Baby Reese.org

THE REESE FOUNDATION

This site is dedicated to the memory of Reese Alexandra Gray. Reese joined us on February 4, 2006. She was born prematurely with severe fluid surrounding her entire body, including and most importantly, her lungs. Doctors indicated to the mother that baby Reese was not expected to live outside the womb. Reese continued to fight on for five months. She left us on July 9, 2006.

The foundation will continue to remain and Jeff and I hope to make a donation each year to help little angels like Reese. As you know there are countless organizations that we could help raise money for and support, but we have decided to focus our resources on a local organization here in Austin called Candlelight Ranch. Candlelight Ranch is a non-profit organization that provides a positive, healing environment for families and children with special needs to enjoy nature and participate in outdoor and educational activities. This camp, founded by the Barr family, is a natural refuge located on the North shore of Lake Travis near Austin, Texas and has been called a paradise for special needs kids. Candlelight Ranch was created as a way to bring healing, balance, and peace of mind to kids whose full expression is limited by physical or financial restraints. Candlelight Ranch is located on the scenic North Shore of Lake Travis in the Texas Hill Country. In addition to acres of rolling hills and easy lake access, the property offers thickly wooded canyons carved by spring-fed creeks and waterfalls, imbuing visitors with a sense of peace and tranquility.

In October of 2006, we were given the chance to name the only wheelchair accessible treehouse in central Texas after Reese. We made our goal of raising 50,000$ in one year. Jeff and I can only say that it was truly the work of Reese and the hearts she stole here on earth that allowed us this once in a lifetime chance. On October 14th, 2007 we named this amazing treehouse after Reese, along with all devoted friends and family. When special needs children visit her house and read her journey of life we hope they leave knowing that we all need to live each and every day to its fullest. We currently serve on the board for this organization and have some amazing goals to reach for theses special kids.

There are truly never words that can describe the pain a parent may feel knowing they won't ever see their child here on earth. At the same time we feel extremley blessed to have been given this opportunity to carry on our daughters memory and spirit, but most importantly given the chance to be her parents. Not a day goes by we don't think of her eyes, her cry, her smile and all her moves that shaked our world for 5 months. We also strongly feel that there was another purpose for this angel. We have recieved many blessings in our life since the day Reese was born and we will forever be grateful for molding us into the peole we are today. We will never be the same. Thank you baby girl and thank you to all our devoted supporters!

We love you all!