posted
Thought I'd take a moment and update you on Christian's progress.
We have had to bring him back to the ER twice this past week as his fever spiked very high. He was thoroughly tested each time with no irregularities showing.
His doctors tell us that unforunately this could become a regular part of the process for his first year. While he continues to take an increased amount of milk,and his movements continue, he is going through a period of increased restlessness at this time that results in lots of crying and of course sadness for us because there is nothing we can do but hold him close.
Also too... since all of us are in various locations geographically, Chris and I would like to know what types of fundraisers, etc. you have possibly seen in your own communities in relation to raising funds for ill children. I feel quite awkward in simply asking this but sometimes you have to humble yourself for those you love.
We continue to be strengthened with all your kind words. Please keep Christian and our family in your prayers.
posted
Maybe talk to the Titans people since you are doing something for them anyway. Maybe they could give you some ideas or help you out. I have no idea. Just a thought.
Hang in there!
-------------------- Amy Brown Life Skills 101 Private Address Posts: 3502 | From: Lake Helen, FL, USA | Registered: Feb 2001
| IP: Logged |
Contact your local news station and have them do a human interest story...then they will usually set-up a fund with a local bank to accept donations for medical bills and other expenses.
-------------------- Kimberly Zanetti Purcell www.amethystProductivity.com Folsom, CA email: Kimberly@AmethystProductivity.com
“Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.” AA Milne Posts: 3723 | From: Folsom, CA | Registered: Dec 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
I have contacted the local stations. They all appear sincerely interested but say there are unfornutately lots of sad stories in the Nashville area (Metro Nashville area = approx. 1.5 mil people). They would pass the story along to a producer for review.
posted
Dear Stan, I'm so sorry to hear about your poor little baby. I'll keep you all in my prayers. As far as fundraising-how about your church? If you're not affiliated, find a non-denominational, Christian Chapel. They will be more than happy to pray for you and will be very likely to know of some organizations in your area that can do exactly what you need. Try the hospital administration department as well. Post cards on you supermarket bulletin boards. Good luck and God bless.
posted
At least around here there have been many successful fundraising events that I've seen. I've never unwound one all the way to see how it began though.
I've seen dinners do well. Renting a local hall and getting contributions from local restaurants and markets, and hosting a spaghetti feed, or around here they do crab feeds or abalone.The wineries are also very generous.
I've seen folk solicit gift donations from many local shops and B&B's and galleries. These items are then either passed on resulting from raffle tickets or auctions. This works well following the dinner. The names of the business's donating are mentioned, so there is advertising value by proclaming that business amoung those others with a heart in the community.
Seems like once you come up with the idea and get something started, folks seem to be drawn into the spell of helping.
There is a wonderful feeling being at a community event and seeing the others that want to help. We all feel this fraternal sense of being part of a solution.
[ June 21, 2002, 08:37 PM: Message edited by: Rick Sacks ]
-------------------- The SignShop Mendocino, California
Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity. — Charles Mingus Posts: 6806 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted
My wife and I were talking and a beneifit dinner was our 1st choice, announce it in the society page in the local paper, a mini carnival would be great, having something for everyone, from families, friends, neighbors, kids.
Then their is raffle tickets that can be sold and ask local merchants to donate prizes for the raffle. and I think being in Nashville a good ole benefit square dance is appropiate.
Hope this helps and our family will keep your family in our prayers
-------------------- Frank Weidman Waukegan, Il. Posts: 71 | From: Waukegan, Il. | Registered: May 2002
| IP: Logged |
Besides fundraisers, there may be some other financial help available. Some states, maybe all, usually have aid funds to help pay for newborns medical problems,if the family can't handle it. On the Federal level, at one time there was legislation called the Hill-Burton Act which in effect required hospitals to provide care at little or no cost to some people. There were, I am sure income requirements/qualifications involved. Not sure if this law is still in effect.
A couple of other thoughts-- Shriner's Hospitals do a lot of charity care. Sorry about the word "charity". St. Jude's somewhere in the South cares for kids, but I think mostly those with cancer. This is the one that comedian Danny Thomas was always raising funds for.
Hope this is of some help, and we're keeping you all in our thoughts.
