Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund:  
September 2013 edition  
                                                       

Newsletter Masthead
Insight from Our New Program Coordinator...   
I would like to introduce myself. My name is Danielle Scott Griffith and I am humbled to become a part of this amazing organization! I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from St. Joseph's University and completed my Master of Social Work degree at Temple University. My career began at the Defender Association of Philadelphia where I worked as a Mitigation Specialist. I resigned from the Defender Association in 2007 after I had given birth to my first child and began my career as a mother. Currently, I have two children; my son Rowan is 7 years old and my daughter Chloe is 5 years old. Chloe was born severely disabled as she is diagnosed with a rare chromosomal abnormality and is a cancer survivor. I am intimately familiar with the struggles families face to maintain the well being of their families while caring for a sick child. 
 

As program coordinator for the Fund, I hope to continue the work that recently retired Vani Kumar had begun and increase our ability to help families cope. I hope to expand the Family Fun Day Program as well as the Holiday Adopt-a-Family Program.  It is vital that children and their families have respite and participate in activities that are fun, giving them a chance to forget about their daily regimen.

 

This opportunity for me is absolutely amazing! I look forward to meeting and working with everyone!   

 

Danielle Griffith, program coordinator 


Barberella Styles a Successful Event!

"Raise the Bar...Hair to Make a Difference" 

 

As Eric Devlin wrote in his article for the Norristown Times, "It was a blowout bonanza at Barberella beauty salon in Ambler."

Thanks to owners Trish and Charlie Stewart, those who participated in the Sunday, September 9 event were treated to an afternoon for trying new blow-out hairstyles, braids, make-up or enjoying a relaxing massage. Food, beverages and a Tarot card reader were also on hand for those waiting their turn.

 

Much of the success of this event can be attributed to the "Raise the Bar" sponsors, including Charles V. Giannasio, MD, Tony&Guy Hair Academy, PureSpa, Irwin H. English Company, Mercedes Benz of Fort Washington and Blue Bell Kitchens.  Raffle items for the eight silent auction baskets were donated by local Ambler businesses.

 

According to Christine Bugg, event coordinator for KADMF, "The support for this first time event has been fantastic. The stylists donated their time and everyone looked great with their new do's. We really can't thank Trish and Charlie enough for all the time and energy they spent on this project. Best of all, over $3,000 was raised to benefit families in need."

 

Welcome KADMF's New Community Outreach Coordinator Cheryl Carson

 

Another gear has been added to the KADMF machine: Cheryl Carson, the new community outreach coordinator. Cheryl started at the Fund in August, and is forging new relationships with corporations, schools, clubs and more. Her mission is to spread the word about KADMF and help raise more funds that will enable the Fund to continue its mission of helping families caring for children with serious illnesses, injuries and disabilities.

 

Cheryl is a graduate of the University of the Arts where she studied Dance Education. Since that time, she has worked primarily in the arts community of Philadelphia, focusing on development and management. She has twelve years of experience in the non-profit sector, where she worked with Young Audiences, Koresh Dance Company, Group Motion Dance Company, The Rock School for Dance Education and Painted Bride Art Center. She also serves as an Advisory Board Member for Brian Sanders' JUNK.

 

Cheryl lives in Roxborough with her husband, 15-month-old daughter and two dogs and two cats. She is ecstatic to be working with Peggy and the staff at KADMF.  

 

Spotlight On: Spina Bifida

 

Spina bifida is part of a group of birth defects called neural tube defects. Babies with spina bifida have a portion of the neural tube that failed to develop or close properly, causing defects in the spinal cord and in the bones of the backbone. There are various forms of severity:

  • Spina bifida occult, the mildest form, results in a gap in one or more of the vertebrae of the spine. Most children with this form of spina bifida have no signs or symptoms and experience no neurological problems.
  • Meningocele is a rare form of spina bifida where the protective membranes around the spinal cord push out through the opening in the vertebrae. Because the spinal cord develops normally, these membranes can be removed by surgery with little or no damage to nerve pathways.
  • Myelomeningocele, the form people usually mean when they use the term "spina bifida," is the most severe form. The baby's spinal canal remains open along several vertebrae in the lower or middle back. Because of this opening, both the membranes and the spinal cord protrude at birth, forming a sac on the baby's back. In some cases, skin covers the sac. Usually, however, tissues and nerves are exposed, making the baby prone to life-threatening infections.

Risk Factors

While doctors aren't certain what causes spina bifida, it appears to result from a combination of genetic and environmental risk factors, such as a family history of neural tube defects and folic acid deficiency. However, researchers have identified a few risk factors:

  • Race: more common among whites and Hispanics
  • Family history of neural tube defects 
  • Folate deficiency 
  • Some medications: anti-seizure medications seem to cause neural tube defects when taken during pregnancy
  • Diabetes:  women with diabetes who don't control their blood sugar well have a higher risk of having a baby with spina bifida
  • Obesity: pre-pregnancy obesity is associated with an increased risk of neural tube birth defects
  • Increased body temperature: some evidence suggests that hyperthermia in the early weeks of pregnancy may increase the risk of spina bifida

Complications

Spina bifida may cause no symptoms or only minor physical disabilities. Frequently, though, it leads to severe physical and mental disabilities. Complications may include lack of normal bowel and bladder control, partial or complete paralysis of the legs, hydrocephalus or meningitis. Additional problems may arise as children with spina bifida get older. Some may develop learning disabilities, latex allergies, skin problems, urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal disorders.

 

To learn more, visit www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/spinabifida.

