Paying-It-Forward for Brandi

 Not long ago I was in my local Starbucks waiting for my “No-water, Ice Americano” to help prop me up for the rest of the afternoon work.   As I waited for my caffeine, I wandered over to a community bulletin board located on a nearby wall that was filled with notices on various subjects  There were offers for everything from babysitting services, lawn mowing, to landscape design.  One particular notice came to my attention though, almost immediately. 

On a white sheet of paper was pictured a beautiful girl of 28 along with a brief description of how the young woman had been unfortunately surprised with the discovery of a very serious health crisis.  She had been diagnosed with liver cancer.  The vibrant young woman’s name was Brandi.  In speaking with those working at Starbucks, one of the absent employees apparently knew Brandi or her family.  The notice explained that part of Brandi’s treatment would include an organ transplant that would be very expensive and difficult for her and her family to financially manage.  From the notice it was also abundantly clear that Brandi had a large network of friends and family cheerleaders in close support.  A fundraising breakfast at the local Applebee’s restaurant was being planned.  There was to be a silent auction too from donations provided by individuals and local businesses to support Brandi in her health struggle.  I wrote down the date and time of the breakfast gathering and headed home. 

That evening around the dinner table I told my daughters about what I had seen and learned that afternoon at Starbucks.  I told them I felt this was an opportunity for us to Pay-It-Forward.  The girls agreed and immediately said they wanted to go the fundraiser on Saturday. While my  oldest ended up unable to attend, my 8^th grader had a friend sleep-over and upon hearing about Brandi decided she too wanted to come along in support. 

When we entered Applebee’s, Brandi’s father was at the door greeting everyone who came in.  He collected our small donations for the breakfast, gave us our tickets (to be included in a raffle) and graciously thanked us for supporting his family.  We spoke for a few minutes about Brandi and learned she was in the process of undergoing further testing to clarify the treatment  path forward.  While speaking  with Brandi’s father, other friends and family came to the door to welcome and thank us.  I asked if there was another way we could give in support and then noticed a small offering box.  I placed some additional money in the box and then watched as my daughters and their friend each volunteered their allowance to be given for Brandi.  The actions of the girls really were noticed by those in the room as such a clear example of how selfless giving can help others in need.   I could tell that Brandi’s father was particularly touched by the actions of the girls.

We stayed to bid on some of the silent auction items, later returning as we won several items the girls plan to use to give as Christmas presents this year.  But before we left, I had the chance to talk with one of the many Brandi supporters (Jena) about how impressed I was by how the group gathered that day was Paying-It-Forward for Brandi.  I had the chance to explain what Paradigm employees were doing for others, partially as a community service, but also as a natural extension of their caring nature for others.  I could tell that Jena was really hearing the Pay-It-Forward message and how special selfless giving is – not just for the person receiving the grace, but also for the person who gives.  Several weeks later, I received a note that Jena was already finding ways to give and Pay-It-Forward.   

Please keep Brandi and her family in your ongoing prayers as this special group of active cheerleaders support Brandi every step of the way.