I know you get plenty of fundraising requests from many people, so if you feel inundated, please feel free to delete this message.  If I did not absolutely KNOW this was a good cause, I wouldn't be involved, much less walking THREE WHOLE MILES (with Mitch)!!  Didn't they invent the wheel so we wouldn't have to do stuff like this?

Let me tell you a little about the organization I feel so strongly about...

The Kids Center is a not-for-profit outpatient center for physical, occupational, and speech therapy.  The clientele are mostly children with Cerebral Palsy, but many other developmental problems are seen as well.  The Center has many good qualities, but foremost is the staff, who have significant longevity with the Center, having passed up more lucrative opportunities to dedicate their careers to this special group of patients.  While it is true that these therapies are available in other locations, and that there are experienced pediatric therapists outside our center, the Kids Center takes it to a higher level.  The patients and families benefit from the experience and cameraderie of the Center families and staff. 

My involvement is more than just in referring patients here for therapy.  I am the medical director for the Center (the title sounds grander than it really is).  I have been involved in a weekly pediatric orthopaedic clinic held at the center for 7 years, and a specialized spasticity management clinic monthly for a year and a half.  I consider the staff to be my friends, and the patients are my children.

The Center is a beautiful place full of hope and accomplishment.  It is inspiring and an honor to be a part of it.  It is important to remember, however, that the Center would not exist without the generosity of donors, helping to expand offered services and assist financially with needy families.  Please consider helping me support this very worthy cause! 

If all that is not enough incentive for you, keep in mind that if I fail to reach my goal, my office staff expects me to wear UK blue for an entire week.  This is a problem because nearly everything I own is red and black.  Please help!  I hate to shop!

Thanks for your time, and for your support.

Laura Jacks