Lately our family has been sporting these awesome red glasses. Even Hobbs is getting in on the action.
Let me tell you why.
We wear red glasses to support Maggie Hope.
Maggie Hope was born with a rare genetic disorder called Trisomy 8 Mosaicism. You can learn more about her condition below, but here is what our family knows for sure:
Maggie inspires us.
When she walks into a room, everything becomes brighter. Recently we were all at a friend’s house, and I watched Leila spend hours pushing Maggie on the swing. I was sure the laughter and love they shared in those moments would make my heart burst.
And now we want to share the light of Maggie with you. Your kids will love to meet Maggie in her new book We’re Not So Different After All.
Written by Lissette, Maggie’s mom, the book was written to teach kids how to accept others with special needs or disabilities and to inspire kindness and compassion. There are even helpful tips for parents on how to have these sometimes difficult conversations with their kids.
Because printing the book is so expensive, Maggie’s family has launched a Kickstarter campaign. Watch the video below to find out more.
I asked Maggie’s mom to share some of her thoughts about the project with you:
How has Maggie surprised you (or others)? After months of hearing the worst possible news, Maggie Hope was born and almost immediately diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Trisomy 8 Mosaicism. With the odds stacked against her, she exceeds her doctors expectations year after year and has developed into a thriving, happy 6 year old.
How has Maggie inspired you? Maggie has seen over a dozen specialists, had multiple surgeries and has been in Physical, Occupation, Speech and Vision therapies since she was born. Even through all of her trials she remains full of joy and lights up every space with her presence. She never lets life and her disabilities slow her down.
What is the most important thing you want people to know about the Red Glasses project? Acceptance starts at home at a very young age. It’s our responsibility as parents, teachers and community leaders to raise a generation of children that are aware and unafraid of people that look and act differently. It is my passion to be a voice for children, like Maggie, that don’t have a voice; to advocate for hope and acceptance. Unfortunately I can’t do that without the financial support needed to publish the first book “We’re Not So Different After All”. This first book in my series is complete and ready to go. This month of March we are raising funds through a Kickstarter Campaign to do just that. Please support this awesome cause & join the Red Glasses Movement!
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We are asking for your help in two ways:
1. Donate to the Kickstarter campaign.
2. Whether you can donate or not, please SHARE Maggie’s message of hope with the world. The more eyes we can get on this campaign the better. Share this post or share the Kickstarter page. If you have red glasses, take a photo and tag it with #redglasses. Help us shine Maggie’s light even brighter.
So get out there and rock your red glasses because we’re not so different after all.
