In the beginning....

October 1995 Our fund raising efforts began as an idea from our good neighbors and their children. They had watched us in our journey with Sophie's start in life, and wanted to help. Here is their story:

The "One in a Million Kid" Fund project began after reading about the Points of Light Foundation, "Make a Difference Day" in "USA Week-End Magazine". I immediately wanted to participate and instantly knew what I wanted to do. Three years ago a lovely family, Rick and Jody Prunty moved next door to mine. Twenty-two months ago, after four miscarriages, their dream came true and her name was Sophie!

The months that followed her birth and the reality of her diagnosis of Motor-Sensory Neuropathy Type II, at the Mayo Clinic presented enormous challenges for the family. This "orphan disease" literally strikes only one in a million children. There is no research, due to the rarity of the disease and little, if any, is known about Sophie's prognosis. Additionally, Sophie endured surgery to correct club feet and she is also motor skilled delayed. But their courage, faith and absolute love for their daughter has kept them determined to do everything possible to make Sophie's life happy. I asked the family for permission to organize a "Make a Difference Day" fund raiser for Sophie.

Next, I enlisted special friends, Michael, Kimberly and my daughter, Katrina to be a part of the project. We named our project the "One in a Million Kid" Fund and met weekly to plan our strategy. First, we contacted the local press and had stories about Sophie and her family, and our project printed over the next two weeks. Next, Katrina organized 22 students from Oak Park-River Forest High School to accept donations throughout the community on October 28th. This was especially exciting to us because so often teens are not viewed in a positive light. These kids certainly turned that image around. These young people were enthusiastic and inspiring.

Our next idea was to ask local businesses to donate a portion of their October 28th proceeds to the fund. Several students spent a week-end delivering project information to local business owners. We encouraged residents to shop locally to help Sophie. Also, my daughter Shauna was accepting donations from her fellow soldiers at Ft. Lewis in Tacoma, Washington on the 28th. Then, some great news! The King of Hearts Fund, a Chicagoland charity donated $1000.00 to kick off the fund. We were gaining momentum now!! A florist donated 500 carnations to exchange for donations. Our tireless high school kids spent several days tying blue and orange ribbons on which are their school colors. A local candy company donated 150 packages of Gummy Bears to hand out. A local food store donated containers for collecting donations. The OPRF student council donated 40 tee shirts so our student volunteers could be easily identified.

We couldn't believe the outpouring of generosity and support. Then, the night before the big day, a resident called to tell us that 5 five-year-old little girls in her day-care group were having a garage sale and were planning on donating the proceeds to Sophie. What an inspiration! The big day arrived and it was one that none of the participants will ever forget. People were so kind and generous. Even though rain and cloudy skies were predicted, not one drop of rain fell; in fact, the sun peeked out in the afternoon. As of this writing, we have collected $3,000.00. We believe this is just the beginning. Our goal is to raise enough funds to send the Prunty family to the Option Institute in Sheffield, Mass. The Option process is an individually designed for each child with special needs, and to train parents in the development and execution of a home-based, parent-directed program. In closing, thanks Points of Light Foundation for bringing together teenagers, families, neighbors, friends, children, soldiers and an entire community to show that through volunteering together we can " Make a Difference" and accomplish anything!!!

The Prunty family hopes the fund will continue, and that one day they will be able to help other special needs children and their families!