Events
"It completely amazes me how many people in the community have taken to Allison. I've had so many people tell me how she's touched their heart...even when they haven't even met her." Katie Kerns, Allison's mother
The Kerns Family has been busy as always. We worked hard to get Allison into school and she is now attending Pre-K and is having a ball. She loves her teachers and loves her class. She's soaking everything up as fast as she can. We just got back from Baltimore where we visited a pediatric neurologist, Dr. Tom Crawford, at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. We we very impressed with Dr. Crawford, as he has over 20 years experience with SMA patients and research. We have decided to continue to see this specialist yearly in Baltimore, so we're very pleased with the knowledge that he'll be able to share with us. Visit Dr. Crawford's website for more information.
As a fun side note, Allison and Dr. Crawford, and Dr. Kathryn Wagner (Johns Hopkins) will be photographed together in an upcoming Johns Hopkins publication. Allison was asked to appear in a photo with the two research doctors for an MDA article.
We're also excited to have just gotten Allison a very much needed machine called a Cough Assist. This machine simulates a cough, thus helping to make Allison's coughing more productive and strengthening her lungs, as well. We had needed this device for quite sometime and were thrilled to have received a financial donation that made it possible.
Upcoming Events
2nd Annual Allison Kerns Spring Garage Sale
Fundraiser
We're so excited to announce the 2nd Annual Allison Kerns Spring Garage Sale Fundraiser. We have had such wonderful success in the past at our Spring and Fall garage sales and hope to raise even more funds this year!
We’re taking donations (excluding clothing) through Wednesday, May 14. Call 898-9057 to drop off items or have them picked up. We also need lots of volunteers so let us know if you can spare a couple of hours!
What: Our annual garage sale fundraisers earn
money to help the Kerns family defer the medical costs associated with
Allison’s SMA, which
includes equipment, doctor visits and therapy.*
When: Friday,
May 16 and Saturday, May 17, 2008, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: 508 41st Avenue
N. (38th Ave N & 4th St N is closest
major intersection)
One block up from Wachovia
Bank
The Kerns family truly appreciates your support. * Items not covered by insurance.
MDA/ St. Petersburg Firefighters Spring "Boot Drive" fundraiser
Allison and her mom, Katie, were invited to City Hall as
the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) and the St. Petersburg Firefighters
kicked off their annual "Boot Drive" fundraiser. This is the
fundraiser where firefighters stand on street corners and street intersections
collecting money in the boot. The entire amount collected goes to local
MDA chapters. MDA has been great to us. They paid for Allison's manual
wheelchair, they allow us to see their neurologist every few months for
free, they have an MDA summer camp that Allison will be able to attend
when she's six, they have a fun Christmas party for the kids, they help
with wheelchair repairs...all for free!
Allison and Katie were happy to appear on behalf of MDA and represent the
organization. The event will be featured on the
local St. Petersburg news as follows:
Wednesday, 4/30 on Channel 28 at 5 p.m.
Wednesday, 4/30 on Channel 10 at 11 p.m.
Thanks for your continued support...and be sure to donate to the Firefighters
when you see them holding those boots in early May.
Looking Forward...
When Allison turns 6, she will be able to attend a free week-long, overnight summer camp each summer, provided by the Muscular Dystrophy Association, where she will have doctors, therapists and assistants around her 24/7. Please remember the MDA when considering charitable contributions. They have done so much for us and so many other families affected by SMA and MDA.
Event Recaps
December 8 2007 - Holiday Fundraiser
Our Christmas Brunch fundraiser was just lovely! As our first annual event, we were pleased with the turnout and the excitement of those who attended. We raised about $1400 of the $4100 we need to pay for Allison's power chair in full. It was good to talk to those who helped out to get feedback on what we did that really worked out, and what we need to change for next year. Many thanks to those who attended!
October 2007 - The Allison Kerns Fall 2007 Garage Sale
Our Fall Garage Sale fundraiser was such
great fun. We had 15 volunteers who worked
so hard! From sorting organizing and tagging items, setting-up at
the wee hours of the morning, and packing all the leftovers
at the end of the day. It was a monstrous task and our volunteers
really deserve such a big thanks.
Our fun day included a wonderful bake sale, with homemade
banana and nut breads, brownies, cupcakes and many different delectable
cookies. With balloons decorating each corner, shoppers enjoyed
browsing as they munched on grilled hot dogs. Our cashier (my Aunt Wendy)
did a great job of selling almost every single baked good while telling
each customer about our fundraiser, what we were trying to do and what
SMA is.
Our goal was to raise some money for Allison's wheelchair and spread awareness about Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Mission accomplished! Our efforts raised almost $1400. With the launch of Allison's website, her Wheelchair training DVD and the Fall garage sale fundraiser, we have raised almost $6000 in the last three weeks. An amazing job!!
August 2007
We had a great week at the Shriner's Hospital at wheelchair training. Allison has become a little pro, and Mommy discovered something new about Allison --- defiance! She's learned to stop when she's told, but she certainly doesn't always like it, and will therefore "test" her limits. I guess the glass shelves in the living room will be coming down now. But, she did great and they graduated her a week early!
Click here to see pictures of Allison's wheelchair training.
May 2007 - Miles Automotive/VFW Fundraiser
Over $2000 was raised during a car wash and BBQ held by Miles Automotive and the VFW. Way to go, guys, thanks!!
April 2007 - The Allison Kerns Spring 2007 Garage Sale
Hosted by Marsha Heitkamper, Jan Hale and Fern Yetman, and with almost 15 volunteers helping us out, we raised close to $3000 through sales and donations. Big thanks to everyone for a fantastic event! Click here for pictures.