When Charles Dickens published A Christmas Carol in 1843 he was asked about the wisdom of using images of harsh reality to convey a holiday story. He reportedly responded by saying “May this haunt your house, pleasantly.”

With apologies to Dickens, I’d like to share the same sentiment with you concerning our holiday wishes but yet harsh realities.

As we celebrate this joyous season, we are so grateful to the many friends and supporters who have helped create a bit of magic for our vulnerable children and their families. At the same time, our harsh reality is that we will enter the new year still facing many haunting facts.

For example:
- Almost half (47%) of single moms with children under the age of 5 in Travis County live in poverty;
- One in five pregnant women in Travis County receive inadequate prenatal care; and
- Texas continues to lead the nation in the number of uninsured children (21%).

Like Dickens’ Cratchet family, we see so many hardworking, loving families who struggle with medical or developmental concerns. However, their spirits remain undaunted and their hope in better things to come is sustained by the kindness of our community. May this haunt your house, pleasantly.

We wish you a peaceful holiday filled with faith, hope and joy and trust that you will continue to partner with us through the “dickens” of a new year!

In peace,

Ellen Balthazar
Executive Director
EllenB@abcaus.org

Marian Dozier exemplifies a life lived with passion, accomplishment and purpose. She tirelessly dedicates her time, energy and financial resources to the causes she believes in and is renown in the Austin community for her unwavering support of children and families. Any Baby Can welcomes Marian as she joins a group of committed donors that comprise the Any Baby Can Angel Society. Support from the Angel Society forms the strong and solid foundation upon which Any Baby Can is able to meet the growing needs of children and families. Marian is a long time supporter of Any Baby Can and the Angel Society's inaugural Platinum Halo Member.  It is with deep appreciation that Any Baby Can thanks Marian for her committed support.

This holiday season, Marian's financial contribution will match donations to Any Baby Can, dollar for dollar up to $25,000. Click here to make a difference in the life of a child and double your gift.

To learn how you can become a member of the Angel Society, please contact Marie Albino at 512-334-4447 or mariea@abcaus.org

The room was filled with an energy that can only come from children anticipating Santa. On December 19th, the Austin Convention Center graciously hosted more than 800 guests at the Any Baby Can Annual Holiday Party. Any Baby Can children and families gathered to celebrate the season with a delicious holiday meal, gifts from Santa, and amazing dance performances by 620 Dance Centre and the Texas Empowerment Academy.

Toys distributed at the celebration came from Kristopher's Gift, a program that grew from the wishes of Kris Medford, who lost his battle with cancer in April 1992, at the age of 10.

Be a Star to a child this holiday season! Now through December 31st you can still purchase a $1 or $5 star when you check out at any Austin-area Randalls store. Proceeds benefit Any Baby Can and help us serve more than 5,000 Austin children and their families each year. Buying a star will help ensure that children reach their full potential through education, therapy and family support services. Your donation will be conveniently added to your grocery bill, and you can proudly hang your star on the Any Baby Can tree located in every Randalls store. With your donation, receive a free Coca-Cola product at check out while supplies last. Sincere thanks to Be a Star sponsors: Randalls, KVUE , 102.3 The River, and Coca-Cola.

The only thing that tops Leonard Joseph's sense of direction is the size of his heart. Leonard (pictured center with Jean Lyons, Program Director of Comprehensive Family Services and Ellen Balthazar, Executive Director) is a UK native who works as an Austin taxi driver, but he doesn't drive just anyone around the Capital City.  Leonard specializes in helping people with special healthcare needs through Austin Professional Taxi. That means we can always rely on him to take excellent care of Any Baby Can families. His bright smile and compassionate welcome makes a trip to the doctor, pharmacy or grocery store just a little bit easier for a family and child. Any Baby Can extends warm thanks to Leonard for his dedication to our community's youngest, sickest and poorest children. He is truly a silent servant.