Light the Night for Sheila Barnett

A few days ago, a friend sent me the email below, and I don't think I could tell the story any better, so I am sharing the exact words she sent me. Please pass along this story and donate if you can. Let's help Sheila Barnett feel the love and exceed her fundraising goals for this upcoming walk.

Family and Friends,

Please take a minute to hear about a cause that is near to my heart, and especially to a dear friend of mine, Sheila Barnett. My hospital (Presbyterian in Charlotte) is sponsoring a Light the Night event to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I am asking if you would please consider making a donation in honor of my friend, Sheila Barnett in her personal walk for this cause. Some of you may have heard her story from me, but if not you will not forget it.

Sheila lost not one child, but all three of her adult children to (AML) Acute Myeloid Leukemia in a span of 3 years. In the video link below, Sheila briefly tells her story, but says she was disappointed with the editing. The interview took over an hour in which she endured an anxiety attack and stopped to sob several times. She told me afterwards that she cannot believe she allowed herself to say, "I don't know how things could be any worse," because she fears they can. Sheila remains terrified and prays every night that her two surviving grandchildren will never develop AML considering the strong family history. All 3 of Sheila's children's birthdays and death anniversaries fall in September and October. This Light the Night walk is not only in memory of her 3 children, but being on October 22 also ends another year of this most difficult time of remembrance.

I have known Sheila since her daughter Amanda's death, and I cannot tell you how unbelievable this woman is. She has firmly stood her ground in this fight, and as angry as she may be at times, maintains faith that she has a reason to live. Sheila still works at Presbyterian Hospital where 2 of her 3 children died, as a guest services specialist. 

Chances are, if you come to the hospital, she would be the one to greet you and help you get where you need to be. Although she has been through an unbelievable ordeal, her passion is working in the cancer center, and sharing a compassion that only she can give.

Please watch the video, and consider making a donation to Sheila's page. If you are unable to make a donation, please pray for Sheila during this difficult time of year.

Click here to watch Sheila's video.

Click here to make a donation.