How do you smile in a time of crisis?

Smiles in Trials, Inc. is a Family Counseling Organization recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization helping families with medically fragile children not only cope but smile through adversity. This is done through child life care, spiritual counseling, medical gear sourcing and providing distractions and attractions in the hospital room, the place of treatment or even at home. 

Proud parent's of a special needs son affectionately known as 'Bubba' or "MJ', ​​Founders Mark and Kindra Ybarra were blessed with their third child being unexpectedly born with a rare genetic mutation (ZMYND11) which affected their son's growth development, motor skills, lungs, and heart. Truly imagining at first that only one surgery and the right medications would solve most of their problems, the future only placed their family on an uncharted course of testings and trials that they never imagined would be possible to thrive in.  The first 60 days of hospital stays were some of the most challenging days for them, but they patiently pressed forward through the ups and downs. Years-in, reflecting on God's grace, the loving support of their church fellowship, close friends, faithful family, charitable organizations and the answered prayers of so many, they came to understand that going through a crisis was easier with others than alone. In contrast, it became increasingly clear to them at each hospital stay over that there were many other families in similar circumstances without the same support in crisis. The conclusion was that hope, help and healing could be more readily available to all families with children experiencing a medical crisis situation or dealing with the news of a tragic diagnosis.

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So, how do you smile in a time of crisis? It is not easy but we know that having a true friendship in hardship does make it easier.