Precious Tori

This past Tuesday I was lucky enough to get to finally meet sweet Tori and her mother Penny. Tori is an 8 year old beautiful little girl who is currently undergoing treatment for brain cancer. I met them at the mall with Leighton and we ate at the American Girl Doll Bistro. The place was so adorable and we had so much fun. We sat there asking questions and laughing about funny times. Lunch was a blast! After lunch, we went shopping for a little bit where we got some games for Hunter, and some clothes for Tori. Throughout this whole experience, I have never felt God's presence more than I have this past week. For example, we were sitting at lunch and Tori said she wanted the shirt she had on in grey... well sure enough, someone had mailed me that exact shirt in grey just a week earlier. The American Girl look-alike doll she picked out just happened to be the doll Mrs. Bennett had bought for Tori. Out of all 20 look-alike dolls, somehow we picked the right one before she ever even picked one out! While in Buckle shopping for Hunter, Penny picked up a shirt and a hat that Hunter had specifically wanted. It was the EXACT hat and shirt my brother had bought for him. How did this happen? I can only assume it was God's way of helping! I have felt God more in the past week than ever before and it feels AMAZING! Leighton and I spent so much time wrapping, collecting, and shopping we were so excited to take all of the gifts to Columbus. We made our trip on Thursday and dropped off all the presents at the Svenson's house. My car was EXTREMELY packed and there was no way we could have fit four more gifts! It felt awesome to have filled up my entire car with gifts for this family who was so deserving. While in Columbus we played Price is Right with Tori and Hunter and also had dance parties! We had so much fun! I didn't want to say goodbye but we had to get back since the weather was suppose to get bad. I am wishing the Svenson's the merriest Christmas of all! This family is so close to my heart and I plan on staying in touch and visiting even after I head back to school! I am so blessed to have met such amazing people. The Svenson's were the best gift I could have asked for this Christmas! Everyone please continue to pray for Tori and her family! Although I wish I could be there with them on Christmas morning I know they will have an amazing Christmas!

Christmas is about giving!

For those of you who know, I have decided to help out a family in need this Christmas. The Svenson family is a family who displays love, passion, hope, and faith. Tori Svenson who is only eight years old was diagnosed with a very malignant form of brain cancer earlier this year. She has undergone over 30 radiation treatments and is currently receiving chemo treatments. She will be receiving chemotherapy until June or July of 2012. This little girl is so strong and has had to give up so much in her life. She is a little girl and her soul is having to fight for her life. Hunter Svenson is thirteen and an amazing big brother from what I hear. He cares for Tori and tries to soothe and comfort her in anyway possible. He has never resented his sister... just this awful disease affecting her! Their father, Todd, is currently in the military who was actually away on duty during the time Tori was born. Penny has had to spend every day caring for Tori and shuttling her to and from treatments. As you can imagine, finances are more than tight for this family this Christmas. Their story spoke to me and inspired me to help them out. They don't deserve to not wake up Christmas morning without anything. It isn't just Tori fighting this awful disease, its the whole family. They DESERVE a day filled with love, joy, excitement, and happiness. I have rallied up as many people as possible to help me give this family the Christmas deserve. I feel so blessed to have such caring people in my life. Everyone is coming together to help this family out without even knowing them, and it truly warms my soul. I am so thankful to know such amazing people with such amazing hearts! I cannot wait to see everything we get for the Svenson family, and I especially can't wait to hear about their Christmas morning experience. I pray each night that Tori can win this evil battle, and her family can have relief. I am hoping each and everyone of you reading this blog post in someway or somehow helps someone in need this Christmas season. Christmas is about giving NOT receiving. If anyone is interested in providing gifts or donations to this family you can email me at laurenmc820@yahoo.com I hope everyone has a blessed day!

XOXO,
Lauren