More prizes!

Hey, folks.

I am hear to plead. :)  Forgive me.

We need more cards for these sick kids.  So many of them need so much encouragement right now.  I know we are all so stinkin' busy right now.  And money is tight.  But really, a few simple cards thrown into an envelope with low postage would be fab.  And we just need fun cards – just put a knock knock joke in it.  Or tell about your silly pet.  Or put in a photo of a cute dog.  Anything.  I am not good at asking people to give money, but this is something I feel strongly about – the power of a greeting.

AND thank you all for the cards you all have sent in.  You are all amazing.  I opened some cards the other day from Jill and it just brought tears to my ears.  The gorgeous masterpieces she created will be so appreciated by these families.

And there is a reason I feel a strong need to come here and plead.  I got an email from Eric's mom (he was one of the children we collected cards for in the fall – he sadly has since passed away).  It was so touching to hear from her how much the cards meant to her family.  Here is what she said…

"Hi Jennifer.  My name is Leslie Osman and I lost my 8-year-old son to adrenoleukodystrophy on October 25, 2009.  Kathy Racoosin, who is a friend, submitted our information to you as part of your card drive and I just wanted to tell you just how much it meant to our entire family.  Our other two kids had so much fun opening the cards.  They each carry them around in a little shopping bag.  We also spent a lot of time looking at all the different states and countries that sent cards.  It was just amazing

Kathy (Racoosin) came over last month and spent an evening with me and my daughter – showing us how to make cards.  And now, we would like to pay it forward and participate in one of your other drives.  So, that's what we're going to do.

I really just wanted to take a moment to let you know just how wonderful this effort is.

– Leslie Osman (Bob, Rachel, Jacob and our sweet angel Eric)"

So, I hope this inspires you to create for these sweet kids.  And, to encourage you a bit more, here are some more prizes you could win.  (For a list of all the prizes, click HERE.)

THE FIRST ROUND OF PRIZES WILL BE DRAWN FROM CARDS SENT BY 1/31. FOR INFORMATION ON SENDING CARDS, CLICK HERE. So you still have time! (The drive will continue after that.)

This is Braden …

Braden Hofen was diagnosed with Stage IV, high risk neuroblastoma on December 28, 2007 at the age of 3. Braden was given a 30% chance for survival at that time. He went through six high dose rounds of chemotherapy, an autologous bone marrow transplant, radiation therapy, and follow up therapies. Braden was declared to be in remission but merely a few months later, and only a few weeks from his fifth birthday, his cancer relapsed. Braden now has only a 10% chance for survival. Braden is undergoing medical treatments both at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri and at the Children's Hopsital of Philadelphia. Braden loves animals, basketball, playing outside, water fountains, and the beautiful seasonal Christmas lights!  Braden and his family appreciate all of your thoughts, prayers, and hopes for a miracle!

The family includes:

• Braden, age 5.
• Brother – Zach, age 6.
• Mom – Deliece.
• Dad – Brian.

To keep up with Braden and how he is doing, you can visit his website HERE.

And for sending in cards for Braden, you could win…

This prize gets you a $75 gift certificate to 2peas, donated by myself and Jana Millen.

This is Emily …

Emily Koester is a beautiful 6 year old girl that has a very rare disease.  She is one of 4 people in the US that has Schimke Immuno-osseous Dysplasia (SIOD), one of the rarest forms of Dwarfism.  Only 45 people world-wide have this disease. This disease is very rare. Only 1 in 1 million to 3 million get this genetic disease. She will have a shortened life span with: stroke, hip replacements, kidney failure and infections as some of the problems with this disease.  This disease is detected by growth, appearance, illness and x-rays. Emily has rounding of the spinal vertebrae, classic characteristics of hip dysplasia in the pelvis and thighs.  Emily experienced kidney failure in spring 2008 and received a kidney transplant from her father Joe.   A side effect of the transplant, the anti-rejection medication caused Lymphoma, Emily's is in stage 3 and has endured chemo. Recently a fungal infection was discovered in the donated kidney, so she has been on anti-fungal medication.  She has suffered from constant fevers, vomiting, headaches and most recently seizures.  She has had over 37+ surgeries in the past 2 years.
 
The family includes:

• Emily, age 6
• Mom – Erin
• Dad – Joe

To keep up with Emily and how she is doing, you can visit his website HERE.  If you want to help, click HERE.

For sending in cards for Emily and her family, you may win…

This prize includes lots of great stamps sets donated by Sarah Moerman.  Great stuff!  And you also will get a bunch of handmade butterflies that I have made – stamped, colored with Copics and cut out.

Thank you, everyone!