The PEACE Fund Helping Hands Blog

Jordan is soaring. The tutoring is helping him so much. He is still struggling but his effort and confidence are at an all time high. He got his report card and although it wasn't the best academically his efforts were noted. He has built a strong relationship with his tutor. She is not only helping him with catching up on his school work; she is also helping him to have confidence in his ability to succeed. We still have a way to go to get him where he needs to be but he is well on his way. I am so thankful for the Helping Hand and everyone that is helping to support Jordan's education and success.

We are so excited to let everyone know that Livy's Tobii Eye Gaze system was fully funded and will be delivered soon! We are so grateful to the Peacefund and all those who supported the fundraiser for Livy. This is an amazing opportunity for her to learn a whole different way of communication and it could truly change her life.

What a wonderful time of the year to receive this type of gift. Livy and Hailey are busy preparing for their 11th birthday on December 15th and Christmas soon after. They love spending time together and are seen here painting a wooden Advent Christmas tree. They have a very unique relationship and despite Livy not having the ability to speak, the girls have their own special way of talking to each other. We are so hopeful that Livy's new system will one day allow her to interact with Hailey on a whole new level. That is something we have been wishing for over the course of many years. But there is no better season for hope, faith and wishes!

We will be sure to share more details when we receive our very special package.

Jordan had a project. He had to write and present a speech to his class. The subject was about his hero. Jordan chose to write about his cousin Paul who did three tours in Iraq. Jordan dressed in his camouflage outfit and delivered his speech to his class. Jordan was so passionate about his hero that he was asked to give the speech again at an assembly honoring Veteran's Day. Jordan's self esteem got a real boost from that and was happy about his grade of 3+.

Our daughter, Olivia Hope (Livy) and her twin sister, Hailey, were born at 37 and a half weeks after a normal pregnancy. We found out that Livy had a form of epilepsy after having her first seizure just hours after birth. She was originally diagnosed with a rare type of infant epilepsy called Ohtahara Syndrome but has since had her diagnosis changed to Multi-Focal Partial Epilepsy. During the first trimester, Olivia's brain did not form properly and she has what is termed cortical dysplasia. She had a lobectomy of her left temporal and occipital lobes when she was 15 months old and a functional hemispherectomy when she was four. She has endured many long hospital stays, testing and medications. She is globally delayed but has made many achievements, ones the doctors never thought possible. Olivia is one of the happiest, most inspiring, and amazing little girls.

We are so honored that Livy was chosen for a Peace Fund Helping Hands initiative! We will be sharing some history and updates about Livy and her sister Hailey and more information about our family's organization, Livy's Hope. Thank you for being a part of our journey :)

Jordan's self esteem is building up day by day. He is eager and feels confident that he can do the work. It helps that he really likes his teacher. The tutoring is making a huge difference. He is proud and smiling. I see my child really trying hard and succeeding slowly but surely. Thank you everyone. #grateful