I recently had the pleasure of meeting Kate Leong in person. She is the Woman/Mommy behind Chasing Rainbows. She documents the life of her beautiful children. On April 14, 2013 Kate lost her son Gavin suddenly and inexplicably as he suffered three cardiac arrests after a seizure. Gavin went to heaven on Kate’s 43rd birthday. Gavin was an amazing kid with an amazing mom. His parents were told he would never walk, he had hearing loss and would need hearing aids, and so many other obstacles that Gavin overcame. Though he died before he ever spoke a word I have no doubt that he would have spoken someday. Gavin has touched so many lives and brought people all over the world together. I could go on for days about how miraculous Chasing Rainbows in, but I recommend you head over there and check it out for yourself. Make sure to give yourself time and a box of tissues. You will shed happy and sad tears as you learn about this amazing family.
So back to Gavin’s playground project. Gavin spent a lot of time at Neumours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children and there was a playground that Gavin never got a chance to fully enjoy. His mom did fight for a wheel chair swing, but wished she had advocated for more. The playground wasn’t set up for kids with special needs. So about 6 weeks ago Kate met with the hospital and pitched her idea to fund an all abilities playground and that is how Gavin’s Playground Project began. People came together last night at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks PA to support the playground. Over 400 people showed up and many more supported the Playground Project from around the world. It was truly incredible to see so many people come together to help. I don’t know what the final number was last night, but I know they raised more money than I think anyone expected. The power of people coming together for a good cause is amazing. I am so honored to have been a part of this event and to call Kate a friend.
There was dinner, lots of auction items donated by many, a 50/50 and a fun game of trivia. Each table was a team and the trivia was really a neat way to interact with your table. Bill McMenamin from MCM Entertainment was amazing and I can not recommend him enough. If you ever need a DJ and are in the Philadelphia area I would give him a call.
I was not the official photographer at the event, but I wanted to snap a few pictures and of course share them here with you all. I wanted to share Gavin and his amazing family with you all as well. When Kate posts about the event I will be sure to share here with you all.