Peggy's Perspective  Peggy Dolan

October. It's one of those beautiful months that stirs the memory to sights, sounds and scents of fall - Indian summer days, warm cider filled mugs, spice cookies, apple pie, sweaters, crunchy leaves underfoot, colorful landscapes and more. For us here at the Fund, October is a special time to remember our history and acknowledge the many generous donors and volunteers who make it possible for us to serve so many families in crisis.

 

On October 6 we will mark the 37th anniversary of our organization and remember the more than 22,000 families we have been honored to assist. We will celebrate this milestone at our Annual Awards & Recognition Dinner at the historic William Penn Inn in Gwynedd on Wednesday evening, October 9. This inspirational event gives us the opportunity to recognize and thank the individuals, businesses and organizations who made a significant impact on our ability to respond to more than 1,000 requests for assistance this past year.

 

One of our honorees is Longwood Rotary, who made it possible for us to initiate a second fun day event that we can offer families. On October 6, we will once again be enjoying the beautiful gardens and exhibits at Longwood Gardens with over 300 parents, patients and siblings already registered for our 4th Annual Longwood Gardens Family Fun Day.

 

We would love to have you join us to celebrate, thank and hear the stories of the Longwood Rotary and our other honorees at the Awards Dinner. You would be amazed to learn just what and who it takes to make an organization like ours successful.  

 

Peggy Dolan, Executive Director 

September 2013

Insight from Our New Program Coordinator...
 
Gearing Up for #GivingTuesday
 
Barberella "Raise the Bar" Success Story
 
Welcome KADMF's New Community Outreach Coordinator 
 
Holiday Adopt-a-Family
 
Spotlight On: Spina Bifida
 
Thank You
 
Ways to Give
 
Peggy's Perspective 
 
Mark Your Calendar
  
Gearing up for
 
What is #GivingTuesday? 
It's a new day for giving back. We have a day for giving thanks, two days for getting deals and now, a day for giving back. This year, KADMF is joining the global venture #GivingTuesday hoping to inspire people to take collaborative action to improve their local communities, give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they support and help create a better world. Kick off the giving season this year on Tuesday, Dec. 3.
 
Our goal.
Simply put, we want to elevate the level of assistance we give to families caring for children with serious illnesses, injuries or disabilities. You can help. Direct your giving to the Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund. With your donation, you'll help a family keep the lights on, pay a phone bill, fill the oil tank, pay the rent, purchase handicap equipment, provide some comfort with assistance for funeral expenses and more.
 
How can I help?

Ways to help are limited only in your imagination. Here are just a few:

1. Direct donation

2. Cash in your coins

3. Gift cards for groceries, gas,      Target or Walmart

4. Hold a fundraiser

5. Donate a percentage of yard       sale profits

6. Arrange a charity night at

    Ruby Tuesday, Iron Hill,

    Margarita's or another     

    restaurant

7. Sponsor a car wash

8. Organize a neighborhood           bake sale, flea market or craft

    fair

 
Put philanthropy back into the giving season.
 
Learn more today. Visit dolanfund.org/givingtuesday.cfm, call 215-643-0763 or email jbugg@dolanfund.org.
Holiday Adopt-a-Family program

It's only a few months away - that wonderful, magical time of the year! We are again planning our Holiday Adopt-a-Family Program and look to you to help us bring the joy of the holidays into the homes and hearts of families caring for seriously ill children.

 

We're always looking for more sponsors

 

If you're interested in sponsoring a family, call the Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund at 215-643-0763 or email jbugg@dolanfund.org or dgriffith@dolanfund.org.

 

Thank You
"My 2-month-old daughter was in a serious car accident and was in the hospital for a month. I had to take unpaid leave to care for her. As a widowed mom raising five children, you can only imagine how grateful I am for your generosity! I have shared this with my children to show them how kind and generous people can be. I hope it will inspire them."
Ways to Give

 

Gift cards for stores like Target, Walmart, ACME and Giant - are a great way to provide much needed support.

Cars and vans - used and in good condition - for families in need.

Monetary contributions to honor a friend or family member.

Memorial contributions in honor of a family member or friend.

Furniture, household items and linens in good condition are sometimes needed for families who have suffered losses from fires, bug infestations or abusive situations.

Transportation - if you would like to help move and deliver items to families, please let us know!  This is a need that pops up a few times every year.

 

Mark Your Calendar...

and join us at these upcoming special events

Wednesday, October 9: KADMF Awards Dinner
William Penn Inn, Rte. 202 and Sumneytown Pike, Gwynedd, PA. Join us as we celebrate the Fund's 37th anniversary and recognize those corporations, foundations, businesses, community groups, media partners and volunteers whose support contributes to our ability to assist families in crisis.

 

Saturday, November 2: Young Friends  Black Tie Masquerade Ball

Stotesbury Mansion, 1923 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA. Come dressed to impress in your favorite mask! Enjoy the delicious food, open bar, music by DJ Jonathan Silva and dancing - all for a great cause!

 

Friday, February 7:

Wine in Winter
Normandy Farm Hotel, Blue Bell, PA. Sample flavorful offerings from the areas best restaurants, caterers, wineries and breweries. Silent auction and raffles too!
 
Wednesday, May 14:
Go Back...and Give Back Golf Outing and Clambake
Philadelphia Cricket Club, St. Martin's Course. Turn back the clock and enjoy 'old time' golf on this historic U.S. Open golf course. For more information, call 215-643-0763.

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Kelly Anne Dolan Memorial Fund 
P.O. Box 556, AmblerPA 19002, 215-643-0763
www.dolanfund.org




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