Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Dear Kate and Family,

We love your show, especially my 6 year old daughter. She is sooo hard to wake up in the mornings, Tuesday is the exception. I have the DVR set to record Jon and Kate Plus 8, so on Tuesday mornings I say “Kasey, there was a new Jon and Kate on last night, get up so you can watch it before school.” She gets up without a problem. Anyway, on to the reason for my email.

We have two children in our community that need everyone’s help. Hailey and Carter Goranflo have been diagnosed with Late Infantile Batten’s Disease which is  taking their lives. They do have the option to go to China to receive treatment but for both children to go and receive the three treatments each that are needed will cost is over $250,000.

I had read the family story in the paper a few months ago but  did not know the Goranflo family before Saturday. A mutual friend asked if I would be interested in volunteering at a benefit on Saturday and I jumped at the chance. We worked non-stop from 1:30 until 8:30 that night. Everyone was exhausted but I would do it every Saturday if they needed it. Since the benefit , I have had the family on my mind with the thought “What else can I do?”  

Kate, would you please visit the website www.haileyandcartersdream.com, read their story, see their beautiful faces, and help us spread the word about them. The website has everything anyone would need to know from when they got sick, how they were diagnosed, and about the treatment available to them. Basically, if we can get the word out, the website can do the rest.

Hailey is scheduled to go to China for her first treatment on July 8, 2008. They have been raising money and are close having enough for her first trip. The benefit this past Saturday raised $10,000 but so much more is needed.

Thank you for your time and Have A Happy Day.

Melinda