ANNUAL APPEAL
Dear Family and Friends,
If ever there was a child- who could capture hearts, make magic and fantasy in the moment, bring laughter to a quiet room and teach acceptance in the midst of courageously battling a life-challenging illness it was 4yr old Molly Thompson…
These are the words a family friend used to capture the spirit of our daughter, it was shared with a room of over 500 people who came to celebrate Molly's life and honor her death.
Molly's way of life became our study. Her humor and grace, her simplicity and complexity and the love she showered her family and friends with, was simple and sincere. It felt good to be loved by this child. She was authentic and she forced the rest of us to be genuine and to open our hearts to the pain and joy of loving a child who lived every moment, it's as if she always knew that time should not be wasted.
Where there was Molly….. there was life…
Molly was diagnosed in 1997 with Hepatoblastoma a rare form of liver cancer. At two-years old she faced conventional medicine head-on, high-tech bone, CT and MIR scans. She endured, surgeries, placement of chest tubes, high-dose chemotherapy, pokes, transfusions and over a year of extended hospitalizations.
She was a Princess in shinning armor.
Molly quickly made friends out of Doctors, Nurses, Child-life therapists, Radio Hosts and Newscasters, people in the community and even a movie star! She became the face on the media, bringing awareness to Emanuel Children's Hospital and pediatric cancer. It seemed like everyone knew and loved Molly.
Where there was Molly… there were friendships made of love and adoration.
Our family's routine became that full of hospitalizations, treatments, surgeries, fevers and a lot of fun and laughter in between. Molly demanded to be a kid, to laugh when it was funny, cry when it was sad, to be simple and sincere. And so we were.
Our commitment to what she taught us is celebrated everyday. Her Pay It Forward attitude created The Molly Thompson Memorial Fund. It takes care of her hospital friends as she so graciously requested the morning of her death. We like to think of her laughing and singing above, proud of her legacy of love and fun, watching over her friends at Emanuel Children's Hospital.
What does Molly's fund do?
Molly's funding supports The Child Life Therapy Program at Emanuel Children's Hospital. The Child Life Therapy Program helps children cope with hospitalization and pain through play. Child Life Therapists are trained in the area of play and emotional support for children. They work closely with children and families, using a variety of techniques and services - such as music, animals and horticulture - to help minimize the stress of a hospital experience. Molly's money ensures they have the funds they need when their budget falls short.
The Molly Thompson Memorial Fund guarantees that Emanuel Children's Hospital can host its annual Pediatric Holiday Party for all the patients who have become hospitalized that year. Breakfast with Santa, a real DJ and music, Mrs. Clause, local community heroes, dancers, staff and volunteers lead the children through the transformed Magic Wonderland at Emanuel Children's Hospital
Molly spent hours in the Pediatric Playroom, so her fund stocks the playroom with toys, books, videos and craft supplies so that children can get away from their hospital rooms and enjoy “kid stuff”. And it ensures that every child who is admitted into ECH receives a special toy that accompanies them throughout their stay.
Molly's fund grants wishes that slip through the cracks, simple things like a Gameboy, a puppy, concert tickets, a computer for homework or a build-a-bear party.
How does Molly's fund grow?
With support from you! Just $25 will provide a child with a special toy that they receive when they are admitted into the hospital. A soft stuffed animal for an infant, a doll or truck for a toddler, a craft project or a game for our older patients allow comfort and distraction during a very scary time. $50 will provide party favors and gifts to a child celebrating a medical milestone. $100 will simply grant a wish to a child. It doesn't take much to make a huge impact on a child.
Join us in raising money for these amazing children by supporting the Molly Thompson Memorial Fund. Be a part of Molly's magic, we ask you to give from your heart, anything helps. So many of you have helped Molly's fund meet the needs of Emanuel Children's Childlife Program every year, let's do it again- the kids need you! And to our new friends, thank you for being here- we invite you to be a part of the support needed to bring laughter and fun to these very special kids. Visit our new website to learn more about how your dollars will make a direct impact.
Warm wishes to you this holiday season,
Molly's Family
Mike, Wendy & Bree Thompson
