Three childhood friends, Kristi, Elise and Michelle, now grown, share a rich and cherished history – friends since their early beginnings, they have shared many of life's favored moments, including, graduations, weddings, birth of children, and other joyous milestones – all of which remind them of their great fortune in life and in their found friendship with one another. To celebrate their friendship and borrow from their common southern roots, Kristi, Elise and Michelle have historically held cookie exchanges, a southern tradition where friends come together to share their favorite homemade baked cookies, family honored recipes, stories of old and new, and simply enjoy eachothers' company as a way of re-connecting during their busy modern lives.
In the early 1990's, Kristi, who at the time was in her 20's, was diagnosed with Hodgkin's disease, a form of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. The condition was serious, and Kristi began the biggest challenge of her life – the challenge to survive! Over the next decade and a half, Kristi had undergone numerous surgeries, chemo treatments and other life-saving medical measures. Over the course of these treatments, she had lost her appetite, lost her hair, lost her energy, but had never lost her will, nor her courage, nor her grace, nor her dignity to continue to push forward and beat this disease!
Unfortunately, Kristi recently passed away on october 29, 2007.
In her mother's words, Kristi "died as she lived." Her faith, courage, spirit, and generous heart inspired all who knew and loved her.
Like most people, Kristi had good days and bad; however, unlike most people, Kristi treasured even the bad days as she knew it was one more day to be here, sharing her life, love and friendship with her family and friends. Kristi had the unique ability to laugh and make others laugh, even in the most strenuous of circumstances. Her outlook was always optimistic and her infectious smile could illuminate even the darkest of days.
This year, Kristi (*prior to her passing) and her other two childhood friends (who jokingly refer to themselves as the "Divas"), have decided to share the strength and optimism Kristi brought to her own personal battle with others – others who are challenged with their own struggles.
Our cookie exchange has been forever changed as we evolve our southern tradition of the cookie party to include a new chapter - using our gathering as a means to collect modest offerings for charitable organizations and causes we place value in. We also have decided to share this idea with others, encouraging people all over the country to host these parties and share their support with their favorite charitable causes. It's a fun way to get together, cherish one another, and make a difference in the lives of those that need our support.