MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

We hope everybody had a safe and fun-filled holiday week! Spending time with family is always  a great stress reliever or maybe for some, the cause of stress!  In our family we all feel the void of Ruth being gone, but we continue to celebrate the holidays as she would have wanted us too. 

It's been a while since we have updated so here are some current events through the RCRF:

-This year for Christmas Ruth's family decided to donate money to a great cause rather than give presents. We may be a little prejudice, but the great cause of course was the Ruth Cooper Research Fund! The idea was brought up by Mary Ann Budke, Ruth's mother.  She called all of her kids and the older grandkids and asked if it was okay, instead of buying gifts, she donated money to the fund and the same in return for her gifts.  Everybody agreed to it and together, we were able to make a contribution of $2705!  Thank you so much for everybody who joined in on the fun! 

-We also received the check from Thrivent Mutual Funds from the fundraiser we held last March. Thrivent matches a certain amount raised depending on the number of people who attended the event with Thrivent Insurance.  The total we received was $1500!   Thank you Thrivent!

-Speaking of fundraisers, there was a lot of going back and forth on whether or not to do another event in March of 2012.  We received so much support from the people, the local communities, and different companies, we weren't sure we could ask them to do it all again the following year.  The main reason was that two of Ruth's daughters were pregnant and had their babies in December.  Our family felt like it would have been too much for us to put on another fundraiser this year.  Having said that, we are not giving up this fight.  From the beginning we have said that we will continue until we find a treatment for this disease.  Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Continue to watch for updates from the Ruth Cooper Research Fund.  We don't know what the Lord has in mind for us, but we all feel we are meant to take our sadness and pain and use it towards something constructive. 

-We have kept in touch with the research being done in Texas that we donated money to.  They are hoping to have some results by the end of January. Hopfully with patience, will come good news!  As soon as we do hear anything, we will post the information!

Thank you for taking the time to check in on us and God Bless.
The Ruth Cooper Research Fund

Together our Community STAYS, PRAYS, WORKS....

There are a few things to say about small towns.  Anybody can give the good and the bad about them, but our family has been truly blessed growing up in the small town of Manito.  One of the "big" events that take place in Manito is the Popcorn Festival, which is held every Labor Day weekend.  This annual event includes a parade, games, talent shows, basketball games, a 5K run, and many more events.

The Ruth Cooper Research Fund decided that participating in the parade at the Popcorn Festival would be a great way to show our appreciation for what our community did for us. The theme this year was "Together our community Stays, Prays, and Works" which fit perfectly for our idea!  We could never have held the fundraiser in March if it were not for the businesses and the people in Manito and the surrounding towns supporting us and our cause. 

From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU for everything you have done for us!

The Ruth Cooper Research Fund

Getting the signs ready!

"We have to do what?"

"Ohhh, we get CANDY afterwards! YAY!"

Getting the kids in the wagon

It was a very hot day but we managed to all make it through!

The kids did awesome!

Splash of Support

Many affected by EDS find themselves without direction or information on this rare disorder.

We want that to change!

Together we can spread awareness and build a foundation of support for everyone with EDS in their lives!

Please follow this link to print the Splash of Support registration form/t-shirt order form.

Splash of Support Registration

[to the left click "File", then click "Print (pdf)"]

We look forward to visiting with you! 

Hope to see you there!

SPLASH OF SUPPORT Hotel Information

Hi everybody!  We are hoping people are starting to plan the trip to Manito for the Splash of Support event!  Currently we are working on getting more information and details up for you!  As for now, we do have information on a hotel in case some of you need to spend the night!  Unfortunately Manito does not have any hotels, so the closest place is in Pekin, which is about 15-20 minutes away.  We have blocked rooms at the Holiday Inn Express and here is the information:

1.309.353.3305

3615 Kelly Ave

Pekin, Il 61554

$92/Night

 

Thanks everybody!  We are all getting very excited for this event and can't wait to meet everybody! 

Hope everyone is having a great summer so far! 

Stay tuned for more details!

Splash of Support!!!

Save the Date!

July 16, 2011

6:30pm-10:00pm

Manito, Illinois

If you, a family member, or someone you know is affected by Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, please join us on July 16 in Manito, Illinois for a splash of support!
Bring your family to enjoy the Sun, Swim, Snacks, and Support for Ehlers Danlos Syndrome!
More details to come shortly!!!

Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.

Where to even start on this post.  A month after the event has gone by and we are all still overwhelmed and so grateful for everybody that played a part and helped us.  The day of the benefit, March 12, was the one year anniversary of Ruth passing away and, although it was hard, we were very fortunate to be able to spend that day with everybody who came out to support us.  Our main goal for the benefit was to do something positive on a day where we would all be grieving.  Ruth always had a smile on her face, even during her last few days at the hospital, she was cracking jokes and smiling.  She was looking down on us all that day and I know she would be so appreciative for what everybody did to help support this cause and her family.

  This event brought out families who are dealing with Ehlers Danlos from around the state.  With an uncommon disease you often feel like you are the only one dealing with it and nobody understands.  You guys were able to bring these families together and help them realize they are not alone.  

In the above pictures you will notice that the check has a total of $33,000.  WOW!  This was an AMAZING number for us and we could not have asked for more!  None of us had dreamt we would reach a total like that.  A month later, we are ECSTATIC to say we are at  $45,455.52!!! We are beyond thankful and there are no words that can express how much gratitude we have.  Thank you again to everybody who contributed in any way! Please know that you are giving the Ehlers Danlos community hope and you have given our family hope. 

This was for you Ruth.  Thank you for making us who we are and for teaching us to be strong and to have a smile on our face while we are doing it.

The Family of Ruth Cooper

PS- Please keep checking our blog out!  We will soon have pictures from the night up!  We will also keep you posted as we learn more on the research of Vascular Ehlers Danlos Syndrome!

I spy...A BIG BLACK BEAR

Guided Bear Hunt in Northern Minnesota for One Person

More Details at Fundraiser

Live Auction Item

Donated by Anderson Farms

THANK YOU!!!