Friday, June 19, 2009

The latest news: Cady's vacation, Channel 10's visit and an update on fundraising efforts

(If this is your first time visiting Cady's Cause, click here to read about why this blog was created.)

It's been a while since we've posted anything, so we figured it was about time to update Cady's followers on our fundraising efforts. Many people have been asking how much money we've raised so far, and we are proud to say we passed the $5,000 mark! We are so amazed to see the support from people all around the state, across the country and from as far away as Hawaii (literally - an owner of a Papa John's in the area caught wind of the story and has come forward to offer his help). We know we've said this before, but we truly are humbled by all of the love and support you have all shown Cady.

Earlier this week, Cady took her first vacation when the family packed up the car Sunday morning and headed to Pennsylvania to meet some friends. Cady seemed to enjoy herself as they visited a science center in Harrisburg, spent Monday at Hershey Park and explored the cave at Indian Echo Caverns. She even got to ride a carousel and play in the kiddie pool at Hersehy Park's Boardwalk exhibit.

Then on Tuesday night, the family stopped in New York where they spent the night at their cousins' home in Pearl River. It was nice to visit the Donnellys and when Corey picked up 7-month-old Brooke, he was shocked at how easy she was to hold. He was so used to holding a floppy Cadence, he was literally taken aback by how sturdy and upright the infant was.

After cousin Jeanne treated the family to New York style bagels for breakfast, they headed to NYC for what turned out to be a disastrous trip to the Museum of Natural History. Among other things that made the trip regrettable, Cady threw up all over the museum floor and Corey attempted to clean the mess with a single napkin. Realizing the museum was a bad idea, the Smiths headed home at the worst possible time - rush hour - and only after hitting construction traffic on Connecticut, did they finally make it back to their West Warwick home at 9 p.m.
Throughout the entire getaway, though she was difficult at times, Cady was a real trooper and was easily entertained by the portable DVD player (see picture) when nothing else could do the job. However, at one point during the trip, Kelly commented to Corey how much harder the mini-vacation would have been had they not had the hope of what this procedure could do for Cady to look forward to. The idea of lifelong vacations where Cady wouldn't get to enjoy herself the way the other children had is something they are hoping won't come to fruition.

It's our hope that next year, Cady will be right alongside her brother and sister as they run and play during a summer getaway.

In other news,
Channel 10's Barbara Morse Silva came to the house this morning to see Cady and her family. The station's resident Health Check Reporter, we know Barbara will do a wonderful job getting the word out there about Cady's Cause. Wasting no time, Barbara said the report should air tonight at 5:30, so make sure to tune in. You can watch it online here.

Next, we want to let everyone know about our next fundraising event: a Classic Car Show and Silent Auction at the Texas Roadhouse in Cranston by Rte. 10 on July 11. If you have a classic car or bike, cruise on in anytime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (Entry fees per vehicle is $10.) We will also be hosting a Silent Auction with some great stuff including a handcrafted wooden rocking horse by Tome Seal of Bearded Seal Woodcrafts, a Backyard BBQ from Texas Roadhouse, a painting by local artist Vanessa Guimelli, autographed Red Sox memorabilia and much more! We are hoping to have things set up for the kids and it's looking like we will have a Cranston firetruck on display, a bounce house set up and free face painting. Les, a barber from GQ Barber Shop, will be cutting hair with all proceeds going to Cady and we will be selling raffle tickets for some great prizes including a Wii as a possible grand prize (we just need to secure this before we can be certain). Check back in the next week or so for more details as we firm up our plans.

Finally, don't forget about the breakfast next Sunday, June 28 at Dave's Bar & Grille from 8 to 10:30 a.m. We still have plenty of tickets for sale, so if you live in the area, get in touch with us for a few. There will be a couple of door prizes given away and raffle tickets will be sold for some great prizes. It's going to be a great time so plan to drag your butts out of bed for a great cause and come meet Cady in person!

Thanks as always for stopping by, and please remember to tell all your family and friends about us!

With Peace and Love,

Friends of Cady

No comments:

Post a Comment