If you’ve been in Holly Springs for a little while, there is no doubt you’ve heard of the Meg’s Smile Foundation. It’s been exactly five years since I first ran the story of Meg’s Smile in the magazine, and since then, they’ve grown and grown into a force to be reckoned with. If you’re new to the area, you may not know the story, or understand what Meg’s Smile does. Once you understand, don’t be surprised if you join the thousands of residents in Holly Springs that support the Meg’s Smile cause.
Back in the winter of 2010, Meg was an ordinary seven year old girl in Holly Springs. She loved to draw, play sports, dance and hang out with her big brother Jake. She also had a keen eye for fashion, spending a good amount of time each day planning what she would wear. Meg was always smiling; she was a very happy and content young lady.
Meg’s parents noticed she was falling down every so often, mostly around the house. They also noticed that she was not quite herself when playing sports and started to complain of her hearing in her left ear. The same week her parents had scheduled an appointment at their pediatrician’s office, a couple of Meg’s teachers had said they noticed her symptoms as well.
Meg and her parents went to get an MRI after the pediatrician said she was noticing some neurological deficits. Meg’s parents would learn that she had a brain tumor, and that she needed to be transported to Duke Medical Center immediately. Later that same evening, a doctor communicated the diagnosis – a Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG).
DIPG has been called the worst news a doctor could give a parent. It is a tumor that grows among the nerves within the brainstem. Because of this, surgery is not an option as the brainstem is responsible for vital functions such as breathing, swallowing and movement. It affects approximately only 200 children each year. The prognosis for Meg was that she would live for nine months to a year.
After a few surgeries to place a shunt and port, Meg started out on the standard course of treatment, which included six weeks of radiation and chemotherapy. Children typically respond well to radiation, in that the tumor shrinks and their quality of life is greatly improved. This normally lasts for a few months, but eventually the tumor comes back. Research has been unable to find an effective treatment for the recurrence of the tumor.
Meg and her family set out to live life to its fullest, and that is what they did after Meg’s treatments. Some of Meg’s adventures included: a trip to the beach, a Disney Cruise, and a trip to New York. Her favorite adventure was a trip to Los Angeles, where she starred on Kimora – Life in the Fab Lane. She was also adopted by the Duke Women’s Lacrosse Team, attended a Taylor Swift concert in style, had a fashion-themed birthday party, and met Paul Teutul from Orange County Choppers.
While Meg was living out her dreams and adventures, Meg’s parents knew the clock was ticking. In September 2010, they received the news that Meg’s tumor had starting progressing. Meg began a clinical trial at Duke, and after a few months was pulled off as her symptoms continued to progress. Desperate to try to get some relief for their daughter, the family traveled to Rhode Island for a second round of radiation. They spent the three weeks just prior to Christmas there for treatment. Through Christmas and New Years, Meg seemed to be about the same. In the first week of January 2011, Meg complained of a stomach ache. Meg had come down with an infection, common in children whose treatment lasts as long as Meg’s did. Three days later, Meg passed away in the Hospital with her Mom and Dad holding her. She was not in pain, and spared the prolonged agony that this tumor produces in so many cases.
Meg’s journey was one in which no child should ever have to endure. Yet, she did so all the while keeping her grace, humor and beautiful smile. She never complained or asked – why me? Her parents asked themselves – how can we honor Meg’s memory and spirit properly?
While in Rhode Island, Meg’s family was approached by a local foundation organized to make children happy while battling serious illness. The founders had a daughter who passed away with the same type of tumor. Meg’s family was resistant to accept the help of the organization. The foundation decided to tell Meg (and her family) that she had won a shopping spree at a local store. Meg was very proud to tell her parents that she was a winner, as a smile came to her face. As part of her shopping spree, Meg was given the opportunity to brighten another patient’s day with some gifts. Meg said that this “made her feel real good inside”.
With that, Meg’s Smile Foundation was born. Meg’s parents wanted to channel the generosity and energy from all of their family, neighbors and friends to putting smiles on the face of children with serious illness. Since inception, Meg’s family has inspired thousands to give both time and money to help support the foundation, and all it does for the children of North Carolina.
Meg’s Smile Foundation recently hit a significant milestone. On May 28, 2019, they granted their 300th Smile through the foundation. The Smiles vary in cost, depending on what the child’s interests are.
Meg’s Smile is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and has a focus on treating North Carolina children, teens and young adults. Their mission is to bring smiles to the faces of these children and their families while they are going through what can be a very long and emotional journey. We are ready to help quickly with the families to make the child’s special day happen when need be. Meg’s Smile Foundation is the recipient of the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce 2019 Heart of Holly Springs Award.
There are opportunities throughout the year to get involved with the Meg’s Smile Foundation. You can also go online at www.megsmile.org and donate with a message or anonymously, as well as see the children that the Foundation has helped by bringing them their own smiles.
The annual auction for Meg’s Smile is being held on Saturday, July 20 from 6pm – 10pm at The Club at 12 Oaks, 2008 Great Oaks Parkway in Holly Springs.
