December to Remember
Clara White Mission and V101.5 are hosting the 30th Annual “December to Remember” Saturday, December 14th, 12nn at the Police Athletic League, 2165 W. 33rd Street, Jax., FL 32209.
A Family's Resilience and Love
The journey of this incredible family began in 2013 with the birth of their baby boy, Andrew III. Drew was a fighter, overcoming countless medical challenges, while living on a ventilator for three years. Tragically, Drew passed away, leaving a void that would change their lives forever. The family faced devastating financial and emotional hardships, losing everything they owned, and battling deep depression. Through it all, they never lost their faith. Slowly, they began to rebuild, and in 2018, they received the unexpected blessing of a new pregnancy. Their baby girl, AnDree, brought both hope and heartache, as she faced a complicated start to life, spending 19 months in the ICU before finally coming home. Today, this resilient family navigates the daily challenges of raising a disabled child alongside a baby, often going without to ensure their children have what they need. Their two older sons, are honor roll students, and stand as pillars of support for their family, embodying strength and love. As Christmas approaches, the family is overwhelmed with the desire to create a magical holiday for their children, a moment of joy to ease their burdens. With your help through A December to Remember, we can give this remarkable family the special Christmas they deserve, and a reminder that love and resilience shine brightest during the holidays. Together, let’s bring the miracle they’ve been waiting for.
2 Adult Boys – 2- 14/6 Girls – 2 – 6/3 mos.
A Mother's Journey of Strength and Hope
September 2020 marked a turning point in my life as a single mother, bringing challenges I never imagined. After three surgeries and countless hours of physical and mental therapy, I have been unable to work, leaving me in a financial bind as I strive to provide for my family. The weight of my health circumstances has often felt overwhelming, like the world itself is closing in. Through it all, I have fought with courage and determination, battling not only for my physical recovery but also to preserve my mental and emotional well-being. "You don't realize how important your limbs are until you can't use them,"
As the holiday approaches, I yearn for something many take for granted is a Christmas filled with joy, and presents for my son. With your help through A December to Remember, I wish my family can have a holiday season of relief and hope. As a reminder even in our toughest times, my family spirits can be lifted up.
1 Adult 2 Boy 13/7
A Mother’s Love and Resilience
I’m a single mother of four amazing boys, each with unique needs and boundless potential. After leaving an unhealthy domestic relationship, I determined that I needed a fresh start filled with stability for my sons and me. My 6-year-old son lives with autism, and my other three sons navigate life with ADHD. While these challenges have brought moments of struggle, they have only strengthened my love, sacrifice and commitment as a mother. I was working full-time to provide for my family, until I had a car accident and surgery left me unable to work, making it nearly impossible to meet my family essential needs. Despite my hardships and disappointments, I really need some help this December. Our family would love to have a memorable Christmas.
1 Adult 4 Boys 6, 8, 11, 13
Aunt’s Love and a New Beginning
In the face of hardship, one aunt stepped up to become the rock her family desperately needed. When her sister could no longer care for her four children, this courageous aunt took them into her home, offering the love and stability they had been missing. Before her selfless act, the children were living from pillow to post, without the comfort and security of a stable environment. Despite the challenges of suddenly caring for a household of children, the aunt embraced her new role with an open heart and commitment to their well-being.
This remarkable aunt dreams of creating a Christmas for her nieces and nephew for a memory to replace the instability of their past with the help of A December to Remember. Together, we can make this season magical as family steps up for one another.
1 Adult Boys 2 – 10, 9, 3 Girls 4 – 13, 10, 7, 6
A Mother's Fight for Her Family
I’m a single mother navigating life’s toughest challenges with very little resources to feed my 3 children and 1 grandchild. I have faced tremendous hardships one after another. I lost my full-time job unexpectedly due to budget cuts. To make sure, I had income for the household. I took on two part-time jobs to make ends meet; but only to lose my house soon afterwards, because I was behind paying for my housing due to insufficient income. Our family became homeless but not hopeless. I refused to give up. Within months, I secured full-time employment, but with food stamps out of reach because I didn’t qualify, putting meals on the table remains a daily struggle. In August, I lost my car, adding another obstacle to my journey. Yet, I continue to fight, trying to balance work, and parenting, all while ensuring my children have a safe space through the HUB afterschool and meal program.
This Christmas, I would like to have some gifts under the tree for my family, it’s a simple yet powerful way to remind my family that brighter days are ahead. With the support of the A December to Remember. Together, let’s make this Christmas unforgettable for my family.
1 Adult Boys 2-8/6 Girls 2-7/10
A Mother's Love and a Son's Smile
In August 2024, life took an unexpected turn for my son and me. On my way to the Police Athletic, my car was struck by a distracted driver, resulting in an accident that disrupted every part of my life. The damages to my car left me unable to work due to transportation issues, forcing me to move out of my home and put my belongings in storage. Thankfully, my parents, opened their doors and welcomed us in, providing a roof over our heads during this challenging time. Despite the hardship, my focus remained on my son and the promise of better days to come.
Now, with Christmas around the corner, my dream was to surprise my son with his favorite characters, a Dragon and Toothless, from How to Train Your Dragon. But the expiration of my work contract has added another layer of struggle to an already difficult year. "We’ve been through so much all I want is to see my son smile for Christmas." With the help of A December to Remember, we can count on our Christmas filled with joy and magic even during the hardest times, love and generosity can light the way.
1 Adult1 Boy -8