Prayers for Paxton Fundraiser

The Bloyd Family - Paxton, Cheslee, Jamie, and Ansley

Hello and happy Friday, everyone. This week has reminded me how lucky I am and how fragile life is, as a whole community has learned the news that a sweet little boy has begun a battle against cancer.

This week, Paxton Bloyd, age 6, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Burkitt's Lymphoma. Paxton's family is from Greensburg and I have known many of his family members my whole life. My heart is broken for them as they begin the process of Paxton's treatment, but I believe in the power of prayer and positivity. The oncology team at Cincinnati Children's Hospital is hopeful and so am I! 

Paxton, pictured with cards and care packages

Cancer research and awareness is near and dear to my heart. In the past 10 months, my Mamaw has fought (and won!) against breast cancer... and just when we thought we were in the clear, my Uncle Trent lost an unexpected and brief 37-day battle with cancer in January. Seeing, first-hand, the effects of that dreaded word makes you all the more sensitive to what others are going through... emotionally, physically, and financially. 

In an effort to raise money for Paxton's treatment and further awareness of Burkitt's Lymphoma, I am dividing all profits from my card sales in half. Half will go to Children's Miracle Network and half will go to Prayers for Paxton. For each set of cards you purchase, $5.25 goes to Paxton, $5.25 goes to CMN. 

In the days since Paxton's diagnosis, numerous ways to donate to Prayers for Paxton have been created:
-Bracelets and t-shirts are in the making and will be available for purchase soon. More details can be found at the Prayers for Paxton Facebook page.
-A donation to the "Paxton Bloyd Special Fund" may be made at any Forcht Bank Location
-A Give Forward fund can be found online here.

With that in mind, before I even began writing this post, I tackled one very good question:
Q: Why should I buy a set of thank you notes when I can donate directly to Paxton's fund?
A: I support making a donation in any way possible, including any of the above avenues. However, this is a donation to Paxton as well as a donation to Children's Miracle Network. CMN takes care of kids like Paxton every single day. CMN Hospitals house families like the Bloyds every single day. CMN exposed me to awareness of childhood cancer research and the celebration of a child's strength and resiliency. In addition to making these donations, you are gaining something tangible. Each time you go to write a thank you note or a "just because" note, you will be thinking of Paxton. And thinking of the thousands and thousands of kids like him who are stronger than we could ever hope to be.

As the plans for this fundraiser were coming together, I have stayed up way past my bedtime brainstorming any and all ideas to offer buyers more bang for their buck. The perfect solution arrived as I have created special, custom envelopes that will be included in each pack of 10 note cards. These envelopes will replace plain, boring white ones (seen on Etsy) and ARE self-adhesive--no spit required ;-). I am also in collaboration with my cousin, Brandon (and friend to Paxton's father), to create a special card in celebration of Paxton. I hope to have that available in the next week. As much as I wish I could spur my creativity on a little faster, I want to take my time to ensure a quality product. 

My cards are still available on Etsy. If you are in Greensburg or Campbellsville, send me a private message on Facebook with your request in order to avoid shipping costs.

 Pictured below are examples of envelopes and patterns I have available. The amount of patterns I have is countless. I chose my favorites to show you.

The patterns can be a little loud. If you'd prefer, I can make it so the pattern is a pleasant surprise! Thanks for the inspiration, Mom!

Belle is found modeling a few envelopes. Don't worry, these are samples. No allergens coming your way!

As I have mentioned, I can do custom text on any card. This is an example of a request I had this week. I love it, don't you?

 I received 5 orders in one hour today! Keep 'em coming, y'all.

Stay Paxton strong!