It’s funny because years ago when starting my blog and page I cared so much about growing a following. I wanted a large number of followers and readers because that signified true success of an online business in my mind. However, in the past two years since balancing Lively Girl with motherhood, I realized something. It’s only worth being on this platform if I utilize it for good… to help other people. It’s obviously a passion of mine to talk about fitness and leading a healthy lifestyle. But for the rest of this month, I just want to focus on helping families in need for Christmas. I want to help families struggling and make a difference, even if it’s in a small way. Thank you so much for being such a supportive & loving community. Thank you for following along and for getting just as excited as I am about helping out families this Christmas and making their holiday season so much brighter. YOU are amazing and making a difference in this world. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
This idea came about several days ago and just took off. I asked on my Lively Girl Instagram for people to send me an email if they knew of a family struggling that could use help this Christmas. The emails came rolling in and the rest was history! I asked for those nominating families to give a paragraph or two explaining the family’s situation so you all would understand why they needed help. I decided to choose two families as of now but if this goes well, I will add more.
I asked each family to make a wish list off amazon. Some of these items are $5-$10, every little bit counts so just do what you can do to help! It will go a long way! Let’s lift these families up and make them feel LOVED!
Ready to meet our families?! The first family is the Bohners! They were nominated by Jocelyn. Here is the very first email sent to me by her explaining the situation.
“Hi! I think it’s so amazing that you’re using your platform for this.
The family I would like to nominate is the Bohners. They go to my church and this is their story.
Martha and Bill help take care of their grandchildren Noelle and Noah as their mom is unstable and I’m unsure of where there dad is but he isn’t in the picture. Noelle was born with a brain tumor that at age 12 she is starting to now have new issues with. She also was born crooked so they scheduled surgery to straighten her out so she would be able to walk better and when they did surgery her heart began failing. She is currently on a transplant list but can’t have the transplant because other organs are starting to fail and they have to stabilize her first before they can do a surgery as big as a heart transplant (she only has one working kidney and that’s part of the problem). Her brother Noah has been drug along through all of this and her grandparents and mom have been staying at the hospital with her for months in Philadelphia (about 2 hours from their home). They have spent a lot of money on the hotel stays and medical bills and I know they don’t have extra for Christmas.
Unfortunately, their grandfather Bill was injured this weekend now (they cannot catch a break). He went to help someone look at something wrong with their house and fell off the ladder and broke all of his ribs on his left side and one punctured his lung and so he is now in intensive care. It’s incredibly heartbreaking what this family has been through this year and I know this would brighten their holiday up to be able to provide a gift to the kids.
Thanks again for doing this! Whether this family gets chosen or not this is an amazing thing that will touch someone’s heart so deeply.
Love your instagram friend,
Jocelyn Schlegel”
*Once the item is purchased, it disappears off the list so you won’t see what’s already been purchased!
Next up, meet the Rutherfords! This family was nominated by Sawyer. Here is the very first email she sent me explaining the family’s past year and struggles.
“Hi Rachel,
Wishing you a happy holiday season! I just loved your idea for helping a family in need, and couldn’t resist sharing one of the most strong and enduring families I know. I, of course, didn’t mention to this family that I am doing this, but I can’t think of anyone who deserves this more.
Alicia and Landon Rutherford. My family first met Landon and his twin Brandon when he was about 12 and I was around 5 years old. He and his brother grew up with their grandmother and we first met them when they came by asking to rake leaves or now lawns, and my Dad and Mom really bonded with them and continued to reach out and form a relationship with them. As a child, Landon and his brother always stood out to me as hard working, caring individuals.
Since then, Landon has married an amazing woman named Alicia, who is one of the most selfless and caring individuals I have ever met and is a hard working mother of 5. Her youngest son is (I believe) almost a senior in High School. He has dealt with quite a few injuries due to playing football, which I’m sure was costly to the family.
This past year, Alicia’s oldest daughter, passed away after losing her fight against breast cancer, leaving behind her young son Ayden (Alicia’s grandson) who is special needs.
Now Alicia, after raising her own children and losing one to breast cancer, has taken on raising her young grandson with her husband Landon (who now is a stay at home parental figure to Ayden.)
Alicia works tirelessly to support their family. Alicia currently works all day at one job, and then in the evenings she works for a grocery delivery service.
Despite all of these hardships and difficulties Alicia and Landon have always been positive and done their best to endure. Despite everything they have been through, they continue to do all they can to help others and support their family and all those around them.
I’ve really never encountered such hardships in my entire life, and I couldn’t imagine doing it with such positivity, strength and perseverance. They never ask anyone for anything.
I included pictures of Alicia and Landon, as well as pictures she has shared of her grandson and daughter when she was in the hospital.
Best of luck choosing a family in need! I’m sure you have so many stories to consider. It’s absolutely beautiful that you are using your platform to help others. As a soon to be mother, I’ve also greatly appreciated all of your wisdom and stories! I hope you and your family are all doing well!
All the best,
Sawyer Krause”
*Once the item is purchased, it disappears off the list so you won’t see what’s already been purchased!
Thank you all SO much for taking the time to read this post, for donating, and for caring. This community is amazing and you are making such a difference in these families’ lives.
