I'm Back With a Request

Wow!  It has been way too long since I have posted a blog.  Shame on me.  I allowed life to "happen" and my writing has taken the back burner...actually, it just plain fell off the counter and was swept away for quite some time.  But I'm back and I hope to post more frequently.

This post comes with a request; a simple little online vote and/or text.  This is why:

See this beautiful child?  Look at her irresistible smile and loving brown eyes.  She is my niece.  Gayle is an incredible little person.  She has a great sense of humor and zest for life.  She also has a rare disorder called AHC.

Alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC) is a rare neurological disorder characterized by frequent, temporary episodes of paralysis on one side of the body (hemiplegia).  Symptoms are usually evident before 18 months of age.  This syndrome may be characterized by temporary hemiplegia of varying degrees; temporary paralysis of the muscles that control eye movement; sudden, involuntary movements of limbs and facial muscles; and/or excessive sweating with changes in skin color and body temperature. Mental capacity may be affected. The exact cause of AHC is unknown.

Perhaps you have heard of the the "Pepsi Refresh Project."  Pepsi is looking for organizations with ideas that will make a positive impact.  They have four prize amounts; $250K, $50K, $25K and $5K.  They will award two $250,000 prizes to the top two ideas.  AHC Foundation has submitted their idea to find a path that will lead to a cure for AHC.  That will involve research by doctors, advanced genetic testing on AHC patients and use of the results to screen AHC patients more thouroughly.  The AHC project could improve these children's lives...or better yet, could SAVE their lives.

The last two summers my brother and sister-in-law have raised  around $13,000 for the AHC foundation by organizing golf outings.  That is amazing, but just imagine what $250,000 could do for these families and their precious children.

All I am asking you to do is VOTE.  You can vote twice a day; once online and once with a text. To vote online go to the following link http://www.refresheverything.com/cureahc  Enter a password and vote for the AHC project.  To text your vote text 104112 to Pepsi (73774).  It's SO SIMPLE!  Currently, AHC is in 3rd place, but only the top two will win.  PLEASE VOTE.   You can vote every day until November 30, 2010.

Let's help bring these children and their familes some hope for a better quality of life.

JUST VOTE...PLEASE!!!! Imagine how many votes AHC could get if you tell all of your friends!

For more information on AHC, go to www.ahckids.org

Thank you for your help.  My niece and her family thank you too!