Wyatt family
What motivates you to take action?
Is it pain or love? A problem or need? A desire for recognition or to make an impact? Or perhaps it’s a combination of several factors. Whatever the case, we all have reasons behind what we do.
At Miracle Hill’s recent Hearts for the Homeless Walk in Spartanburg, one extended family decided to walk as a team in memory of Anne Wyatt, a loved one who had died earlier this year. Anne had been a strong supporter of Miracle Hill, so her family decided this event would be a special way to honor her memory while raising funds for the ministry she loved. The team had 12 members, 100% participation in fundraising and ended up raising the most funds of all family teams. It was a joy to award the “Anne Wyatt Team” a top fundraising prize in recognition of their efforts. I feel sure Anne was smiling. The walk had become a tangible way to turn hurt into hope.
Hearts for the Homeless Walk participants
Similarly, when my own mother-in-law died on July 4, 2008 after a short battle with lung cancer, our family felt as if we were left with a gaping hole in our hearts, leaving exposed our very raw emotions. It didn’t take much for us to feel the sadness and pain of Mom’s absence. Sharing a family meal, seeing a butterfly or even mentioning her name would bring forth a ready supply of tears and a rush of memories.
Shortly after her death, we learned about a special event being held in Greenville to raise awareness about lung cancer and to raise funds for research. We knew right away that we were meant to participate in the Caine Halter Lungs 4 Life 5k run, which is now called Run4Life.
On a chilly November morning, we put on our running shoes, safety-pinned photos of Mom to our t-shirts and headed to the Caine Halter YMCA. It was an emotional day for all of us, but in the end, we were glad to have done something positive to commemorate her life.
Perhaps, like us, you have participated in an event or fundraiser because you have some kind of personal connection with a cause or organization. You may even have a personal connection with Miracle Hill — a family member or friend who has graduated from our addiction recovery program, a foster child who has come through your doors, a homeless friend who needed shelter and support after a devastating job loss. The possibilities are as varied as there are people in need. Whatever your motivation, we invite you to participate with us. Miracle Hill has several events throughout the year, and we would consider it an honor to have you join your passion with ours as we partner together for the transformation of lives.
Click to view photos of the 2015 Hearts for the Homeless Walk.
To learn more about all Miracle Hill events, go to our website and click on the “What’s Going On” tab.
