4.

Four years ago today, I received a jubilant phone call from my brother as I sat in my office over 200 miles away. What would have normally been another work day was suddenly transformed into The Day another person came into our family, a tiny little girl that turned a husband and wife into a father and mother.

He said happily weary from the hospital room, "Yep, Kyrie Dawn Thome is finally here." I could hear Lacie and her mom in the background talking and giggling. My dad and I later practiced saying her name: Kylie? No, Ky-Rie? Keery? No, K-eye-rie. Keer-ee-aye, like in church? Spelled the same but K-I-ree. Oh, Kyrie! Yes, Kyrie.

At the time, I was excited to dream about how this new little person would grow a whole other branch of the family tree. She would be running around my old room when she visited her grandpa. I would see her graduate, get married. I'd meet her children someday.

I had no idea that instead of growing up, she would grow an entire movement that would bring people together to help save children from cancer.

I also had no idea that I would learn that our dear Kyrie Foundation friend, Easter Bunny/Frosty/Dorothy, shares the same birthday as Kyrie. Isn't that incredible? We wish our sweet friend another year of spectacular moments of caring and sharing. So grateful that you were born, too.

And to Kyrie, thank you for being born. Thank you for accepting God's plan for you even when it doesn't make sense to the rest of us. Thank you for bringing so much joy to your mom & dad while you were here. Thank you for bringing people to us who have loved & comforted us since you were called home. Thank you for introducing us to your friends: other families, other children who need our help. Thank you for waiting for us until we can all celebrate together again.

We hope every day—especially on Kyrie's birthday—that she and children just like her will inspire you to do something good today. Consider it a special birthday blessing straight from heaven.