Hello everyone! Many of you know our story but for those who don’t I am Danielle, single mom to six amazing humans. Our path has not been an easy one and these kids work so hard to make the best of it, every day. No doubt they have sibling squabbles but they take care of each other. They all excel academically and over the last couple of years have become strong competitors in the world of running. I have been the sole source of income, which has pushed the oldest 4 to get jobs at young ages and contribute to the household. They still maintain A’s in school and have extensive extracurricular involvement. Due to our strained financial reality, they have needs I can not meet. This is not a sad post about all the things they have gone without or their medical conditions but rather an opportunity to shine light on their collective progress. I am constantly grateful for the gift of being their parent and am asking for help so they may experience the opportunities they work endlessly to earn. Much like the ‘teach a man to fish’ proverb, I believe in the long term benefit which comes from teaching these kids skills and giving them tools to succeed. But my resources are limited and my plate is quite full. Teagan is a Senior, Keirnan is a Junior, McKenna is a Sophomore and Thatcher enters high school next year. As they near college age they are striving to expand in areas which will open doors to better schools and necessary scholarships, allowing them to improve their life’s position and give back to their community. Keirnan is a brilliant and creative student with huge goals. He is extremely active with the Creekview student council, Wind Ensemble and Marching Band with his eye on the position of Drum Major. He has already had multiple jobs and internships as he grows his resume for Georgia Tech. McKenna has been both Chapter Secretary and Junior President in FFA. She has only received one B in her entire schooling career though she takes the maximum number of AP and Honors classes. She exudes confidence and strength, quick to show up for a smile and a hug. Teagan works 2 jobs and volunteers locally while keeping on top of a heavy class load and rigorous training schedule for Track and Cross Country. I believe that if you meet Teagan you will find her to be one of the kindest, most humble people you will ever know. This past weekend Teagan, McKenna, Thatcher and Hawthorne all qualified to run in the USATF National Junior Olympic Championships. Thatcher is a gifted athlete running near National times, improving at an astonishing rate. Both he and Teagan stand an excellent chance of earning the title of ‘All American’- a remarkable feat for young athletes.The goal of all this time and hard work is to open doors for their academic futures. To do this, we need help. As a family we are generating income, working, training and studying as much as physically possible every 24 hour day. Bills mount at an alarming rate when multiplied by 6. McKenna needs travel fare to the FFA National Convention and Keirnan’s trumpet needs repair as his fees come due. On a hope and a prayer we are trying to get Thatcher and Teagan to race at the National Junior Olympic Championships on the other side of the country from us in Oregon. All the kids are active in 4-H, participating in our community leadership program. Sal and Hawthorne are 2 of our 4 high scoring AIM students (the talented and gifted school program). They study and train every day with all their hearts, hopefully learning by the great examples being set by their older siblings. If anyone knows of a business able to sponsor an athlete, PLEASE reach out to us! With love and gratitude, Danielle and ‘The Flying Lamps’.
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