**UPDATE January 2, 2014: We have been able to raise $801 for this sweet family from just these cards. Thank you SO much for all who contributed! God bless!
For many of us, this Christmas Season is full of so much love, tradition and laughter.
And for the Teemant family, that's always been the case. But this Christmas has brought new challenges and heartache as Leo, the father of 3 sweet children (8, 6 and 3) passed away Monday the 9th of December, just 2 weeks before Christmas.
Maya, the oldest, is in my son Ian's school class, and I'm wanting to bring some joy to their incredibly sweet family.
Leo was diagnosed with melanoma right before his wedding day 11 years ago. It was treated, and he was cancer free for over 8 years. After a successful 10 year career at Novell, he decided to finish his bachelor's degree and took 2 years off work to do so. Living off of savings, he graduated and was ready to take on new successes. But only a few days after graduation, he was diagnosed with stage IV cancer, with no warning signs or preparation. Unable to get work because of treatments and his prognosis, their family has struggled but stayed so positive through it all. Leo was a volunteer at my son's elementary school and their family has served so many people.
But a few weeks ago after much medical intervention, his situation took a turn for the worse, was too advanced, and he lost his battle with cancer last monday.
Needless to say, losing a father and husband is anyone's worst nightmare. But added to that the financial burden of not having employment the past 2+ years, and depleting their savings to achieve his life long dream of getting his degree, their family could definitely use holiday cheer.
In these situations, you just want to do everything you can to help. And since I've been so late getting my holiday PDF cards out to you, I thought, this is the perfect thing to help out their family.
I've created 6 new cards for you to print and use for gift giving (or even framing!) this Christmas.
100% of the proceeds will go to the Teemant Family this Christmas.
I'll report on the amount at the New Year.
Last year, if you remember, we raised $800 for the Sandy Hook foundation in Newton. This year I'd like to raise as much as we possibly can for this sweet family.
Tell your friends and spread the word. I hope we can make the ache a little less deep and bring a bit of cheer.
You can read more about the family and see the memorial fund set up in their name here.
