Scentsy Blog: Sasha Celebration

Sasha Celebration
(found at http://scentsyblog.com/scentsy-blog/entryid/132/sasha-celebration.aspx)


If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you know we get to participate in many special events here at Scentsy. But yesterday we had a visitor who made the day extra amazing: 4-year-old Sydni McConnell, who alongside our Consultants helped us donate $322,500 to the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Sydni is adorable: petite, with fine blonde hair and sweet, mischievous eyes. Her appearance belies the fact that she’s already had to endure treatments many adults have a difficult time suffering through. When she was just a baby, Sydni was diagnosed with leukemia and had to endure a barrage of procedures before she entered remission.  Her family used the Ronald McDonald House, which provides housing for families whose children are undergoing treatment, while Sydni was in the hospital.

“We only stayed a few times, but had many friends we made along Sydni’s journey that stay there,” Sydni’s mom, Heidi McConnell, said. “They make it a home away from home.”

Sydni’s family has been involved in many charitable outreach efforts since Sydni’s recovery. When they found out about Scentsy’s first Charitable Cause Buddy, Sasha the Bear, they saw an opportunity to give back to kids undergoing treatment at the University of Nebraska Medical Center – the same place Sydni was treated.

“(Sydni) decided to give the bears because UNMC gave her a bear every time they did a procedure on her,” her mom said. “They became a huge comfort. I thought it was an amazing idea since it would be a great way to raise money.”

Sydni raised enough money to donate 36 bears, which she passed out to children at UNMC. “(The kids) loved the visit from Sydni,” Heidi said. “And then on top of that they got a soft, cuddly buddy, too!”

In honor of Sydni’s outreach, Scentsy welcomed her and her parents to Meridian on Thursday. Hundreds of Consultants, employees, and friends lined up with pinwheels and bubbles to welcome them, and Heidi and Orville Thompson presented Sydni with a necklace and recognized the work she and her family have done.

It’s work Sydni’s mom encourages. “Find something you are passionate about,” she said. “Some day it may be your family depending on such a program.”