New Pictures.. :)

This is one of the pictures I just got from Erica's mom, I thought I'd share them with you all. This is Erica opening one of the packages we sent her. :)

In case you do not know Erica, she is a five year old little girl who is living with Mastocytosis

(Mastocytosis: The presence of too many mast cells, this can occur in two forms - cutaneous (skin) and systemic (involves internal body organs). Cutaneous mastocytosis, the most common form, occurs when mast cells increase in the skin. A.K.A. urticaria pigmentosa. Systemic mastocytosis is caused when mast cells collect in the tissues and can affect organs such as the liver, spleen, lymph nodes, and bone marrow.)

(for more info on Mastocytosis visit: http://www.tmsforacure.org/)

It is truly amazing that just one package, one teddy bear, one smile can make a difference to a child who is chonically ill. Please visit Erica's myspace (run by her mom, Kolleen) and help us spread the word about Mastocytosis! www.myspace.com/ericasmasto

- Katie

Erica's Smile :D

Another picture of Erica and the stuffed animals we sent. :) You are in our thoughts and prayers erica!

Also, please visit: www.mastokids.org, a very cool, informative, non-profit organization. :)

Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation

www.candlelighters.org

Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation is an incredible Organization that provides useful, up-to-date information and research that is easily accessable through their website. They also aim to bring hope and support to children, siblings and families living with Cancer.

Candlelighters offers Kids Cancer Camps, Bereavement groups, and online support groups, in addition to raising money to benefit childhood cancer research. If you would like to learn more, get involved, and/or donate to Candlelighters Please visit:

Children's Hospital Boston, and New Links...

Hello everyone,





I've added new links to the bottom of the site, Talia's Caringbridge site, Tyler's and a couple of others. Please take a minute to visit these websites and pray for these children. Also, there are links to St Jude Children's Research Hospital, and a couple of other hospitals/organizations that rely on the donations of good people to keep bringing hope to families affected by illness.


I want to call special attention to one website: Children's Hospital Boston.

Porter Jackson Earle was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome, among many other heart defects. He spent his entire 5 months at Children's Hospital Boston; He recieved a heart transplant in January of 2007, and returned home to The Lord on May 6. CHD (Congenital Heart Defects) is the #1 disease KILLER of children in the United States.

Porter is one of many precious children born with a malformed heart. Please pray for all of these children and consider contributing to the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Children's Hospital Boston. Please make the contribution in the name of Porter Jackson Earle.

You can give to Children's Hospital Boston at the link below

http://giving.childrenshospital.org/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?&pid=254&srcid=-2

Also, you can visit Porter's mom's website at:

www.myspace.com/northern__girl

R.I.P. Penelope Jane London

One week ago today, 4 year old Penelope Jane London lost her battle with N-Myc Amplified Stage IV Neuroblastoma. Penelope fought so courageously, her family called on politicians and pharmaceutical companies to fight for ill children like Penelope, and helped fund research to create new, more efficient treatements for children with Neuroblastoma.

Penelope underwent 3 years of treaments, including the expirimental treatments. Doctors and her family did everything they could to perserve and prolong Penelope's life. After many months of progressive disease, she left her pain behind and went home to be with Jesus. Please pray for her mother and father, John and Catherine, and Penelope's brother and sister, Oliver and Isabelle.

Please join me in lighting a candle in memory of sweet Penelope, to let her family know they are in our thoughts and prayers.

Light a candle at: http://www.dotsphinx.com/lightacandle/public/view/?thread=10381

If you would like to extend your prayers and condolences to Penelope's family, please visit: www.caringbridge.org/ny/penelope

- Katie

Project Encourage...

Hi everyone, thanks for visiting the Project Encourage Blogspot!

Project Encourage is a soon-to-be non-profit organization that was started in January of 2007. Our goal is to bring joy and encouragement to children who are critically ill, in the form of "snail mail". Monthly, packages are sent out to the kids p.o. boxes, homes, or hospitals, containing coloring books, hats, toys, board games, and all kinds of items that bring happiness to children, no matter how limited their mobility.

Project Encourage sends packages to ill children between the ages of 6 months and 17 years old, regardless of their illness, prognosis, or status (in remission, fighting...) If you would like to add a loved on to our list please leave a comment here, or email us at: forchildrenandfamilies@yahoo.com Also, visit us on Myspace at: www.myspace.com/forchildrenandfamilies

If you would like to help support Project Encourage you can send items to (Please NO money!)

Project Encourage
29600 Platino Dr
Quail Valley, Ca
92587