HEAVEN’S HOUSTON: Ohio businesswoman Ashley McDonald recalling son’s memory through notable nonprofit organization
Andre Johnson 
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV)
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Ashley McDonald is doing it all for little Houston, is fervently going to great lengths to carry on her beloved son’s legacy, most notably by way of a credible, progressive notable nonprofit organization.
In April 2020, McDonald deemed it essential to establish Houston’s Lift Off, her rising Canton, Ohio-based nonprofit organization that is centered largely on fundraising, organizing, and giving back to various communities.
In essence, Houston’s Lift Off was founded in honor of McDonald’s son, Houston, who unfortunately lost his battle to prematurity in the NICU at the tender age of just 4 ½ months.
Generally, Houston’s Lift Off is solely dedicated to families that are currently spending time in the NICU, according to a detailed description of McDonald’s featured endeavor at https://www.houstonsliftoff.com/about.
Since her son’s untimely demise, McDonald has steadfastly devised ways to carry on his memory by being a beloved a beacon of light for others whom, at one point in time have endured — or are currently experiencing — a similar situation.
MORE ON HOUSTON’S LIFT OFF: https://www.houstonsliftoff.com/
To her credit, McDonald has been especially active in the community every year on her son’s heavenly birthday, which is August 14.
Houston would have been six years old this year.
“I was donating through my own personal expenses after Houston passed away in 2016,” McDonald told Making Headline News during a recent interview. “I would donate on his birthday and the day he passed away (January 5, 2016).”
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Interestingly, Houston’s Lift Off has become a fixture for customarily donating essential items to families in the NICU at the local hospital in Canton. “We donate items such as gas gift cards, food gift cards, snacks, hygiene items, stuffed animals, catered lunches, baby books, socks, etc.,” said McDonald, a Perry High School (in Massillon, Ohio) graduate who acquired certification to start a nonprofit through The University of Notre Dame online institution.
As McDonald explains, there is, by all accounts, a sense of fulfillment that comes with overseeing the day-to-day operations of Houston’s Lift Off, a trend she senses her son would have wanted her to routinely exemplify.
“I love hearing the feedback we get from our donation baskets,” McDonald said. “I love spreading awareness for families who have experienced a sick baby in the NICU.”
Fortunately for McDonald, the immeasurable strides she’s made since her Houston’s Lift Off’s inception have, in turn, given way to her having partnered with other notable organizations.
“We have made connections with other nonprofits across the world,” McDonald said. “My personal mission for doing this work is to help other families like US. I want to bring more help and awareness in our local community.”
Interestingly, since her son’s passing, McDonald has become an ambassador for bringing about awareness to infant and child loss, particularly in October, which recognizes Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness.
According to McDonald, Houston remained in the NICU at two local hospitals. Born at a Canton hospital, Houston was subsequently transferred to Akron Children’s Hospital when he was three months old.
Less than two months later, McDonald’s son, a preemie baby, passed away 4 ½ months after his ceremonious arrival.
Amid arguably the darkest season of her life, McDonald doesn’t shy away from the notion that after all she’s gone through, she still has joy.
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The kind of joy the world didn’t merely give her.
“We received so much help when he was at Akron (Children’s Hospital), and I want to bring more help for my community in Canton,” McDonald. “I think it’s imperative (to esteem) and inspire others (daily) because it takes the community to change the world.”
In McDonald’s case, she’s doing just that by way of a credible, progressive notable nonprofit organization, one that figures to impact lives for years to come.
MORE ON HOUSTON’S LIFT OFF: https://www.houstonsliftoff.com/
For more information on Canton, Ohio Businesswoman Ashley McDonald of Houston’s Lift Off, to schedule her for a public appearance or speaking engagement, call 330.280.3881 or connect with her via social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Houstons-Lift-Off-101952841481609; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houstonsliftoff/. Also, send email to: [email protected].
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Andre Johnson is the award-winning Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter of sports for the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send email to [email protected] or to [email protected]. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist or Instagram at @makingheadlinenews.
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