Well once again, turning onto Medical District Drive and pulling up to the hospital was an emotional challenge as all I could think about was my precious Luke. This was his desire and he was supposed to be with us and I wanted him to experience giving out all the nerf guns like he wanted to. But then I remembered he is having much more fun than giving away Nerf guns. And if he was supposed to be here, he would be here. God had different plans for Luke so I put my big girl panties on, dried up my tears , and quoted once again one of my favorite scriptures: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I can do this!
We loaded up all the Nerf guns and care packages filling up 4 big carts! When we arrived at the 6th floor, the pediatric cancer floor, I was at home again. I received such a warm welcome from my hospital family. They were there for me from the time Luke was diagnosed until the day he passed away. They will always be such an important part of my life. 
We set up all the guns, which were approximately 200! There were already around 50 there from a sweet nurse named Dusty. Her husband’s company donated them. Wow! What another wonderful blessing!
We couldn’t wait to see the first patient walk in and here they come…eek! Seeing these kids walk in and watching how their faces just light up is priceless. 
Some have hair, some are bald, some are in the midst of losing their hair, some have IV poles, some are in wheelchairs, others are isolated or are too sick to get out of bed so the parents, nurses, or ChildLife specialist come pick out some guns to take to them. I look at these kids and have no idea what their future holds, only God knows. My heart breaks that anyone has to go through this vicious disease, but my heart breaks even more for CHILDREN who have cancer. Cancer tortures and steals a child’s life. Cancer is the NUMBER ONE disease killer of children in our country. When a child has cancer, every day is precious and it was so wonderful to be able to bring so much joy to these kids even if it was just for one day. 
We also collaborated with the Carson Leslie Foundation which is the foundation that did this for Luke last year and inspired Luke to do this for others. This was a blessing as well. I met many new families and I believe God put each one of them in my life to pray for. I want to make a difference in the lives of many children and their families. Right now, we are only able to do a little but I pray that this foundation will grow beyond our expectations and we will be able to help many many families financially as well.
God is so good and I am so thankful for him moving the hearts of so many to help make this happen. We are wrapping about 80 Nerf guns to take to the hospital so they can be delivered on Christmas Day.
Each child walked out with 3-5 Nerf guns and bullets. They were so excited! Some wanted to pick out one for their Mom or Dad so they could have a Nerf battle together or wanted to pick one out for their brother or sister. Our family is filled with so much joy to be able to give to these kids. Giving to pediatric cancer patients and families is my biggest passion. This was Luke’s passion first and now it is ours. We will carry on his legacy through the LukeStrong foundation. It is more healing and therapeutic than anything else in the world.
Thank you Lord for giving our family this amazing opportunity! And thank you to all my friends, family, and community for making this happen. Love you all!
