On September 9, 2010, a little baby boy named Will Day was born into this world. He was a beautiful little boy who, at first glance, appeared to be healthy. But, after a few days, two hospitals, and countless doctors, Will was diagnosed with several different diseases and deficiencies. One can only imagine how heartbreaking it would be for a parent to find out that their precious little boy would have a mountain of problems to overcome. The doctors shared with the parents that Will was never going to be able to talk, walk, or feed himself.
And so, for the next few years, Will’s life would be filled with doctor’s visits, therapists, and surgeries. And through it all, his mother never left his side. A friend of the family shared with me that “Beth was a very devoted mother, and when Will was in the hospital she would never leave him. She would spend weeks sleeping next to him in the hospital.” Beth’s love and devotion to her hurting child was truly humbling and inspiring. Her prayer was that she would be by his side if Will took his last breath.
Beth created a website to tell Will’s story, and on that site she wrote, “Will is a sweet five-year-old boy. He has a complicated medical history and is often a puzzle to the doctors. He has blessed a lot of people that have met him and is a huge blessing in our lives.”
Will truly was a blessing to his family. He was a boy who smiled all the time, and his smile gave the family hope. For 5 ½ years Will’s parents experienced God’s never-ending peace and comfort through their son’s struggles.
On February 25, 2016, at 5 ½ years old, Will Day’s struggle on this earth came to an end. He passed away during the night, and by the grace of God Beth was by his side when he breathed his last. The following day Beth wrote on the website, “Our hearts are extremely saddened. Our sweet, strong, courageous boy took his last breath on earth last night. His legacy on earth will continue. He has touched so many lives and hearts. We loved him so much and our lives will forever be better because of him. As always thank you for your prayers.”
A few weeks after Will’s passing, Feed the Hunger received a phone call. We were told that a family had baby formula that they wanted to donate to our ministry. We didn’t know who it was coming from, or how they came to have so much formula, but over the course of a few days we learned to story of Will Day and his short, sweet time on this earth.
His parents had bought several boxes of Pediasure for Will, and with his passing they wanted to find someone who could use the food for good. When asked how she found out about us, Beth Day said that she was at her church several months ago and heard a presentation by two women in the church. They had been on an overseas mission trip with a ministry called “Feed the Hunger,” and on that trip they were able to minister to needy and hurting children. Beth was moved by this story, and months later when her son passed she contacted those women and asked if they could give Will’s formula to our ministry so that others could be blessed and nourished by the food. Beth said, “Will’s short life was about changing and helping people. As his parents we were especially changed by Will. We are trying to continue his legacy by donating his supplies to those in need. It provides us a sense of peace to know his supplies are helping others.”
Feed the Hunger was and is incredibly humbled to be the recipient of this food. This week, two of our staff members are in Lynch, KY passing out our beans and rice meals to those in need. Because of the Day family, we are also passing out formula to those families in Lynch who have needy children. This is something that Feed the Hunger has never done before, and we are honored that Beth and her family chose to bless us with this food so that we could bless others.
To our readers, we would ask that you keep the Day family in your prayers. Pray that they would continue to be aware of God’s all-sufficient love and peace, knowing that one day they will see their boy again. Please also pray that the families who will receive the formula would be blessed by this food, and that they would see the glory of God through the Days’ story and gift.
To God be the Glory.
Caleb Fox | Warehouse Manger
What a blessing Will Day was to his family and they are using God’s love to ensure others have food! Will’s life keeps blessing others.