Well, we're just a week and a half away from HMEA's 5th Annual Independence 5K Walk/Run fundraiser, and I find my efforts to collect $500 in donations fell just a little short. I truly appreciate and thank all of you who supported me in this endeavor, and ask those of you who haven't yet donated, but were thinking about giving to this worthy cause to please make your donation as soon as you can.

As I said previously this fundraiser helps to provide services and supports to more than 1200 children and adults with developmental disabilities -- disabilities that include autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, mental retardation and others. I personally am very lucky to have so many nieces and nephews who are perfectly healthy, but working for HMEA has shown me that people who do have disabilities have the same hopes and dreams as everyone else, they just need a little bit more help to realize them.  I assure you ALL the funds raised are returned directly to the many programs offered at HMEA. Please consider helping and help me reach my goal? Any amount is greatly appreciated...$5.00, $10.00, $25.00 -- whatever you can afford!

Thank you for your consideration of my request. If you know of anyone else who might support this cause, please feel free to forward my page to them... AND, think about coming down on Sunday, May 21st and join in this terrific event at HMEA (this year we have lots of surprises -- i.e. Ayla Brown, Massachusett's own "Idol" will be on hand, Wally the Green Monster from the Boston Red Sox, along with the 2004 World Series Trophy will be here...and sooooo many more activities). Hope to see you there...