Thank you for visiting my Faces of Miracles event page to benefit The Sturge-Weber Foundation.  Please help me by joining my team to raise funds or by making a donation to my fundraising page.

The Sturge-Weber Foundation (SWF) was founded in 1987 by a mother and father looking for answers. Twenty-three years later we continue to seek answers - a cure - for those living with Sturge-Weber Syndrome, commonly referred to as port wine birthmark conditions. SWF exists to support those afflicted with Sturge-Weber Syndrome through education, research and support.
For many years, million of people in thousands of cities and towns have united in their efforts to support their favorite charity through community events from selling lemonade to fundraiser walks. These events serve two very important purposes: to raise awareness and money.

I am participating in the Faces of Miracles campaign to raise awareness of Sturge-Weber Syndrome and the vital financial support the SWF needs to continue their mission. Faces of Miracles brings awareness through the creation of a calendar filled with 12 miracle stories and pictures. Calendars tell us what day it is. The Faces of Miracles calendar tells us every day there are people who need our love and support. It also reminds us that through generosity that there can be day - a day in the near future - when Sturge-Weber Syndrome will be cured!!!

About Theo

Theodore turned 4 this year!  He is still one happy little guy! 

Theo was born with a port wine birthmark on his face and scalp and was diagnosed with a condition called Sturge-Weber Syndrome. SWS, which is very rare, involves an overgrowth of blood vessels on the surface of his brain.

Theo experiences many manifestations of SWS, including seizures. Stroke-like episodes have caused one-sided partial paralysis, for which he receives therapy. He now wears a brace on his right ankle, which gives him a steadier walk. Theo also has vision deficits and glaucoma, and he attends weekly speech therapy. Although his development and speech are delayed, he is making progress with terrific care from his doctors, therapists, and teachers.

Theo has had a busy year, medically.  In addition to daily challenges, he had 2 eye surgeries to receive an implant which helps drain the eye and relieve damaging pressure of glaucoma.  He was also diagnosed with Growth Hormone Deficiency, which explains his small size.  After several hospital stays for seizure-control, he is now having nearly daily seizures, sometimes many each day.   He is on a Modified Atkins Diet for seizure control, to see if it has a positive impact on reducing his seizures.

His family is active in the Sturge-Weber Foundation support group. The SW Foundation also offers educational information, networking, and funding for research.  Please visit their informative website at www.sturge-weber.org.

Over the last three years, nearly $8,000 has been raised and contributed to the foundation through Theo’s Birthday Project.  Each year, handcrafted jewelry is sold, with proceeds being donated. For more info, contact us at theosbirthdayproject@gmail.com.  Also this year, we held our first flag football tournament fundraiser.  Thank you to all who have generously participated!  Here is yet another way you can help! 

By joining my team or making a contribution to my fundraising page, you're helping me reach my goal of being one of the top 12 fundraisers and one of the 12 miracle stories in the 2010 Faces of Miracles calendar!!!

Donors with gifts of $25 or more will receive a free calendar. Of course calendars will be available for purchase on the SWF Marketplace too.

Many thanks for your support - and please do not forget to forward this to anyone and everyone you think would like to help!