In Memory of Suzannah

Two years ago, my daughter Suzannah shared her own story for this very Happy Wheels fundraiser. This year, I have the honor of sharing from a mother’s perspective—and as a legacy to a young woman who loved this organization deeply.

As a parent, I never imagined that my seemingly healthy child would suddenly begin facing one medical crisis after another. What started as unanswered symptoms became years of diagnoses, surgeries, procedures, and more hospital stays than I can count. As a parent, you feel so helpless. Watching your child suffer is heartbreaking, but because of Jesus she was able to endure it with courage. The joy of the Lord was her strength, and that is something I will always carry with me.

There were many days when Suzannah had to be in the hospital alone while I went to work, and those were some of the hardest days for both of us. As a mother, leaving your child in a hospital room is something no one can understand until they have lived it.

Then there was Happy Wheels.

On Tuesdays, something changed in the hospital halls. A knock on the door that usually brought tests, needles, or bad news suddenly brought smiles, kindness, and a cart full of books and toys. It meant a lot to know that even when I couldn’t be there, someone was showing up just to bring her joy.

Because of a visit from Happy Wheels, a hard day became a bearable one. Fear gave way to excitement. Pain made room for a smile. Something as simple as choosing a book or toy reminded her that she was still a young person, deserving of happiness in the middle of so much hardship.

When Suzannah turned 18 and could no longer stay on the pediatric floor, she missed those visits from Happy Wheels. Happy Wheels was never “just a toy” or “just a book.” It was hope. It was kindness. It was a bright spot on some very dark days.

Suzannah often said she wanted to volunteer for Happy Wheels one day because it had meant so much to her. She wanted to put smiles on the faces of children in the hospital because she knew exactly what it felt like to need one.

If you are able, we would be honored if you donated to Happy Wheels in memory of Suzannah and for every child who needs a reason to smile on a Tuesday.