We are so amazed by and are filled with enormous gratitude for each and every fundraiser that people continue hosting to benefit GSF and our mission to end SMA. Each time we receive an email from someone (many times from a person we have never met) offering to lend a hand to raise funds for our passion — ending SMA — we are moved, humbled, and so, so motivated to continue pushing forward to fight this cruel disease. And it is incredible to see that one person and one dollar at at time is making a difference.
Just last weekend, Caroline Lamont of Ontario, Canada was one such person who selflessly jumped in to help…and help she did! What started out as a simple garage sale, turned into a three-day, media covered, bonanza! And Caroline was ready, willing, and impassioned to fight for funds and exposure for the SMA cause. Here is what she had to say:
Two years ago I didn't know what SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) was, until I met Hayden McIntyre and his family — knownby most as the “Mac Pac.” I was shocked to learn it is the #1 genetic killer of children. How could a disease so devastating fall so under the radar? Over time I spent many hours with the Mac Pac — observing, listening, learning. Hayden would often be home sick when I was there, and I got to see firsthand all the machines that are used on a daily basis to keep him alive and well. Nothing I have everseen comes close to the chest compressions andthe cough assist machine that Tina has to use on Hayden. It took me a while to get involved, a long while if the truth be known, and I don't really know why it did. I guess we all lead busy lives and it is so easy to tell oneself, “one day…when I am not so busy.” Well I know now that this disease can't wait for procrastinators!! Children are dying, hearts are being broken, and we have to find a cure. I thought to myself, how can I help? That's when I had my light bulb moment: a garage sale to raise funds and awareness of Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Lord knows I had a basement full of stuff I didn't want any more. I called my local newspaper and asked if they would cover my story. Tracey Coulvert jumped at the chance. I also advertised my sale in my local magazine and paper and made billboards with pictures of some of the children living/passed with SMA. It all paid off!! The weather was great, people who had read my article just came by to donate, and my sale turned into a three-day event!! I am proud to say I raised $2000 for SMA research!!I have so many people to thank:
- First and foremost, the Mac Pac: Hayden, Lauren, Tina and Ian — I love you guys!! You are such an inspiration!!
- To my two beautiful healthy girls who donated so many of their toys for the cause.
- To Brenda Barberina, your beautiful Bella will never be forgotten! Thank you for sharing yourstory with the press!
- To Maureen Cohen, you are the most amazing, caring person I know.
- To my family and friends that helped me prepare, and or donated, Thank You!
- And a very special thank you to a little boy who read my billboard, put his hand in his pocket and handed over his pocket money saying, “I'm sorry I don't have more!!” Your generosity had all of us in tears!
- And finally, thank you to the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation for all that you do!!
?No, THANK YOU, Caroline and the Lamont family. It is acts of kindness such as this that are helping to move the needle on SMA research. Thank you for all of your hard work and determination. Thank you for fighting to end SMA with us!!! You are making a difference!