What a ONEderful idea

I've gained a lot of fantastic people who have become part of my support system these past few months.

In addition to the family and friends who have always been by my side through ups and downs, there are the new friends and acquaintances whose relationships have only grown stronger.

There are other new moms out there who share stories of their babies' diapers and who listen to my rants about formula and getting boogers.

And then there are our stranger-friends. People like Kelle Hampton, a blogger from Florida whose daughter Nella was born with Down Syndrome. Kelle uses amazing writing, photography and mother skills to inspire me and strengthen me almost daily.

In honor of her daughter's first birthday this month, Kelle has started a fundraising campaign (Nella's ONEder Fund) to raise money for the National Down Syndrome Society.

In a post this weekend, Zachary was one of dozens of faces of Down Syndrome used to raise $30,000 in less than two days. THIRTY THOUSAND DOLLARS. From strangers. From people who have never met Nella. Or Zachary. People who are inspired and encouraged and who want to help create a better world for our babies with an extra chromosome.

Now, Kelle is hoping to raise $47,000 in honor of the chromosomes our extra-special babies carry with them. I just sent her a video of Zack that she might be able to use for another extra-special blog post this week.

If you can't donate, I understand. But I hope you will at least check out Kelle's family and story. I hope you will take a moment out of your busy day to reflect on these wonderful human beings who have dreams and hopes (or whose parents have dreams and hopes for them right now...) just like anyone else.

I'm so awe-struck and so amazed by the generosity of people, by the inspiration and encouragement and by the fantastic four-letter word: HOPE.