Ellie's Entourage: Post Walk

We finally made it! After years of wanting to join in this walk and schedule always prohibiting it, we finally joined the Helmus family and friends for the Step UP for Down Syndrome walk. It was quite a change of pace compared to my typical race morning. Ben and I joined Aaron's parents for breakfast before the walk, I wore jeans, and there were no pre-race jitters. It was a little weird!

Step UP for Down Syndrome - Ellie's Entourage

Once we got the the park for the walk, it was all I could do to keep Ben off the playground! Who could resist swings and slides on a sunny fall day? Definitely not this toddler! Fortunately, Grammy and Bobba were more than willing to get some playtime in with Ben.

Ready to fly!

Yeah, I know I'm cute!

Ben was not excited about being peeled away from playing to walk with Mamma. However, he did a great job and even walked some of the 1K walk around the park. It was so nice for me to be able to catch up with some friends, especially Ellie's mom Lacey!

Why must you torment me with this walking business?

Ellie's Entourage!

As soon as the walk was over, Ben bolted for the playground!

That's better!

Coming up: November 2: The Gingerbread Run (5K) in Kissimmee, FL benefiting Give Kids the World.

Ellie's Entourage!

I am loving fall! The leaves are changing colors, our activities have started up again, and the jeans and sweatshirts are coming out! We are enjoying lots of outside time (and giving Mamma's legs a break after 12 races!).

I love the grass!

This Saturday we have the privilege to walk with Ellie's Entourage in the Step UP for Down Syndrome walk. I have wanted to participate every year and we finally get to this year!!

Ellianna (Ellie) born in June, 2008

The boys of the Helmus family were life-long friends of Aaron's. As I went through Aaron's pictures after his death, the history of their friendship was so much fun to see. Since I came on the scene, we attended weddings, gone on a trip, and have watched their families grow. Brian, the oldest of the three, and his wife, Lacey, have been involved in the Step UP for Down Syndrome walk since their daughter Ellianna (Ellie) was born with Down Syndrome in 2008. They now have three beautiful children and continue to grow in faith and trust as God leads them, blessing them more than they imagined. Lacey wrote a little bit about their journey and what they have learned walking in God's perfect plan:

Brian and Lacey with Ellie, Laylee, and Jack

"Why we walk.... we walk because a little over 5 yrs ago I had been in the hospital for 3 weeks waiting to finally have my baby girl named Elliana Mary (Elliana means answer from God). The doctors decided today was the day so a little after noon my sweet and tiny (6 weeks early) baby was born. Although she was not what I thought she would be, she was exactly what our family and myself needed. An answer from God! If I could go back in time and tell myself something I would say this: it's just an extra chromosome! She will bring you EXTRA love, EXTRA joy, she will teach you EXTRA patience, she will bring EXTRA smiles and laughes, and most of all she will bring EXTRA blessings beyond belief to you and your family! So dry your tears and be happy because she will breathe the essence of heaven into all that know and love her. And keep calm; it's only an extra chromosome. I can honestly say she has changed my life for the better!"

How can you help the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan in honor of Ellie?
1. Donate: Online - Please consider donating online by following this link. By Check - Please send a check made to the "Aaron R. Moeller Memorial Fund" and indicate "Ellie" in the notes section. If you need my mailing address, please send me an e-mail or leave a comment with your e-mail address so I may reply privately. If you are considering making a donation and would like it to be included in the team's total, please do so online. I will be taking donations in Ellie's honor through the month of October!

2. Walk: If you are in the Grand Rapids area, consider walking with us! You can register online. Be sure to let me know so I can look for you!

3. Spread the word: Please tell your friends and family about this fundraising opportunity by sharing the link to this post on your Facebook or in an e-mail...

4. Pray:
* Praise for the increasing support for individuals with Down syndrome and their families
* Prayer for continued grace as Brian and Lacey raise their family
* Praise for the testimony of this family
* Prayer that other families will find the EXTRA love, EXTRA joy, and EXTRA blessings that come with having a child with an extra chromosome
* Please also pray for the fundraising efforts of this walk as well as this race series