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| Saying Good-Bye to my Baby Girl Makenna |
Makenna's Fifth Annual Painting Auction
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Painting a Path Towards Healing
This is the 5th year I have held a painting auction in honor of my daughter Makenna. Makenna was born with the chromosomal disorder of Trisomy 18 and lived for 47 days before returning to Heaven. In order to help my healing from grief and to remember her, I started an annual painting auction in Makenna's honor. I donate the proceeds to a charity that helped our family and Makenna during our darkest times. This year's painting auction will run from June 25-June 29.
All the proceeds from this year's auction will be donated to the Trisomy 18 Foundation. "Trisomy 18 is a life-threatening disorder that impacts about 1 out of every 2000 pregnancies in the U.S. Usually diagnosed in pregnancy, Trisomy 18 steals many dreams, but the Trisomy 18 Foundation helps parents create new dreams for their child and for their families. Hope is at the heart of the Trisomy 18 Foundation: we represent the hope that those lost to Trisomy 18 will never be forgotten, that those who face Trisomy 18 will be supported and that one day Trisomy 18 will be eliminated" (statement from the Trisomy 18 Foundation Website)
When I first found out that Makenna was born with Trisomy 18 disorder, I was confused, mad, distraught, and ultimately at a lost to know what to do. We had doctors telling us there was a 50% chance she wouldn't live past a week and a 95% chance she would die within a year. We were told we could "pull the plug" at anytime. And what did it matter? She would die anyways. But, as a mother, how can you decide when your child should die? I could not make that decision!! I would not make that decision!! I finally decided I would leave her life in God's hands. He gave her to me and He could decide when it was her time to return. This brought me an immense sense of peace and comfort.
The Trisomy 18 Foundation helped us during this confusing and tragic time. They helped teach us what the condition was and most importantly, put us in touch with other families that had children born with a Trisomy 18 disorder. It was such a comfort to learn we were not alone and that each family dealt with their tragedy in the best way they could. Some tried to keep their T18 child alive at all costs while others let nature take its course. The decision has to be the families to make, because they are the ones that have to live with it. Eventually, we decided to not "pull the plug" on Makenna, but to keep her as comfortable as possible while leaving it in the hands of God as to when she would die. I will always be grateful for the help we got from the Trisomy 18 Foundation, they were there when we needed answers. I am happy to be donating to this organization this year in hopes of helping more families that have to learn about Trisomy 18.
When I first found out that Makenna was born with Trisomy 18 disorder, I was confused, mad, distraught, and ultimately at a lost to know what to do. We had doctors telling us there was a 50% chance she wouldn't live past a week and a 95% chance she would die within a year. We were told we could "pull the plug" at anytime. And what did it matter? She would die anyways. But, as a mother, how can you decide when your child should die? I could not make that decision!! I would not make that decision!! I finally decided I would leave her life in God's hands. He gave her to me and He could decide when it was her time to return. This brought me an immense sense of peace and comfort.
The Trisomy 18 Foundation helped us during this confusing and tragic time. They helped teach us what the condition was and most importantly, put us in touch with other families that had children born with a Trisomy 18 disorder. It was such a comfort to learn we were not alone and that each family dealt with their tragedy in the best way they could. Some tried to keep their T18 child alive at all costs while others let nature take its course. The decision has to be the families to make, because they are the ones that have to live with it. Eventually, we decided to not "pull the plug" on Makenna, but to keep her as comfortable as possible while leaving it in the hands of God as to when she would die. I will always be grateful for the help we got from the Trisomy 18 Foundation, they were there when we needed answers. I am happy to be donating to this organization this year in hopes of helping more families that have to learn about Trisomy 18.
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| My Angel, she was one tough girl! |
Walking with Makenna Auction 2018
There are several ways in which you can help contribute to this year's Walking with Makenna Auction. I am auctioning one of my original watercolor paintings. Also, there are 6 other paintings graciously donated by some fabulous artist friends of mine for the cause (Lori Putnam, Julie Riker, Beth Bathe, Cindy Baron, Kristi Grussendorf, and Olena Babak). You can see all 7 paintings on the sidebar. Just click on one of the paintings to be linked to the auction site.
The auction starts on Monday June 25 @6:00 am (EST) and ends Friday June 29 @11:55 pm (EST)
In addition, for those who wish to donate money without bidding on a painting there is a "Donate Now" button. In appreciation, the first 10 people to donate $30 or more will receive a gift. The first 5 people to donate more than $30 will receive a pack of greeting cards with images of paintings by Barbara Rallo. The second group of 5 people to donate $30 or more will receive a pack of greeting cards with images of watercolor paintings by Brienne M Brown. In order to donate or bid on a painting, please register on the website: Walking with Makenna.
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| Walking with Makenna Auction Site |
Last year I was able to raise $1800 for the Ronald McDonald House, so this year my goal is to raise $2500 for the Trisomy 18 Foundation. Thank you for your generosity, support, and help. You will not only help me remember and honor my angel, you will help other families deal with the fear of having a Trisomy 18 child.
God Bless You!
Brienne and Makenna
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| Gift of Appreciation for the First 5 people to Donate $30 or more(Pack of greeting cards with images by Barbara Rallo) |
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| Gift of Appreciation for the Second group of 5 people to Donate $30 or more (Pack of greeting cards with images by Brienne M Brown) |
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| For those wondering... Cedrik, Makenna's little brother, is now 1 year old and is doing great! We are so blessed! |
