ERIN’S STORY

Erin Grace Hastings was a very special little girl. Born with cerebral palsy, Erin faced a lot of challenges as she was fully involved both physically and medically, however, she never let those challenges impact her bright spirit. Erin was known for her beautiful smile and contagious laugh.

Erin attended CHC Learning Center in Buffalo, NY. Each year for Mother’s Day, she would bring home a sunflower seedling to give to her mom, Debbie. Erin brought Debbie her annual Mother’s Day sunflower seedling on May 10, 2015. On May 17, 2015, Erin passed away and earned her angel wings.

Debbie kept Erin’s last sunflower seedling as she was apprehensive to plant it. She feared that it, too, would die as all the other seedlings did in the past. However, Debbie knew this plant was different than the rest. She went into her kitchen drawer, pulled out a spoon, and went outside to plant it. To Debbie’s surprise, this tiny seedling grew into the most beautiful sunflower! From there, The Sunflower Promise was born. Debbie chose to keep the seeds from Erin’s original flowers, replants them year after year, and gift these sunflowers for others to enjoy. Mother’s Day is a difficult holiday for those who have lost a child. Through the hand-delivery of sunflowers, Debbie is committed to turn loss into hope for these grieving mothers. Debbie hopes that the recipients of these beautiful sunflowers will receive joy, love and positivity similar to that of which Erin brought, not only to Debbie, but to the rest of the world as well.