Let me introduce you to my little sister Bailey Elizabeth Shaw.
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Photo taken and edited by Bailey
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She was a gypsy soul with compassion for just about anything from strays to people that were misunderstood or needed some kind of rescuing. Being the strong-willed person she was I know she would have moved mountains if given the opportunity. In the months after she passed I heard numerous stories of what she meant to the people who's paths she crossed, and according to them her presence in their lives helped them move mountains for themselves - the adolescents period is a tough place and we are all lucky to make it out alive - I was a heartbroken, but proud big sister in those months.
Bailey grew up feeling confined by illness ranging from respiratory issues to chronic bouts of cold and flu symptoms, constantly at the doctor or taking breathing treatments. By the time she reached the age of choice and control she was hell on heals ... or some form of platformed utility boots. Really gave the ol' parents a run for their money, there literally wasn't an issue Bailey minded fighting. Not long into her junior year however she found herself up against more than a typical argument over curfew, poor choices, or questionable crowds - she found herself being diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma. After that Bailey embarked on the fight of her life - she covered the whole 9 yards of the battle field of cancer - radiation, chemotherapy, hospice, thinking the coast was clear, feeling the cancer regain power, acknowledging defeat, and in the end, the end.
Through this great struggle however Bailey was able to shift focus long enough to make an impression of compassion on a boy lost in transit just like her - Allen, who six days before she died became her husband and made Bailey so very happy in love. He was by her side through so much, but we who know the two of them know that she was right by his through so much as well.
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Mr. & Mrs.
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Bailey also rescued a beautiful pit bull whom she named Sin; she said popular society would say "it's a sin to be a pit bull" which is why the name was so fitting. I have to admit, there was a time when I was judgmental of the breed. Sin was such a source of peace, love and purpose for Bailey during her final year - and she continues to be a reminder of Bailey's compassion and ambitions. Bailey's love for Sin is the driving force behind this blog and my motivation to keep those compassions and ambitions alive for her.
I am in the process of putting together a fundraising event to be hosted the weekend of Bailey's Birthday in SEPTEMBER 2012! At this event I will be scheduling wine tasting parties for the month of October - ALL of my October commissions on new wine club members will be donated in Bailey's BullysNeedLove champagne name to Love-A-Bull, Inc. Please stay tuned for more information - IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO GO AHEAD AND SCHEDULE A WINE PARTY FOR OCTOBER OR SIGN UP FOR A WINE CLUB MEMBERSHIP IN THE NAME OF THIS FUNDRAISING EVENT CONTACT ME:
VICTORIA.SHAW082@YAHOO.COM
I invite you to look into Ewing's and should you decide you want to get involved or help others dealing with this devastating form of pediatric cancer me and my family would appreciate your support going to The BKM Foundation - they have been a great support to us and numerous other Ewing's touched families.
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