Dear editor:

“FeFe’s Fight” hosted its first fundraiser on May 11, and the Mother’s Day Plant Sale event held in Clanton was a huge success. The turnout took my breath away. It was incredible!

As always, God has his hand in everything. It was very evident he was watching over us on Saturday. With rain in the forecast and no alternative plan, our prayers were answered. Visitors reported rain all around us, but we never saw a drop. I was completely overwhelmed.

Saturday was an eye-opening experience for me. Complete strangers approached me, opened their hearts and shared their experiences with illness and loss. Like me, their faith was the driving power that helped guide them down the path of their journey.

I was especially touched by one mother’s experience. Her little girl lost her battle with brain cancer more than 30 years ago. This mother confided in me that she felt like it was her fault because she didn’t know what was wrong with her baby until it was too late. This story and many others like it are why I am fighting so hard to get the word out about brain tumor awareness. I laughed, shared and cried with this sweet stranger. I may never see her again, but our brief encounter is something I will hold near and dear to my heart.

Everyone that I met this weekend expressed concern, offered comfort and said they would keep me in their prayers. I have heard stories of people helping people and communities coming together to help those affected by illness, disasters and hardships. Can one person really make a difference? This is exactly what happened for me in our community this past weekend. Yes, one person can make a difference. I cried enough tears to water every plant there.

I would like to thank everyone for their generosity and kindness. Words cannot express how I feel. His grace, love of family and friends and your prayers are my inspiration.

Chilton County rocks!

Phyllis “FeFe” Wilkins