In 2009, I was diagnosed with a platelet disorder called Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP).  Let's say you get a cut on your finger, it's not the bandage that stops the bleeding or the antibiotics, it's your platelets.  People with ITP have a lower platelet count so when we get cut, we have a more difficult time stopping the bleeding.  We bruise easily and have to be very careful in our daily activities because when my platelets are low, a simple game of dodgeball could be dangerous. 

In order to monitor my platelets, I have regular blood tests and, when my numbers are really low, I need a treatment of IVIG,  which consist of a 5-hour infusion at the hospital.  During these treatments, I am fortunate enough to relax in a comfortable chair, play video games and watch movies with my mom or dad.  These things were provided to my hemotologist's office by Teen With A Dream.  While my visits to the hospital are infrequent, there are many other young cancer patients who, unfortunately, must undergo chemotherapy on a more regular basis.  Teen With A Dream provides these kids and their families with things to make their treatments more bearable.  Please read more about the remarkable things they do at www.teenwithadream.org.

I am raising money for Teen With A Dream for my Bar Mitzvah project.  I will be donating a portion of my Bar Mitzvah gift money to this organization and I hope you, too, will make a donation to this very worth-while cause.

Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to support 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!