Hello: There are a number of ideas floating around about raising money for Tyler's treatment and assisting Joel and Dawn with living expenses. I thought it might be time to start posting these ideas and some of the messages I have received. I want to emphasize that any ideas and thoughts you have about this are welcome! Some people are doing individual projects, which is fabulous. Others are planning group events, which is fabulous. Every little bit helps! As the saying goes somewhere, it takes every single drop of water to make the Mighty Mississippi. Or something like that. Maybe I'm mixing my sayings, but you get the idea. So, here goes..... Joel, Dawn, Alice, please correct me if I am wrong about any of this... RAFFLE A friend of Joel's father has purchased a riffle or some type of firearm and is printing tickets to raffle it. Some people who work with Joel's mom are doing a raffle in Jennings. You can read about it by clicking here. The people on the unit where Dawn works (at Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital) are raffling baskets. As of April 10, they have raised $700. They have also set up a car wash -- click here to get more information. They are planning a garage sale and a bake sale. I'll post more when I get all of the information. TIME-MONEY DONATION Dawn's coworkers at Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital donated some of their hours so that she could get paid for the last pay period. Other friends have given money or paid bills. The TylerStrong bracelet was the brainchild of Alice May-Sexton and Jason Sexton, Sara Lovelace, Jason Sunderland, and Michelle Didier. They have sold them for $3.00 each. They sold 30 bracelets in one day and raised $75.00. They have ordered an additional 200 bracelets. April 10, 2006 Update: TylerStrong bracelets have been selling like mad. We have had a delay in receiving the next order. We will keep you posted as to what is happening there. EVENTS Benefit to Keep TylerStrong I received a message from Alice about an upcoming fundraiser. I am including her message below: Subject: Re: Tyler From: "Alice" Date: Wed, March 22, 2006 12:57 am Hey We got together tonight to plan the event. It is scheduled for May 13th at a bar called Just 2 More in Pasadena. A group of wonderful women from the Pasadena area are helping us(most of which are cancer survivors). This is going to be an amazing event. The Houston Toys for Tots group is involved and even brought a huge garbage bag full of toys for Tyler's birthday! I cannot even begin to tell you how overwhelming the outpouring of love is around here! I know that you and the rest of Dawn and Joel's family are hurting that you cannot be here for everything, but if this is any indication, they are in a great place. I am so glad I got in touch with you, I am sure that this is easier than going through Dawn and Joel. Alice May-Sexton