Every year on December 13th, Kendra and Ryan Webster gather hundreds, or even thousands of leggings and donate them to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT. This has become an annual tradition for Kendra and Ryan, something they hold close to their heart.
Back in 2009, the Webster's eight month old daughter, Makenzie, became sick and was admitted to Primary Children's Hospital. Makenzie was diagnosed with SMARD - Spinal Muscular Atrophy with Respiratory distress. SMARD causes diaphragm eventration and paralysis, which leads to respiratory distress in an infant. Once the diaphragm is paralyzed, the infant must depend on their accessory muscles to breathe. As the disease progresses, these muscles weaken and the infant eventually becomes dependent on the ventilator to breathe. During Makenzie's month long stay, Kendra used leggings to keep her daughter's legs and arms warm. It's common to see young children in hospitals with very little or no clothing due to the many wires and IV's they are hooked to. Kendra learned not only did the leggings keep Makenzie warm, but they also helped cover her IVs, which helped keep them in place. Kendra and Makenzie became known for the leggings as the doctors and nurses would look forward to seeing which pair she had on during each visit.
Makenzie battled hard but ultimately passed away. Kendra and Ryan were devastated. Since her passing in 2009, they have made it a priority to help others who find themselves in similar situations. One of the ways they help is through The Legging Project. Kendra accepts legging donations all year long and donates them to the hospital on the anniversary of her daughter's death. When asked what Kendra has learned over the years, she replied,
I'm nearly eight years into this journey. I am a different person than I was the day I lost my daughter. I was broken and lost, but today I can breathe. I have learned that there is so much healing that can come from serving others. When I miss her most, I get out and do something for someone else, always thinking of her. A donation can be small and still make a big difference. One pair will help one child! That's huge! This isn't a gift that will necessarily change someone's life, but it can give someone a little comfort knowing there is someone out there who somewhat understands and is wanting to do something for them. In the end, I hope it reminds them that they are not alone.
Here at Presentlee, we can't help but appreciate the heartwarming gift the Webster's give to so many. If you would like to contribute to this uplifting cause, please see the details below.
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When are the Leggings Donated?
December 13th
How long have the Webster's been involved with The Leggings Project?
This is the seventh year and the Webster's have donated 10,749 leggings.
Where can the leggings be purchased?
Leggings can be bought at places like Walmart and Target, or you can order them online at places like www.babylegs.com or www.mylittlelegs.com. After purchasing, please e-mail Kendra at livingformrw@hotmail.com for the address to send them to.
How else Can You help?
The Webster's will also take monetary donations which Kendra uses to purchase leggings. She's able to get really good deals on many of them so this is a great option. You can donate by using Venmo: kendra-webster or PayPal: livingformrw@hotmail.com.
Read more about The Leggings Project here.
Questions? E-mail Kendra at livingformrw@hotmail.com.