Our Charity Fundraising Mission: Meet the People We Serve

Meet: Brian
Wounded Warrior Project

Senior Airman Brian Kolfage did two tours of duty in Iraq. In February 2003, Brian went to Kuwait and then moved into Iraq; he was one of thirteen airmen hand-selected for the first Air Force unit to penetrate into Iraq during the opening days of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was assigned to Talil Air Base (also called Ali Base) near the city of Nasahriyah about 200 miles southeast of Baghdad. The base was used as a launch point for A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft. Nicknamed the Warthog, the A-10 is a powerful close-air support jet that has played a significant role in supporting ground forces throughout the war in Iraq.

Brian provided security for Air Force convoys transporting fuel and other supplies. He also provided security for the A-10s when they were on the ground. These were America's early days in Iraq. Other than mortars coming into the base, Brian reported little exposure to combat during this first tour.

Things were different when he returned to Iraq in August 2004. On this tour, Brian was deployed with Army troops (1st ID), searching cargo and personnel flying in and out of every Forward Operating Base (FOB) in the entire Middle East. One September afternoon at the beginning of an intensive attack on Balad, Brian was hit directly by a 107mm mortar. His injuries were extreme and resulted in loss of his left leg at the hip and his right leg above the knee. He also lost his right arm below the elbow. To this day, Brian is still the most severely wounded airman to survive any war.

For the next 12 hours, doctors, nurses, medics, pharmacy techs and various other medical personnel fought to save Brian's life. He needed transfusions, but the medical team ran out of blood. "They called for people to donate blood over the base loudspeaker. They took blood straight from people on the base and put it into me." Brian explained.

Brian was flown straight from Iraq to the United States, his plane stopping only once for fuel. He had 16 surgeries in all and spent a year in Walter Reed Army Medical Center for physical rehabilitation.

Brian was determined to get out of his wheelchair, and the fact that no one with his level of amputation has ever been able to walk independently didn't discourage him. With undiminished spirit, he still saw opportunities and worked with feverish determination through his physical therapy program, gaining strength and balance every day. Today Brian uses his prosthetic legs full time, which exceeded the physical limits and is excelling prosthetic technology for future amputees.

Involvement with Wounded Warrior Project: Brian reported that he initially experienced a great deal of frustration in getting the benefits and services he needed from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). "Basically, I was getting nowhere with the VA. But a representative from the Wounded Warrior Project was going from room to room, talking to people, telling them what was going on, and helping them however he could. He helped me get my claim headed in the right direction."

Right now, Brian looks forward to getting involved with some of the athletic recreation activities. He's particularly interested in shooting, water sports, and hand cycling.

Autograph Store Charity Fundraising is a proud sponsor of: The Wounded Warrior Project
www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Meet: Kathy
Breast Cancer

In June 2006, I was diagnosed with invasive ductal cancer of the right breast. I was a healthy 45-year-old with no family history of breast cancer. And, since I was premenopausal, I had not taken hormone replacements. Even though I had been having annual mammograms and clinical exams since I was 40, I did not know that I had fibrocystic breast disease-a noncancerous disease that can sometimes cause lumps in the breasts.

I found the firm lump in my right breast while I was bathing one night in early April 2003. My gynecologist ordered a diagnostic mammogram which was read as normal-no masses detected. I then underwent an ultrasound, which did show the mass. One month later, I had an excisional biopsy that revealed malignant, invasive multifocal ductal carcinoma.

My experiences over 27 years as a registered nurse did nothing to prepare me for the devastation of this diagnosis. I remember my surgeon saying words like "malignant," "mastectomy," "reconstruction," "chemotherapy"-my head was just spinning. I couldn't believe he was talking about ME!

I believe God led me to this extremely caring, compassionate and gentle surgeon. He spent a great deal of time with me discussing my options, and was always available when I had questions or concerns. I believe this made all the difference in the way I dealt with my diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

As most newly-diagnosed cancer patients probably do, I wondered how far the cancer had spread and whether I would live or die. I wondered about a lot of things. Because I was single, and a relatively young woman, I wondered how I would look after surgery-would I still be sexually attractive? How would the chemotherapy affect me-would it make me really sick? Would I lose my hair? How much was all of this going to cost, and would I even be able to work? There were so many emotions, feelings and worries to deal with immediately after my diagnosis.

It has now been one year since my mastectomy and six months since I completed chemotherapy. And I'm pleased with the result of my breast construction, thanks to a great surgeon. I've gotten by with some beautiful wigs, but my hair is now growing back!

I attribute my blessed recovery to several things: my faith in Jesus Christ (He has been with me all the way and I could feel the power of prayer working for me); the excellent medical care I received from nurses, physicians (surgeon, plastic surgeon and oncologists) and other health professionals; and a large network of friends and family who were there for me. I had a PET scan (entire body) in June 2008. It was normal and showed no metastases or recurrent disease. I am thankful for each day and look forward to many healthy and happy days ahead.

