A Taste of Cy-Fair
Well, you did it again. The wonderful community that surrounds us once again rallied together to make our first annual event a huge success. Over 3,ooo of you attended A Taste of Cy-Fair benefiting the Layla Grace Children’s Cancer Research Foundation and helped us to raise over $21,000.00!! There was food from over 30 local restaurants, countless vendors selling eclectic trinkets, live music and tons of fun for the kids.
Several times throughout the day we sat back in total awe of the turnout. The months before the event were a tumultuous mix of planning, nerves and expectations. Seeing everything actually come together was truly amazing. The crowd started gathering before noon and never seemed to stop! Although the day was spent bouncing around from area to area making sure that everything was under control, I kept pausing to capture the memories- kids with sticky fingers and snow cone stained faces, fathers giving piggy back rides to their tired little ones, people sitting on the grass listening to the music, entire families enjoying a day out together. I wish you could have seen the sea of people that flowed through the restaurant tent. A picture is one thing, but actually weaving your way through the crowd with a plate of samples, trying not to trip over the feet next to yours while salivating over the food – that is a whole different experience. And the squeals of laughter coming from the kids area as they enjoyed the moon walks, clowns, crafts and sweets brought smiles to all of our faces. We could not have asked for a better result for our first event.
Huge thanks to all of the restaurants, vendors and volunteers who had a hand in making this happen. I could go on and on about how pleased we are and how blessed we feel to be surrounded with such an outpouring of support, but instead I’ll leave you with some pictures taken by the talented Christie Lacey. (To see the rest of the pictures you can visit the Layla Grace Children’s Cancer Research Foundation page on Facebook)
Stay tuned, we are cranking our gears this summer to get our new and improved web-site up and running, plan more fundraisers, create out-of-town opportunities and make even bigger strides towards ending childhood cancer. We know you are all eager to help and we would like to make sure that everyone is as involved as they want to be.
It was an absolutely amazing event. I’m so glad that I could help!!! I’m here whenever ya’ll need me!! XOXO
So happy for you and your family! I cant wait to hear about ways we can help from other states! Layla is certainly smiling down from heaven!
You are doing wonderful things in Layla’s name. I know she is so proud of you. Keep up the awesome work momma! Anytime you need help in CA, please let me know. Praying for your family & the foundation, and missing Layla always, Alicia
I had an amazing time helping with this event!!! Im so glad it had a wonderful turn out… Im here for the next event big or small =)
Continued thoughts and prayers go out to your precious family and Layla’s legacy.
Congratulations on a great event. Little Layla did not die in vain. We all want to help make sure that childhood cancer is conquered. Waiting in the Chicago area to HELP!!! Let’s make Layla Grace to childhood cancer what Susan G. Kolman is to breast cancer.
I am so glad the event went over so great. Your Angel is watching over things down here. I would so love to help. You need something done on a computer? Need paper cut, put together…anything that can be done here in Virginia? I’m your girl. Just let me know.
srodrig854@aol.com
Shirley
Gorgeous! If I lived closer I would come to every event. Bless ur whole family I send nothing but Prayers & love!
It was an awesome event, and so heart-warming to see everyone who turned out in support of the cause! So glad I was able to be a part of it, and am looking forward to the next volunteer opportunity.
What a great event and inspiration to us all. Keep us updated.
To be able to be part of the Taste of Cy-Fair was one of the greatest moments of my life. I have always wanted to be part of something like this, thank you for giving me the opportunity. Layla was there…in the smiles that I could see, and the laughter that I could hear…her spirit filled the air. Can’t wait to help again!
So happy that things turned out well! You all did a terrific job! I couldn’t make it out to volunteer this time, but I know from friends who went that it was SPECTACULAR! You are all amazing and Layla’s presence is still all around us!
Wishing I lived closer just so I could have been there! Hope that soon there will be a way for me to be physically involved in helping out!
