This Month's Compelled Designs is featuring the Rancourt Family. $5 from each piece sold on our website in the August will benefit sweet Lily to help cover the enormous cost of her medical care.

Lily’s Story by Meredith Toering

There are people who come into our lives who inspire us, people who challenge us, people who we meet and just immediately know that our lives will never be the same. Lily is one of those people. 

Lily is sweet; Lily is sassy. Lily is as “Empress-y” as they come; loves princesses, Hello Kitty, and her Papa’s “noodle soup”. She loves doing puzzles, does NOT like to get dirty, and heaven forbid she step out the door without her signature bow, crowning her the true princess that she is.

And most of all, Lily is BRAVE. Lily was born with a very broken heart. She was born with an extremely rare, “one-in-a-million” combination of heart defects, down to the “upside-down-and-backwards” nature of her heart. Her heart condition was labeled “terminal” in China, but her Emily and Jacques, her Mommy and Papa, knew that she was meant to be a part of their lives, and they fought to bring her home. She had two open heart surgeries in China, while waiting for a forever family of her own, and then was adopted shortly before her 3^rd birthday. 

Lily has gone through a great deal since coming home. Several more open heart surgeries. Two belly surgeries. Countless weeks and months spent in hospitals. And most recently? Lily received the gift of life…a new heart. A brave new hero heart, which is now beating inside of her, strong and sure.

Lily is BRAVE, friends. Lily is a miracle. Lily and her family encourage us daily to choose courage. To dare. To risk. To live each day with “overflowing HOPE”.

Lily chooses to live with overwhelming JOY, finding laughter in the midst of pain. She is courageous and always concerned for others, even on her “this is not my best day” kind of days. Her heart story has touched thousands, and God has incredible plans in store for her life…we just know it. 

Lily’s family is faced with many upcoming medical bills in the weeks and months to coming, following Lily’s transplant. Right now, I want their focus to be completely on Lily and her healing…not worrying about financial issues. If you would like to help contribute to Lily’s medical fund, a YouCaring site has been set up. Please feel free to contribute, and share the link if you would like. Contact me if you have any questions or concerns! Thank you!!

http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/lily-grace-s-brave-new-heart/191157