Most People are Good

This has been a sad week for our nation, so now is the perfect time to focus on the beauty that can still be found in this world.

In my household, we are obsessed with Luke Bryan’s music, and one of my favorite songs is called, “I believe most People are Good.”  My blog today is highlighting all the wonderful people who have rushed to our side in our journey to help Maxwell and other kids with SLC6A1. We have seen the best side of humanity, and I want to express my gratitude.

My little family was struck by tragedy the day we received Maxwell’s diagnosis.  All of our long-term plans and dreams were derailed at that moment.  Our family’s future became uncertain as I left my career to ensure Maxwell’s future could become more certain.  I had no idea what I was going to do, or how I was going to do it, but I was going to try with every ounce of my soul.  We put aside fear, pride and our privacy to make our journey public, to create awareness, fundraise and ultimately advance the treatment for Maxwell’s neurological disease and help many others.  We had no idea how we would be perceived and it was not easy for us, but we had to do it.  We were totally unprepared for the outpouring of love and support that has surrounded and empowered us every step of the way.

Friends I haven’t seen in 10 years have made donations to Milestones for Maxwell. A high school friend named Diana has collected thousands of pairs of shoes which will be sold to benefit the foundation. Investors at Janus Henderson, my former colleagues, have become Maxwell’s cheerleading squad, making key introductions and mobilizing their brainpower rich office to help my family. Other former business associates have donated rounds of golf and rallied the industry behind us. My friend Lisa has never missed an event, Kris ran a marathon for Maxwell, and Brinton–another former colleague and fellow twin parent–is running 100 miles in September to benefit Milestones for Maxwell.

My friend Bonnie’s little girl, Evelyn, asked for donations for Maxwell in lieu of gifts for her 6th birthday, and also made him a beautiful card. A friend that works in public relations has worked tirelessly, and with a mother’s love, to facilitate media coverage on our behalf, which has been key for fundraising and getting our story in front of as many eyes as possible. My friend Sarah hosted a large charity hour to benefit Maxwell, and Mark’s golfing body organized one of a kind photography prints to be sold to help us.

Enstroms Candy is donating all of their tips for the summer to help Maxwell. Ink! Coffee has created Maxwell’s Miracle Blend on our behalf. My church, Denver United, has engulfed us with love. Brad Livengood is a talented photographer that ensured we have perfect photos to send to the media. Lynsi Greer helped create a video that flawlessly captures the essence of our story and our journey (which I can’t wait to share.)

Even Bachelor Alumni made Maxwell a video!

Complete strangers are planning events, friends and strangers alike are hosting birthday fundraisers on facebook, and I’m often up late into the night returning e-mails from people who want to help. I’ve even made new friends along the way, such as Irene who has been instrumental in a number of ways, not the least of which is her hysterically funny personality that keeps my spirits high. Another lovely woman, Sarah, read about our story and reached out, and now she will be hosting a trivia night to fundraise for Maxwell on August 28th (buy tickets Here).

I could keep this list going for days and days. We have an army of supporters to carry us through this season of life, and the amount of love we have received will make us smile for the rest of our lives. It’s only appropriate to end this blog with Luke Bryan’s words:

I believe this world ain’t half as bad as it looks
I believe most people are good.