Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Thank you!

I have been receiving notes from people that have thanked me for taking action to help raise money for Yong's operation and medical care. The ones that really deserve the thanks are the adults that took the time to read a message from a ten year old. Together we made a difference. I wish I could thank everyone in person for helping me spread the word about Yong and to bring attention to him. I am looking forward to following his journey to recovery. I will keep you up to date the best I can. Thank you so much for caring about a small little boy in China and for taking the time to read my blog and for taking action. Enjoy those Ooodles of Noodles for Yong!

Sunday, February 10, 2013

We had a "take your breath away" moment today!

It is with much excitement and heartfelt thanks that I share with you the great news that Love Without Boundaries has raised enough money to bring Yong over to the States for his life saving surgery. In less than 24 hours, with your help and support, Love Without Boundaries was able to raise nearly $60,000. ($100,000 total in just five days). Natalie and I watched the numbers go up as the day went on and then all of a sudden it stated, $0.00 needed to fund Yong's operation. I thought it was a mistake so I kept Natalie busy doing other things while I waited to hear from Love Without Boundaries. A little while later a message was placed on their site. They confirmed what I was so hoping was true. They received the funds they needed to move forward with Yong's treatment. When I told Natalie she looked up calmly and said, "Really? Are you sure?" That was quickly followed by a very excited squeal. It was a proud mama moment! I cannot thank you enough for supporting Natalie. She is looking forward to following along on Yong's journey as he seeks treatment and as he recovers. This little boy has touched so many lives. I love how Amy Eldridge, CEO of Love Without Boundaries, stated in her announcement that "This is real love in action."

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Meet Yong!

The other day I saw a photo of this boy from China on my mom's facebook page. His face was all swollen. I asked my mom what was wrong with him. I was curious to see if Love Without Boundaries was looking for a way to make him better. My mom explained his story to me. I told her I wanted to try and help him. When we found out that they need to raise a $100,000 by March 1st, I was a little worried that I could not raise that much in such a short period of time. I thought about it for a couple of days and decided that I needed to help Yong. I was not going to let another day go by without trying to do something for this little boy. You see, Yong was abandoned in China just like me. There were lots of people in China that took care of me and I am very thankful for that. I am happy and healthy now and I want the same future for Yong. I want him to get better so he can have a forever family just like me. You might be wondering, "How is a ten year old girl going to raise that much money?" I got to thinking the other night when we went out for dinner, maybe we should have stayed home instead of spending all that money on food, we had plenty at home to eat. I thought maybe we should have stayed home and have sent that money to Love Without Boundaries to help Yong. Then I began to think, what happens if I talked all of my friends and family members into doing the same thing. Think of all the money we could save and send to Love Without Boundaries for little Yong. What would happen if I could get my friend's friends and family members to do the same thing? I read in a Chinese New Year book yesterday that noodles represent "long life" to the Chinese people. That is exactly what I want for Yong. I want him to have a long, healthy life. So, here is my hope, I hope that everyone who reads this will skip going out for dinner for one night and stay home and eat a bowl of noodles instead. Then send the money you would have spent to Love Without Boundaries so Yong can get the life saving surgery he needs. So, let's all eat Ooodles of Noodles for Yong!