The Sunrise

The idea for Sunshine Hope originated with Kelley in a room overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in 2003, and took shape over the next few years as Kelley’s siblings joined the discussion on both the beach and the family porch.

In 2003, Kelley spent countless hours on her back looking out at the ocean contemplating life while on 112 days of pregnancy bed rest. At the time, with the outcome of this twin pregnancy unknown, Kelley knew that getting the babies safely delivered mattered. Many hours of praying and hoping for their safe arrival resulted in a deep appreciation for the important things in life.

At the same time that Kelley was on bed rest, Brad’s sister Cammy was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer that led to her passing a year later. Cammy — a mother of three beautiful children with the spirit of a bright sunny day — always endorsed living each day to the fullest. A few years later, Colleen and Brad’s third child, Ellie, was born with a chromosome abnormality that reshaped their perspective on life. Today, Ellie’s shining spirit is a reflection of Cammy and what’s important in life.

Shining Brightly

Through these challenges, and by helping each other, Kelley, Brad and the rest of the family, as well as the community of support that formed around us, began to realize the power of coming together to find HOPE. Trying to capture the powerful emotions of this time was challenging, but the inspiration and insight we gained are the cornerstones of Sunshine Hope. Understanding that sunrises symbolize new opportunities, we look at each day as a new chance to refocus our values and priorities and find the silver linings in our challenges.

We at Sunshine Hope believe that the community of hope extends beyond our family and our relationships. It extends to every corner of the earth and touches every person; each of us faces challenges, celebrates achievements and has the power to improve the world. Each of us may not possess the power to change the world at once, but by working together we can change the world one person at a time by finding the common good, the joy in life, the HOPE that rises each and every day.

Spread the Hope

Please join us as we explore the subject of HOPE: what it means to people, where it can be found, why our challenges become opportunities. Read, share your perspectives, and feel free to spread hope to a friend. One life at a time, we can make a difference!