I so wish we were closer to be able to go to these events. I just want to tell you, and have wanted to tell you, that I still think of Layla often. When I’m getting upset with my little ones (18 mos and 3 years) I think of Layla. I don’t want to miss anything with mine and I try to soak in all of them every single day. I thank you so much for sharing Layla’s story. It truly and honestly has made me a better mom.
I’m just beyond happy for the wonderful turn out!!!! *does the happy dance*
So happy to hear the event was successful. I know Layla must have been looking down so happy and proud of all your hard work. Can’t wait to hear what the foundation has in store next…..looking forward to an opportunity for those of us from outside the Texas area to be involved. You and Ryan are so amazing Shanna. BIG HUGS from Toronto.
We were so glad to be there and help! It truly was amazing!! Layla really is moving mountains through y’all!! James & I were in complete awe as we were leaving. She truly is an angel working miracles!! Looking forward to the next event and volunteering again!! God bless!!
So wonderful!!! So glad it was a success!!!!
How awesome! I am so happy to hear of the success of the turn out and the generous amount of funds raised for this amazing event. Huge strides Marsh family!! So very proud!!! xoxo
I missed the event and I am so mad at myself for that. Please know that Layla and all 4 of you stay on my mind daily…at least once per day! Layla touched my life like you will never imagine… THANK YOU FOR SHARING HER WITH US! I still get tears when I see her pics and how beautiful she was. I look forward to meeting your Angel when it is my turn to earn my wings.
((HUGS))
Vanessa
“Awesome” doesn’t even cover it, but it’s the only word I can think of. Happy the turn out was great, wish I was in TX to attend. All that food looked delicious –the kids and everyone enjoying themselves having a family day out is just awesome. I can’t wait to hear of the opportunities you’ll be having for those outside of TX. I haven’t stopped praying for your family daily and I think of Layla daily as well. I still love that you have her pictures on the site, please don’t take them off. She is just so adorable. God’s Plans are always perfect. Love & Prayers.
Layla would be so proud!
That is awesome!! I’ve had family members who had breast cancer, so people want to help but they don’t always know what to do.
This foundation sounds like an excellent opportunity for Layla’s memory to live on!
Fabulous! So glad it was a great success!
I’m to hear that the Cyfair went quite well. Praise God!! You guys are awesome, off and running with Layla Grace’s legacy and getting the ball rolling in a big way already. You are an amazing family, you all have so much courage, faith and strength. It is Christ who strengthens all of us, and through him you will be able to do anything to help kick cancer’s butt. God Bless you guys!
In Christ’s Love,
C.O.L.E. Prayer Team
http://www.colesfoundation.com
Mark Manfull
San Antonio, TX
Congratulations! Your strength and commitment are truly awesome to behold. I know that Layla Grace smiles down on you each and every day. Bless you all.
So glad to hear of the success of the Cy-Fair event! Hoping to attend the next event that comes around. I would like to print out a couple of the pictures of my girls sending their balloons up to Layla to give you, just a small reminder that there are people that never met Layla that were touched by her and miss her! Keep up the great work and share a hug knowing that Layla is there watching over you!
I really enjoyed the event & was SO happy that I could attend and help give money to such an amazing cause. I hope that there are many other things to come! Great job in putting together such a successful first event. We really do live in such an awesome community filled with wonderful people who care and are willing to help. Layla’s name will forever be remembered through this great foundation. Best of luck! XO!
I was thinking about Layla on my way home from work today, as I often do. I have been checking the site frequently for updates, wondering how the event went and I was so pleased to see your post tonight! It sounds like it was awesome…I am so glad it was such a success and will be looking forward to more exciting news about more events! Still praying for you all…much love and God’s blessings.
Tracy J.
Congrats on the success, although I wouldnt have expected anything but..heres to much more success and curing childhood cancer!
Hey it was so glad to see all the wonderful things you are doing in Layla’s name I’m sure she’s watching over you and giving you strength.
xxxx
Thank you for updating…May God continue to pour out his blessings on your family and foundation.
<3 Carmen
Thrilled that things went so well! Can’t wait to see how much more you make next year!
