A Strolling, Rolling Success

rolling...rolling...rolling...

The 2nd Annual Stroll N' Roll was a wonderful celebration of friendship, support, everyday miracles,  and real life superheros!  The GEMS won the team spirit award with our gem-ified crowns and our streamer-fied wagon {Gavin declared the jeweled ring pops to be especially "spiritual"}. The event raised over $18,600 for the West Michigan Spina Bifida Organization. We are so thankful for the opportunity to be part of this community and to call the other families of the WMSBO our friends.

The 2nd Annual Stroll N' Roll

Calling Gabe’s GEMs!  

It’s that time of year again - the 2nd Annual Stroll N’Roll.  This year’s stroll will be held at Millenium Park in Grand Rapids on September 22^nd.  A perfect way for us to celebrate Gabe’s 2^nd birthday with our friends and family - that means YOU are invited!  

The Stroll N Roll benefit raises funds for The West Michigan Spina Bifida Organization. Our participation, and contributions, will enable the WMSBO to continue the important work of supporting children and families affected by Spina Bifida.

Spina Bifida is the most commonly occurring permanently disabling defect. The diagnosis itself is emotionally challenging, as is the resulting financial strain placed on the families who are affected. 

The WMSBO exists to alleviate emotional and financial burdens for the families it serves. The organization provides assistance for adaptive sports, special camps, and educational conferences. In addition, the WMSBO provides programs and events where the local Spina Bifida community connects with those who share and understand the unique challenges associated with this complex birth defect. The need for support in West Michigan is greater than ever!  

If you would like details about joining the GEMs to stroll, roll, or scoot send us an email (listladykatie{at}gmail{dot}com) and we will let you know how you can participate. 

If you would like to donate to the WMSBO Stroll N Roll in Gabe’s honor we have set up a donation page for our team, or you may donate by cash or check (payable to WMSBO).  Online donations must be submitted by September 14, 2012.

Thank you for your consideration!

Saturday Morning Stroll

This weekend Gabe's GEMs cheerful stepped out in support of our little guy. We hardly needed to put one foot in front of the other as we blew through the route. Never mind the clouds, chill, and WIND - the weather was no more unpredictable as the daily ups and downs of living with SB.  We've learned to make the best of it and look for the silver linings.  

And make the best of it we did...

In an effort to raise awareness for all those living with Spina Bifida, as well as to raise funds to support our community, the first West MI Stroll N Roll was a great success.  According to our amazing organizers, Leigh & Emily, initial counts show the event raised over $20,000!

Thank you to all of you who continue to walk along side our family and our new"extended family."

Gabe's GEMs

In honor of the new community of friends we have found in the last year, the children and adults living with SB, all that the West MI Spina Bifida Association is doing for families like ours, and in honor of Gabe's 1st Birthday we invite you to stroll and celebrate life with us!

Join The GEMs as we walk, talk, and have a great time celebrating your support for our family during the last year and all of our Glimpses of Everyday Miracles:)

When: October 15, 2011 at 10:00 AM
Where: Millenium Park 1415 Maynard Ave SW Grand Rapids, MI

As we build our team we will be designing a simple t-shirt for those who will be strolling with us. I will let you know when they are available if you are interested.


The Stroll ‘N Roll is a family friendly event being held to raise awareness about Spina Bifida and to celebrate those living with it. The goal of this event is to create teams that will collect donations for the West Michigan Spina Bifida Association. All proceeds are used for programs and services for people living with Spina Bifida.

For those of you who would normally attend Gabe's birthday party and bring a gift we would like you to consider making a donation to our stroll and roll team instead. You have already been especially generous with our family this year, so we want to be clear that no donation is required or expected for your participation. Whether or not you would like to donate to the team we would LOVE to have your company during our stroll.

Credit card donations will be accepted through WePay.


For more information about the event: http://wmspinabifida.org/strollnroll/Home.html