It is not easy for me to ask for help. In fact I hate it. I know Jim feels the same way. So for us to make the decision to put ourselves out there to our family, friends and strangers was no easy decision. I knew we had to if we were going to give Mattie the help she needs. Hope for Mattie was a small idea that I never thought would grow to what it is today. We kicked off Hope for Mattie almost 6 months ago and the response has been overwhelming. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. It is truly amazing. I have thanked you countless times, but countless times is not enough in my eyes. We are truly appreciative for the outpouring of support and love that has been shown for our daughter.

We know these are difficult financial times for everyone, but I wanted to share with you just how wonderful you all are and how thankful we are. To date, Mattie’s Signature Jewelry Line has been a HUGE success. HUGE as in 135 pieces of Hope have been purchased! Every penny that is donated to Mattie, whether it be in jewelry sales or direct donations, goes directly into Mattie’s bank account. The money is used for the sole purpose of paying for her therapy and travel. So far Hope for Mattie has funded 21 ABM sessions (1 NYC trip and 8 Gainesville trips), 15 cranial sacral sessions, and 23 physical therapy sessions!

The fall fundraiser that we were working on is not going to happen this year. I am disappointed by this but it has opened up other events that Jim and I are excited about! In the works for next year are a 5K race / 1 mile fun walk and a golf tournament / dinner. We really want to be able to take Mattie to the main ABM therapy center in March of 2013. We have estimated the cost of this trip to be $5,000 – $6,000. So to replace the fall fundraiser, we are going to unveil a new online fundraiser (in the coming weeks) to help fund the ABM sessions we have scheduled this year as well as the ABM trip in March.

Jim and I are currently working on our next Hope for Mattie post that is called “The price of success”. This post details our thoughts on ABM, the costs, the success Mattie has had with it, and your involvement in her success. Every milestone Mattie reaches is because of your help. We are in this hand in hand. You are helping us give the best life we can to our daughter and for that we are eternally grateful.