Video games may be popular, but the fascination a child has for a wagon has remained constant throughout the years. And when the wagon is filled with toys, the fun really begins! Blessing’s younger patients will be riding in style and enjoying new toys thanks to the family and friends of Myles Patrick Grant.
Myles passed away on October 13, 2020, at the age of six months, as the result of Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH). HLH is a complex immune system disorder. It is also rare, reported in about 1 per 50,000 births worldwide per year.
In his memory and honor, Myles’ family – Blessing Purchasing Department buyer and mom, Courtney Grant; Blessing Construction Department specialist and dad, Brandon; and brother, Riley, created a program called, “Smiles from Myles!”
“We have been praying we will get a sign that will let us know what we need to do to spread that strength and smile of Myles,” Courtney said. “We have found the perfect thing. Around his birthday, this year and every year that we can keep it going, we are going to have a birthday party that is also a toy fundraiser in memory of Myles. We ask everyone that can or wants to donate a toy, gift card/cash or whatever you can. We will give those toys with a message from Myles to children in our area that need a boost of smiles in their life.”
Thanks to the generosity of the many, many friends Myles made during his short, but meaningful life, the first Smiles from Myles! delivery has been made to benefit Blessing Hospital’s pediatric patients. The Grant family recently delivered two blue wagons filled with new toys to Blessing Hospital, to kick off the fundraiser.
Those interested in getting involved in the Smiles for Myles program can drop-off a toy, gift card or cash during a special collection event at Knights of Columbus, 700 S. 36th St., Quincy, on Sunday, April 11, from 1pm-3pm; or learn about Myles life journey and get information on donating by joining Myles Facebook page “Miracle Myles creates Smiles from Myles!”