Community Members Celebrate Toddler's Life, His Inspiration for Children's Charitable Organization

CLEARFIELD - About 300 guests celebrated a toddler’s life, as well as the inspiration he provided his parents Matt and Annie Hinton, of Fairfield, CT, to organize Brady’s Smile Inc., a children’s charitable organization, at its first fundraiser event “Color The Night” Saturday at the Lawrence Township Fire Hall.

“I’m blown away to see this many people come out and support the cause. And, I’m blown away by how far we’ve come as an organization,” Matt said.

“We started out in one hospital in April. Now, we have four, different programs in three hospitals.”

Matt said the Brady’s Blankets and Comfort Bag programs alone have not only touched the lives of children in the intensive care units, but their families as well.

“Your applause shouldn’t be for Annie and I. It should be for your generosity. We haven’t just touched 1,000 people, but you have, too. This is because of you,” he said.

Fighting back tears, Annie, whom her husband introduced as “the heart and soul of Brady’s Smile, Inc.,” thanked the guests for following their story and supporting their cause.

She said they found inspiration from their son, in addition to the other families and children who shared in their battle during the two-year medical journey. She said the couple realized these families needed additional support.

Annie also recalled a nurse who brought her a Sudoku puzzle book, while the two were with their toddler in a critical state at the children’s hospital in Pittsburgh.

“We decided when Brady was in the ICU that we wanted to give back,” she said. “That’s a gesture I’ll never forget.”

Annie said the two were both overwhelmed and amazed by cards from young children who colored uplifting messages for their toddler son.

“The cards and pictures impacted us in ways that words simply cannot describe,” she said. “It was truly an unforgettable moment for us.”

Annie said these children have provided the inspiration for the organization’s new “Color ‘n Care” program. She said the effort aims to support children and families in the ICU with drawings and notes of encouragement.

She said children of all ages can take part by drawing pictures that make them and others happy.

“One smile can brighten someone’s day,” she said, adding the cards would be tucked inside the Brady’s Smile Comfort Bags.

Later in the evening, Annie’s mother Denise Flegal, proudly pulled out pictures that they have already received from children in schools in both Philipsburg and Pittsburgh.

Pointing to a drawing, she said, “Look at this one. It says ‘turn your frown, upside down.’”

With the pictures still in hand, Denise said there was just something special about the innocence of a child.

“It’s neat, just really neat,” she said.

However, Matt and Annie have young children involved in their organization in more ways than one. The two recently closed the Brady’s Smile, Inc. Mascot Contest on Oct. 1.

The couple’s contest display stretched most of the wall, with drawings of people, animals and objects that were mostly adorned with a big smile.

At Saturday night’s event, attendees voted for their favorites in the contest’s two categories - kindergarten through second grade and third through fifth grade.

The top three from each category will advance to the contest’s semi-final round and appear on the organization’s Web site. Internet voting, which will span a three-week period, begins on Oct. 13.

A finalist will be announced from each category, and both children will receive a prize. Matt and Annie will, then, select a winner from the two. The winner will be announced on Nov. 7.

The winning mascot will be displayed on the Brady’s Smile, Inc. Web site and included in the organization’s publications for a minimum of one year.
Denise said the couple’s effort is remarkable.

“This is their passion now,” she said.

Annie said their efforts were a celebration of Brady’s life.

“We were so lucky to be his mommy and daddy,” she said. “He touched us during his short life.

“The impact of his two-year life has already been felt by others. He has inspired us to be better people.”

The couple would like to thank everyone who made the night a success and attended the event.

To get involved or make a donation, visit the Brady’s Smile Inc. Web site, or contact Annie by e-mail at anne@bradyssmile.org or Matt at matt@bradyssmile.org.