Run Saniyah Run to host Lunch with a Purpose Dec. 6

With the goal of raising funds to support families of children and teens with special needs, the Run Saniyah Run organization will host Lunch with a Purpose from 12 to 2 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 6, at the Clubhouse at Baywood.

The cost of the lunch is $40, and the event will feature raffles, silent auction items and more, all to benefit Run Saniyah Run.

Founder Gia Holden-Love moved to Sussex County shortly after her daughter Saniyah passed away at age 11.

Saniyah was born with multiple disabilities, including cerebral palsy, microcephaly, autism and epilepsy.

“She may have been born one way, but she had this power, this strong spirit, and she could make anyone smile,” Holden-Love said.

The realities of raising a child with special needs can mean a long and daunting struggle. And, when it ends in a child dying, the grief and anger can be overwhelming.

Holden-Love understands all the emotions only too well. “Parents go through so much when they are spending every moment worrying about a child,” Holden-Love said. “It is the hardest journey, and parents need all the support they can get.”

After Saniyah died, Holden-Love needed a change. She knew she could not stay in the house any longer, so she sold and moved south, ready for a new lease on life.

She found her new home in Sussex County, and found a new passion as a small business owner – she owns Na Na’s Cotton Candy Cloudz – and her calling of helping other parents of children with disabilities through her nonprofit Run Saniyah Run.

The name comes from a family inside joke, Holden-Love said. “Family members would encourage Saniyah to run while she valiantly tried to master walking – always with a smile on her face.”

Today, Holden-Love can be found working with partners from New Castle County to Sussex County to raise funds. The financial support her organization provides includes in-kind services and volunteer hours.

Run Saniyah Run is a Delaware nonprofit 501c(3) organization located in Lewes. It includes an incredible staff and statewide volunteers.

The organization aids parents and guardians of children with disabilities by providing no-cost services and resources such as: parents’ "me" time; financial assistance; life skills and job training for special needs adults ages 18 to 25; light housekeeping; minor home repairs; fast food vouchers; car maintenance; entertainment; assistance with medical issues; assistance with school functions and IEPs; and counseling (grief, spiritual, financial, and marriage). These are provided through its database of partners and volunteers.

“For us to continue helping these families, we need the support of our community, whether financially or through the benefit of time spent volunteering,” Holden-Love said. Every donation that comes in makes a difference.

For more information and to purchase luncheon tickets, go to runsaniyahrun.org, find Lunch With a Purpose/Coastal Delaware on Facebook or email lwpcoastalde@gmail.com and nfo@runsaniyahrun.org.