IN A PERFECT WORLD

By Melissa Gilbert

In a perfect world the words “Children” and “Hospice” would never go together, but unfortunately for many families, it is a painful reality. Two years ago, in my role as President of the Screen Actors Guild, I met a little boy named Dustin whose body was ravaged by cancer and who dreamed of being an actor. It was an incredible honor for me to visit Dustin in the hospital to present him with his honorary SAG card. When I said to him, “Dustin, it is now official…you are an actor!,” his smile melted my heart and from that moment, my life changed.

As an actress, I had worked with a lot of film and television heroes but it was now clear to me that I wanted to do more to help the real heroes - kids like my guardian angel Dustin. I called my friends, Lori and Devon, the founders of Children’s Hospice, and of course they immediately put me to work. With their help, in August, along with several nurses, social workers and other care providers, I attended the “End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium” to learn more about how we can improve quality of life for seriously ill children and ensure that they and their families get the support they need.

Now, as a member of the Board of Directors and spokesperson on behalf of this incredible organization, I have taken on the charge of getting the Children’s Hospice bracelets on the wrists of my celebrity friends…and YOU. 100% of the proceeds go directly to Children’s Hospice, so by buying a bracelet you are making an immediate and tangible difference. Too often seriously ill children and their families feel isolated and forgotten. You can change that! This bracelet campaign is not only a great way to raise awareness and improve the children’s quality of life and care, but it is also a visible way of letting the families know we care. By purchasing and wearing Dustin’s bracelet and Alexis’ bracelet, you will be making more than just a fashion statement. You will be standing up for every child’s right to live with peace, dignity and love.

Click here to buy your own bracelet now.

ChildrensHospice.org thanks Jennifer Scarbrough of Zia Jewelry for the original design and production of these bracelets. Because of the generosity of everyone at Zia Designs, 100% of the proceeds from the bracelets benefit children and the families of children with life-threatening conditions.