I unfortunately never had the privilege of meeting Hailey but we have a mutual friend so I knew of her. My first real introduction to Hailey's family and Team Hailey Hugs was last year when I heard about Hailey's celebration of life to be held up in Bethel, Maine. It was then that I found out about her love of butterflies. See I'm a kite flier and I participate in kite festivals in New England and Canada. I created a display of giant butterfly weathervanes that I display at the festivals. So suddenly I had a dilemma... I knew what I had to offer Hailey's family but felt a little strange contacting them to see if they would like me to volunteer to set them up at her celebration of life....but something inside me said contact them. So a message and a few pictures later I was pretty much accepted as family...Team Hailey Hugs believes we are all family and need to take care of each other. I created a gold one to display for the event in memory of Hailey. This cause is near and dear to be as I was 21 the first time I had cancer, 45 the second time. No I wasn't a child and I was lucky both were resolved with surgery but I work with kids. I know how hard enough as an adult to cope with cancer. I just can't imagine how hard it is to be a child with it or a parent watching their child go through it. These kids and families dealing with childhood cancers really need help. Most of the focus is on adults.... but the kids are left behind with funding. More research for treatments and a cure need to be done! Parents struggle not only with dealing with what their kids go through but also with the transportation, medical bills and as well as trying to keep up with everyday bills. Team Hailey Hugs works tirelessly to help these families directly as well as advocating for more research. Maine has one of the highest populations of children dealing with cancer. This needs to change! Everything that Team Hailey Hugs brings in for money goes right back out to these families. I am proud to be a part of their annual event and try to help spread the word about this wonderful organization where ever I can! Kids should never have to deal with cancer at all but at least they can know that Team Hailey Hugs is in their corner! Go Team Hailey Hugs!!