CottonStrong

09/10/2025

We won!! 🙌 I want to take a moment to truly thank each of you who has voted for Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center. I nominated them because of the profound impact they’ve had on my family’s life.

As many of you know, when our son Camden was just 2½ years old, he began losing his sight without explanation. By the age of 4, he was completely blind. That was when we were introduced to Lighthouse, and they've been walking alongside us ever since!

Lighthouse is more than a nonprofit—it’s a community hub for anyone navigating vision loss. They provide essential resources, skills training, and support for people of all ages.

I have asked that the proceeds from this showcase be directed toward their children’s program, which is especially close to home. This program teaches kids ages 5–13 practical life skills, social development, and self-advocacy. Camden is currently part of it, working on independence in the kitchen, social skills, and building the confidence he needs to thrive.

Lighthouse has truly been a light in the dark. To see our community come together in support of this organization is humbling and deeply appreciated. Thank you again, for standing with them—and with families like mine. 🖤🤍❤️

Our non profit that won with 80 votes was Lighthouse Vision Loss Education Center I will be reaching out to them this week to see if they will accept joining us and being our beneficiary for September 17th Marketing on Main at the Grove! Thank you!! Gianna

07/25/2025

Cam made the best stuffed crust cheese pizza!

03/25/2025

We received news today that our younger son, Cainen, has lost significant vision. His visual acuity is 20/50 in his right eye and his left eye is 20/40 at best. As unfortunate as it is at least we can say we are experienced and there's really no better home for it to happen in. With Camden's unexplained vision loss there was always the thought of what if it happens to the others, & here we are. We ordered his first pair of lenses while we were there & i let him stay home from school so we could go for cakepops afterward. Send him all of your best wishes 🙏

03/02/2025

Hello helium

03/01/2025

THE HERO THAT SEES IN THE DARK ~ For Camden

"I heard of the hero that sees in the dark
Slides through the night and skates through the park
Remind this old soul what it means to believe
A mind to behold, a legend to weave
Fly through life with the world in tow
So much to live, so many places to go
Such a bright future with so many days
And so many ways you were built to amaze
I wonder the wonder that lies in those eyes
Lift the spirits of a person twice your size
We may not have met but my mind is blown
A testament to how far your influence is thrown
Please dont stop being an inspiration to me
Keep reaching for the top and one day you'll see
Your dreams are straight ahead and you'll hit the mark
Ya, i heard of the hero, that sees in the dark"

- Kevin Downes

Such a beautiful poem. I received this from my best friend today. Her honey wrote it & it was to perfect to not share!

02/21/2025

Camden loves to fish! This week in scouts they have been learning how to tie knots for fishhooks and last night we went fishing with the pack. Not a single bite for us (literally fished with the same poor shrimp for nearly 3hrs 😅) but some friends caught a speckled trout to take home, a flounder and a toadfish. Always a good time with our scout family 🥰