Ava is in complete awe of this picture. If I would have seen this picture show up on Facebook, I would have stopped and clicked on it. I would have told myself, “This is one of the most beautiful young girls I have ever seen. Who is she?” 

Well, I asked my daughter, Ava, eight years old, “When do you think this picture was taken of Harlie?”

Ava replied, “Before she was sick.”

Harlie Valdez chose a beauty day with Ciara Webster over a NBA Utah Jazz game. Good choice! You look beautiful!!!

Thank you Ciara!!

THIS PICTURE WAS TAKEN TODAY!

As Justin has previously said, “Harlie can have our tickets whenever she wants them. She deserves it!”

I asked her mom, Stephanie Valdez, “What does this picture mean to you? What do you see when you look at it?”

Stephanie Valdez:  “Her just smiling is priceless.  She’s a teenage girl that has had her body go through hell and back again. As teenage girls, their looks are so important to them at that age?”

Gina: “Do you mind if I share on RUN?”

Stephanie: “Absolutely! She loved having long hair to braid, curl or straighen..  When it started falling out by the fists, it broke all of our hearts.”

It’s almost scary how beautiful she looks. She looks like nothing ever happened.

Harlie – This is a sign from God that you are on your path to recovery.

RUN cannot wait to see you walk on the softball field in your uniform, coached by your dad.  And, hit the ball out of the park. Ok. I’m not good with you running the bases for the first few years. Could we please have a runner for her??  Honorary runner in Harlie’s name each season?  Anyone hear me:)

Love you, Harlie.

You continue to be the strength of your family as well as the entire RUN family.

And, PS – I would love to have a conversation with the woman that asked if Harlie had cancer the first time she posted her short haircut. We know you have a story to share. Stephanie and I would love to hear it.

Hair matters. Beautify matters. BUT. Being a good person matters. Asking the person in the hall that looks sad, “What’s wrong? Are you ok?” Matters.

Much love,

Gina and Ava

Ciara Webster shares her journey

 

Ciara Webster’s update: Congrats to Matt Webster! And, thank you to Harlie Valdez and her family!