09/13/2026
Next week, I turn 40.
And if I’m being completely transparent, I’ve been having a hard time with this birthday. Forty felt big. A little scary. Maybe even the beginning of a tiny midlife crisis. 🤍
But this week, I put together a Frozen gift basket for a very special four-year-old girl named Lily.
I had the privilege of throwing Lily a Scooby-Doo birthday party, and she has stayed deeply in my heart ever since. After fighting neuroblastoma since she was just 18 months old and relapsing three times, Lily is now in her final days and my heart just aches for her and her family.
As I filled her basket with things she loves, I couldn’t stop thinking about how unfair it is that this sweet little girl won’t get the chance to grow older.
And suddenly, turning 40 felt very different.
How lucky am I to be turning 40?
To have another birthday. Another year with the people I love. Another year to make memories, laugh, create, give and simply be here.
So instead of worrying about the number, I want to be grateful for the years I’ve been given—and use this birthday to bring a little joy to children and families walking through the unimaginable.
For my 40th birthday, I want to send a thoughtfully chosen gift to 40 children facing terminal or life-limiting illnesses. One child for every year I’ve been lucky enough to be here. 🤍
Nothing extravagant. Just something special chosen for each child based on what they love that might bring a little comfort, excitement, a smile or magic to their day.
And I need your help finding them.
If you know a child facing a terminal or life-limiting illness of any kind who could use a little extra joy, please DM me to nominate them. And please share this post so we can reach families I may never find on my own.
Growing older is not something we are all promised. It is a privilege - and it is important to do what we can with this privilege to give to others.
This year, I’m not wishing I were younger. I’m simply grateful to be here—and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate 40. ✨