Autograph Store Charity Fundraising is a proud sponsor of: Susan G. Komen For the Cure
www.komen.org

Meet: Emily
Juvenile Diabetes

My name is Emily. I'm 15 years old and a type 1 diabetic since February 21, 2000.

The day I was diagnosed was all a little hazy, I just woke up to go to school, ended up throwing up and it only became worse the whole day. By night I was throwing up every 15 minutes no matter what, which is when I was taken to the hospital. There I waited for a really long time before they took me to see a doctor, but all I remember of that night was lying on a bed and going up an elevator before I woke up the next day in the hospital. This is when someone told me and explained to me about type 1 diabetes, but I was still really confused until later.

Later being when I had to give myself my first shot. It was horrible because I waited so long just looking at my leg; I've always been nervous with shots and needles. Still, I eventually did give myself my shot and it hurt because I was so tense.

Diabetes has no solution yet, but every year I do the Walk to Cure diabetes with my friends. It really makes me feel happy to know I'm helping my, or others' futures.

But besides having diabetes, I'm just an average person. I drive to school every morning and I'm in JV Tennis and Marching Band. And of course, my friends and family help to keep me grounded.

Autograph Store Charity Fundraising is a proud sponsor of: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
www.jdrf.org

Meet: Barbara
Multiple Sclerosis

Barbara has been living with multiple sclerosis for the past 14 years. Previously residing in Roanoke, Virginia, she moved back to New Jersey about eight years ago to be close to family members after experiencing an acute attack that required extensive rehabilitation.

Barbara now resides at the Bergen Regional Medical Center in Paramus and she relishes her close-knit family as well as the new friends she's made there. "I like to tell other residents that I'm 'moving with motivation' or I'm 'exhilaratingly energetic' to brighten their days," she says.

Barbara also stays active with the National MS Society's NJ Metro Chapter by putting together and sending their mailings at their local office. The chapter makes a big effort to employ medical center residents in volunteer positions, and transports them to and from functions. Recently Barbara participated in a Metro Chapter fashion show, part of an annual fundraiser that is known as the Women on the Move Luncheon. She was the only model to display her fashions from her wheelchair. "It was a grand and glorious day," says Barbara. "I modeled one outfit and jewelry and I went slowly around the perimeter of the runway."

Barbara reveals her sources of motivation to keep active and enthusiastic: "I have a wonderful family and a group of friends I can rely upon."

Autograph Store Charity Fundraising is a proud sponsor of: National Multiple Sclerosis Society
www.nationalmssociety.org

Meet: Lucielle
United Way

Lucille had been out of work for some time when she initiated contact with Vocational Rehabilitation. She was anxious to get the skills she needed to re-enter the workforce. Trained as a respiratory therapist, she hoped to find work in the medical field that would fit her skills and experience. As bad and as willing as she was to work, Lucille felt there was one obstacle that would prevent her from getting the job she desired: her appearance.

Last year Lucille had her teeth removed due to medical reasons and couldn't afford to have them replaced. Her therapist and a Senior Center Manager at Lyon Park recommended she contact Coordinating Council for Senior Citizens, a United Way member agency. When she arrived at the Senior Center, her caseworker, Juanita Allen, noticed that Lucille covered her mouth whenever she spoke.

"I only said what I needed to say, not a lot. Not opening my mouth not smiling. I was really depressed," said Lucille.

"She came into the office and indicated that not only did she need glasses but she also wanted and needed dentures. Improving her self-image and enhancing her overall quality of life were important to her. Lucille felt she would look more suitable during job interviews if she had dentures," said Allen.

At the time, there were no resources available to assist in purchasing dentures. Allen contacted United Way and applied for a Response Fund Grant and within a few days the request was approved.

Upon learning that she had been approved, Lucille immediately went to Affordable Dentures. "She came into the office the next day smiling and beaming. She was very excited about being able to talk and smile without covering her mouth with her hands," according to Allen.

"I know what United Way does, but I didn't know they did things that big. Now I'm looking for a job. I didn't have any teeth and now I do. Now I'm feeling better about," said Lucille.

She is now also a volunteer at the Duke Street Senior Center where every Wednesday you can find her assisting seniors on quilting projects and the Arts and Crafts every other Friday.

Autograph Store Charity Fundraising is a proud sponsor of: The United Way
www.liveunited.org

Meet: Hannah
Cerebral Palsy

My name is Hannah. I have Cerebral Palsy, which is a neurological disability. I was deprived of oxygen at birth. When my brain sends a message to my body it gets mixed up like when you play the telephone game. Due to Cerebral Palsy I'm visually impaired. My eyes move around, which makes it difficult for me to focus on small objects or fonts. I have a speech impediment as well. I have to be fed and assisted during transfers.

