Letter to the Editor

Special Valentines for Kate

I'd like to thank April Guilliams and all of the teachers and students from local schools who made Valentine's Day so special for our daughter, Kate. Kate was born with a rare heart defect called hypoplastic left-heart syndrome. Kate has undergone two open-heart surgeries since she was born. She is now 2 years old and is waiting for her third open-heart surgery. April wanted to bless Kate in a special way on Valentine's Day, so she shared her story with several schools, which responded in a big way.

When April came by our home on Valentine's Day, she had several hundred Valentine's Day cards for Kate made by students from Cape Girardeau and Jackson. We were humbled by the outpouring of love and encouragement for Kate. Kate was thrilled by all of the cards, glitter and stickers.

Thank you for blessing Kate in this special way. You made this Valentine's Day one we won't soon forget.

ASHLEY LIPKE, Jackson