Locks of Love {31 for 21 - Friday's Facts}

I'm sure by now you're all aware that October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month.  I'm guessing most also know it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  But did you know this month is also dedicated to raising awareness for Domestic Violence, Rett Syndrome, Lupus & Bully Prevention?   Add shelter dogs to that list & October is full of good causes. 

Teddy is celebrating "Adopt a Shelter Dog" month in ferocious style

October is also Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. 

My friend, Alyvia, has far too much experience with this kind of loss.  She lost beloved twins at 9 weeks.  Months later she lost her precious Claudette at 38 weeks, just days before a scheduled C-section.  It's unfathomable.  It's heartbreaking.  And it's her reality.

Amidst her pain & grief, Alyvia chose to celebrate Claudette's life with a "Kisses for Claudie" campaign.  The goal of this campaign is to have 365 documented acts of kindness before Claudette's 1st birthday on November 29, 2013.

I wanted to honor Claudette but didn't exactly know how.  Money isn't growing on trees around here & neither is spare time.   The only thing growing with ease is the hair on my head & it's been under duress for some time.  It's rarely washed.  It hasn't seen a blow dryer or curling iron since Harper was born.  It spends most of it's days in a messy bun or hiding under a baseball cap.  And judging by the amount of hair accumulating in the shower drain, I should be bald by Christmas.  Someone needs it far more than I do.

Ten inches to Locks of Love in honor of Claudette Elyse

We've been on the receiving end of countless acts of kindness since Reese was born.  We were flooded with well wishes and offers to help after each of her surgeries.  People have given generously of their time & money every year at her annual Step Up for Down Syndrome Walk.  Reese has been prayed for and loved on more than most kids her age.  We are perpetually grateful & it feels good to give back, even it's just a handful of hair. 

Each October, I spend a lot of time talking about Down syndrome and will continue this tradition for many Octobers to come.   As I'm advocating for my daughter, I won't forget the scores of parents advocating for other causes.  Each one is just as important as mine.