“In honor of our son, Samuel Lindell, being diagnosed with Leukemia 10 years ago this past March, we have decided it is long overdue that we give back.”

That was the call to action that Jodie Lindell put out online to families of children with significant medical diagnoses with whom she’s developed friendships over the years.

Samuel’s diagnosis meant a period of constant travel, expense, and worry for Jodie and her husband Mike, as well as their older son, Caleb.

Part of what got them through it was Caring For Life. The nonprofit, started in 1991, has been providing financial and emotional support to Warren County families of seriously-ill children since that time, and the Lindells depended on them during Samuel’s illness, Lindell said.

So, for the 10-year anniversary of Samuel’s initial diagnosis, Jodie said, it was important to them to be able to give back, rather than simply quietly remembering the day that changed all of their lives a decade ago.

“On this tenth-year anniversary, I decided I just didn’t want to cry anymore,” Lindell said she wrote on her online journal. “I know for a fact I always will (cry), but I was ready to do something to honor my boy, but also give back.”

“We are very honored to be able to help,” said Sam Young, owner of Allegheny Memorials and Engraving, who has partnered with the Lindells to create the fundraiser.

Young said that the company created 20-ounce orange vacuum-insulated tumblers with a Caring For Life logo. The cups are on sale for $28 each, and orders are being taken at Allegheny Memorials and Pine Grove Auto Sales.

“We will also be looking for other businesses that would be willing to take orders at their place,” said Young.

Orange is the color for Leukemia awareness, Lindell said, which is why they chose that color.