OHIO — Often, some of life’s beautiful moments are inspired by tragic events that change our lives forever. Many people find ways to move forward by giving back to a cause of organization that hits close to home.
With a steady hand, delicate skill and a little TLC Vicki and Allan Carleton have spent a lot of time over the past decade bringing dolls back to life.
Many of the dolls are the classic American Girl Dolls.
They started Trey’s Dolls in honor of their son.
“He was diagnosed with Berkins lymphoma on Dec. 3, when they did exploratory surgery to see what this lump was in his side. And two days later, he passed away still in the hospital,” said Vicki Carleton.
Through charities, organizations, and social media, word of Trey’s Dolls spread.
Some people send them brand new dolls, and others that have been loved over the years.
Their restored dolls have gone to hospitals and even into the arms of little girls after disasters like the Texas and North Carolina floods.
“If we get used dolls, and they’re going to the hospital, then we have to take all the stuffing out and wash it and sanitize,” said Vicki.
“It makes me feel wonderful that we’re able to do it and that we’ve learned over time,” Allan said. “I just feel like a small part of the process.”
Allan is a Navy veteran.
When they aren’t working on dolls at home, sometimes they’ll bring them to the Fisher House on the Dayton VA Medical Center campus.
Allan receives radiation treatments for his own cancer diagnosis, and staying at the Fisher House saves them the stress of driving back and forth.
“I just can’t tell you how much it means,” Allan said.
It was through a connection at the Fisher House that the Carletons made contact with Blue Star Families of Dayton and Southwestern Ohio and executive director Geri Maples.
Shortly after, an idea to gift the dolls to military connected young girls came to reality.
The girls received gifts but had no idea that a restored American Girl Doll waited inside.
The Carletons have gifted hundreds of dolls, but it’s not often they get to see them opened in real time.
“Initially I said 20 would be selected, but I read all their stories and I’m like ‘nope they all have to have one’. I was in tears reading some of these stories about what it would mean to them,” said Maples.
“She’s our only girl, we have three boys. So this was kind of special for her that it was the only event with her by herself and no brothers,” said mother and veteran spouse Mia Bennett.
“This is an amazing experience that I couldn’t give my daughter, that they were able to do that for her, so I really appreciate it, thank you,” said mother and Marine Corps veteran Ashlee Almazan.
“Moving sometimes seven or eight times throughout a school year, having to make new friends, an American Girl Doll can go with you anywhere,” Maples said.
For the Carletons, they were able to take their son’s memory another step.
“I think he would absolutely love it. He loved children. He had two children, and he loved his two children so much. And I think he would have loved that they are military families,” said Vicki.
Vicki and Allan donated nearly 40 dolls to Blue Star Families of Dayton and Southwestern Ohio.
The non-profit hosts free events and outreach opportunities all year long for military members, veterans and their families.
For more information, click here.
Alese Underwood
Source link