It's a big order for children to learn about von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) as they learn to reach out in care and compassion for others and let the Light of Christ shine through them. Then again, God works in amazing ways. At Vacation Bible School (VBS) this summer, the 80-100 participants who came together as students and volunteers for Cumberland United Methodist Church in Fayetteville, North Carolina, were learning about God's Light and they were learning about how they could help make a difference for families dealing with VHL by contributing to the VHL research fund.

They learned that "Ms. Audrey," one of their VBS leaders, battles this disease. They learned that VHL causes tumors and that no one has figured out a way to cure it. They learned that they can be part of the solution and make a real difference in the lives of people like their "Ms. Audrey." They learned that God gives us ways to let God's Light shine through us as we help each other and that the VHL Family Alliance is one organization that gives family support and education all over our country.

When the week of VBS finished at Cumberland United Methodist Church, children and their families had contributed $124.76 as the VBS Mission Project for 2003.

Ms. Audrey was with the VBS team from the planning and set up stages all the way through the last day that ended VBS with an Ice Cream Social. Over the course of preparation and VBS week, Ms. Audrey came to a new appreciation of the work that now goes into VBS events and a new love and enjoyment for her young friends in her church family. The VBS Mission Project makes its contribution in honor of Audrey Clifton, and extends its thanks to her and the VHL Family Alliance for the opportunity to learn and serve together in this important work.

As printed in the VHL Family Forum 11:3, September 2003. For permission to reprint, please contact VHL Family Alliance, editor@vhl.org.