Friday, August 15, 2014

A story from PCH to share

Hello Jessica,

I have a story for youJ! Social Worker Christa come to pick up 5 kits this morning and told me she had just given her last one out to a mom who had come to PCH with her 16yr old football player son, mom declined the kit said she was able to bring in a few things but the 16yr old asked if he could have it since he came to us straight from the football field, Christa obliged, he then asked Christa if she would please tell Devin thank you for my gift”.  Christa thought it was so precious that his big football player was kind enough to give thanks to the giver of his giftJ!

Thought you’d enjoy the story J!

Sheila Rider, Administrative Assistant
Social Service Department


It just warms my heart to hear these stories.   Almost as good as Devin being here.  Almost.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Trademark

The trademark of Devin's Gift, Inc.'s brand continues one step closer to being finalized.  It is being posted in the government's trademark publications.

Thank you Jaburg & Wilk

Jaburg & Wilk celebrated its 30th Anniversary by having a charity donation.  As a result of their celebration Jaburg & Wilk raised over $1,000 for Devin's Gift!  Thank you Jaburg & Wilk and its employees for all of its continued support!

God Bless!

Jessica Van Douser

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Harkin's PSA

This is the slide that is going to be aired in six Harkins Theaters during may in the valley.


Thank You Makisha and Chloe Hiller

Just wanted to give a shout out to the Hillers.  Thank you for reaching out to me and your interest in fundraising for Devin's Gift!  I really appreciate it.  




Other updates:

Making 60 kits at Jaburg & Wilk on Friday. I'm so excited!

Chase Bank is in the midst of their fundraiser for Devin's Gift.  On April 28th we go to pick up the donations. I'm just so thankful for everyone's generosity.  I still get surprised!

Harkins Theaters:  Still on track for airing a public service announcement during the month of May.  Can't wait to go to the movies and see it.  I'm going to take a photo of it.

Personal:  Its been three years and I am still bowled over about how much the loss of Devin still hurts.  When I consciously turn towards it I have to be careful about opening that box because once its open its like a tidal wave of emotion.  I have to quickly close the box to prevent it from overwhelming me.  I still can't imagine Devin not being here for the rest of my life and the things we won't be able to share!

All I have is Devin's Gift!

Friday, March 28, 2014

March 28, 2014

Hi All,

Here's an update.   Chase Bank is doing a month long drive for Devin's Gift for the month of April.  Thank you friends at Chase for supporting Devin's Gift.  Thank you to Renee McClure for arranging it all.  You are a wonderful beautiful friend.

Devin's Gift is sponsoring a lunch at Jaburg Wilk to make kits for Banner Cardon Children's Medical Center and Phoenix Children's Hospital.  Looking for to spending time with friends and supporters and munching on a yummy lunch.

Just a reminder Harkin's Theater is airing a Public Service Announcement Slide regarding Devin's Gift through the month of May.

Please remember to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

Jessica Van Douser

P.S. Missing you baby boy!  Just thinking of you swells my heart!

Friday, March 21, 2014

Not a Day Goes By

Dearest Devin,
Not a day goes by that I don't think of you.  Mostly at night.  I admit the pain is lessening.  Thoughts these days tend to "ITS JUST NOT FAIR! I WANT MY BABY BACK!"  Trying to think of ways to get Devin's Gift to grow so that it becomes a self sustaining business.  Unfortunately, my regular full time job gets in the way.  Maybe if I just don't sleep I can come up with a business plan.  Then, I just need the time to execute it.
Dear friends, please help spread the word about us!  Need to gather funds to make and distribute more kits to Phoenix Children's and Banner Cardon!  Please provide most glorious God!

Just thinking of you Devin.  Missing you dreadfully!


Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Long overdue update!

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Recently, we started delivering kits to Banner Cardon Children's Medical Center.  We delivered our first 20 kits in January.  The initial feedback is positive.  Currently the kits are being distributed through the Hematology and Oncology Department.  I am hoping that we can continue to service the Hem/Onc Department and eventually spread to the whole hospital.  Devin was initially diagnosed at Banner Desert and happy to be able to give back to these hospitals..  He received awesome care there and it's an honor to support the hospital and its patients.  Check out the website for a recent press release regarding this.

We are scheduled to air a Public Service Announcement at six local Harkins Theaters during the month of May.  Take a trip to the theater and check it out!  The announcements will air at Arrowhead 18, Gateway 18, Arizona Mills 25, Fashion Square 7, San Tan Village 16 and Superstition Springs 25!  I am excited for this opportunity as it will continue to spread the word about Devin's Gift!

Thanks to my good friend and former neighbor, Renee McClure I have learned that Chase Bank is going to be doing a fundraiser for us during the Month of April.  I am excited to get the word out to the public through this opportunity while being able to obtain the funds and materials needed to create additional kits for Phoenix Children's Hospital and Banner Cardon Children's Medical Center.

Devin's Gift recently did a fundraiser through Booster.com. and raised funds by selling t-shirts containing the Devin's Gift logo.  Thank you to everyone who purchased a t-shirt.

Some of you know that my beautiful sister Amy Bistry created the Devin's Gift brand with the teddy bear and red heart shaped balloon.  The design couldn't be more perfect!  It captures Devin's spirit and just speaks volumes to me about what Devin's Gift means to me and my son's legacy.  There are no words to express the gratitude I have to my sister for designing the perfect picture to represent Devin and Devin's Gift.  To protect that, the brand/logo has officially been copyrighted through the U.S. Trademark Office. 

Finally, last week we remembered Devin and his life as the three year anniversary of Devin's passing was February 24th.  This date actually ends a season of anniversaries and a period of time that is  painful to get through.  Devin has been gone now for as long as he was alive.  Devin's Gift helps me to celebrate Devin's life.  It eases the pain of grieving.  Devin will always be in my heart but Devin's Gift keeps his spirit alive. I miss you so much my beautiful boy.  I hope I am doing you proud! (Love you, mom).

Jessica Van Douser