Sherie was first introduced to The Dragonfly Foundation through her work at Miami University in Oxford, OH. Thanks to the generosity of donors, Dragonfly often held patient/family events at the school (e.g., ice skating and tickets to hockey, football and baseball games, etc.). As a skater, Sherie’s daughter Karia often volunteered at Dragonfly events. Little did she know that one day doctors would diagnose her daughter with an inoperable brain tumor.
Being familiar with the organization, Sherie knew she needed Dragonfly. At the hospital, she was very thankful to receive Dragonfly’s “blue bag,” a large bag of essential items, paper and personal care items and office-type supplies patients/caregivers need most during the first week as inpatients.
“I’ve always been on the other side. I was the one who was the giver. So it was a hard thing for me to accept things from others. I let myself and my family start receiving and what a huge burden that was lifted.” Sherie said.
Karia is determined to beat cancer, which has been a huge inspiration to everyone around her. She has plans to write a book to encourage others to fight against cancer.
Dragonfly gifts, especially those received in the early days after diagnosis, and the quality of life enhancements the organization provide mean so much to Sherie and her family. Opening gift cards and receiving tickets to events continue to bring joy at a very scary and overwhelming time.
Karia and Sherie are so thankful for everything The Dragonfly Foundation has done. They feel like they are part of a family.
Sherie shared, “When I see the ‘dragonfly’ billboard, it makes us happy to know we are a part of that, that we are a Dragonfly. When Karia she saw a younger girl at the hospital, also in a Dragonfly shirt they hugged each other and said, ‘you’re my sister.'”
They are all part of the Dragonfly Family.
Dragonfly is grateful to iHeart Radio host, Scott Sloan, for recording the introduction/closing of the podcast. The executive producer of Dragonfly’s podcast is Joe Strecker.
The Dragonfly Foundation(R), a 501c3 nonprofit, helps pediatric cancer patients and their families find strength, courage, and joy. We do this by providing ongoing support, relevant materials, and caring, nurturing and transformative experiences.
To donate and to learn more about Dragonfly, please visit Dragonfly.org or text WINGS to 71777.
Please share this and other episodes of “The Dragonfly Effect” podcast.
Check out this week’s episode of The Dragonfly Effect Podcast!