Fiesta Pears
11" x 15" original watercolor
Do you have a child? A grandchild? Want to someday have a child? And if your child was ill with a disease, and there was something you could do to ease that illness in some way, would you put aside everything else and do it?
I think most of us would say "Yes, I will do it." And if it took the help of others to achieve that thing you were trying to do for your child, then you would be very grateful for each person who came alongside to help.
Through a friend's blog, I found out about 7 year old Dawsyn - a beautiful and lively little girl with long hair, bright eyes and a beautiful smile. Dawsyn has a rare form of epilepsy which is called "Dravet's Syndrome", which was discovered when she was only 6 months old. Just after receiving her DPT vaccination, she had her first seizure which was 30 minutes long!!!!!! That was just the beginning of a long and painful journey for both Dawsyn and her family.
Just recently, Dawsyn was approved to receive a Seizure Alert Assistance Dog from 4 Paws for Ability in Ohio. However, the family has to fundraise the $13,000 required to train her Service Dog. That is a great sum of money - not easily found or earned in these times.
Right now, the Harke family and friends are organizing a major fundraiser which will take place on June 12th, 2009 in Didsbury, Alberta. There will be a meal/silent auction AND a live auction with a real auctioneer. This is the main way this family hopes to raise the $13,000 dollars. However, people can also donate money to 4 Paws for Ability on behalf of Dawsyn, and that will be credited to their account.
To read Dawsyn's full story, you can go here and read the blog her mom has set up. To donate any amount of money, you must indicate it is for Dawsyn with the words "in honor of Dawsyn Harke" so that it goes toward her dog's training. You can donate by calling the organization, or by going on line at:
4 Paws for Ability
253 Dayton Ave
Xenia, Ohio 45385
937-374-0385
I am going to meet with Dawsyn and her mom (for the first time) at the Alberta Children's Hospital as Dawsyn has one of her many treatments. I am going to give them the painting, Fiesta Pears. It will be auctioned off at the live auction, and will hopefully bring in a good amount of money.
It is such a wonderful experience to have this kind of an opportunity to take part in something which will change Dawsyn's life, and that of her family. If you can help in any way, visit their blog and make a comment to let them know. I am sure every bit of encouragement will fill their sails with fresh wind to carry on.
