Sept 19

The fundraiser is over, now the real work begins, lol!

On the night of the fundraiser the weather was beautiful, the dinner was delicious and with a near sellout crowd, everyone was having a good time. There were lots of door prizes and silent auction items ( please check and support the sponsors on our list!) and the staff at the restaurant were terrific (thanks Lousie et al) . We turned in all pledges and fundraiser money this past Monday and have raised approximately $6500 towards our goal of $10,000.

We have more pledges and donations being sent daily - so thanks to everyone who was able to come out for the dinner - as well as a big thanks to all those who have supported us both financially and emotionally. It was a very busy time. And surprisingly still is.

We want to keep the momentum building. Thank you notes and follow up letters will be out there shortly so look for them!! We want to keep everyone updated on the progress we are making. I am constantly approached by people who let me know about someone in their life who has been diagnosed with MS. Three people in the past week have told me about the loss of a father, the diagnosis of a mother as well as a positive result where the health problem was thought to be MS but proved to be unrelated. There are so many new treatments available but so many u/k factors as well. It has been somewhat humbling to see what so many others have gone through. Along with the empathy and understanding there has been a bonding with people I have never talked to or met before.

I am continuing to train daily. I run along streets in North Delta with my 'Running for Joy' shirt and now get the odd honk or wave. I can't tell you how encouraging that is. My treadmill finally gave out so it is roadrunning, rain or shine. Let's all hope the weather holds!

Thanks again to everyone - you have been such a great support. We will be uploading some pictures from the fundraiser in the near future (I need tech support for that!) when I coordinate with my 'Web master' Annie.

Take care

Jan