Help me help Jake

Meet Jake.

And since unfortunately a light sabre won't win this fight, please help me help Jake in another way.

I'm embarking on a challenge and I hope that you will all help. I have mentioned before about my dear friend's son, Jake, who was diagnosed at age three with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy -- the most common fatal disorder diagnosed in childhood (his website is among my links and can be accessed by clicking here). It affects young boys and knows no boundaries. It is unmerciful and currently there is no cure. I cannot tell you how much this saddens my soul. Jake is not quite five years old and if enough research cannot be completed to turn another corner, in another five years, Jake may no longer be able to walk. It is a true race against time and right now the only cure, the only hope, is research. Research costs money.

I know that times are tough, but I also know that when I need (NEED!) that sandwich from Chick-Fil-A, I pull on in and get one. I know we all have things like this that we always find the money to do. Instead, I'm asking you to give that $5 to this worthy cause. Give more, give less, but please, just give. In the name of Jake and all other boys just like him, please take a moment and give something.

I will be participating on TEAM JAKE in the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Stride & Ride at Concord Mills Mall north of Charlotte on March 7, 2009. This is less than a month away and I need your help. Please visit my fundraising page here to make a tax-deductible donation by credit card (click the red rectangle at the top center of the page under "Molly Hamilton is making a difference"). You can choose one of the pre-set amount or ANY amount you wish to make. There is no such thing as a donation that is too small. If you prefer, you can send a check to me; just let me know if you prefer this method.

Jake's mom put together a beautiful montage about Jake. If ever you needed any additional inspiration to give to this worthy cause, this is it. Please take a moment to watch it.

If I have your email, you will probably be hearing from me soon. This is my first attempt at fundraising in this new age of the Internet. Much easier than going door to door trying to get sponsors for a bike-a-thon. :) I hope everyone who reads this can find it in their heart and in their wallet to make a donation to this worthy cause.

The research dollars are there for cancer, but for DMD, which is 100% fatal, there is a need for more. Life is so very precious, and so is Jake. Thank you so much for any help you can provide. If you cannot spare a dime, please spare your prayers for Jake and all boys (and their families) affected by DMD.