Caitlin

If you saw someone stealing something from a child, wouldn’t you want to stop them?  Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis steals the carefree life a of a child.  It needs to be stopped.

With the help of  the 2008 Arthritis Foundation Child of the Year (Caitlin Ryan), Cowboy Flowers , a  Jacksonville, Oregon florist is doing more than fighting  arthritis. They are sending a message of faith, hope, truth, friendship, purity, strength and awareness all in a beautiful bouquet.

How does one bouquet filled with sunny yellows, perfect pinks, pure whites, and soothing blues accomplish such a big task?

The answer to the question begins with 11 year old Caitlin, who has had juvenile rheumatoid arthritis since the age of 3.  Despite an up-hill battle with arthritis and a hip replacement, she is a happy and creative pre-teen with an eye for floral design.  Add in a visit to Cowboy Flowers and Barb Wallgren, who recognized an opportunity to mentor a budding floral designer.  Equipped with a heartfelt passion and an array of fresh flowers, this formidable team created a bouquet representing the essence of every  person fighting arthritis.

Besides beauty, each flower in the arrangement has a hidden meaning: yellow spray chrysanthemum (hope), white chrysanthemum (truth), pink gerbera (purity & strength),  pink carnation (I’ll never forget you) and the blue iris (faith & friendship).  The cheerful beauty of this flower arrangement will give every recipient sheer enjoyment as it subtly fights arthritis.

How is this bouquet fighting arthritis? Cowboy Flowers is putting their money where their heart is with this bouquet.  They are donating $10.00 for each “Bugs Beautiful Bouquet” sold.  So anyone sending flowers can send someone fresh flowers and fight arthritis at the same time by ordering a “Bugs Beautiful Bouquet”.

When asked why Cowboy Flowers would put time and effort into this project, Barb replied “When you see the beauty in a child like Caitlin and know the battles she has fought, you have to do something to help.  We have been fortunate to have wonderful customers (community). It is only right that we give something back.”

I think the reason is more than Barb’s humble reply.  This flower shop sees the bigger picture – making the world a better place.