Rockwall, TX (September 3, 2024) – Ellison Liechty of Heath was only 13 when her life was cut short by the heartbreaking disease of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). A beautiful young lady who loved her family, her friends, and dressing up, Ellison had big dreams for the future.
Kim Bruce of Rockwall lost her father in 2010, soon after he was diagnosed with Leukemia. Kim was a young adult at the time, and she and her two younger brothers understandably felt a deep loss. Yet Kim also saw strength and resilience in her mom, who – faced with a new reality – took charge of her own health. That led her Mom to a diagnosis of thyroid cancer, from which she is now recovered.
Noelle Digiovanni of Heath has not experienced cancer from a child’s perspective; however, her husband, Daniel, is a childhood cancer survivor, having survived Leukemia as a three-year-old. Unfortunately, Noelle and their two children ages 3 and 9 now have a personal connection. Daniel has been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. Thankfully, he is doing well.
As these three families know, life has a way of interrupting our days, sometimes in cruel ways.
“Cancer changes your perspective,” says Noelle. “You appreciate that life is short.”
Not only is there appreciation for fleeting moments but the motivation to help others grows even stronger. “We feel the need to do more,” she says.
Kim became an advocate for awareness, who for years joined with her family to host blood drives in her father’s memory.
Julie and her family are also on a mission to do more!
The three families find themselves woven together – each with a similar experience but perhaps a different perspective. Each with a drive to do something that will honor their loved ones, make a difference, and bring happiness and joy to others.
Born out of Ellison’s hospital stay, Tailgate for Toys is one way to do just that.
As Ellison spent nine long months in the hospital, her friends and family witnessed first-hand her need for distraction and moments of joy. Having new forms of entertainment was so helpful, especially in those difficult days. Julie recalls that Ellison, while a patient herself, was often online shopping for toys to be delivered to the fellow patients surrounding her.
“We were all aware of the pain and sadness around us,” says Julie. “Even while Ellison was hurting, she wanted to help others.”
In recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness month, Julie, Kim, and Noelle have planned an event to help deliver moments of joy to the young patients at Children’s Health in Dallas.
TAILGATE FOR TOYS
Tailgate for Toys is scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13 at Standard Service in Heath. The community is invited to help fulfill their mission for Childhood Cancer Awareness month by dropping off a new toy donation for patients at the Dallas hospital. Then, stay awhile at Standard Service to enjoy music, great food, and prize drawings before Rockwall-Heath High School’s home football game.
If you can’t make it to the Tailgate for Toys event, you may drop toy donations at Juvanew Spa or The Retreat.
Through each of their stories, a message resonates loudly – show empathy towards others, be present for others, and inspire each other to show love year-round because life can change quickly. If you feel called to help others like these families do, Tailgate for Toys is a great place to start.
The Liechty, Bruce, and Digiovanni families continue to spread that positive message in their own ways. Read on for how they are making even more difference here at home and far away.
LOVE, ELLISON
Along with Ellison’s best friend Emerson, Julie started Love, Ellison, a jewelry company that gives back to big things in big ways. Ellison dreamed of becoming a veterinarian in Africa to elephants. While her professional dream was not possible, her desire to help these magnificent creatures is being realized through Love, Ellison. Donating proceeds to African Elephant conservation sanctuaries and like-minded charities, allows those who loved Ellison to continue to support the things she was passionate about in her short life.
UPTOWN MOM
Noelle shares their story on her Instagram blog @uptownmom_dallas hoping to encourage others through their experience. Although she found herself struggling with her husband’s diagnosis initially, Noelle found the ability to share their news and gain strength in doing so. From there, the family has been surrounded by the community. “Heath has been beyond generous and helpful,” she said.
ORGANIZING SPACES BY KIM
Organizing Spaces by Kim, which provides organization and packing services to families locally and across the US, seeks to provide support, awareness, and help to cancer related organizations and those promoting blood donation. During her dad’s illness, Kim and her family saw the need and sometimes the wait for blood products, especially platelets. As a result of her personal experience, Kim has actively given blood and been a source to encourage others to do so.
Blue Ribbon News Staff Report. Courtesy photos.
Three Families, One Mission: Tailgate for Toys event set for Sept.13 at Standard Service added by Melanie M on
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