Everyday Angels

It’s hard to believe we are more than halfway through 2022! Summer months always are a good time to recap and update our readers on the people we have featured to date.

In January, we shared the story of 2-year-old Bella Kirby. Bella was diagnosed with a rare form of cancerous brain tumor, grade 2 ependymoma. Her family has felt the love of our community as our Cherokee Softball Association has led the fundraising charge to help them through this fight. Their GoFundMe remains active as Bella continues her treatments: www.gofundme.com/f/help-relievesome-stress-from-bellas-family.

In February, Everyday Angels shared a neighbor’s request to help two grandparents who are raising their grandchildren while their daughter fights addiction issues. Their newfound roles had been challenging enough; then grandpa was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, stage 3. We continue to accept donations in support of them as they are facing an uphill battle, especially during the summer months when the children are out of school.

In March, we featured Canton police officer Jesse Lee, who lost his wife, Brianna, two weeks after the birth of their second child in January. The Lee family continues to navigate life without their precious mom and wife. As usual, our gracious community has rallied around this sweet family. The GoFundMe set up by their police department friends remains active: www.gofundme.com/f/m83bs-leefamily-expenses.

In May, we featured our beloved Tommy Akins, the gentleman who ran alongside Bells Ferry Road for more than 12 years. Our mailbox was filled with cards and letters of support and encouragement for Tommy. He was hospitalized with pneumonia in June, which was a setback for him. He is now being cared for in a rehab facility and hopefully will be able to move back to the community he loves. We will continue to accept cards or donations in support of his extended care. We are working closely with his family and church in support of our friend.

Last month, we shared the story of Bill Redmond who is recovering from serious injuries from a motorcycle accident. Bill remains at The Shepherd Center, where he receives extensive physical and occupational therapies. He has many months of rehabilitation and recovery ahead of him. Meanwhile, his wife continues to work full time and goes back and forth for daily visits. A GoFundMe has been set up for the Redmond family and Everyday Angels will continue to accept donations on their behalf as well. www.gofundme. com/f/help-us-get-bill-home.

In addition to sharing these stories, Everyday Angels works behind the scenes to assist qualified families with utilities and food and rent, when funds are available. Our generous donors are the only source of financial help.

If you know of someone within our community in need, please email aaeverydayangels@gmail.com.

Bella Kirby, left; the Redmond family, above.

Everyday Angels is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Cherokee County since 2000. To make a tax deductible donation, visit www.everydayangels.info to donate via Paypal, or send your donations to: Everyday Angels, PMB 380, 1025 Rose Creek Drive, Suite 620, Woodstock, GA 30189. One hundred percent of your funds will go to the family you specify. If you know of a special need in our community, email aaeverydayangels@gmail.com.