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INSPIRATION

For those that know my family and I well, you're familiar with the unimaginable pain my Mom has been experiencing for the past 8 years. Since 2001 she has spent more than 800 days in in-patient care at a Boston hospital. Her health concerns are immense and vast; she has endured stomach and thoracic surgery and eventual stomach removal, a stroke, kidney cancer and a 3 day coma following kidney removal, extremely rare Broken Heart Syndrome, as well as a hole in her heart and only partially successful heart surgery. A recent diagnosis of epilepsy has further exacerbated her existing conditions. At 48, my Mom is still one of the most stubborn people you will ever meet and has bravely fought off death at multiple turns with a diligent unwillingness to be defeated.

Each person has their breaking point. As a result of my Mom’s many health complications as well as the challenges and lifestyle changes that accompany epilepsy, her fighting sails have slackened. "This is no way to live, I just don't have the energy anymore." We've found her positive attitude has been essential to her survival but the reality of epilepsy makes it increasingly difficult to maintain.

Throughout the past years, my Mom has often mentioned wanting to share her experiences and to make a difference in some way. This winter we will. I'll be using January and February 2010, to run a pilot fund raising model I’ve developed. Through Itching to Scratch I hope to raise general epilepsy awareness and raise funds for the Epilepsy Foundation of Massachusetts & Rhode Island, the Epilepsy Foundation of Florida and the British Columbia Epilepsy Society.

Looking forward, the response to Itching to Scratch has been very positive and its potential as a large-scale golf fundraiser has been recognized. However, a successful initial campaign is essential in allowing Itching to Scratch to reach its greatest potential. Your support and pledge is integral to this success.

One idea,
One person,
What can one do?