From Thanksgiving through the New Year, no matter what traditions you celebrate, it is a time when people come together and give thanks. It is a time when loved ones unite. It is a time when many of us pause and take stock in all that we have to be grateful for.
Over the past month I have read countless gratitude blog posts and status updates–people who took the time to sit down and write out a number of things they value, love and are thankful for. Many of them are beautiful and remind me how wonderful it is to know so many people who show up to their lives grateful every day.
Although I have a gratitude list, this year my mind has been focused on two things:
- Health.
- How fragile life is.
The reason these two things have consumed me is our family has been aching with concern over a young man in our community, his name is Aaron Loy.
Aaron contracted Neisseria Meningitis an illness that were it not for his friends who rushed him to the hospital, could have ended his life. An illness that led to the fight of his life. An illness that ultimately led to the amputation of both of his lower legs.
Understand that although Aaron may not be your son–really he could be anyone’s child.
Three weeks ago he was a freshman at college–off doing what so many of our kids have done, are doing, or one day will. He was working hard. He was playing sports. He was staying fit. He was doing nothing wrong. The thing is Meningitis isn’t something we can see. This strain of it isn’t even one we can vaccinate against right now. It is a silent and at times deadly disease. And what is surprising is how many cases we now are hearing about that have been contracted on college campuses.
Although there is nothing we can do to change the course of events that took place already, we can help Aaron on his road to recovery, truly there is no gift too small.
It is Giving Tuesday and Aaron will require countless dollars, above and beyond what insurance covers, to reclaim the active life he once led.
If you are looking for a great cause please consider helping Aaron by standing with him today.
Here are ways you can help:
HelpHopeLive – In Honor of Aaron Loy
(Tax Deductible)
https://www.bit.ly/HHLAaronLoy
Aaron Loy Recovery Fund
(Gift / Non Tax Deductible)
Pacific Premier Bank
781 Garden View Court, Suite 100
Encinitas, CA 92024
Thank you for your consideration…truly everything helps. The power of social media is incredible, so even if sharing is the only thing you can do–please know that helps too: #StandwithAaron #GivingTuesday
So glad you shared this Elin. As always, your eloquence goes deep. I don’t know the family but they have been in my thoughts since I heard this story and I’m so glad to know how to help. Thank you.
Thank you Dianna, your help and thoughts are both appreciated.
Thanks so much for sharing. I’m praying for the family and community. So glad it’s never too late to help someone.
Thank you so much Sabrina, your thoughts and prayers are very appreciated.
I never heard of Meningitis causing amputation of legs; just never knew. I hear countless reports on the news about the trouble in college with this illness, but they don’t go into details. Thanks for this loving post about Aaron.
Thank you for taking the time to read Aaron’s story Sue. Like you I had no idea either. Information is so important. There is a vaccination that works to prevent the strain of meningitis that he contracted but, it hasn’t been approved in the US yet. Creating awareness is certainly a positive shift in the right direction.
Oh my. It is true life can change in an instant. My heartfelt thoughts to him and his family.
Thank you Haralee.