Thank you for visiting my Personal Fundraising Page. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to my fundraising efforts. Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!
To register for the walk go to www.firstgiving.com/sclerodermascc/walk-for-cure
This year, our 10th Walkathon for Scleroderma, I am fresh out of ideas to beg, plead and ask nicely for your help in raising funds for research. As I sit here typing, 3 fingers are split wide open with digital ulcers and I am praying infection doesn't set in. So - I will ask my friends and family to add to this page with their own thoughts and comments on the reasons for the walk.
Mark-
Scleroderma continues to affect thousands of people each year with varying degrees of pain and difficulty. Some are able to function better than others and the disease can progress slowly or rapidly. As Leah deals with increasing difficulties and pain, she has maintained a very positive attitude, however; as she has indicated, things have reached a stage where it is effecting her abilities and causing her constant pain. It has been very difficult for those of us that know and love her to watch the effects Scleroderma has had on her over the last few years, recognizing that there is no cure and very little relief for her and others for those suffering with the disease. Scleroderma also receives very little attention and funding for research to find a cure, or at least some relief, when compared to other diseases brought before the public. Participation in this event is one way to ensure research continues for this painful and fatal illness. In these tough economic times, I realize it is often hard to give, but please search your hearts and wallets to donate something. Everything, no matter what size, helps. And while considering a way to help, pray for those who have Scleroderma, for wisdom for the researchers and doctors working on the cure, and give thanks for the blessings you have in your life, including the opportunity to know Leah. As her brother, I thank you for supporting us in this event!
Deneen-
Leah asked me to write something on her page to encourage people to donate. So here goes. Mark listed some very good reasons why you should donate, I will vouch for him they are all true, it is "okay as long as we have a voucher". Leah is a great person with a wonderful heart. She does a lot for all of us and shouldn’t be suffering from this disease. But the main reason you should give is if we can raise enough money this year maybe she won’t make us do this again next year. No phone calls, no begging for donations, no “please come to my walk”, no guilt trips…. It could all be over this year if we just reach into our pockets and give to a great cause. If you can, just give a little more this year so maybe she won’t make us do this again. (I am just kidding, after ten years you run out of angles.) THANK YOU for all your support over the years, it is very much appreciated. Leah has been a great friend of mine for 30 years and we need to find a CURE for Scleroderma so we can be friends for 30 more.
Janie-
There isn't much I can add to Mark's & Deneen's comments. Scleroderma has effected everyone who knows Leah. It is heartbreaking to watch her suffer knowing there is nothing that can be done to help her or aleviate her pain. It is overwhelming to think about all of the people suffering with scleroderma, their families and loved ones suffering along with them. It is vital that we raise money to support the Scleroderma Foundation, to help fund research and better understanding. Please give whatever you can to support Leah in the quest for a cure. No amount is too small - or too large.