Sunday, April 6, 2008

Charoltte's Wings - Alexander's Disease

The family of Charoltte is a friend of my sister-in-law, Jennifer. We prayed hard and often for the family as they went through this (read below). If you would like to help other children who are hospitalized, please read about the foundationa and benefit in Charoltte's honor.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask myself or Jen (her e-mail is below) If you desire, you can mention that you heard about this from me.
-Maureen Buck


Dear Friends,

I am writing to you about a tragic and inspiring story, as well as a cause that I am asking you to support so that together we can turn this tragedy into something truly positive.

In December of 2007, a precious and beloved five-month old girl, Charlotte, was lost to an extremely rare and incurable brain disease called Alexander’s Disease. There have only been 500 reported cases of this disease worldwide. Charlotte’s death was a shock to us all. Those who came into contact with Charlotte will never forget the overwhelming sadness and sense of helplessness occasioned by her suffering and loss.

I, like many of you, have been touched by Charlotte’s beautiful family and the courage they demonstrated through such an unimaginable and horrific event. They not only persevered through this painful experience, but they managed to spread hope to others in the process. To honor Charlotte’s memory, her parents looked for an opportunity to help other children. They decided to donate hundreds of children’s books to a local hospital in tribute to Charlotte.

I was so moved by this gesture that I asked Charlotte’s parents if I could work with them to start a foundation to keep Charlotte’s memory and spirit alive by helping children in need. Graciously (and enthusiastically), Charlotte’s family agreed and, therefore, I would like to introduce to you:

Charlotte’s Wings

Charlotte’s Wings is a tax exempt, non-profit organization dedicated to assisting children admitted to local hospitals by donating books to the children, their families, pediatric waiting rooms, and hospital libraries. These books will help provide an ailing child with a smile, a dream, or an escape from an unfortunate reality. Our mission is simple: to bring hope, encouragement and happiness to local children and their families during a challenging and frightening period. Whether a child is facing something as benign as tonsillitis or something as serious as a terminal disease, a book can provide comfort to a sick child. And that is why I am asking for your help in this cause and to enshrine Charlotte’s memory in all of us.

Charlotte’s Wings will hold a kick-off event at
Main Street Billiards
215 S Main St, Rochester, MI 48307
On Saturday, May 31, 2008
From 5:00-8:00 P.M.
$10 per person (includes hors d’oeuvres)
This event will introduce everyone to this charitable cause and serve as the first official “book” raiser on behalf of Charlotte’s Wings. To make this a success we will be asking that all kick-off attendees donate three new books which will be donated to one of the following hospitals:

William Beaumont Hospital
St. John’s Mercy Hospital
University of Michigan Mott Children’s Hospital

We would like to include as many people as possible to our first event. Therefore, in addition to yourself, if you know of anyone who might be interested, please pass along this note and/or provide their mailing address to jgb2549@wowway.com by April 17th. I will send another invitation by mail the end of this month.

Thank you for your time and I truly appreciate any support you can lend to this cause. We look forward to seeing you all in May.

Regards,
Jen Buck

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