The Most Important Thing I'll Probably Ever Write

It's crazy how time flies. One minute you're 18 years old wishing that you're all grown up. You want to be older, you want to be able to go out drinking and have you're own independence and you can't wait until you're 21. Then, you're 21! Holy crap you can now legally drink, this is the best! Ok...birthdays can stop now. No...seriously...what's this 26 crap? What am I supposed to with 28? This kind of sucks. But then...there's 30! You've waiting nine long years since you've had a chance to have birthday that has a milestone to it. Sure, you've had great friends who came out to celebrate 24 with you but that was six years ago...you know so many more people now and are AMPED to try and top your amazing 21st birthday almost a decade ago.

For those of you who didn't know me then, my 21st birthday was exactly what you imagine it would be...Dom Perignon, Dior Sunglasses, Swarovski Crystal shirt and a surprise appearance by several members of NKTOB.

Who is this tool bag and where is Snooki? 

So let's just say my 30th birthday party was going to be a party that nobody would forget! I've been planning this for about a year and the best way I can describe it was...have you ever seen the music video to Britney Spears' Circus? Well that, plus little people who drive around champagne bottles in Power Wheels and serve it to you...no lie, they were already on payroll.

It's everything I wanted and more

But then something happened. A few weeks back my sister called me and told me some really bad news about a friend of mine. His name is John O'Connor, and he is 5 years old. My family has known John since before he was even born and since the day we met him, have fallen in love with him. We've seen him grow up from being the baby of the family, to a strong and protecting big brother to Stephen.

John was diagnosed with b-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma and was heading into Dana-Farber at Children's Hospital for extensive chemotherapy treatment in the hopes of saving his life. Throughout the weeks we would hear from his parents, face time with him while he showed us his colorful room, some of his toys, and the name they painted for him outside the window while he received chemo. This little boy, this wonderful, amazing, courageous, and happy little boy was fighting for his life and keeping a smile on his face the entire time.

It was at this point in my party planning that I brought everything to a screeching halt. I looked at my "to-do" list of things involving my party and when I realized I had "Beyonce choreography rehearsals" slated for an hour after I visited Little John (not to be confused with LiL' Jon) in the hospital I knew I really needed to re-evaluate my priorities. I wanted to do something to help him and his family but I didn't know even where to start...and then I stopped, looked around, and realized everything I needed to make a change was right around me this whole time.

It took me all of five minutes to realize how much in my life I have to be thankful for. I have the most loving and caring family who put up with my antics and were going to fly my friends from across the world to celebrate my birthday with me. I have the best friends anyone could dream of who were each planning mini celebrations with me because we love each other and would do anything to make each other happy. Throw in a dream job, fantastic co-workers, friends from sports and social circles, quakers, bakers, candlestick makers and i'll be damned...my life is so fucking amazing thanks to every single one of you who are reading this. 

Now before I say thank you and goodnight, I have a plan and I would love your help with it...below is a link for a GoFundMe campaign for Little John for his medical expenses and post care. This isn't just any old GoFundMe campaign tho, this is my 30th Birthday Party and I want you all to attend. There's no set amount I want to raise, and there is no obligation to even donate, but I do encourage you to click and read about this remarkable boy and his ability to overcome life's most challenging obstacles...and he's only 5.

However, should you want to donate, 1 of 2 things will happen. Since this is my 30th Birthday gift from you I will personally write you handwritten thank you note with my sincerest gratitude for getting me such a wonderful present and 2, on my birthday 11/23, Little John is going to choose some random names from this list of generous people and we'll actually send you back a gift for my birthday. Who wouldn't love tickets to Green Day, The Boston Celtics, or Jingle Ball?

Look, it's just about the holiday season and I know we are all going to be strapped...which is why I am smart, and am starting in October. But more than that, I know I can use my big mouth and do what I do best, be obnoxious for a really good cause! While I'm so excited for what the years ahead hold for me, I am more excited to help Little John get back on his feet and have more birthdays to celebrate in his future. My birthday wish, that he be able to know people who are as kind and generous as you are when he's my age.

Happy Birthday To Me,

xo
Glitter


https://www.gofundme.com/LetsHelpLittleJohn