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I spent this rainy Sunday with a group of fabulous women who came together for one purpose. Some of these ladies I knew, some were old friends, and some were complete strangers. By the time we finished however, we all felt like one group of great friends. One simple act of kindness from one friend to another sparked a movement in our little part of the world.  A little 8 year old boy battling cancer at his young age received a cape from his mom’s best friend to let him know she was thinking of him and she was sending him all the strength she could since she couldn’t be at his side with his mom. Sadly, little Maisyn passed away after 8 months.  When Tara of Happy Soul Project put out a request for someone to make a cape for her as she didn’t sew, the response was overwhelming.   Along with that one simple request however, came an outpouring of people offering to donate capes.  It was also met with hundreds and hundreds of requests from families with children battling cancer and in need of hope and strength.  So far over 2000 capes have been given out at Ronald McDonald House in Toronto, various hospitals in Ontario, and some have even been sent out world wide.  Sadly, there is a waiting list.  Since then, many volunteers have been graciously taking the time to sew capes and Tara quickly realized that fundraising for the materials was a necessity.  As well, an event was needed to put a dint in that wait list and so the B of all B’s as she calls it was held at the Delta Hotel in Kingston today.  Approximately 60 women came with sewing machines, needles and thread and spent the entire day making these capes after the Kingston Frontenac hockey team raised funds for the purchase of the materials.  There wasn’t an unused space in the entire meeting room with many seated on the floor cutting and pinning.  During an amazing lunch by Delta Hotel, Maisyn’s mom, with a tremendous amount of strength, spoke about what it was like for Maisyn and them to have received a cape and how amazing she felt that Maisyn was leaving a legacy.  We also heard from a father whose little girl, Allyson, also received a cape and what it meant to them.  You see it isn’t just a cape.  It’s a symbol of strength, hope, courage and perseverance.  It’s a way for that child to be able to get through the next round of chemo, or the next blood transfusion, or the next doctor’s appointment or hospital visit feeling like they have superhero powers to do so.  It gives the parents and the siblings hope and a little bit of joy to know that a stranger cares.  I feel absolutely blessed to call Tara my friend, and am ever so grateful for her inviting me in to experience all the joy that giving to someone brings.  If you feel you would like to participate in this project in whatever way you can, go to www.happysoulproject.com to see how you can.  

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