I am truly moved by the mercy and grace of God. He gives us each the talents we need to accomplish great things in this life. Sometimes exceptional accomplishments originate by overcoming adversity. I want to tell you about a special friend of mine, a special lady that is a gift from God in more ways than one. Michelle Stone is the founder of a nonprofit organization called Krayons For Kids. This program collects donations of crayons, coloring books, and other art related supplies for Children’s Hospital in Birmingham, AL. I am privileged to serve as a volunteer and a board member of this organization and I am in awe of the incredible impact one woman has made with diligent work and tender loving care.
When Michelle was a young child, her parents, siblings and she were involved in a tragic automobile accident. Michelle was the only survivor. She spent many long months in a lonely hospital bed recovering from multiple surgeries. Michelle faced many obstacles, not only growing up without her family, but the struggle to overcome all the health issues would be enough to break an average person’s spirit. Michelle found the inner strength and drive to become quite the champion in life. Michelle is just one of those people who never gave up on conquering whatever obstacle she faced.
As an adult, Michelle became a mother and successful businesswoman. Some might say that was enough to accomplish considering what all she had endured as a child. Michelle was not satisfied. She always had a strong desire to give back to the community and use her experiences as a platform to raise awareness and support for children who may have endured similar situations. As a volunteer at the Children’s Hospital in Birmingham, AL, she discovered a great need. Children were coming from all over the southeast for treatment and care for various health issues. She recognized the technology, care and facilities were top notch in Birmingham, but even with adequate funding, there was a shortage of supplies to encourage the spirits of the young children.
Children’s Hospital relies solely on donations of crayons, coloring books and other art related materials to entertain young patients, or the siblings of young patients. It is just not considered a necessary medical expense, to supply these materials from regular hospital funding, but these items can serve as such a comfort for children. Michelle remembered as child her desire to color and create pictures to help escape the memories of losing her family. She wants to supply other children with this same opportunity. It can be traumatic for young children to face serious medical illnesses that require them to visit or stay at Children’s Hospital. The staff of course is well trained and works diligently to care for these children, and through efforts of volunteers and pioneers like Michelle Stone, the experience can be a little more pleasant. In 2010 alone, Michelle Stone has donated over a half million crayons to Children’s Hospital and she is still going strong.
I had the opportunity of meeting this energetic and inspirational lady earlier this year. I am thankful to call her my friend and certainly one of my heroes. If you have ever met one of those people that goodness just radiates from them and you get chills because you know they are a gift from God, then you know what I mean when I say Michelle Stone is an inspiration. I encourage everyone to check out her website at www.supportkrayonsforkids.org. Garth Brooks sang, “It’s not the world I am changing, but I do this so, this world will know, it will not change me.” I actually think people like Michelle are doing more than just not being changed by their circumstances. They are making sure others don’t have to be changed by tragedy as well. May God continue to bless Michelle and the success of Krayons For Kids.
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