I walked in a walker built out of PBC Pipe created by my dad from around age 3 until age 13, when I grew and lost many physical abilities. After this growth spurt I was left wheelchair bound. I soon got a Jazzy Quantum 1400 Power Wheelchair in 2000, which provided me with independence. I'm still able to transfer with assistants. I just got a Pride Quatum 600 with tilt in August of 2005.

I am now 22 years old. I'm a member of the Library for the Blind and Handicap and the RFB&D Library. I get books on CD's and four sided tapes, which can be played at high speeds in special tape and CD players. With these players I have read novels at 350 words per minute. I used a piece of equipment called Clarity CCTV Deskmate throughout my high school career. I have to work harder to do every day activities. I graduated high school in June of 2008 with a diploma, and a major in Business Technology.

I hope to attend college. I'm getting a degree to build and maintain websites. Voc Rehab took a joystick and added keyboard buttons to I to create a compact input device. They also got me a great Dynamount Wheelchair Mount to attach my computer to my chair, which will open many doors for me in my career. I recently moved into a group home for disabled people. This will open more doors for me.

Many people assume if someone is physically disabled they're mentally challenged as well; however, this is a huge mistake. Many disabled people have a lot to offer. We just require some help achieving.

Autograph Store Charity Fundraising is a proud sponsor of: United Cerebral Palsy
www.ucp.org

Meet: Son Sin
Frontonasal Encephalocele

Son Sin was born with a severe birth defect (frontonasal encephalocele) where a portion of his brain protruded through a hole in his skull between the eyes. Of course, given the nature of the deformity and the medical care available in his rural village in Cambodia, there was an array of health issues related to his birth defect. Dr. Snell, a U.S. Air Force physician from Orange County, California, met Son Sin in Cambodia while working with mine victims. After months of literally searching the world, Dr. Snell finally found Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, which agreed to coordinate and sponsor Son Sin's surgery and related care.

In October 2003, Son Sin and his father flew halfway around the world for the boy's reconstructive surgery, which was made possible through Fresh Start Surgical Gifts and doctors at Children's Hospital of San Diego (CHSD). And thanks to Cathay Pacific Airlines, their airfare was not only reduced, but they helped walk them through customs once they landed in Los Angeles. They were hosted by Dr. Snell and his family during their time here.

Diagnostic exams before surgery revealed that Son Sin had a non-functioning right lung which had to be removed first to save him from certain future problems. He also required a surgery to drain fluid from his brain prior to reconstructive surgery. Once recovered from that surgery, our volunteer pediatric neurosurgeon, Dr. Hal Meltzer and craniofacial surgeon, Dr. Steven Cohen performed Son Sin's reconstructive facial surgery. Afterward Dr. Meltzer said that "He's been a champ. He has an unbelievable spirit, and combined with what we can do, will give him a fantastic life." A few days later when the bandages were removed, Son Sin's eyes teared-up when he saw his new face, a miracle he never imagined. After the surgery and a few days of recovery at the Ronald McDonald House at CHSD, Son Sin and his fisherman father were invited to share the happy story with San Diego's Channel 10.

Everyone wanted to know how Son Sin felt about this life-changing experience. Son Sin behaved like any other little boy. He smiled a lot but was more interested in playing with a large toy truck he had received from the Ronald McDonald House than with the TV cameras, bright lights and strangers' questions. When asked what he wanted to do when he got back home, Son Sin said he just wanted to go back to school, see his friends and be like the other children. Like many children before him, Fresh Start gave him that opportunity.

Autograph Store Charity Fundraising is a proud sponsor of: Fresh Start Surgical Gifts
www.freshstart.org

Meet: Ethan
Cystic Fibrosis

At 5 1/2 years old, Ethan is really like any other little boy. He thinks playing with friends is the best part of preschool. He knows if dad says "no", to go ask mom. He loves the Colts and can't wait to "sack Tom Brady" when he grows up and is on the team. He loves playing video games, playing outside with his friends, playing soccer, watching football games with dad, and going to the park.

Ethan also knows he has something called cystic fibrosis. He knows this is why he has to take pills before he eats, why his sinuses are so bad, why he has so many medications and therapies to do, and why he has special doctors. But, it's really all he's ever known. Ethan doesn't yet realize the magnitude of the disease he lives with or of the future that awaits him. He doesn't know about deteriorating lung functions, hospitalizations, transplants, infertility, or life expectancies. He knows he has many medications and therapies that he has to do every day. He knows he must eat certain things. He knows that he can get sick easily and must stay away from certain places and people sometimes. And even at his young age, he knows what it feels like to always be out of breath from just walking up the stairs, or from walking across the room, or from laughing.

