I figured she'd be vain or vapid and decided against approaching her. She'd be like everyone else, I thought, and judge me or feel sorry for me. At 4 months pregnant and only 18 years old, I knew better than to try to make friends. But one night at a small party my roommates were throwing, and despite my turned back and disenchanted expression, her none-to-keen boyfriend insisted that we meet. We awkwardly shook hands while I fumbled for words. I felt it my duty to release her from the terrible predicament of striking up a conversation with a stranger in my obviously delicate and odd state.
"Patrick has told me so much about you..." I muttered quickly, while avoiding eye contact.
"Oh
really? Well he's told me so much about YOU! I've heard your a
fantastic musician. I think we have choir together, right?" She asked
while looking me directly in the eye. "And I heard you snowboard. You
should come to this snow event tomorrow up in Park City with me,"
completely ignoring the fact that I was a waddling faux pas.
And just like that. We were best friends.
It's
been ten years. She's loved me through pregnancy, adoption, marriage,
thousands of miles of separation, a marathon, grad school, another
pregnancy, twins, and all the other aspects of my life over this past
decade.
And
I've loved her through marriage, a marathon, grad school, moving to
D.C, trips to Europe, a house, another house, pregnancy, and...
seizures.
Shortly
after Leah turned 24 she began to have seizures. The seizures were
debilitating and intense. She went to numerous medical specialists and
they could not pin point the problem. But through a long, painful, and
tedious process, Leah found a way to cope -
and that's where Charlie comes in.
Charlie
is Leah's seizure alert dog. Whenever Leah is going to have a seizure,
Charlie gives her a 5 - 10 min warning of its onset by "freaking out".
He will jump, bark, and even lick her face. This allows Leah enough time
to get to a safe place and lie down or call for help. Charlie is an
amazing dog. And how fitting for such an amazing girl?!
Sadly,
Charlie was recently diagnosed with cancer. He has gone through a major
surgery to remove three cancerous tumors and will need to receive chemo
and radiation therapy. These treatments are extremely expensive and
while Leah has paid for the cost of the surgery, she cannot cover the
cost of the treatments he needs to receive and the cost of having her
baby (she is 7 months pregnant!) It's crucial Charlie is with Leah,
especially at this important time, to ensure the safety of both Leah and
her baby.
SO
Thank
you for giving to a cause that has deep and personal meaning to me.
Please pass this on to anyone you know who might also consider giving.
I love you all.
Have a wonderful holiday season and the Merriest Christmas!
Sincerely,
Jo
p.s. To read more about Charlie, see the blog Super Dog Charlie Pants here,
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