And the GRAND TOTAL is....

$4, 055.17

Wow, wow, wow!!!! I am overwhelmed with the success of this fundraiser!! THANK YOU ALL sooo much for all of your help raising awareness AND an incredible amount of money for the FIRST Foundation!!! AND the crazy part is there are a few more donations I still have to collect!!! I never thought we would raise this much money and I am so impressed with all of the dedication put into my "It Makes Cents to Help FIRST" fundraiser by all of the participants and donators. THANK YOU!!!!

I have to give some shout outs to some amazing participants, (though you ALL are amazing). Torrington Middle School raised a lot of money for this fundraiser, thanks to my father in-law. He teaches there and organized a student raffle to win iTunes gift cards (which he donated) and organized a teachers 'dress down' day. All together his school earned $625 for the FIRST Foundation. AMAZING! And that didn't stop him or my mother in-law. They also collected another $280 from donation jars.

Kaleigh, a family member of my husband, collected $757.97. WOW!!!! She collected donations at her college and in her community. I almost fell over when she told me how much she collected. It was at Evan's birthday party when I received her donations, so that definitely was the 'icing' on a wonderful day.

Over $1,000 of donations were collected at local business that participated in the "It Makes Cents to Help FIRST" fundraiser. I am very grateful that the owners were happily willing to help raise awareness and put out donations jars to support FIRST. Some of the business that participated include: The Watertown Meat Center, Cavallo's Italian Specialty Shoppe, Mark's Garden Center, Nicky G's Wine and Spirits, Litchfield Pet Supply, Glasses Galore, and New London Ink. 

Most of the remaining donations were collected at other businesses that participated thanks to many friends and family members who took their donation jars to work. Some friends collected change in their own home and others, who had difficulties finding places to put their jar, gave personal donations as well.

I am so incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this fundraiser such a success. I could not have done it without all of your help. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU.

As you can see, Evan was pleased with the total as well

Evan's Birthday Party

We had a wonderful time last week for Evan's 2nd birthday party. We shared the day with lots of family and close friends. We even had some very special friends from Boston and Southern CT come celebrate with us and Evan. We had quite the crowd at our house (60+ people) who enjoyed a picnic style party. The day started off with some sprinkles of rain but I was not worried since rainy days are great for Evan's skin. Fortunately enough it cleared up in time for the party and stayed cool for the kids (but what kids actually care what the temperature is when there are squirt guns and water balloons at their finger tips?) It was a lovely day and I am so glad we had so many loving friends and family members to share it with us.

P.S. GETTING VERY CLOSE TO THAT GRAND TOTAL. 

I WILL BE POSTING IT THIS WEEK... STAY TUNED

Happy 2nd Birthday Evan

It is hard to believe it has been two years since Evan came into our lives. He has been through so much and has proven himself to be a 'young warrior'. I cannot imagine my life without him. Even though his delivery was frightening and very intense, it has only made me stronger. He brings joy into my life everyday and even though he may not be doing things the typical 2 year old or even 1 year old does, I am so proud of how far he has come, with all of the challenges he has faced.

I made a little video of Evan's pictures from the past two years. Nothing but progress is what he has shown since the day he was born. FYI the very first picture, I had never shared until now and may be too intense or too graphic for some. I actually never saw what Evan looked like the day he was born until I saw this picture.

Happy 2nd Birthday Evan, Mommy and Daddy love you so much.

 

Getting Closer to a Grand Total...

I know you all must be anxious to hear the 'Grand Total'. I am too. I have been collecting donations in 'batches' and sending them off to the FIRST Foundation. So far 2 'batches' have been sent. Since I know you are eagerly awaiting the 'big news', Ill let you in on a sneak peak of what has been donated so far. As of now $2, 445.73 has been donated to the FIRST Foundation thanks to all of you. I have at least one more 'batch' to send in so this is not even the official total!!

I cannot not believe how successful this fundraiser has been and I could not have done it without all of your help. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! It brings tears to my eyes to think of how generous people are and willing to help support a condition that is so rare and unknown to much of the public. This fundraiser was an excellent way to raise awareness for Ichthyosis. More than 10 towns in Connecticut participated and states include Rhode Island, California, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Maryland, New York and New Jersey (let me know if I missed your state). And my brother and his family were raising awareness up in Prince Edward Island, Canada. I'd say that is a nice start for my first FIRST fundraiser.

Again I can't thank you all enough. I am truly blessed to have so many caring people in my life and Evan's. Hopefully our efforts will help find what we are looking for someday, a cure and acceptance by all. Check back soon and hopefully I will have that 'Grand Total'... sooner than later!!!

Evan on Memorial Day 2012