It is our hope that, with the help of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and their supporters, Ethan will never have to experience the moments that so many before him have lived or are currently living. That we can someday tell him what "could've" happened. It's amazing to see how far cystic fibrosis research has come. Fifty years ago, Ethan would most likely be at the end of his life. I can't even begin to express what that realization does to a parent. Thankfully, with the determination and research of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and its supporters, Ethan's future is about "possibilities". We have a long way to go in the fight against CF, but with your help, those possibilities can become Ethan's reality.

Autograph Store Charity Fundraising is a proud sponsor of: The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
www.cff.org

Meet: John
Male Breast Cancer

A member of the New York Stock Exchange for 35 years, John Nick was a well-educated and respected man. Yet it was a lack of awareness that killed him.

John had a strong belief in God and his family. He was a successful businessman who enjoyed sharing his good fortune not only with his family and friends but also with those less fortunate than he had been. He gave from his heart and always with a smile.

At the age of 58 (in June 1991), John died of breast cancer. Six years before his death, he expressed concern for the inverted nipple on his right breast to a physician who told him not to worry about it. Two years later, another doctor told John not to worry, that it was "nothing." John never knew about male breast cancer, so he listened to his doctors and DID NOTHING.

In the following two years John began experiencing a discharge from his breast. He walked into another doctor's office in Port Washington, New York, who recognized the symptoms, diagnosed John with MALE BREAST CANCER, and scheduled him for an immediate mastectomy. Twenty of his lymph nodes tested positive for malignancy. John underwent six months of chemotherapy and was placed on a drug called Tamoxifen for a year, but the breast cancer spread to his bones.

John's death led his daughter, Nancy Nick, to launch a campaign to educate people about MALE BREAST CANCER -- the disease her father never knew a man could get.

Autograph Store Charity Fundraising is a proud sponsor of: The John W. Nick Foundation
www.johnwnickfoundation.org

Meet: "Peaches"
Animal Humane Society

Although she's just a puppy, Peaches the pit bull already has quite a life story to tell. She was near death when found by a Washington County Sheriff's Deputy in July 2008. The deputy was following a man who was acting suspiciously. That's when the Deputy found Peaches-trapped in a kennel, dumped in a ditch on a deserted road. She had been severely abused with bites and burns on her body. Doctors at our Woodbury facility treated her painful wounds, and eventually Peaches went to the adoption floor. That was right when Brenda was looking for a dog as a companion for her sons.

To see Peaches today, you would never know that she had been through such trauma. She is a bouncy, happy puppy who greets everyone with a big, wet, sloppy kiss. She shows off her belly as she begs for a rub. Her bruises have all healed, and there are no longer any signs of abuse. Brenda says Peaches never shows signs of any behavioral problems. She's just like any other happy dog-always wanting to snuggle and play. She could be the poster child for what great pets pit bulls can be when they are loved. The man who admitted to abusing Peaches faces felony charges.

Autograph Store Charity Fundraising is a proud sponsor of: The Animal Humane Society
www.animalhumanesociety.org

Meet: Marco
Prune Belly Syndrome

I was born with a rare disease called Prune Belly Syndrome. Prune Belly Syndrome is a disease that affects your heart, kidneys and limbs. Over the course of my first 15 years of life, I've had multiple surgeries. At just 15 months old, I underwent open heart surgery. Over the next three or so years, my kidney function started to rapidly decline, and as a result, I was put on dialysis at 4 years old. Six months later on May 13, 1996, I had a kidney transplant. The kidney was donated by my Dad.

I have been on medicines from Day 1 of my life and will continue to be on anti-rejection medicines for the rest of my life. I will also have to live with the fact that I have a prosthetic leg and a new one needs to be made every time I grow, which makes it difficult because I have growth deficiency issues due to the Prune Belly Syndrome and need to be on medication for this as well.

It was about this time that my family was made aware, through various doctors at Children's Memorial Hospital and segments on TV, about the Make-A-Wish Foundation and all the life-changing things they had done for kids just like me. It was to my surprise that one day, some years later, a wish granter rang my doorbell and asked me if I had one wish, what would it be?

I thought for a few minutes, and flashed back to about six years earlier. It was Christmas morning and I had just gotten the brand new Madden game for Playstation and rushed up to my room to go play. A few hours went by, and my parents were really confused because they hadn't heard the sounds of a video game coming from my room. Instead, they heard me talking. When my mom walked into my room, she saw me sitting there playing the game, but I was commentating on the game and talking about everything that was going on. Through my whole life, I always had the idea that if I couldn't be out there playing the game, I could be just as good talking about it.