-------------------- Bill Preston Fly Creek, N.Y. USA Posts: 943 | From: Fly Creek, N.Y. USA | Registered: Jan 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
Best wishes for your grandson health struggle, & prayers for the whole family sharing in this difficult time.
One thought I had on fundraisers was sparked by a similar event we had here in Maui. When I checked your address I thought even more that this may be a good idea. Have a musical event. Talk to promoters, & see if anyone in that capacity wants to be involved. The recent event here was for a child fighting a disease, & ended up having Willie Nelson & Kris Kristopherson (sp.) I don't think their presence was in the original plan but like Rick said "Seems like once you come up with the idea and get something started, folks seem to be drawn into the spell of helping."
posted
Hey Stan- Sorry to hear about Christian's ups & downs. It has to be rough. I am still praying for the little guy. As for fundraisers, have you contacted or are you affiliated with your local volunteer fire company? The Mars one always pitches in to help up here... Take care. Love- JILL
-------------------- That is like a Mr. Potato Head with all the pieces in the wrong place. -Russ McMullin Posts: 8834 | From: Butler, PA, USA | Registered: Jan 2001
| IP: Logged |
Please do let all of us all know how we can contribute, Stan.
I'm going to take up a collection with my colleagues at the ofice and will match their contribution with funds from my expense budget. I can also use our web assets to bring attention to Cristian's specific needs as they become apparent.
Who knows -- with a little help from your friends, maybe you can raise enough to help Christian and several other children/families in need in in that city of 1.5 million.
[ June 22, 2002, 02:15 PM: Message edited by: Jon Aston ]
-------------------- Jon Aston MARKETING PARTNERS "Strategy, Marketing and Business Development" Tel 705-719-9209 Posts: 1724 | From: Barrie, ON, CANADA | Registered: Sep 2000
| IP: Logged |
posted
In the true Letterheads spirit of people-helping-people, I think we should start something here. A little here and there adds up pretty quickly.
Maybe some of us can send some funds or we could make up some items (panels, etc.) and they could have an auction there in Nashville.
I heard a story somewhere how a whole house was moved across the street by several hundred volunteers just all lifting together. One individual can do great things, but a multitude pulling together can work miracles. Pay it forward.....
If you get something together, let me know and I will send you some of my father's LOVE prints to raffle or auction off.
-------------------- Kimberly Zanetti Purcell www.amethystProductivity.com Folsom, CA email: Kimberly@AmethystProductivity.com
“Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.” AA Milne Posts: 3723 | From: Folsom, CA | Registered: Dec 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
Just a thought...maybe we can designate July as Christian's month...those who would like to participate can donate a percentage (maybe 5%?) of your shop's sales during the month of July? Or even just a week?
I know, it's easy for me to say since I don't have a shop but I've seen it done for other causes before. A bunch of the restaurants in SF just did that to raise money for a chef's family after he unexpectedly passsed away.
-------------------- Kimberly Zanetti Purcell www.amethystProductivity.com Folsom, CA email: Kimberly@AmethystProductivity.com
“Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.” AA Milne Posts: 3723 | From: Folsom, CA | Registered: Dec 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
Have you or could you open a PayPal account?
PayPal could be a more easy way to contribute for us outside USA.
I keep Christian in my thoughts and prayers.
-------------------- Desire Rusovsky SDG Signs rue du Lac 24 1342 Le Pont Switzerland desire@sdgsigns.com http://www.sdgsigns.com Posts: 218 | From: Le Pont / Switzerland | Registered: Mar 2002
| IP: Logged |
posted
We appreciate all of you taking the time to make your comments and suggestions. We have contacted many people this weekend using many of your ideas. Keep your fingers crossed with us!
Today (Sunday) has been Christians best day of all. He slept nearly 10 hours last night and woke this morning just full of energy and smiling all the time. It's terrific!
I will post the particuliars on the fund at the bank as well as the Paypal info on Monday.
Chris and I hope that you do not interpret any of my postings here on the board as attempting to solicit anything except for simply requesting advice and your continued prayers. I'm not always very good at putting together my words so bear with me.
My family and I are just so overwelmed by your kindness and prayers. And just look how that in itself has produced us a miracle in Christian's condition.
-------------------- Mario G. Lafreniere (Fergie) J&N Signs Winter did show up! Posts: 1257 | From: Chapleau, Ontario | Registered: Jun 1999
| IP: Logged |
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic