MARDS, V103 & Hammy - and please donate..
I've talked previously about my son's condition. And I tend not to write about it much, because frankly - it's daunting. Overwhelming. The most difficult, rewarding and loving thing I've ever done or can ever do, and I worry overmuch if I'm getting it right...
But Wanda Smith from V103 (a very popular Atlanta radio station) adopted my son's childcare center, and has donated the station's efforts to raise money to keep the center from closing. MARDS - Metro Atlanta Respite and Development Services Center provides daycare, afterschool care and respite care for children with disabilities, as well as normal children. The center has struggled financially. They've needed to raise money for a while, and V103 helped them raise $202,000, which is HUGE. MAJOR. And I'm eternally grateful for that - Wanda Smith is a blessing for raising awareness, and bringing all these people and resources to MARDS.
I'm also thanful that the staff at MARDS: Lisa Conley, Mrs. Anne Philips, Joyce, Mrs. Betty and all the other staff members are so dedicated to providing these services for these children. And let me say this - I've listened to the stories of the other parents all week, and I know the kids there, like Hasani, and Michael. Watching them this week, seeing the reactions of the parents, the kids and the staff to this outpouring of support from the community - it's also overwhelming. Words can barely express it, truly...
I just wanted to shout them both out, and maybe put the seed in your mind. MARDS is still there, you can visit, donate in person or on their website, give them your time, your resources, your thoughts, your prayers. And thank Wanda, Frank and the V103 Morning Show for all their efforts. Even if I have Hammy handled (and you know for the most part, I do), I know Hasani needs MARDS, and so does Michael, and Tesha, and Brittney...