Meg’s Smile Foundation joined forces with Fight Like Paxton, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping families fighting childhood cancer, to bring a special day to Taylor, a 13 year old girl who was battling AML Leukemia.
Taylor was about to celebrate her 14th birthday, and Meg’s Smile Foundation wanted to make this birthday a truly memorable one! The day began with a limo ride by Cowboy Limousine who picked up Taylor and her Mom from their hometown of Norman, NC and brought them to the Streets of Southpoint Mall in Durham where Meg’s Smile Foundation, Fight Like Paxton, Taylor’s friends and some of the nurses from the clinic at UNC Children’s Hospital met them.
We had our birthday lunch celebration at California Pizza Kitchen where we were given the star treatment and some delicious food! For dessert, Rebekah baked a beautiful cake just for Taylor and everyone sang “Happy Birthday” to Taylor. After lunch, it was time for SHOPPING!
It had been quite some time since Taylor was able to go to shopping at a mall and she had never been to Justice for Girls and really wanted to go there – so that’s right where we took her. Emily, the Justice Store Manager went above and beyond; decorating a special fitting room just for Taylor and providing Taylor with her very own “Fashion Assistants” to help her with anything she needed. Asia and Tamara took great care of Taylor and soon Taylor was trying on clothes and modeling them all with her beautiful smile shining!
After Justice, it was over to Claire’s for a quick stop to pick out some jewelry, then on to Build-A-Bear where Taylor created her very own Rainbow Bear. Thanks to Donna at Build-A-Bear for all her help! We could not provide such special moments in these children’s lives without help from local businesses and individuals who volunteer their time, make donations. We can’t thank you all enough for all you do to make these “Smiles” possible for kids who truly deserve a special day.