What a lesson in perspective! When we think of all the relatively minor problems we face each day -- so-and-so didn’t return my phone call, my cake didn’t turn out just right, I’m running late for a certain meeting, etc. -- it’s sobering to think about these children, who would gladly change places with most of us and our so-called big problems. And to think that many of these children themselves have the grace to take a big-picture view of their problems is startling.
Andrea, who knows what it’s like to experience a life-changing stroke of bad luck, can identify with these kids. She began playing professional tennis at age 14 and eventually become the No. 2 ranked player in the world -- until a sudden and serious shoulder injury sidelined her. She had already been visiting sick children while on tour, and she gradually began doing more and more for them. It wasn’t long before her personal funds, including more than $1 million in tennis prize money, was gone. She became a top-notch fundraiser, securing her first big donation from John McEnroe in 1989. Today, the programs of the Silver Lining Foundation and Little Star stand as powerful testimony to her love and determination to help others.
Letters such as this one are typical:
Dear Andrea,
Watching my 9-year-old daughter make the decision to have her leg amputated, when she had been the fastest runner, a dancer, a gymnast, the best athlete within her elementary school, and see the acceptance of what life has put in front of her with very little anger, is the hardest thing I have ever done. But meeting groups like yours makes it possible for me to get up in the morning. Thanks for being the person you are. And for sharing your heart.
Sincerely,
Linda Henderson
There are many worthy causes out there, but few can trump the cause of helping sick children and their families. If you feel moved to contribute, I hope you’ll consider making a donation to this wonderful organization. One nice way is to purchase the Little Star Beanie -- a Beanie Baby bear created especially to raise money for Andrea’s children.
Whatever you can do, it’s certainly worth it -- if it can stop just one heart from breaking.