June 2010: grandmother and granddaughter donate together

After watching a television special about Progeria, 10 year old Kayla from New Jersey decided she wanted to help children with the disease. She told her grandmother that she would donate half of the money she had saved up, and her grandmother matched the donation. How thoughtful and generous of this young girl!

June 2010: transylvania university lecture brings in funds and a special guest

Emily Greenwell, a student at Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky, was so touched by a TLC documentary about Progeria that she decided to educate her peers and raise money for PRF as part of the college's Health Lecture series. Emily helped put together an hour-long lecture and video presentation on Progeria, with a University of Kentucky bio-Chemist, and a special appearance by local favorite, 3-year-old Zach. Emily raised almost $200 from her efforts!

June 2010: middle school teacher and students continue to support PRF

Since 2007, teacher William Ruggerio of Taunton Catholic Middle School in Taunton, MA, has been fundraising with his 7th grade religion class. Each year they collect donations during various fundraisers. Mr. Ruggerio and his students have raised over $1300! We are honored to be the recipient of their generosity year after year. Thank you!

PRF Newsletter Spurs Special Birthday Donation

9 year old Aliyah, of Millers, Falls, MA, received $15 for her birthday. She spent $5 on treats, and was planning to save the rest.  That is, until she read the May 2010 PRF newsletter. As soon as she finished reading it, she took her remaining $10 in birthday money (including her twenty cents in change from her treats purchase!), put it in the donation envelope, and told her mother, "They need my help". Aliyah's mom Kristi said "I'm very proud of her", and we have to agree! What a wonderful, generous and thoughtful young lady!

JUNE 2010: best friends hold second jewelry fundraiser!

Back in 2008, friends Lindsay, Gabrielle, Alexa, and Carly spent months crafting beautiful handmade jewelry to sell in front of a local Wal-Mart, as part of their mitzvah (Hebrew for "good deed") project. They had so much fun they decided to do it again this year, so after spending several hours creating beaded earrings, bracelets, necklaces and cell phone charms, they once again set up shop at Wal-Mart Danvers, talked to customers about Progeria and raised over $250. Thanks, girls, for doing such good deeds while having a great time with your BFF's!

May 2010: dress up day a success and fun too!

Students at Bobcean Elementary School in Flat Rock, MI, recently raised over $550 during Dress Up Days in honor of Lindsay Ratcliffe. Lindsay's schoolmates each paid $1 to wear a sport shirt on "Jersey Day" or their clothes inside out for "Inside-Out Day". All grades K-2nd participated and had a blast! Says Lindsay's mom Kristy, "It is so cool to walk through the school with Lindsay! She is known and loved by all the students and staff.  They have all been extremely supportive with everything that we do. She loves her school and so do we!" Who wouldn't, with classmates like these?

Lindsay and some of her classmates on Jersey Day