Spotlight: Treading Water Foundation
Here at The Nest & Co., we love to partner with small / local businesses and non-profit organizations. I had the opportunity to interview Lindy Ashmore, who along with her husband Darrel co-founded the
Me: Tell us a little bit about who you are and how you came up with the idea for Treading Water.
Darrel & Lindy: We are Darrel & Lindy Ashmore. We have two children that were diagnosed and born with two of the worst congenital diseases when it comes to survival rates. Tristen was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) giving him only half his heart and our daughter Elliot was born with a Right-Sided Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH), leaving her with part of her lungs missing. They went through extremely invasive surgical repairs including multiple open heart surgeries and even received procedures while they were still in the womb. Our kids are 6 & 12 now and doing well, thank God. In the worst of times, it was financially devastating to our family. So now a dream more than 10 years in the making has finally come to life. We've created [Treading Water], a non-profit organization, to help parents going through similar struggles.
Me: What is the Treading Water mission?
Darrel & Lindy: Our mission statement is to “keep families with hospitalized children afloat.” In the middle of it all, it literally felt like we were drowning which is where the name “Treading Water” comes from.
We know what it feels like to watch your car get re-possessed in front of your workplace. To come home and have the lights off. To flat out struggle because of not working for extended periods of time while being hours away in a hospital, watching your child fight every day of their life. No parent should have to worry about day to bills while their life is on hold, scared for their child, scared of the hospital bills, scared they won't be able to still provide for the rest of their family.
Me: How does Treading Water help the families?
Darrel & Lindy: [We] come in and pay those bills. Whether it's rent, PG&E, gas cards, a car payment, whatever the need is.
Me: How can someone contribute to Treading Water?
Darrel & Lindy: People can help by donating funds through our website or sending gift cards for gas stations, grocery stores, or even chain restaurants. Prayers are ALWAYS appreciated as well.
In our effort to support the Treading Water Foundation, The Nest & Company has Treading Water merchandise available in our storefront and online store. The proceeds of your purchase go directly towards supporting families in need.
"....thank you in advance for your help, love, support, and prayers!!!" -Darrel & Lindy