So I answered the wish granter's question: I wish I could be a sports reporter at a Cubs game. And I can honestly say that on the day of my wish, I truly experienced the greatest day of my life. I got to meet all the players I had watched and talked about. I got to interview Lou Piniella, and let me tell you, they call him Sweet Lou for a reason. He really is a nice guy. I got to talk to Jim Edmonds, Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Zambrano. By the way, Zambrano enjoys singing really loudly in the dugout.

Then I got to go up to the FOX Sports broadcast booth and call the third inning of the game with Eric Karros and Dick Stockton. Eric is a former Cub first baseman who signed my ball, "Marco: Don't take my job."

That day has changed my life forever. A few weeks later, I started my senior year of high school. On the first day back, I was approached by the TV Production department, asking me if I could commentate all of our high school football games. I met some great people at FOX Sports who told me if I ever needed an in, they would be glad to help me out.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation has given me a new reason to wake up in the morning. And that reason is opportunity. So many roads have now opened for me after my wish. And for a kid who wasn't supposed to live 24 hours, I think I've come a long way, and Make-A-Wish has helped me tremendously.

Autograph Store Charity Fundraising is a proud sponsor of: The Make A Wish Foundation
www.wish.org

Meet: The Children of Madagascar
Hunger

There are 1.02 billion undernourished people in the world today. That means one in nearly six people do not get enough food to be healthy and lead an active life. Hunger and malnutrition are in fact the number one risk to the health worldwide - greater than AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined.

Madagascar is classified as a least developed country and is also a low-income, food-deficit nation. More than 70 percent of the population lives below the poverty line and over 50 percent of children under three years of age suffer retarded growth due to a chronically inadequate diet. Chronic food insecurity affects 65 percent of the population, with an eight percent increase during the lean season.

Subsistence farming is especially risky in disaster-prone Madagascar. Over the past 35 years, at least 50 natural disasters, including cyclones, drought, epidemics, floods, famines and locust infestations, have been reported, affecting more than 11 million people.

The worst recent disaster - cyclone Ivan - affected 330,000 people when it struck north-eastern Madagascar in February 2008. However, the country is hit by serious storms almost every year, including a few in early 2009.

Insufficient and irregular rainfall in three regions in southern Madagascar in late 2008 and early 2009 had a devastating impact on this year's main harvest, leaving many vulnerable families in need of assistance in the coming months.

Meanwhile, purchasing power has decreased in many parts of Madagascar, especially in rural areas where farm incomes cannot keep pace with increasing prices for basic necessities. In addition, political instability is exacerbating the already precarious situation for many vulnerable households.

UNICEF seeks to help stem the worst effects of malnutrition by funding and helping countries supply micronutrients like iron and vitamin A, which is essential for a healthy immune system, during vaccination campaigns or through fortified food. UNICEF, governments, salt producers and private sector organizations are also working to eliminate iodine deficiency, the biggest primary cause of preventable mental retardation and brain damage, through the Universal Salt Iodization (USI) education campaign. UNICEF also works through communities to talk with child caregivers about how to provide sound nutrition for children, particularly via breastfeeding.

UNICEF assesses the nutritional and health needs of affected people, protects and supports breastfeeding by providing safe havens for pregnant and lactating women, provides essential micronutrients, supports therapeutic feeding centers for severely malnourished children, and provides food for orphans.

Autograph Store Charity Fundraising is a proud sponsor of: United Nations Children's Fund
www.unicef.org

Meet: Patty
Ronald McDonald House

Without taking up too much room explaining the situation, our younger son had a seizure disorder when he was five years old. It came out of the blue and refused to leave. He was on five medications and still had hundreds of seizures a day. You read right. Hundreds. Local hospitals were stumped, hospitals in our state were stumped. I finally decided I wanted to try a special diet called the Ketogenic Diet which, at the time, was only being used at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore. With barely a dime in our pockets and our hopes hinging on an experimental, very odd diet for Chris, we headed for Baltimore.

Once there, we were able to stay at the Ronald McDonald House close to the hospital. At the time, it was just $10.00 a night (It is now $15.00) or free if we couldn't afford that stipend. We were issued a pager so that we could stay in contact with the hospital without worrying and we were given a beautiful room with a large bed, nice furnishings, TV and VCR/DVD player, and privacy. They had two huge communal kitchens and, often, groups would come in and cook full meals for everyone staying there. They had a large playroom for the kids if they were out patient or if families had other children besides their ill child with them. They had a TV room with movies and cable and several sitting rooms. Parking was free, shuttles to and from Johns Hopkins were free, and we were safe and secure in the house.

