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.
What a wonderful idea! I love the doll too!
Posted by: Judy | March 19, 2008 at 06:00 AM
Books are soooo wonderful! And the doll is fantastic!
Posted by: Donna Cook | March 19, 2008 at 02:29 PM
this really gives the memorial wings, doesn't it? now the books can be shared the world over... i can see translations and maybe even gina's wonderful dolls being sources of healing for others.
Kudos to you brilliant ladies!
xoxo
Jul
Posted by: Julee | March 20, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Does this mean the butterfly mosaic won't be created now?
Posted by: Margaret | June 24, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Does this mean the butterfly mosaic won't be created now?
Posted by: Margaret | June 24, 2008 at 11:56 AM
I am so happy that from the beginnings of the auction to now both Iva and Gina have been able to reach out to others who have felt their pain. A perfect memorial for your girls and I'm sure they both guided you in this direction.
Hope is a wonderful thing and the stars are shinning on Stevie and Brianna.
Hugs
Bernie
Posted by: Bernice | July 17, 2008 at 08:37 AM