The New Livy’s Hope

When we started Livy’s Hope in 2010, our goal was to tell our story, share information, and help families so they didn’t have to go through the same challenges that we did. We also raised money for Livy’s care that was not covered by insurance. Our initial plan morphed into a number of endeavors which changed our lives and the lives of others.

Over the course of the last decade, we learned more than we could have imagined. We encountered extraordinary challenges that tested our beliefs. We repeatedly asked the questions, “Why Livy? Why our family?” The answers to which have never come. However, we have learned to accept what were given and to do something with it.

Throughout our growth as a family, we have let our experiences become the north star that guides us to wherever we are headed. As the four of us have matured, so has Livy’s Hope. We have gone from one direction to the next as we felt necessary. Sometimes, not in a clear and concise fashion, but in a meaningful one none the less.

Although the ups and downs with Livy’s health challenges made it impossible to experience what we considered a typical life, our new normal transformed us into a family who put the needs of others at the center of what we do. Providing hope, inspiring others, and giving back became a central part of who we are. Our family’s motto “Don’t Give Up. Give Back.” is what defines us.

The work we have done in the community has supported numerous organizations.The initiatives we created have raised nearly $1,000,000 for important causes. We have been a part of efforts to help people within communities across the country. We have supported kids in the hospital. We have held collection drives, spoken at benefits, and educated kids about special needs. We have worked at both the local and national levels to spread awareness, fundraise, and educate.

As much as we have been through, we have never lost hope and it has gotten us through the darkest of times. Not because we waited for someone or something to come along and rescue us. But because we took concrete action to make it happen. We have found strength in our belief and determination to find answers for Livy. That is the type of hope that helps us to reach our goals.

An important lesson we learned over the years is that as a community, we are connected by the desire for a more successful life and one of purpose. Both have different meanings and are relative for each individual. But it is desire to attain them that is common across our journeys. We firmly believe that giving can lead to a successful life.

At this point, we feel it is worth clarifying the direction in which Livy’s Hope is headed. We have gained significant knowledge throughout our efforts. We feel it’s time for us to do a better job imparting that knowledge to others.

Starting today, this is what Livy’s Hope will be and where we will focus our efforts:

• Helping you to find hope
• Helping you to give back
• Helping you to grow personally
• Creating a community of people who support one another to make each other and the world better

In the future, you will see more useful information to help you find hope when it may not be so easy to do. We want to show you that with perseverance and a focus on service to others, you can live a successful life of purpose. We will show you ways to give back and supply you with tips and tricks to support you with the causes for which you feel most passionate. We will discuss examples of how giving leads to personal growth. We will tell the stories of amazing people who have put others before themselves and in doing so, have overcome the odds in their own lives to reach their goals. And of course, we will keep you up-to-date on our personal journey through it all.

These efforts are more possible within a group of people supporting one another and lifting each other up. Our intent is to create a robust and motivated Livy’s Hope community that wants to make the world better and appreciates hope for the power that it yields when embraced responsibily. We look forward to sharing your inspiring stories of triumph and celebrations of life. We have always felt that we can accomplish anything when we work together.

As we begin this new journey with Livy’s Hope, we would be remiss if we didn’t thank you for the support you have given us over the years. Many of you we know personally and others we know from your comments. You have kept us going and lifted us up when we were down. One of our primary objectives is to do the same for you.

Please join us in our efforts to create a vibrant community willing to give back to make the world better. We can all make a difference and show others what is possible. This is our world and it’s up to each of us to make it exceptional. If you want to be inspired, if you want to feel less alone, if you are looking for hope, if you need motivation to make giving a part of your life, Livy’s Hope is a place you can call home.