Heading out? Take a flat friend with you

#flatjaden........Oh, the places you'll go!

I recently heard from my good friend, Jaden Lauderdale, the 14-year old Bloomfield girl, winner of the Greene County Daily World’s “Bright Futures” contest.

Some of you may remember Jaden, who resides in Riley Hospital, waiting for a donor heart to be found to replace her own.

Jaden’s goal, last time I wrote about her, was to raise $10,000 to provide Riley Hospital with an outdoor playground. Through sales of her own baked goods, along with a few other fundraisers, she raised $5,000 in three weeks.

Jaden has chosen a playground design that will cost $62,000, and will accommodate all children, including those with disabilities and special needs.

She has raised $15,000 to date, and a special event, called “Jaden’s 10 for 10 5K” will be happening this weekend at Bloomfield High School, and everyone should go.

Recently, someone came up with the idea of “Flat Jaden,” and I’m crazy about it, I think it’s a great idea.

Since she is pretty much confined to her bed at Riley, the Flat Jaden idea is to take a picture of Jaden (available on Facebook or by asking for one of the many I had printed out) with you when you go somewhere cool.

Pose with Flat Jaden, either the printed pic or even the image of it on your phone, have someone take your picture, and post that picture to Facebook, hashtag Flat Jaden.

Some people have even used Photoshop or a similar editing program to place her into their vacation photos.

I urge you all to participate, this effort brings a smile to her face and the knowledge that people love her and care about her, and it’s free!

For more information, send me an email at pattippdanner@gmail.com