Akayla Zoe and Curtis Bryce...

I got a call Monday night from a friend from our old ward and neighborhood letting me know that a dear family, mother, and friend in our old ward, tragically lost their sweet baby girl when she accidentally ran over her with the family van.  I was able to attend the precious funeral today to say goodbye to sweet, Akayla.  This family is the nicest, most charitable, sweet family and they need help with expenses for the funeral.  I'm soliciting.  There is a button on the left that will direct you to their family blog where you can make donations and on at the bottom of this post are links to the story and also places where you can make donations.  The following is an email from the friend that told me about the tragedy:

Dear Friends and Family,
 
This past week has been full of emotion as we experienced a tragic accident in our neighborhood.
On Tuesday night, one of our sweet moms went out to move her van and didn't know her 2 year old had followed her out the door.  Any parent's worst nightmare followed as this sweet girl was hit and killed by her mom.

We have all been in shock and have looked for various ways to help this family.  We have lived here for 7 1/2 years and have known this family that long.  They are sweet and dear and the kindest people you will ever meet.

Last summer, Angie stopped by my house with dinner - "because she was thinking of me..."  She had no idea I was having possibly one of the worst weeks of my life.  But that is just the way she is.  They have 4 other children - ages 10 - 4 and are expecting their 6th later this year.  In the midst of her busy life, she unknowingly took care of me when I really needed someone.

As a neighborhood we have come together to clean their house, do some minor repairs and otherwise get their home ready for the family's return today.  The simple fact of the matter is that this family does not have a lot of "extra" financially.  The cost of the funeral and replacing a van that they can't bear to look at anymore is going to be very difficult for them.  As we cleaned their home, we found a jar with a "vacation fund" label and it had maybe an inch or two of coins in it.  
 
Every year we donate a few bucks to the MS Bike Ride, the Cancer Society, our college Alumni Association, Scouting, etc...  While each is a great cause, our money goes into a fund and we never get to see how we impact an individual or family.  I am asking you to consider donating to a family that really needs help and who will be impacted by any size donation.  It will all be appreciated and will help.  It will also make you feel good to know you are helping a family in need.
 
I have attached a website that has been set up to accept donations or you can donate at any Wells Fargo branch for Akayla Ferguson.
 
Hug your kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews and friends.  Life is too short and can change at any time.
 
http://akaylasfamily.blogspot.com/
http://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=148&sid=14055644 
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/saltlaketribune/obituary.aspx?n=akayla-ferguson&pid=147981970&fhid=11609&eid=sp_ommatch

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While I'm soliciting...Michael's cousin, Curtis (Bryce) Howard, was diagnosed with colon cancer in December.  It was reported today that it is now stage 4.  He is 31 years old.  His wife, Shannon, and his family are hosting a benefit dinner that will help pay for the costs of his medical care.  It sounds like it will be a lot of fun!  Below is a link to his blog and information about the fundraiser dinner.  The tickets are $10 and there will be lots of great raffle prizes and a silent auction.  Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come:

Curtis Bryce Howard Cancer Fund

Benefit Dinner/Silent Auction and Raffle

When

February 5, 2011

5pm-8pm

Where

West Valley Family Fitness Center (Upstairs Room)

5415 West 3100 South, West Valley, UT 84120

Here is LINK to Shannon's blog to make donations and HERE is the Facebook page for  more detailed information about the benefit. 

 If nothing else, please keep Akayla's and Curtis' families in your prayers.

Curtis and Shannon Howard