Welcome to This Wonderful Holiday Tradition!

Dear Friends, Family and soon to be Friends,

We all go through moments in our lives that challenge us. At the point in which we are confronted with adversity, there are two choices: we either let that moment ruin us or we come together and rise above. Brittany’s Trees is a true testament and illustration of how the Holiday spirit conjures up benevolent efforts towards overcoming all that may trouble us.

On behalf of the entire Brittany’s Trees family, I would like to invite each one of you to join us in celebrating her memory and come together to overcome this unfamiliar condition that weighs heavily on too many innocent people. Brittany was an eight-year-old third grade student at Heritage Lakes Elementary. She was born with a heart condition that, with medication, was thought to be controlled and allow her to live a normal life. Brittany was a wonderful little girl with a great big smile. She enjoyed riding her bicycle up and down the sidewalk, going down the big slide at the park, and jumping on the trampoline in her backyard. She enjoyed cheerleading and also took Irish dance lessons. She was mature for her age and could hold her own in conversations with adults. Brittany was an outgoing little girl who was a pleasure to be around. She was happy, polite and an overall great kid.

Brittany passed away in February 2005. She was living with a congenital heart condition called Long QT Syndrome. Brittany’s vibrant spirit has inspired the wonderful neighbors of Kingsport Ridge, family and friends to come together every year on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. The morning begins with our friends and family surrounded by hundreds of Christmas trees, warming up with some hot chocolate (spirits for those of age), and coordinating the day’s festivities. After the morning congregation, we split up into teams and went from house to house, spreading the Holiday spirit to all of those who are so kind to participate. The trees are delivered, and the members of our team string the lights. All we ask is that you run an extension cord out to your tree.

Last year, Brittany’s spirit lined the streets of our community, shining brightly among the 2,100 families. Our goal is to have select western suburban Chicago towns united and to have Brittany shining bright in all of our hearts. Brittany’s Trees raised over $40,000.00 last year for the SADS Foundation. This year we’re hoping to set up and deliver over the same amount of Christmas trees. If you have driven through our neighborhood between Thanksgiving and Christmas, you’ve seen the streets lined with glowing Christmas trees representing Brittany’s character. Brittany’s Family and friends would be grateful if you would open your hearts and catch the spirit.

Not only has this event carried on Brittany’s memory, it has brought together a very thoughtful and caring neighborhood. Brittany has helped introduce me to some wonderful people that live right down the street from me, whom I would have never known if it weren’t for her. With your help, we will conquer this condition. Brittany will live forever in our hearts, and her beautiful spirit will shine brightly throughout our community.

Catch the Spirit!

Brian Groh - Brittany's Neighbor

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