On September 11th 2015, my firstborn daughter Eleanor Josephine was born sleeping.

She was healthy, she was perfect, she was full-term, but she passed without warning, and we never found the reason why.

Since her death, I have vowed to make sure her life, however brief, had meaning, had purpose, and still has the ability to leave a mark on this world.

In the weeks leading up to her birthday, I raise money for an epic day of Random Acts of Kindness that my family and I carry out in our local area. In past years, we've left gas station gift cards on pumps to help people fill their tanks, we've paid for meals at restaurants, we've left large tips for waiters, we've bought gifts for expecting parents from their baby registries, we've paid off Christmas layaways, and we've put together care packages for the homeless. All these things and more are what we're hoping to continue doing this year!

That's where you come in! Eleanor's birthday celebration is made possible by YOU! Your donations are what allow us the privilege of performing these random acts of kindness every year, and every year, we are eternally grateful for any and every donation blessed upon us - even if it's just a dollar! It all adds up to one amazing day celebrating a precious little girl as we spread kindness in her name. I know that because I am just some random person and not an official charity, you may be hesitant to send money, and I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND. I will be taking photos of the acts themselves as well as getting receipts so that every dime is accounted for. Any money left over will NOT be kept by me - it will instead all be donated to a charity of my choosing (NILMDTS, St. Jude's, The Finely Project, Knox Blocks, and others are all possibilities). We haven't had any money left over the last couple of years, but we at least have a plan in place in case we do this year!

And even if you don't have the ability to donate, please at least consider sharing this fundraiser with your family and friends!

Thank you all so much!

Support Eleanor's 7th RAOK Birthday Celebration!

By natalie szolomayer

Support Eleanor's 7th RAOK Birthday Celebration!

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