As I was saying to my family just the other day, I can't believe how fast this year has gone. This time last year I was preparing to begin my first year at Wesleyan, and in a few days I will be a sophomore with both a fantastic first year of college under my belt but also an amazing summer as a counselor at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp completed.
Among my experiences in the past year was attending one of the free patient and family conferences that AA&MDSIF puts on every year. It was fascinating to sit in on lectures by some of the top experts in bone marrow failure and hear about the strides and changes that have been made in treatment since I was a patient. My experiences in college biology classes have given me an even greater understanding about the process and importance of research. It was also heartbreaking to hear from the parents of newly diagnosed children. I think that I was able to provide some hope to them by sharing my story. It was an honor to be recognized as a survivor at this conference as well.
So many of my most memorable experiences in the past year have recommitted me to the importance of the work of AA&MDSIF and the value and power that it has for hundreds of families and patients.
With all of this in mind, I am incredibly honored and proud to say that my brother, Ian, and his friends Connor and Ben have once again stepped up to host the Craft Fair and to provide a source of funds for AA&MDSIF's hope-giving and life-saving work. They have been working diligently all summer to bring you the best-ever Craft Fair. I am humbled by their dedication and hopeful that they will be even more successful than last year. Please consider attending the fair this year, or making a donation (feel free to add details about when/where the fair is or what page on the site has more info, or send people to the How you can help page or something)
Thank you all for your time, interest, and support,