Using Faith to Conquer Fears
August 9, 2009 by Danielle Smith · 2 Comments
I don’t think I will ever cease to be amazed by the pure strength, the unshakable faith of Jenn and Chris Hawn.
A few weeks ago, I shared their story with you. Their young son, Ryan, was suffering from Spinal Muscular Atrophy - a disease that was certain to rob them of many years of joy with him.
The disease did just that. Ryan turned 6 months old on July 27th – and passed away in his parent’s arms that evening. Knowing he was deteriorating, they had kept him in bed with them. About two o’clock in the morning they realized Ryan was preparing to leave them.
They had feared his last moments would be painful, but their faith was rewarded by a deep breath and a smile like none they had ever seen. Jenn shares this remarkable moment here. I can’t do it justice.
Confident that Ryan had just witnessed the most beautiful scene imaginable and that he is finally free from all the restraints daily pain from SMA placed on him – the couple are able to smile through their pain.
At a time I’m not certain I would be capable of standing, this mother and father relied heavily on their faith and each other – and by example – teach the true meaning of faith.
And they are able to continue to encourage people to fight Spinal Muscular Atrophy by signing the petition to provide necessary funding to eliminate this disease and others like it.
You too can help. The petition can be found on the right hand side of the Hawn Family Website - it will only take about 2 minutes to sign.
About the Author: Danielle Smith is a mommy to two smart and sassy small people, as well as the founder and primary author of ExtraordinaryMommy.com. You can catch her hosting a brand new live show, The Spin Cycle, on MomTV.com every Wednesday at 9pmEST. She also hosts a show on Blog Talk Radio and contributes to WhyMomsMatter. Danielle is thrilled to be contributing to MomItForward as ‘giving back’ has always been an important part of who she is and what she hopes to teach her children.
Mom Fights for Her Son, Fights for a Cure
July 15, 2009 by Danielle Smith · 1 Comment
Sometimes life deals you an unbearable hand.
This is the case for Jennifer Hawn. When she gave birth to a sweet little boy on January 27 of this year, she was over the moon to have a healthy son, Ryan. But her joy was short lived. In only 2 months, Ryan had trouble eating, his muscle tone deteriorated, and his breathing became rapid. Jenn knew there was something wrong.
The day he turned 4 months old was the day the doctors put a name to Ryan’s disease. He had Spinal Muscular Atrophy. There is no cure for SMA and very little in the way of treatment. SMA has the nauseating distinction of being the number one genetic killer of young children. Jenn and her husband Chris were told there was nothing that could be done to save their son.
So, Ryan is at home. Every day, Jenn stares into he son’s eyes, she talks to him, she tells him she loves him, but she can’t help but hurt, knowing she will be robbed of so many moments.
This incredibly strong woman, along with her equally brave husband, are preparing as best they can. Jenn shares her family’s journey online and hopes that one day, a cure for SMA will keep another family from experiencing her pain.
The true sign of someone extraordinary: the ability to feel for others while experiencing the worst pain of your life. If enough people sign the petition on Jenn’s site, there may soon be additional funds used to research, and one day, cure this terrible disease.
All it takes is a signature.
The family pictures you see in this post were taken by Darcie Deneal of The Jeremy Project - a not-for-profit photographing children with special needs and circumstances.
About the Author: Danielle Smith is a mommy to two smart and sassy small people, as well as the founder and primary author of ExtraordinaryMommy.com. You can catch her hosting a brand new live show, The Spin Cycle, on MomTV.com every Wednesday at 9pmEST. She also hosts a show on Blog Talk Radio and contributes to WhyMomsMatter. Danielle is thrilled to be contributing to MomItForward as ‘giving back’ has always been an important part of who she is and what she hopes to teach her children.
