The thought never occurred to me to sponsor a fundraiser.
But God had other plans.
In the two years since I’d last visited my niece, Jenn, she and her family had walked a perilous journey. She’d begun her course to take Early Childhood Educator, Level 2, but almost immediately experienced disturbing symptoms. While continuing her classes and her work at a local daycare, this mother of four also found time for multiple doctor’s appointments. For many months, the doctors were stymied, and during that time, her symptoms worsened. Months later, the diagnosis of an aggressive form of Parkinson’s Disease or possibly Multiple Systems Atrophy set the course for the future. Her legs often failed and the resulting falls lead to painful bruises and cuts. Through the tremors, the freezing and other difficult symptoms, she soldiered on, completing her course and graduating on her 45th birthday. Jenn calls herself a Ninja, and so she is.
As I sat across the table from her, I saw so many Jenns. There were hints of the old Jenn with the great sense of humour and the indomitable spirit. I hugged her and wanted to hold her tight and somehow make it better, but of course, I couldn’t. I saw the Jenn with crooked glasses from multiple falls, the tremors she tried to still for our picture, the uncontrolled movements and frailty I’d never seen before. We chatted about life, family and her disease, and she mentioned how she’d love to have a three-wheeled bike that she could ride without the fear of falling. This former marathon runner could no longer safely go for a walk, but this kind of bike would make it possible to get out.
A bike. Hmmmm.
Something about this struck me, and without the least idea how, I knew I wanted to get her that bike.
I didn’t have the money. When I returned home, I stood in my living room and looked around. What could I sell? It was then I remembered the patio table and chairs sitting in my garage. That would be a good start.
My friend helped me pull them out and I hosed them down. Dragging them into the driveway, I staged them and took pictures. Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji would certainly give me enough exposure to sell them. Excitement mounted.
At the last minute, I thought I’d send out a group email to friends and neighbours, just in case anyone wanted to purchase them. It would be easier to sell to a friend. I mentioned my price remained firm because the money would go toward the bike project. That’s when God stepped in.
One of my friends replied, “IThe table’s too big for me, but why don’t we all pitch in and get the bike for her?” This response astounded me, but I felt a little embarrassed. I didn’t want my friends to think I meant to ask for money. But before I could reply, money began arriving.
Email transfer after email transfer. People arrived at my door and stopped me in church. I couldn’t hold back my tears or my excitement. This was happening.
I listed the table and chairs, and calls began for those, too.
I began talking to one of Jenn’s daughters and my nephew, and together we exulted over this miracle. Within five days, the table and chair sold and the rest of the money sat in the account. I transferred it to my nephew, who took over the purchasing and assembling.
Two weeks after the day I looked around my living room for things to sell, Jenn received her bike at a family dinner. Totally astounded, her happy tears were testimony to how God brought this together.
The card read, “Dear Jenn, Years ago you ran a marathon in honour of Bill. This is me running for you.” The card also contained the names of the 13 people who came together to be part of the miracle.
Jenn needs more miracles. Cassandra, one of her daughters, has started a GoFundMe to raise money for an indoor bike (Manitoba’s winters are long and cold) and a special walker. The financial burden of the family, as well as caregiver duties, have fallen to her husband, David. He, too, is a Ninja, but the burden is heavy.
Can you help? If you can, in any amount, click on the link below and give. If not, I totally understand. I’m having that kind of a week, too. But could you share the GoFundMe to your Facebook page so others can see? The more people who view, the more may want to be a part of the miracle. If you don’t know how I will post it on my page and you can share it from there.
We love you, Jenn.
Jenn’s MSA/Parkinsonism Journey
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The Amazing Small Miracle of Awe-Inspiring People