Just last March, my 3-year old nephew Gavin was diagnosed with Tay-Sachs Disease – an extremely rare fatal genetic disorder that progressively destroys the brain and nervous system.
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| (This is Gavin taken March of 2008.) |
Even though Gavin was a laid back child, he seemed to develop normally – doing things any other toddler would like walking, playing, and biking. One thing he never was able to do is speak. But his regression over the past few months is undeniable. He can no longer walk unassisted and is not able to eat solid food anymore – in fact, last week, he underwent a major surgery to attach a feeding tube to his stomach.
Unfortunately, there is no known cure for this disease, no preventive treatment to stop the brain from regressing. According to sources, children with Tay-Sachs usually do not live beyond five years of age – and at this time, all doctors can do is make sure the affected children are as comfortable as possible.
But Gavin’s family and friends are not giving up. As long as the sun rises everyday, and Gavin still breathes, there is hope. Researchers are investigating several treatments for Tay-Sachs, but none have passed the experimental stage yet.
I can’t imagine what Gavin’s parents are going through. Just looking at my two daughters and thinking “What if it’s them?” breaks my heart. And I know I must do something, anything, to aid Gavin’s cause. I’ve decided to organize a fundraiser, as detailed below. All proceeds will be donated to Gavin’s Trust Fund. The trust fund will be used for special equipment and other expenses he will need to make his life as comfortable as possible. In the words of another family suffering from Tay-Sachs – “to give him the best memories he can have”. (I hope they don’t mind that I borrowed their words.)
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| HOPE FOR GAVIN CHRISTMAS CARD DRIVE |
I thought this time of year is perfect for doing a Christmas card fundraising drive – especially for a very good and urgent cause such as this. (I’m afraid time is against my nephew.) The premise of this two-part campaign is to accumulate funds from selling handmade cards that will be donated to Gavin’s Trust Fund.
Part I
I’m reaching out to the generous spirits of crafty and creative people to donate handmade Christmas cards. For those wishing to participate (and I hope there are a lot of you that will), please post a comment with a valid email address so I can email you the mailing address. You can send as many handmade Christmas cards as you want, and please don’t forget to include an envelope to go with each card. The deadline to participate is November 20.
(If you want to make a card or write a note of support to Gavin’s family, feel free to do so. You can mail it together with the cards you’re going to donate, and I’ll make sure the card/note goes to them.)
Part II
This is where we sell the cards you’ve graciously donated. More information on Part II will be posted soon.
My deepest thanks to everybody who made this fundraiser possible – those who donated Christmas cards, those who donated money, and those who bought the cards. I am truly grateful. We have raised a little over a thousand dollars – not bad, in my opinion – a good enough reason to consider this fundraiser a success. Thanks again so much. In our own little way, we have all helped Gavin. (December 11, 2009)
{ 66 comments… read them below or add one }
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Hi Johwey, this is such a wonderful thing you are doing for Gavin. I don’t know how to make cards but I can help you sell them. Anything else we can do to help? God bless you and all the good you do!
I am from Bangkok, and would like to participate in sending some home made Christmas cards. I hope it’s ok that I am not very artistic or creative for that matter.. but I would really like to help.
Hi Johwey,
I hope all is well! I really hope the best for Gavin and reading his predicament breaks my heart into pieces.
Thanks for organizing this activity to raise public awareness for the kids and thanks for your hardwork. Thanks for making a difference to this world. I must say this is one brilliant idea which combines creativity and charity cause. My heart is all with Gavin, I can only pray that he’s strong enough to face challenges ahead.
I’m from Malaysia/Kuala Lumpur. May I know where I should send the x’mas card to? I’ll get some of my friends/colleagues to do it too and I hope the cards can reach you in time – before November 12, 2009.
Thanks and regards,
Winnie
Hello Johwey,
Greetings from Malaysia. I got to know about your blog through Facebook. Sorry to hear about your nephew’s condition. My thoughts and prayers go out to Gavin and his family.
I understand that you are looking for handmade cards. I will try and see if I can make any. No promises though. But what I can offer for sure are Christmas gift stickers and mini gift tags. I designed them myself and got them printed. If you are keen to sell them, I am more than happy to send them to you. I also have generic gift tags to spare.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Kind regards,
Eunice
Joyce and I went to elementary, middle and high school together. I would love to send you homemade cards.
Hi, Johwey. Saw a post about Gavin from a friend’s post on Facebook. I would really love to help. I have four wonderful kids–two girls and two boys. I can truly empathize–so heartbreaking.
Thanks for the wonderful idea.
Good day,
Sherbet
Johwey,
I found your site from Jennifer McGuire’s site. I would love to send some Christmas cards to help Gavin’s family.
