All week, I've been meaning to send out a note thanking all who participated in making Strike RSD such a successful jumpstart to our Foundation efforts in helping fund Dr. Schwartzman's research for a cure for RSD!  He is working tirelessly toward that end, and we are hoping to make his and our dream a reality.  We were so incredibly pleased with not only the financial end results of our first Strike RSD! Fundraiser (which, bottom line, is why we do it, but with the fun that was had!  We received so many calls and e-mails from people telling us how much they enjoyed themselves. 

Thanks so much to every one who supported us in different ways . . .

•  Those who worked to secure donations for the silent auction
•  Those companies and individuals who actually donated  for the silent auction.
•  Those who not only purchased Event tickets, but made additional Sponsorship donations.
•  Those who were unable to attend, but nonetheless made Sponsorship donations.
•  Those who purchased tickets and attended
•  Those who attended and also purchased at the Silent Auction.  Almost every item offered was purchased!

A very Special Thank you to Melanie Levine, who ran a "half-marathon" the morning of Strike RSD! and asked all her sponsors to support the Brooks Family Foundation for RSD.  Calls came in from as far as London with donations. 

Those who took part, I cannot thank you enough.  When I called Terry Paylor, Dr. Schwartzman's head nurse to let her know the minimum we'll be sending them is $20,000 as of last Tuesday, her response was total enthusiasm.  She felt that was a great beginning!


And now, here's the story of "Puppy" . . .
A very special Thank you to Stanley Burdette of Autumnview Farms in Mt. Airy, Md. who donated the most adorable cock-a-poo puppy for the Silent Auction.  Tracy chose the "runt" of the litter, born February 13, 2008 because he was so sweet in nature and so adorable - apricot, with darker ears and four white paws and chest.  When we picked him up at 8½ weeks, he weighed 3 pounds.  At the time of the Auction, he was up to 4.6 pounds and was the undisputed star of the day. (Sorry, Tracy)  We grew to love him while we took care of him before the Event, and just called him "Puppy" so we wouldn't get "too attached" because the last thing we wanted was another dog in addition to our two grand-dogs who come to visit quite often.  I love them to death, but am glad when they go home so I can clean up.  But I did consent to take care of "Puppy" for two weeks between when Tracy brought him home at Passover and the Strike RSD! event.  We brought an open pen to Bowlmor him to be able to move around (and not get stepped on) during the Event.  However, it was not necessary.  He got passed around the whole time from person to person, and cell phones were being used continuously - to call building managers to make sure their apartment buildings were "pet-friendly".  "Mom, would you like an adorable cocker/poodle mix?"  "What do you think if I buy a puppy?", and on and on.  Texting, calling, and then the bidding began for this adorable, already paper-trained pup who sleeps through the night on a bed in his crate.   I stayed away from the puppy area entirely, busy with other things.  All of a sudden, Carly announced it was almost time for the Auction to be closed down.  Last bids were called for, and suddenly I looked at the distraught look on Rick's face, and at that moment realized we couldn't let go of this precious little pup!  Little did we know, Puppy was now up to $2800.  Carly spoke with the high bidder and told her, if she was willing to give up Puppy, she' (Carly) would take her directly to the breeder in Maryland, and she'd be able to pick out her own puppy at a much lower cost.  Our high bidder agreed, and was assured that we would pay what she'd bid, and we'd take "Puppy" back home with us.  And now the Burdettes of Autumnview Farm have a new customer already from the auction in New York.  Andie and her husband, Matt will be on their way tomorrow morning for a wonderful Mother's Day gift for her mom.  They're actually going for a "cock-a-lier" (King Charles Cavalier/cocker spaniel mix).  And everyone is happy.   "Puppy" is now home with us, and very loved.  After two days of name debate, he is now "Cody", eats like a little pig, and happily kisses everyone who comes to see him.  He spends all our "workdays" in our office, (in the back "lounge" area) eats, sleeps, plays, and comes out for "show and tell" with patients when his Daddy wants to show him off.  Other than that, he's so good that no one even knows he's there.  Tomorrow, when we go out for dinner will be the first time we've left him alone.  The moral of this story is "NEVER take care of an adorable puppy as a "foster" parent unless you're prepared to fall in love and keep him.  And this from the mom who never wanted a dog.  Another good part of this, Andie was able to purchase Dr. Silver's "First year of Puppy Veterinary Care" package, which we did not take because we don't live in NY.  Thank you to Dr. Silver, and also to Pet Central who donated the  initial puppy needs - the food, a wonderful crate and bed, toys, leash, harness, wee-wee pads, etc.

A great venue choice - Bowlmor was a lot of fun, and the appetizers and food were right on target it seems.  So many people who came not expecting to bowl did, and had a great time regardless of score.  That says a lot!  Allow me just a moment to brag if you couldn't make it there (and even if you were there as a guest, you couldn't have seen the inner workings of how well it came together, especially with the short prep time.  Carly outdid herself, exhausted herself, and set us  up beautifully with a guide and all the accessories/supplies for future Events.  Everyone was amazed how quickly and professionally she put this together, with organization second to none!  Kudos to our Carly. 

I am thrilled to say that while we are still awaiting some promised late donations from people who could not make it to New York, as well as "matching" donations from major companies equal to their employee'(s) participation, we will be sending out our first check to help fund Dr. Schwartzman's research very soon.  Some of you noted you've been meaning to send in a donation, because you want to help, but were unable to come.  If you could send or call in your donation now, it would be so appreciated, as we would like to forward our first check to Dr. Schwartzman's research some time next week.

   
Tracy continues to be well, in fact she's doing great! She is now "Miss Brooks" again - with her own class of ten special needs children in Montgomery County, MD.  She is totally back to life, pain-free, and happy as can be.  And that thrills us to no end . . . it changes the very core of our existence.

We wish this were the case universally.  Unfortunately, not everyone who has had the experimental ketamine coma has remained RSD pain-free, although those I know who've participated in the ketamine coma protocol are all doing much better than pre-ketamine coma.    We must continue our efforts to raise funding for ongoing and additional research.  Once those with RSD  have had a taste of being pain-free after so many years of agony, it's very disheartening to have it rear its ugly head again.  We need other alternative treatments to the ketamine coma, which is only open to a very few of the many thousands of people who suffer day after day.  Judy and Kyle, you're in our prayers.  Your return of localized RSD symptoms has been so similar, and we pray that they'll be resolved quickly.  Links to their stories can be found on our front page.  Other links will soon be added by Carly.

We are now accepting honor and memory donations.   We will gladly send an acknowledgement note to whomever you specify.  

Our 501(c)(3) approval as a Public Charity has been received from IRS, so while we knew it was forthcoming, it is now totally OFFICIAL, All corporate matching donations applied for and held pending same, will now be honored retroactively and from this point forward by the respective companies, including Goldman Sachs and GlaxoSmithKline. 

If your company offers matching donations, please apply for same or send me the forms together with your donation, and I will send it in.  

Thank you again for your support.  

With love and gratitude,
Gayle