A Sincere

Thank You

From the Smith & Wanyo Families

Never in our short time as a young family nor in our young lives would we have ever thought that we would be writing a thank you note like this.  Sure, we expected to be writing thank you's for gifts and congratulatory milestones such as birthdays, anniversaries, new houses, new careers and….new babies.  Our greatest gift has been, and always will be, our Nolan.  Though he was born with a host of medical challenges, he is just like any other boy his age….happy, curious, loving, and needy!  Nolan’s having been born with a brain tumor, hydrocephalus, and a heart condition known as Golan’s Disease, make him a 1 in 100,000 baby and maybe more in terms of rarity.  Needless to say Sincere, we have changed and rearranged our lives to ensure that Nolan gets the best of care that we can afford and the most of our time that we can possibly devote including nothing other than sleep.  This means that one of us cannot work and the financial burden is borne by Nolan’s dad alone.  While the care that Nolan is receiving at Massachusetts General Hospital is some of the best in the world, it will still take more than we can imagine beyond insurance to provide for the therapies and other non-covered and private pay costs associated with his treatments and other life needs.

This is just the short story of Nolan and, just as importantly, this letter is written to acknowledge those relatives, friends, communities, and totally unknown well-wishers who have taken up the torch, extended their hearts, provided support and valuable time in helping Nolan and us on this journey of a lifetime.  We know that there is so much more to go but we would be very remiss in not writing a thank you at this time.  It is impossible to mention everyone, so forgive us, but please know that there is no distinction between the person who offers a kind word, says a prayer, offers a hug, or just simply hugs their own child or grandchild on Nolan’s behalf than those who have spent countless hours in organizing events, fundraising, or donating financial support.

First of all, we would like to thank Jodie Goucher who has worked tirelessly in reaching out to not only the local community but also through the internet.  She has been a heaven sent gift to our family while facing challenges with her own children.  Steve Grasso and Jeff Berardino who have worked, and are continuing to work, hard on successful softball and golf fundraisers; Jen Zaccari from Glow in Amesbury that has organized her staff and clients in support of Team Nolie; and Anne Wanyo, who has spent countless hours taking us back and forth to MGH, staying with us during treatments, and providing loving care that only a grandmother can.

Next is the community who has proven that there is good in this, otherwise, tumultuous world.  You have come out beyond imagination with both your hearts and your support.  Provident Bank in providing services; Rob and Michelle Anderson who have provided the www.teamnolie.com website; Newburyport Bank in sponsoring a book and bake sale; special mention of the ownership and staff of Stripers Grille who donated a percentage of their tips and other funds for 2 days during a very busy weekend; Jennifer Runnion who was “Rollin for Nolan” in the Yankee Homecoming 10 Miler; Suzie Frost who hosted a Stella & Dot party; the City of Newburyport for the softball field; the following sponsors of the softball tourney, The Daily News, Market Basket, Shaws, Stop & Shop, Amesbury Skate and Sport, Sams Club, Budweiser, Seabrook Getty, Shaheen Brothers, Emergency Ice Company, Building 19 1/6, Catalano Remodeling, Henry Graf Skating Rink, “DJ for the Day” Nolan Pellitier; and the following teams and their families, Team Nolie, Iannazzi Electric, Lowell Central Electric, Slush Puppies, Team Squids, I’d Hit It, Bad News Beers, and Young Guns.

To the community at large, all those who wish to remain anonymous, and the hundreds of others whose names would not fit in this note, we owe the deepest of gratitude.  We find comfort knowing that you are with us in this journey and we love you for it.

Sincerely,

Nicole, Mike, and Nolan Smith

The Smith and Wanyo Families

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