This past Saturday friends & family of Will & Tabatha Shahan of Jefferson, IA, rallied together for a fundraising lamb & goat show, ‘Show for the Gold’, along with a silent auction & free will donation meal. It was hot, fun, & successful. Tabatha Shahan reported that they ultimately met their goal to be able to purchase 600 chemotherapy shirts for children undergoing treatment at Blank Children’s Hospital of Des Moines, IA, and then some. I’ve seen it time and time again, the love and support that has surrounded this family in need, and it is what solely makes our servant ag & livestock industries thrive.  They are the prime example that there is still good in the world, and these communities are the best place to raise our children and prepare them for a lifetime of responsibility, faithfulness, dedication, and serving others.

With the help of their family, friends, & livestock communities, the Shahans organized the outstanding fundraiser in Jefferson, in honor of their 4 year old daughter, Avril. Avril is currently fighting leukemia, & has been receiving chemo treatments at Blank Children’s Hospital. She had learned through this process that it is not so fun to take her shirt on and off for treatments, and with the help of a specially designed shirt with zippers at the shoulders, she no longer had to climb that obstacle. It then became her family’s mission to raise enough money to provide every child at Blank in need of one of these shirts, and they conquered.

What an honor it was to watch everyone get involved- no matter who they are, what species of livestock they raise, or where they come from- they showed up with a smiling face and their support. Even strangers heard of Avril’s story through social media, and were compelled to contribute with donations, but are strangers no more. These types of friendships made are the kind that can last a lifetime, built on a special bond. Our daughter, Paisley, even made a new friend who will be joining our family soon. (You have to appreciate livestock dads who can’t say no to their little girls!) Truly, no joy can equal the joy of helping others.