Louie’s is one of the nation’s largest fund raising regattas. It is a fun filled weekend of sailing and fund raising for Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin . Held off the Milwaukee shoreline in the summer warmed waters of Lake Michigan, Louie’s attracts hundreds of boats and thousands of sailors and fans to the Milwaukee sailing /fund raising scene. 

 Even before we had children of our own, Children's Hospital has been a place we made a priority to donate to.  We figured supporting Children's Hospital was insurance for our own future children and for the children of all my friends and family.   Fortunately we have been blessed with two healthy children, but even so, we are regulars at Children's Hospital for a number of reasons.  We are so thankful to have all those specialists, technologies, and top rate patient care in our backyard.  

Teagan's Eye Clinic to treat her strabismus (a vision problem that can lead to severe vision loss if left untreated) is part of Children's Hospital.  Her recent eye surgery, 8/8/08, was done there.  It was by far the most stressful thing we have had to deal with as parents and the hardest thing to watch her go through.  The hospital staff was wonderful.  Teagan had her choice of about 100 movies to watch in the recovery room, received a bravery award, a prize from her nurse, and a handmade teddy bear from her surgical team.  It's these kinds of extras that make Children's such a special place and these are also some of the things that would not exist without our communities support and events like Louie's.  

Taylor had to visit Children's ER twice for unexplained high fevers.  Both times she was fine, but when we found out our 2 month old newborn was going to need a spinal tap to test for meningitis it was a comfort to know that every nurse and doctor I spoke with was a pediatric specialist and we were in the #1 rated children's ER in the country.  

Teagan had surgery to place ear tubes back in 2006.  Her Children's pediatric Ear, Nose & Throat doctor was also one of the top in the country.  By the way, talk to us if you want to know how they test the hearing on a baby who can barely talk.  The equipment is very impressive and something we doubt every hospital would have available.

Due to Teagan's Strabismus, and the continuing care that will require, Children's will be a large part of our family lives for years to come.  It is such a great benefit to have so much faith and trust in the people who have so much say in the heath and happiness of our children.  We hope you can find it in your heart to help us support this wonderful facility.

This is also in memory of Alayna Jane Wake, Daughter to the late Aaron Jonathon Wake, who was a patient at Childrens Cardiac Unit for the 5 weeks of her life.  The staff and Dr. Tweddell were absolutely fabulous through the whole battle.

Thank you very much for your help in reaching our fundraising goals!!

Oh and by the way, it is tax deductible, as if you needed another reason.

The Wakes and the crew of Strait Jacket

For more info, go to: http://www.louieslastregatta.com/