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 TWO WHOLE MILES (with Mitch)!!  Didn't they invent the wheel so we wouldn't have to do stuff like this?  Some of you may remember that this walk used to be THREE miles.  A few years ago,  the Louisville Metro Police shortened it due to barricade limitations, and a few of the kids walked the entire thing on their own for the first time.  We decided it wasn't so bad to make the walk more attainable for the kids we are all about, and besides, that way I don't get so sweaty.

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 10 years, and a specialized spasticity management clinic monthly for over four years.  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. It is the Center's mission to never turn away a patient for inability to pay.  They therefore offer a sliding scale based on family resources. Less than half of their operating budget is covered by insurance payments.  The rest comes from fundraisers like this one.  Please consider helping me support this very worthy cause! 

Thanks for your time, and for your support.

Laura Jacks