2021 Christian Kennedy Graham Memorial Toy Drive

 
We lost our sweet Christian to pediatric cancer at just 19 months old. He was born with a condition called giant congenital melanocytic nevus and developed malignant melanoma as a result.

Christian had his first tumor removed at just two months and our arduous journey began. We had the honor and privilege of celebrating one birthday with him. Only one. And, he is missed all the more with each passing year.

Christian will be having yet another birthday in Heaven on February 18th. All of us who love Christian would  like to take this opportunity to celebrate other children like him. We want to honor and support them through their struggles. We hope to touch the hearts and lives the way our child touched our hearts and lives forever. We want to provide them with gifts and lots of “birthday” surprises in memory of our little  Christian. We want to help them smile and  “Lean Toward Happy” in the face of adversity...

I cant buy my precious boy presents but, together with all of you, we can spread some magic through this gift giving.

Obviously, Covid has affected how we plan to proceed and we cannot deliver in person to Cincinnati Children’s this year in an effort to keep all the little ones as safe as possible during the pandemic. However, we plan on using these funds to  purchase items Children’s is still in need of after the holiday season as well as other personal items from their wish list and have them sent directly. And per usual, we will make a donation to Children’s for pediatric cancer research.

But, we are still able to deliver directly to The Dragonfly Foundation. The Foundation’s specialty is helping “pediatric cancer patients and their families find strength, courage and joy. We do this by providing ongoing support, relevant materials and caring, nurturing and transformative experiences.”

Both these places provided care, support, and encouragement to my sweet boy ( and me) in ways I can’t begin to explain. They were always beside us as we fought for Christian’s life!  Because of the DragonFly Foundation and the doctors, nurses, childlife providers and social workers of Cincinnati Children’s hospital, we never walked alone. Now it’s time to pay it forward. I know Christmas is over but it’s still the season of giving!

We want to give them legos, art supplies, educational tools, instruments, movies, game systems, games and more.......even some of the most basic items are needed like toiletries, socks and sleepers. Both places expressed a need for gift cards for groceries, gas, restaurants, games, and more. Think : Kroger, Shell, Target, Amazon..... 
Christian’s favorite Spot dog will also be among the items donated.


This is the FIFTH  annual memorial toy drive in Christian's Memory. It all started when Christian’s  grave was robbed and literally stripped bare. My friend and boss Amanda started a gofundme to replace everything and the generosity was overwhelming. We were able to use the extra money for TONS of toys for  Children's Hospital. 

Please help me make Christian’s Toy Drive  a huge success!!!!  Last year we donated a grand total of $18,000 worth of toys, gift cards and funds toward research !!!! I know this is a different type of year and we are all struggling in different way but I believe this is a great opportunity for us to spread joy, cheer and love in the midst of chaos. 

Please help me make Christian proud!!Thank you and God bless.