Families became friends, swapped stories, talked out their fears, cooked together, and felt less alone. Those who didn't want to socialize could stay in their rooms or in a sitting room or on the patio and just take a breather. Chris was at Hopkins for just over six days. One of us, my husband or I, would stay with him while the other would go back to the RMH for some rest. Once in a while, we had a few hours where we could share a meal together at the house as Chris rested.

The RMH was my saving grace. My stress level was so high that I didn't know how much more I could take seeing my baby so ill, hearing how he would be permanently mentally handicapped, and could possibly die at any time. In Baltimore, there was hope. At the RMH, there was peace.

My son stopped having seizures 18 days after he started the Ketogenic Diet, went off all meds three weeks after that, and went off the diet less than a year later. He is 16 now and hasn't had a seizure in almost 11 years. Knock Wood and thank God. He is a superior student with no mental or physical disabilities and he vividly recalls the RMH and enjoys staying there when we go back for his routine checks. They are researching the diet and long-term effects and Chris is one of the miracles of the diet.

Thank you Ronald McDonald House for being there in our time of need. More than just inexpensive or free housing, this house is a refuge for parents of sick children. There is support, community, relaxation, and so much more. If ever you are considering a charity, I urge you to consider any Ronald McDonald House. They are there when you really need them.

Autograph Store Charity Fundraising is a proud sponsor of: Ronald McDonald House
www.rmhc.org

Meet: Carly
Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma

My daughter is so strong and brave. Carly was diagnosed with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma stage 1, in 5/07 at 10 months old. Carly has been such an inspiration to our family. She truly is my hero and everyday is such a blessing. I am so proud of her and I know she will beat this once and for all. I prayed for God to do whatever it took to make her cancer free and he did. Now we just have to make sure it doesn't return. Carly should be done with chemo in Feb. 09 if there are no setbacks. They are using stronger chemos now since she had anaplasia (more aggressive) and it relapsed while on chemo. I know she has won the battle already I can feel it. I love you Carly!!

Autograph Store Charity Fundraising is a proud sponsor of: St. Jude Children's Hospital
www.stjude.org

Meet: Sandy
Alzheimer's Disease

I am 57 and was diagnosed in 2004 with early-onset Alzheimer's disease. I was a bank manager and was very active in my community and church.

One afternoon, I left work and did not know how to get home. This was the start of a "downhill no return" into the Alzheimer world. I am now in my world, a world of confusion, fatigue, and most days, in severe pain.

I know there are days that I am more confused than others, and there are some days I am more agitated than others. I used to be this very independent, overachiever. And now, I am this very dependent underachiever, which causes me much frustration. Where things used to be very easy for me, all things now I find very complicated - even the easiest task.

My eyesight is unpredictable, so that leaves me with little reading time. But when I can read, I enjoy reading my Bible and spending time with God. I love it when my husband tells me it is time to go to church. There I find peace (even though sometimes it can be chaotic).

I now have a part-time caregiver, and she has been a lifesaver for me. She gets me out of the house, and I try to with my time with her help others. I go to a support group meeting near my home, which has been very helpful. I am hoping there will be a support group for early-onset Alzheimer's disease coming to my area very soon, and I am looking forward to it.

I have a husband of 38 years that is very supportive, even though I know I put lots of pressure on him. He tells me he can handle it, and I love him even more. We have a 5th wheel camper, and we love traveling when we can. He is still employed, but we travel to the mountains and to a local lake where we can fish for crappie, which we both love to do. We own a pontoon boat due to me and my disorientation; I can fish from it much better.

We love spending time with our grandchildren. We have three (two boys, one little girl and another due in September). We have two daughters who are a great support to us, but we try not to put too much pressure on them because they have their husbands, work and children.

I have autonomic neuropathy and peripheral neuropathy, which gives me much leg and arm pain. This complicates things, but I am a fighter. I have much determination, so I keep on fighting and keep on going. God is good, and he will always remain on his throne. There is where I find my peace and draw my strength.

I never have what people call normal days, but each day is a day in its own and I thank God for every day. He gives me as someone else stated (which I can't remember who), "I am thankful for this day God has granted me on this side of the soil." Another one of my favorites is, "This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us be glad and rejoice in it

Autograph Store Charity Fundraising is a proud sponsor of: The Alzheimer's Association
www.alz.org

Meet: Kacia
Homeless

Every morning, Kacia walks into the living room of her new apartment and looks up at the photograph on her mantle-12 friends from her days on the street. "Half of them are dead now," she says matter-of-factly.

Kacia had grown up in a fishing village north of Boston, with a childhood full of anger and pain. She began drinking alcohol at the age of nine. Soon after Kacia turned 15, her mother died of a brain aneurysm. Her abusive stepfather had died two years earlier, and now Kacia found herself very much alone in the world.