Remember on this day that freedom isn’t free. So many have given so much, and some have given all. Always here praying for you!
1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
Prayer Bears
My email address
Dear Marsh Family,
I am so glad the event was successful. We live too far (NJ) to attend – but please know your family and Layla remain in my thoughts.
Continued prayers & well wishes sent to your family. Thank you again for sharing this journey and Layla’s story. She continues to enrich my life.
Melanie
I work for a large hospital in Greenville,SC and we have a Children’s Hematology/Oncology practice that is very large. I’m certain that we’d love to help or sponsor an event if you’re ever interested in coming to SC. And by the way, you guys are my heroes. Your strength amazes me daily.
Praying!
Psalms 121:5-8 The LORD is thy keeper: the LORD is thy shade upon thy right hand. The sun shall not smite thee by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The LORD shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.
Prayer Bears
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I know that your family has been through so much in just the last few months. I know that you are a true testimony of strength and peace because that is what God gave you while watching your little girl. I would like to ask you and your family to be in prayer for a little boy named Cutter. He is 7 months old and was just diagnosed Neuroblastoma. He is from Monument, NM and right now he is being treated in Colorado at the Denver’s St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. I know that it is hard for you to see a child go through this especially this soon after your own child’s passing. But I know that you understand what they are going through. Thank you.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=134716906563295&v=info
These are such amazing and comforting words of Scripture. Praying!
Romans 8:26-27 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Prayer Bears
My email address
I have just been on a trail that lead me here I have read your blogs and am deeply moved by your story. I don’t know you but maybe you could write a book to raise money how about a childrens book to help siblings you have a wealth of knowledge now ( sadly ) and I know God is by your side every moment of every day
God Bless
God saw you getting tired,
When a cure was not to be.
So He closed his arms around you,
and whispered, “Come to me”.
In time we saw you sinking, We watched you fade away,
Our hearts were all broken,
You fought so hard to stay.
You did not deserve what you went through,
and so He gave you rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful,
For He only takes the best
And when I saw you sleeping,
So peacefully and free of pain
I could not wish you back
To suffer that again.
This was written on a blog posted in my birth group. i thought it was beautiful and i thought of you first! i hope this poem finds you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!
sincerely
Tara Sturgeon
Dear Marsh Family,
My heart and thoughts continue to be with your family. I think of Layla and your whole family every day. Thank you again for sharing Layla with so many of us.
You are all in my prayers.
Melanie
STILL…
think of Layla every day. Continuing to pray for the foundation and your family.
Just stopping by to say I am still praying for your family! I know the pain does not go away, but remember that God will always take care of you, and that you will be with Layla again someday. Layla has done great things already!
Much love,
Caroline
Continuing to lift up prayers!
Psalms 119:49-50 Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.
Prayer Bears
My email address
Still think about beautiful Layla & your whole family all the time…and pray for your dear family often. I pray that God, family & friends will carry you through these difficult days, months…much love to you.
Continuing to pray!
Isaiah 43:1-3a: But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned ; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour
Prayer Bears
My email address
I stumbled upon your website while researching neuroblastoma. A dear friend of mine just had a baby girl on June 7, and she was born with this cancer. She is in the nicu, and has already went through her first round of chemotherapy. I am so sorry for you loss, but what a wonderful thing to come from it with your new foundation to hopefully help others fighting the same fight Layla fought. Thank you for being so strong and selfless in helping others.
Whatever the Lord allows to happen in your life, He’ll get you through! Praying!
Psalms 91:9-12 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Prayer Bears
My email address
I hope you all are doing well. Please update on what’s going on. Thanks.
God bless,
Sarah
Know that you’re always in my thoughts and prayers!
Psalm 32:6-8 For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found : surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him. Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah. I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go : I will guide thee with mine eye.
Prayer Bears
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Know that you’re in my thoughts and prayers!
Romans 5:3-5 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Prayer Bears
My email address
Lifting up prayers in Seattle!
1 Peter 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Prayer Bears
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