For those of you who really know me or have been reading my blog over the years, know that I have 20+ years of friendship with a very special group of BFF's: Mary, Kim, Lanee and Sonja. We have been through everything together over the years and right now one of us is facing a life-long challenge. Two months ago Kim and her fiance Brent learned that their baby boy Jake has a rare genetic eye disorder that has left him almost blind:
On June 20th, 2009 at the age of 4
months, Jake was diagnosed with a rare genetic eye disorder called Familial
Exudative Vitreoretinopathy, aka “FEVR”. With this diagnosis it was discovered
that Jake has only “light sight” and minimal peripheral vision. On July 16th
& 17th, 2009 at 5 months old, Jake underwent double eye surgery
to reattach his retinas and remove fluid blockage. With his first surgery there
are hopes of him to have the chance to see at least shapes and shadows. It will
be 4-6 months before they will know if the surgery was successful. What is
known is that Jake will need extensive eye therapy, glasses and most likely
multiple surgeries. FEVR is a progressive disorder with no known cure. The only
thing that is certain is that Jake will be fighting for sight for the rest of
his life.
Brent & Kim have been through so much in such a
short time as they do what they can to help their little guy. On September 18th,
2009 there will be a benefit held in Jake’s honor. The money raised will help
ease the financial burden Brent & Kim are facing and will continue to face
as they provide the special care Jake will need.
The girls started planning this event over a month ago while I was out of town and have made great progress getting donations, etc. Last Friday night Mary and I met Kim and her good friend Daria (Benefit Coordinator) to nail out some of the final details. I hadn't seen Jacob in a few months and he has changed so much!
Kimmy with Jake
Here are me and Mary designing the Tshirts we will all wear at the Benefit.
The Benefit is going to be a very fun event and I would love to invite all of you to come!
Friday, September
18th, 2009 4:00 pm-12:30 am
FRIDLEY VFW, 1040
Osbourne Road, Fridley MN 55432
*$5 Raffle-~many items including an LG 42” Flat Screen Television
*Silent Auction *Chili
Feed *Bake
Sale *Cash
Bar
*Live Music
www.arenarocks.com www.freedomstation.com
The Benefit is going to be a very FUN TIME, so please mark it on your calendars! We will start pre-selling Raffle Tickets starting later this week or next week, $5 per ticket will enter you in drawing for chance to win 42" Flat Panel TV, and several Gift Cards to local restaurants (need not be present to win). The Chili Feed and Bake-Sale are going to be amazing as well, not to mention cool cover bands playing later in the evening!
Hope to see you all there!
If you would like more information, please visit Jake's Benefit Website, Our Visions of Hope.
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