March 2008: Kentucky Family Holds Series of FundraisersZach Pickard is a feisty, loving little 1-year-old who was diagnosed with Progeria in December 2007. His family – also feisty and loving! – decided right away that they were going to do whatever they could to help with the research. So on March 15th, they organized a pancake breakfast at Applebee’s in Frankfort, KY, and 2 more are planned in the coming months, in Louisville and Lexington (rumor has it there’s quite a competition going on to see which event raises the most money!) Many thanks to Zach’s aunt Kristin, grandma Kim and his other relatives and friends who organized the breakfast, raising $4,000! “We plan to continue holding events, raising more and more each time for Zach and his new friends”, says Kristin. What a wonderful attitude, THANK YOU!
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Student Inspired by Father’s FindAfter her father brought home a pamphlet on Progeria, Elizabeth of Bucksport, Maine knew she had to do something to help raise money and awareness for PRF, so she went to her fellow classmates. Elizabeth and her Human Anatomy class raised over $1,000 from individual donors, a bake sale, and a raffle with donations from local businesses. The initiative was such a huge success that the school plans to continue their efforts annually until a cure is found – AMAZING! |
Cousin Honored with Guitar Hero ContestIn February, Karl Traeger of Pennsylvania honored the memory of his cousin Jace, who had Progeria. Karl got his fraternity, Delta Chi, and sorority Alpha Sigma Tau to hold a Guitar Hero contest fundraiser, and also put a Coins to Cure© can in Ayers Drug Store in McKeesport. Karl and his college friends raised $350 for PRF - make some noise for Karl, Delta Chi, Alpha Sigma Tau, and Ayers Drug Store! |
February 2008: Progeria Parent Recognized for Volunteer EffortsMarla Halko, leader of PRF’s Ohio chapter and mother of four-year old Kaylee, was awarded the Presidential Service Award for Volunteerism for her fundraising and public awareness efforts for Progeria. Marla has appeared in several TV pieces, interviews regularly for newspaper articles, and goes to the local schools to talk about Progeria. She and her family also run several annual fundraisers. She was nominated by UPS, her employer for over 11 years. Congratulations, Marla! |
KY Farmers Bank Employees Raise Money in StyleIn February 2008, Kristin Pickard, Marketing Assistant of Farmers Bank and aunt of Zach, persuaded the five branches in Frankfort to hold a Jeans Day to benefit PRF. Dozens of employees paid $5 to wear jeans, raising $600! Thank so much to all who “got casual” for Zach.
 Employees of Farmers Bank smile with Zach during “Jeans Day” |
2008 Miracle Makers
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