Bill and I have been asked many times if we accept donations for our Christmas display, "Lights on Heatherglen". We of course, do not accept personal donations for the display. However, we have decided to take the opportunity to fundraise for those most deserving going forward. For our first Christmas, we have decided to direct our efforts to help little Harper, who resides right here in Mentor.

No one knows what it is like to have a child with special needs unless you have a child with special needs. The love, patience, strength, and resources that it takes is tremendous. Everyday most of us get to watch our kids run, play, and just be kids, not knowing or thinking about those parents and children who do not get to experience these little things that most of us may take for granted. I believe that these special children are brought here to teach all of us many lessons about love and about life. I have personally learned so much and have grown so much because I am blessed to been touched by many of these kids in my lifetime. We are asking that donations be directed toward our fund for Harper to help her and her family with the uncovered expenses involved in her care. These expenses will continue for a lifetime, but every little bit counts. If just to make one year, one season, a little less stressful.

HARPER'S STORY

Harper was diagnosed at just 3 months of age with McCune Albright Syndrome / Polyostotic Fibrous Dysplasia. This is a very rare disorder that affects the skin, bones, and hormone producing tissues. Harper has been through more in her first 5 years of life, than most of us will ever experience. At 3 months old, Harper had to have her adrenal glands removed due to the overproduction of cortisol. She was a very sick little baby. After removing her adrenal glands to save her, she he now needs medication every 8 hours to continue to keep her alive. After this surgery Harper also lost functionality of one of her kidneys. These serious conditions actually take a back seat to Harper's problems with her bones. Harper's bones in her skull, arms, and legs are severely affected by this disorder. Her legs being the most severe. Harper's bones are soft. Rather than grow and harden like healthy bones, Harper's are filled with fibrous scar tissue. Due to this, the bones in her legs bow outward causing tremendous pain and deformity that has taken away her ability to walk. Harper has had the large bones in her legs broken several times in attempts to place rods that would straighten her legs and help support her. With each surgery, Harper is faced with long recoveries, physical, occupational, and speech therapies. Because her condition is so rare, Harper and her family now travel to Florida to be treated by a surgeon who specializes in treating children with MAS. She will once again have her legs broken and rods inserted, this time in her lower legs in order to correct her feet which are now turned outward. She will be in a body cast for the next 5 weeks. This is just a small summary of the beginning of Harper's story. Harper's story is extensive. Her fight will last her entire lifetime as there is no cure for McCune Albright Syndrome. Thank you for your time and caring. Help us Help Harper!