My name is Shari Bauer. I am a wife, mother, Lay Missionary of Charity, LMC and Executive Director of Colton’s Hope, a 501c3 nonprofit charitable organization. I am married to my beloved husband John and we have three sons. Colton our youngest son was born in 1997 with 1q21.1 Microdeletion Disorder an exceedingly rare condition in which a tiny piece is missing from one of the body’s 46 chromosomes. Colton’s own story has taught us unconditional love, given us gratitude for the good and bad things that happen in life and made us more beautifully human.
I was inspired by my dear priest friend Fr. Michael van der Peet, SCJ. He prayed daily for Colton and our family. He taught us by example how to put love into action, personal sacrifice and the giving for others through prayer and service. We honor his memory by serving others with the same joy, love and peace.
When I learned about the 100% abortion rate in Iceland and 67% in the U.S. of those who have chromosome abnormalities, it became personal for me to fight for the unborn and those living with a chromosome disorder. No one should be disposable because they look or act differently at any stage in life. We are each created in the image and likeness of God. Every person is sacred and valuable to society. Each leaving footprints on our hearts forever!
The quality of civilization can be measured by the respect it has for its weakest member
Dr. Jerome LeJejeune
Colton's Hope 