Let's do something awesome!

Dear friends,

Merry Christmas to you! 2010 was an eventful year for us at the Brooks' house. December has always been a special month for me. I always look forward to Christmas and my birthday. Earlier in the year, there were times when I seriously questioned whether I would reach my 32nd birthday. Fortunately, I have reached that milestone and feel healthier than I have in years. During my troubles, many of you gave of your time and resources to be with me. This really was a big help during my illness. And for that I say thank you!

Today is my birthday, and some of you have asked what I would like to receive as a gift to celebrate my next trip around the sun as well as for Christmas. We are not having a party this year, nor do I personally need anything. I have what I want which is my health, and I have enough of the other "things" that I desire.

However, I would like to tell you about Jeanie and her son Keith. Keith is 15 years old and has ischemic cardiomyopathy. Basically, his heart is weak and needs constant IV treatments to live. Keith is currently at Texas Children’s Hospital under treatment to keep his heart going until he hopefully receives a heart transplant. Jeanine is a single mother of 3 teenagers and has relocated to Houston, while Keith receives treatment. During this time the family receives limited child support and SSI, most of which goes to Keith’s medical treatments.

It would really mean a lot to me for monetary gifts to be given to them in lieu of to me for my birthday and Christmas. I’ve teamed up with The Assistance League of Houston, and monetary donations to them will be given to the family in the form of Wal-Mart gift cards, so they can purchase necessities for the months ahead.

I hope you will take some time to think about this. In my experience, this time of year feels over commercialized and tends to focus on giving people presents that we could easily afford ourselves. YOU can make a difference for this family RIGHT NOW. The Assistance League of Houston says that, on average, a family gets ~$400 donated to them. I want to blow the roof off of that average, but to do that, I will need your help. Attached is a form if you would like to make a donation (Ignore the deadline dates and Holiday Luncheon). Please include my name ("In honor of Bryan Brooks") somewhere on the form, so that it will go to the family I am sponsoring. All that is required from that point is for you to mail in the form with a check to the Houston Assistance League.

Let’s do something awesome together. Let’s greatly lessen the finan
cial burden on this family who is facing a horrible time in the midst of the holidays. Thank you so much and may God bless you.

-Bryan Brooks

Get the donation form here!