Thursday, April 15, 2010

Makenzie's 1st annual Live, Laugh, Breathe Birthday Event!

july 18 2009 was perfect.
she came to us.
she opened her eyes, she took her first breath.
my world stopped.
everything changed.
she was my reason.
before she was even born i was planning trips, play dates, outings, summer parties, winter parties, birthday parties. i was going to have the perfect outfit for her. i was going to make sure she had a blast and it was something she would remember for a lifetime.
she lived 4 months 3 weeks and 4 days.
during her life it was a party everyday for me.
i celebrated every second of her life.
we had 1 month birthday parties, we had park days, we had spa days.
it just wasn't enough for an entire lifetime.
i need more.

while our muffin is dancing in heaven
on July 17th 2010 we will be here celebrating her life.
all 4 months, 3 weeks and 4 days of it.
we are giving her a 1st birthday party.
complete with the fairy theme i imagined.

and

You are ALL invited.
your friends, your family, your neighbors- all invited.
Makenzie's birthday will be an extravagant, out of this world, super cool, fun- fundraiser.
all money raised will be donated to the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation
to help fund SMA research.
Makenzie had SMARD, however, there is currently no research being done solely on SMARD but through SMA we are hoping to find a cure for both these diseases.
no child should have to go through this.
no child should have to struggle to live.
no parent should have to bury their child.
this is what its about. to find a cure.

Now I'm reaching out to all of you asking for your help.
We are in need of volunteers.
I have some amazing entertainers offer to volunteer their services for our event.
I have some amazing people helping donate some food.
But we will need more.
For the amount of people we are planning (approx. 500 - 1000)
and to help raise the money I am hoping ($10,000)
I need all the help I can get.
Some of the events include but are not limited to:
*cotton candy machine
*An amazing bounce house
*Silent Auction
*A Clown
*The Magic of Timothy- the Magician
*Food
*A PRINCESS
*Kenzie Fairy Boutique and seriously--- SO much more!

Right now I am needing help with the following:
* Items for the silent auction.
* Sponsors- If you know someone or you are interested please let me know.
I have different sponsor levels and your business will have the proper signage and publicity for the level they are at.
* If you know any other entertainers that would be interested in donating their services.

You can contact me through email and I can give you my phone number from there.
kendogg1987@hotmail.com

I hope you can all commit to coming to this event!
You will not only be promised a fabulous time but you will be helping an amazing cause and celebrating an incredible little girl.

Some information about SMA
-SMA kills more infants and young children than any other inherited disease!
-SMA is degenerative and terminal — often termed the “Lou Gehrig’s disease of babies”.
-Although born seemingly healthy, babies with SMA eventually lose the ability to walk, crawl, sit, eat, breath, and even swallow.
-1 in 40 people unknowingly carry the SMA gene. Few have a family history of the disease.
-There is currently no treatment and no cure, but the National Institutes of Health (NIH) selected SMA as the disease closest to treatment of more than 600 neurological disorders.
-Researchers estimate that a viable treatment and/or cure is attainable in as little as 5 years – IF provided adequate resources.
-SMA is considered a "model" disease already benefiting research into ALS, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, the muscular dystrophies and even some forms of cancer.
For more information about SMA visit the Gwendolyn Strong Foundation.

11 comments :

The Call's said...

I love this idea!!! I can't wait to meet you!

Benjamin and Jennie said...

oh kendra this sounds amazing!!!!! I'm not sure if i will be here but I will let you know if I am. Then I can contribute somehow:) good luck with everything!!!!!

Tara Bennett said...

You ROCK and you KNOW we will be there and will help you every step of the way.... for Makenzie! xo

Emma said...

Kenzie is so, so proud of you and Ryan!! What an awesome birthday for her, and she will be dancing in Heaven and all around you on that day as she is always. I wish I lived closer, anywhere close enough to be there! I know it will be incredible and such an amazing fundraiser!
Just a reminder, Kenzie not only changed your life, but so many others. She continues to reach out through you and your honesty, love and your willingness to share your journey. She is a gift to so many and I know will continue to be forever and always. Hugs, Em

Chels said...

Kendra,

Like I said in my email I am so proud of you and its such a great thing you are doing in memory of Kenzie for her 1st birthday!! However I will be out of town celebrating my son's first birthday as well July 14th. Just 3 days older than Kenzie. I will be donating some gift certificates for your silent auction and anything else you need please let me know.

Much love, Chels

brigette said...

This is amazing!! I wish I had thought of something so great! We will do our best to be there. What a great thing to do in kenzies honor.

Kristen said...

You're on your way now Kendra. You will be surprised by the outpouring of love and support you receive as you plan and implement this special event. You will feel your daughter's strength more than you ever thought possible.

I wish that I could help out but you know how to reach me now. We wish you nothing but success.

Annie said...

This is an awesome idea and a cool way to remember your daughter. I hope to be there and see all the support. I would be willing to do face painting or something. I have no special skills but I would be willing to try :)

The Pachuilo Family said...

Kendra,
You amaze me every day! What a great idea, I just wish we lived closer so we could be apart of it all. Good luck!

Candace said...

Kendra, I have been reading your blog for awhile and really would love to help! But my baby is due that week so I don't know if I will be able to make it. I would still love to donate something to help out! Email me and let me know what kind of things you are looking for at your silent auction and I will see what I can do! Thanks so much
Candace Percival
aggiesbleedpink@hotmail.com

♥ Stephan & Michelle & Ashlyn ♥ said...

This is sooo wonderful, Stephan and I would love to come, and if you need any help let me know? I make hair bows I can make for free that the money can be donated and I also take pictures, that if you want something like that let me know? Anything you need help with let me know! You guys are amazing and what I wonderful way to celebrate her life and help others! :)

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