After bouncing from one foster home to the next, Kacia became pregnant and got married at age 16. Though she was ambivalent about the pregnancy, the idea of bringing a new life into the world inspired the hope that she could provide her own child with more safety and stability than she herself had experienced. But the baby was born prematurely and did not survive. During the following year, a devastated Kacia began using heroine for the first time. It numbed the pain of her loss.

At 20, she had a son, and two years later, a daughter. But her marriage had become increasing violent, even more so after the children were born. Kacia knew nothing of welfare, housing assistance, or any other support, but she knew that she must leave - for her own safety and for that of her children.

"After that, things went downhill," she says with the same tone she uses when she speaks of her dead friends in the picture.

Kacia found that she was unable to provide for her children. When they were five and three, she reluctantly returned them to their father's care. In her mind, this was the most compassionate decision she could make. "I had dragged them through enough," she says now, 17 years later.

It was not long before Kacia became homeless. By the age of 30, she had been homeless for five years and learned that she was HIV-positive. "When I found out," she recalls, "it gave me reason not to care."

Kacia is very open about those years: "I started walking the streets to support my habit. I lived by the waterfront. I stayed on the Boston Common." When she was 35, she met Rob on a park bench in the Common. They lived on the streets for 2 years, drinking together, taking care of each other, loving each other.

They didn't use shelters, but stayed wherever they could remain together, often under Longfellow Bridge, connecting Harvard and MIT to Massachusetts General Hospital and Beacon Hill (the aristocratic part of town). In the shadow of this bridge, they first met Cheryl, Jill, and Jim - outreach clinicians from the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program. "They were always in my face," she says with a smile.

With the help of Boston HCH, Kacia was admitted to the Safe Harbor shelter for people with HIV. She and Rob describe "looking day in, day out for housing we could afford." Finally, after volunteering at the Boston Living Center, she was able to obtain subsidized housing through a group called AIDS Action. "I busted my hump to get what I have now," she says. "I used all the resources that were out there. Rob and I have been on Section 8 for 2 years."

Her days are still difficult. In addition to her HIV, Kacia wrestles with hepatitis C and other liver disease. She was just put on the liver transplant list. "A lot of times I put on a façade," she says, describing how she keeps getting up each day. "Some issues still haunt me. But I'm not stupid like I thought I was. I want to give back what's been given to me. Today I'm living large...for the first time in my life, I'm content."

When Kacia and Rob speak about their days and years on the streets, Kacia says, they remember that they were "like family," but the general public out there "didn't see us as people. Most of the people we lived with on the streets were very intelligent. We were people with lives," she recalls. Then she mentions the photo on the mantle and adds, "We've lost a lot of people on the streets."

Autograph Store Charity Fundraising is a proud sponsor of: National Coalition for the Homeless
www.nationalhomeless.org

Meet: Tiffany
Physical and Occupational Therapy

Tiffany, 17, may have been a patient at The Children's Center, in a wheelchair with two broken ankles and a broken neck, but she had a birthday party to attend. Tiffany's nephew, Aker, celebrated his second birthday Feb. 15 and his party was to be the first outing for the Calumet High School junior since her car accident on February 1.

Tiffany, a busy student involved in prom committee, academic team and yearbook, was driving on Highway 270 near Calumet when she blacked out and hit a tree. An oilfield worker from Dallas came upon the scene and called 911. Tiffany was taken to the OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City and admitted to The Children's Center on February 6.

While at the Center, her treatment focused mainly on physical and occupational therapy, but she has found it to be a pleasant hospital stay.

"The people here are great-I haven't found one rude person," Tiffany said. "This is so much like a home environment."

Before her discharge on February 17, Tiffany was looking forward to going home and spending time with Aker and his brother, Seth, 5.

"Because our school is small, Seth and I go to school in the same building," said Tiffany. "He has already volunteered to push Aunt Tiffany in her wheelchair at school."

Staff members at the Center visited the school with Tiffany before discharge in order to make sure she could overcome any physical obstacles that might appear.

"I know that going home will be harder, because I have nurses to help me and I spend time with other patients with the same difficulties," Tiffany said. "But I'm looking forward to sleeping in my own bed."

Tiffany is currently studying cosmetology in the vocational program at Calumet High School. Her intention is to use that skill to put herself through college where she plans to study nursing.

"I've been planning to be a nurse for several years," she said. "But now I know what it's like to be a patient. This has been a life-changing experience."

Autograph Store Charity Fundraising is a proud sponsor of: The Children's Center
www.tccokc.org

Meet: Margaret
Heart Disease

It's not uncommon for golf lover Margaret to hit the links four times a week. But the summer of 2007 was different. It was very hot. While on the fairways, there were times when she just didn't feel well. She thought it was due to the heat and indigestion. "We always stopped at the 9th hole for a sandwich, and usually after that hole I'd get indigestion," she remembers now.

