I’m thrilled to serve as the Vice President for Young Variety of Iowa this year! This is our 53rd Telethon to support Variety - the Children's Charity of Iowa! I’m passionate about this cause and need your help! Every donation, big or small, helps me reach my fundraising goal and directly impacts this important cause.

Many of you know that when my oldest son, Aiden, was born two months early. We spent 77 days in the NICU, and while we were overwhelmed with love and support, it was hard. When your only focus is on making sure your kiddo grows and gets healthy, everything else goes to the wayside. The bills pile up, work is left behind, your food budget increases exponentially.... Our Compassion Fund at Variety allows counselors at hospitals to give out gift cards to families in need to immediately help with the financial strain of having a child in the hospital. And that's just ONE of the ways Variety helps kids and families in need. 

Another reason I HAD to get involved in Variety was because of their mobility program. I served on the Giving Committee at work and we chose to raise funds for a kiddo named Rodney to get a specialized mobility bike. Rodney has a disability that makes it challenging to balance and use fine motor skills required to ride a traditional bike. We raised about $4,000 to get the adaptive tricyle needed for Rodney to remain stablized, build muscle, and have some independence! It was when Rodney and his family showed up to get the bike, and go for a ride, that I decided I needed to get involved at a deeper level. Seeing Rodney smiling and happy, and seeing his parents beaming at his newfound confidence was incredible!

Here's how you can help:

• Donate: Contribute whatever you can. No amount is too small!
• Spread the Word: Share my fundraising page with your friends, family, and social networks. Let’s spread awareness so we can raise more!

Thank you for standing by me in this effort. Your support means the world to me!