Please send me the address. Thank you.
Lynn
Hello, I am interested in sending cards in for your campaign. May I get the add? Thanks!
Natalie Hua
Johwey,
Read about Gavin in your blog directed from Jennifer’s site. I wish to send some Christmas cards. Would you please send me the address?
Thank you.
Fon Mee aka Hannie
Perfect!!! I just signed up with “Close to my Heart”. Will definitely start making cards today.
I’ll look forward to Part II …where/when I can purchase the cards made :)
God bless~
Brenda
I would be happy to participate. What an incredible story and initiative. I love making cards too!
I am sorry to hear about little Gavin and his suffering. I would like to help by sending you some Christmas cards. Please send me your mailing address and I will get started creating.
Marti Schrock
Franklin, Indiana, USA
Please let me know where I can send cards. Thanks.
Can you please give me the mailing address where to send the Hand made Christmas Card?
I’m proud of your initiative to raise funds for Gavin. I can send you cash instead of homemade cards. From my contribution you can make more cards. I have another idea to help Gavin. I’m writing Janelle. I’ll copy you. I’ll pray this worthwhile drive will be successful.
Please send your address – would like to help with Christmas card fundraising drive Anita
What a great idea. I feel so helpless and this is something I can do to help Jan and Gavin and other children with TSD. God answers prayers and God performs miracles. There’s hope through Him. Thank you for this opportunity to contribute to this little known, yet worthy cause. :)
This is perfect I just finished about 50 Christmas cards. I am more than happy to send some to you. I look forward to hearing from you. This is a great idea. I have sold cards myself for fundraising purposes and it is a lovely idea!!
I would love to donate handmade Christmas cards for such a worthy cause. Please e-mail me mailing address! Gavin and his family will be in our prayers.
Jan, Me and my family are willing to help. I’d love to with open arm. Just be open to me and I will know what to do. If you need something like I can have my church help too. I tried calling you but no response. I know you and Bong are busy. We will continue to pray. Call me.
I would love to send some cards.
I would be more than happy to send you some cards to sale.
God bless, Mira
I would love to make some cards. Please send me an address where to send the cards. I have added your nephew to my prayer list.
Lynn
what a beautiful little boy – i am so sorry to hear of his illness – please email the address for xmas cards – i am sending love and prayers for his family.
andrea in australia
Hi from Queensland, Australia, i would love to send some christmas cards to help such a worthy cause, please let me know your address
Your not alone, miracles exist….Our prayers are with you and your family…
What a privelege to be able to do something so fun to help someone.
I would love to make some cards for this great cause! Please forward me an address where to send them.
Gail
Hello, I saw you on Twitter, and would absolutely love to send some handmade cards. Just tell me how many and what kind and where to send them! Hope to hear from you soon.
I’d love to participate as well. Good on you for doing this drive Anita.
I’m In. Brilliant idea.
Lots of love
i would like to participate. i will ask my group if they are interested to help
Joyce & I went to high school together. Please send me more info. on how I can help. Thank you!
What a great idea- would love to help by sending cards!
Brenda
I would love to send you some cards! Please send me the address. Your family is in my prayers.
Tami Hall
thall729@aol.com
What a great project this is, how thoughtful of you to help you nephew. I would like to participate so please send me the address. Best wishes.
I’d like to help. I can make some cards for this cause.
I will pray for Gavin and comfort for his parents as well.
I would love to help with your card drive.
I would love to help out if I may, lots of prayers and love to Gavin and his family
please send us the info. We’re planning on hosting a “card party” with some of our creative friends. Our thoughts are with your family.
Hi there Johwey,
I think this is such a great fundraising idea to raise money for Gavin and the Tay Sach’s Foundation. I am fortunate enough to know your cousin, Joyce, and she has introduced me to Gavin, Janelle, and Bong. The whole family is incredibly loving, caring, and inspiring to all of us.
Please email me your address.
Thank you,
Mary
Greetings,
We would love to participate in this drive and would like to get the address to send the cards to.
Best!
Laura
Hi,
I am one of Joyce’s co-workers. Me and a group of friends would love to donate handmade Christmas cards for Gavin. Please e-mail me the mailing address for the cards.
Thank you
Catherine
I would love to try and participate in this, could you please email me the address. I will also post this on my forum and see if I can get a few more to participate.
Jan/Bong, my prayers are always with you and Gavin. I will definately make time to make a few cards – for Gavin
I would love to send a few cards. Prayers for Gavin.
My classmates and I would like to help. Please email me your address.
Johwey– I’d like to donate some cards. Let me know where to mail them. I’ll be praying for your nephew.
Great idea!! Let me know if any of my services could help out in anyway…I will definitely spread the word….Love and prayers for Gavin!!
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