Community

There are other things I could be writing about, but today I chose to share my thoughts on what most, if not all of Western New York has seen or heard about; a little boy named Ben Sauer. Early last week I saw on my Facebook newsfeed a "suggestions post" to like the page Blue4Ben. While a majority of the time I ignore those suggestions, I chose to click on the page and see what it was all about. After reading Ben's story and following all the social media and media stories throughout the week, I can't even put into words how I feel.

While my heart breaks for Ben and his family all I can do is pray for them and be thankful for my family and friends and the time we have together. Cancer is a horrible, horrible disease. Like most everyone, we all know one or more people who have had some form of it - for me it was my father, my aunt, family friends, long distance relatives and now my 17 year old cousin.

From working and volunteering in children's organizations, every time I hear of a child being sick or going through a difficult time, it like most adults, really upsets me. I guess the reason being is because children are just that, children. They are helpless, they are young, innocent and have their whole lives a head of them - maybe it sounds cliché, but they do. I couldn't even imagine dealing with such a horrible diagnosis like the Sauer family is dealing with.

The Western New York community has come together to support and help Ben and his family during a difficult time. I feel lucky to be a part of a community that seems to always come together to help those during the most difficult of times. Though you may not know them personally, the community stands up and continues to help each other during times of need. We truly are the "city of good neighbors."

To Ben Sauer and his family - you are my inspiration, you are a strong family who have touched the lives of many. You inspire me to be a better person, to not give up, to always have hope and faith, to appreciate the blessings in life and you remind me to live every day to the fullest and appreciate the time I have with the ones I love. For that I thank you and I continue to pray for your family's miracle. Pray is a powerful thing. xo

Next week beginning on March 17,  26 Shirts will be selling a shirt designed by former Buffalo Bill, Andre Reed. Proceeds from his shirt will go to benefit the Sauer Family.

To see how you can help Ben and his family, click here

-B

{ Like many buildings in WNY, the Peace Bridge went Blue 4 Ben over the weekend }