The Stars

March 21, 2019

Twinkle, twinkle…count the stars.

You’ll count to six.

Annie was born six years ago this year – this logo emphasizes those years.

A star for each year.

See the five lines?

These lines represent the Ahern Daughters.

Some of the lines overlap, others don’t necessarily touch – yet they are all united.

This visually represents their connection to their sister in Heaven.

-Rachel Leslie, Polka Square

The theme for Shine 2019 is so incredibly meaningful to us. A few weeks ago we were notified by our friends at LifeShare of Oklahoma about a gift we were receiving. One of the companies that received part of Annie’s organ donation, the International Institute for the Advancement of Medicine, was gifting her with a star. Our family gets to name it, we received a map of it’s location, and we will be able to look up at the night sky and see Pistol Annie literally SHINING bright. I have also learned that IIAM refers to the stars their donors receive as the Galaxy of Guardians and HOW PRECIOUS IS THAT.

This news was a bit overwhelming to me, not only because it is a thoughtful way to honor her and her organ donation, but because it has been difficult to wrap my mind around the fact that pieces of my daughter are still around and being used for medical advancements six whole years after she left us. Not to mention all the donors who came after her because she paved the way. I tend to think of Annie’s organ donation as this singular event that happened in the hours after she died in my arms. In my mind it was a thing that happened, but in reality, it is something that is still happening. This reminder that she is still working has completely changed my perspective.

Shine 2019 is three short months away, and we are so very excited. Last year was an unbelievably joyous event. It felt so good to truly celebrate our daughter, and to support a wonderful organization that performs real and positive change in our city. We are proud to support The Spero Project with the proceeds of Shine again this year. This year’s event will be held again at Aloft Hotel in downtown Oklahoma City on June 21. The evening begins at 7:00 pm with cocktails and delicious food. During that time, guests may bid on fantastic silent auction items, play various games to win wine, gift cards, and other prizes. Guests will also enjoy live music and dancing. Ticket price includes entry, two drink tickets, and food. Please join us for this fun and joyful event! (Cocktail attire)

Tickets are now available on our website! Advance sale tickets are $65. We hope you are able to join us! There are also many other ways to be involved in Shine. We have several sponsorship opportunities for businesses, you could donate an item for our silent auction, you could donate a gift card or wine as prizes for our games, or you could donate directly to The Spero Project.

Thank you to all of you who have supported us over the past six years. We are truly able to shine because of the love and support we have received.

Many thanks to Rachel Leslie who designed this year’s logo. She is so incredibly intentional, and understands the complexities of grief and celebration in a way that only moms like us do.

Thank you, Rachel. I’m so grateful for your friendship.

LOL (lots of love),

Abbey