One day, at the 13th hole, her game was off. She kept missing the ball. So she decided to walk slowly ahead of her party. While she was climbing up to the 14th hole - it's so steep golfers call it heart attack hill - she had trouble catching her breath. When she sat down on the bench, she turned pale and started sweating. She also experienced pain in her right shoulder and tingling in her right jaw.

At the urging of her golfing partners, Margaret went home and booked an appointment with her family doctor. Even though an electrocardiogram and blood tests showed no signs of a heart attack, her doctor referred her to a cardiologist.

That's when she found out she had heart disease - three of her major arteries were dangerously blocked. Given that uncles on both sides of the family had heart disease and had died early, she was fortunate. "My doctor told me that I would certainly have had a heart attack and died if I hadn't gone to see my family doctor." Surgeons placed stents to open up her blocked arteries and then she attended a year of cardiac rehabilitation. All was well.

So when she began to experience indigestion again a year later, she didn't think anything of it. In fact, her doctors figured it was probably due to acid reflux disease. "The indigestion always happened when I was active - like walking my two German Shepherd dogs." Because she continued to feel unwell, her doctor finally booked an angiogram, which revealed that the stents had closed up and needed replacing.

Today, Margaret is doing well - and still golfing. "I am thankful that my doctors didn't give up on me." Her advice? "Listen to your body. There's no harm in having your symptoms checked out. Be persistent. Women, especially, need to be informed about heart disease."

Autograph Store Charity Fundraising is a proud sponsor of: The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
www.heartandstroke.on.ca

Meet: Chloe
Epilepsy

Summer just finished and I was back in school. I was always very close to everybody at my school, everybody in my class and other classes. Then one day during an assembly... The principle of our school was reading a prayer, and all of a sudden I felt dizzy, not understanding everything that she was saying (coming out as just BLAH) and I could hear myself making scary noises, and seeing everybody look at me (just barely though, because I was so dizzy). I had a grand mal seizure in front of our whole school!!! The next week I went back to school, and people treated me different. They didn't want to get close to me or touch me, probably because they didn't want to catch the disease. I tried to explain that you can't catch seizures, it's something your body develops, or you are born with it, but they didn't understand, it seemed like nobody did. I was not included. I was not invited over to anybody's house anymore.. I felt sad, and alone, and like nobody cared for me.

That one seizure in front of everybody, changed everything!! I don't get made fun of at all (thank god) but I just don't feel normal, like everybody else. I felt alone, and embarrassed because EVERYBODY knew!!! That was in junior high, I was a 'Sevie' (7th grader).

Now I am in High School, and I am very happy with myself. I don't feel different anymore (even though I do still have seizures). I am included, and people aren't scared to touch me, and my boyfriend (he's perfect!) isn't scared to hold my hand or kiss me.

Sometimes younger people with epilepsy don't understand that things get better! I didn't understand, I thought that my life couldn't get any worse.. but it got better! Until then, you have to know that your body is changing everyday, more and more, you are turning into a man/women, and you are probably going through a lot, with friends (cliques) and your prospective about everything. Just hold your head high, and believe that it will always get better!!

Autograph Store Charity Fundraising is a proud sponsor of: The Epilepsy Foundation
www.epilepsyfoundation.org

Meet: Brenda
Diabetes

Brenda Novak a very successful author and diabetes advocate, who each year raises thousands of dollars for diabetes research. In just a few short years she has managed to raise a half a million dollars! As Brenda tells it...every year, in the month of May, I run my online auction for Diabetes Research. The auction takes a full year to plan and pull off, but it's a labor of love-for all the people who, like my son, suffer from diabetes.

My very first auction ran in 2005. It started small but we have grown by leaps and bounds every year since. Here are our totals to date:

2005 - $34,982
2006 - $62,705
2007 - $141,700
2008 - $252,300
2009 - $270, 611

I couldn't have done this each year without my generous donors, which include some of the biggest and brightest stars in publishing. In total, we've raised $762,298. During next year's auction, we should break the $1million mark!

Each year, I offer a fabulous prize package to the person who places the most bids over all (even if that person doesn't end up winning a single item.) The 2009 winner received:

• A brand new Hewlett Packard GIANT screen computer. This is the tower-less and wireless system with the touch screen. It's amazing! (Retail value of at least $1,300.)
• An autographed advanced reading copy of THE PERFECT COUPLE (8/09 - the 4th book in The Last Stand series)

So once the auction opens again in May, get in early and keep at it. The next winner could be you!

Thanks to everyone who donated and to all who are shopping. Here's to making a difference...

Autograph Store Charity Fundraising is a proud sponsor of: The Brenda Novak Online Auction for Diabetes Research
www.brendanovak.com