Stevie_Brianna

Big Changes, Wonderful News ~ The Pink Sky Project

ZNE is absolutely delighted to announce a change in the original Hope Sees a Star funding plans.  During the course of the many months that ZNE has worked with Stevie's and Brianna's mothers - Gina Gabriell and Iva Wilcox - and through working together, and learning more about these very special families, and their daughters - a more personal and appropriate plan for use of the Hope Sees a Star funds developed.

Gina Gabriell, a previously published artist wrote and illustrated a children's book about mothers and daughters, childhood illness, and the transition of death.  This extraordinary book "Pink Sky" is written for children to understand, and for families and loved ones to cherish as well.  It will serve as a warm and loving support resource for families who are dealing with the diagnosis of a fatal illness in a child.

Iva and Gina are working together to complete a page in the book that will serve as a memorial for their two daughters.  Iva is also developing a website dedicated to this project, and when the website goes live, we will update you here!

Gina describes the emotion of transition our Hope Sees a Star project goal, to one which supports this book project:

"Magic happened and the book will be the memorial. I am so happy."

Because of the extraordinary contributions of our artist members and all those who have donated funds to this project, ZNE will be paying for five hundred copies of the book - all of which will be donated to hospice organizations serving families dealing with the possibility or the reality of the loss of a child. .

The little girl who is the main character in the book is named Bella. Gina has recently created a doll in honor of the main character, which you can see above.  The image of the child in the new header for this blog is also by Gina Gabriell, it is taken from an original illustration from the book.

Stay tuned for more news as it develops, about the wonderful Pink Sky project.

Brianna Lauren Grant

Jan. 12, 1990 - June 15, 2007

“Give sorrow words. The grief that does not speak whispers the o'er-fraught heart, and bids it break.”

We just want to take a moment to acknowledge Brianna Lauren Grant's 18th birthday today.  We know that Iva Wilcox and her family are missing their daughter today, beyond any measure we could use words to express.  Our hearts are with them all.

Just a quick update!

Thank you again to all of you who participated in the Hope Sees a Star Auction.

We are wrapping up the last of the invoicing and auction item shipments, and we plan on providing a more detailed update on this blog, next week - including information on what our next steps are, how you can continue to help, and our schedule for memorial completion!

So stay tuned, and see you soon!

From Stevie's Mother ~

"Oh my heart is full...

So many wonderful artists donated beautiful work, so many loving people bid...we raised some wonderful money for the memorial. I am so grateful and touched.

Who ever bought my quilt, if you lived closer I would bake you a cake and kiss you a million times, what a loving, loving gift.

Who ever paid for my auction item you are just too sweet for words.

I have so much to do today but I wanted to be sure I put my gratitude out there."

Gabriell"

From Brianna's mother ~

"To all who contributed to the Hope Sees a Star benefit auction -

What a wonderfully generous community of artists. I don’t know how to thank you all. To donate such beautiful pieces and raise money for a memorial in honor of  my dear sweet Brianna and for Gina’s daughter Stevie, it touches my heart.

Thank you so very much. I miss Brianna dearly and it hurts so bad not having her here with me. But all the contributing artists have helped me a little during this terrible time of grief. I appreciate all the hard work and talent that was put into the HSAS auction.

Peace to you all....Iva"