Support “Flamingos for Amber” at Friday After 5 [PHOTOS]

On Sunday, tragedy struck the Hatfield family once again. While they're laying their only son, Josh to rest on Friday evening, you can support the mission that they created after the loss of their only daughter, Amber. "Flamingos for Amber" WILL be at Friday After 5 and you can help this wonderful family.

You don't want to miss the chance to support "Flamingos for Amber", in Memory of Amber Hatfield and now Josh, at Friday After 5. It's a chance to support a wonderful family that has been through more than most could bare. They are one of the best families that I know. They are loved. They are special. They care.

June 14th, 2019 would have been Amber's birthday. They celebrated her birthday with a big party and ribbon cutting, with the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce. "Flamingos for Amber" was an official part of the Chamber, and the family was so excited to continue to watch their non-profit grow, and to help others in our community. When I saw them at their booth, at Friday After 5 that night, I could tell they were so happy.

And, then the call came on Sunday which was Father's Day. A call that no family should hear. A call that nobody could believe. A call that would stop a community in their tracks. Josh, at the young age of 20, had passed away on Sunday morning. They lost everything at that moment. Josh was such a sweet kid. He had a kind heart, was an amazing brother to Amber, a devoted son to Althe and Teddy, a great friend to many and he was just good. This should have never happened, but it did. For this, we all grieve today as a community.

Amber Hatfield was diagnosed at the age of 10 with a rare disease known as Wegener’s or GPA, as it is known today. She lost her battle in 2017, but her memory lives on by helping others. She will forever be 24 years-old. I worked side by side with Althe, her mother, for 20+ years at WaxWorks and watched this family struggle with illness and the unknown. They wanted to give back in sweet Amber's memory. So, "Flamingos for Amber" was born and they've been helping families in her name ever since.

It's so hard when you just don't know what to say or do in this horrendous time. Chad and I talked and decided, let's see if they need us to man the "Flamingos for Amber" booth at Friday After 5 this weekend. It's a small gesture, but needed just the same. It's a way to DO something. Anything. We heard back from a board member, and they were very grateful for the gesture. Come out this Friday, June 21st, 2019, and support the mission and the family at Friday After 5 in Downtown Owensboro. The booth is bright pink and located across from the RiverPark Center, by the parking garage. You can't miss us. Flamingos for Amber Memorial Contributions in Josh's name will be accepted.

Please say an extra prayer for this grieving family. They have a very tough road ahead.

This picture of Josh is a favorite. When I saw it for the first time last summer I thought, boy what a handsome young man. A little James Dean mixed with a little bit of Elvis. My heart is broken for him and the family, friends and co-workers that he's left behind. Hold your babies close as tomorrow is never guaranteed. Let's look after one another.

James H. Davis Funeral Home and Crematory

You can find out more and DONATE to Flamingos for Amber HERE.