Thursday, May 01, 2008

Brady's Walk 2008 ~ a HUGE Success!


Brady's Walk last weekend was a HUGE success! Just check out this picture above - Can you believe this picture? It was taken at the Park before we started the Walk. And it isn't even everyone - another six were not in the picture. Plus the MANY more who donated but were not able to come to the Walk. I think I counted 85 people AT the Walk. How amazing!

And how touching ~ how do I even thank all the numerous people who supported Brady's Walk? I received checks from people in the hundreds who did not even know Brady, they just knew someone who knew us. Since having Brady and experiencing the support from strangers, it has changed Tom and me profusely and forever.



The day was beautiful; the threat of rain disappeared and the skies were sunny and bright. Of course I was late getting to the Park, but the amount of people milling around waiting just blew me away. We quickly passed out tshirts and bracelets, took a couple of pictures, then we were off! Walkers, strollers, scooters, bikers, we all headed off around the lake.


We had six WS families there (you'll see in the picture here): Brady, of course, Michaela and her family, Lucien and his family, Coleman and his family; plus two people we hadn't met before - Truman and his family and Brianna and her family. It was exciting to meet the other families, who live not too far away. I hope we will get together with them again in the near future. I know we all see similarities with our WS kids, but Truman and Lucien were identical! They both had that tousled curly brown hair and big grins on their faces.


After the Walk, most of us headed to Ang's house for lunch and fun. Our Music Therapist Danielle and her mother had the whole sound system set up and sang for hours for the crowd. They were phenomenal! After lunch and dessert, we had some raffles that were a big hit. It was relaxing to just be able to talk to everyone, although you never have time to talk for long, of course! I did had out some special flowers to our host, Angela; my sister Kathleen, who donated her February Tastefully Simple profits for the Walk; and Laura for being the New England Chairperson for the WSA and being such a great source of information and support. I was a tad bit emotional (well... just a tad! LOL) but I am in awe of these people who have helped so much.

Thanks to everyone who brought food to the party; thanks to Danielle and her mom for the entertainment; thanks to (another) Kerry who designed the logo; thanks of COURSE to Ang for hosting -- nine months pregnant to boot! Right now... we have raised over $2,700 ~ plus there is still more money coming in! Woohoo!!!!
I will put together Brady's Walk 2008 movie over the next few days. I have a ton of pictures to sort through. I am so excited to have had such a glorious day and to have been able to meet more friends with WS. Thank you all so much!

14 comments:

Julie said...

Awesome. Glad it went well and it looks like you had a beautiful day.

Heather said...

that is awesome! I'm glad so many people came out. Generous people too! Looks like you did a fantastic job planning. I could use some pointers for the next time I try to throw something together. Our gatherings are not intended to be a fundraiser just a good time, but with the huge response that I got, I really should consider a fundraiser to go along with it. I will be getting ahold of you about how to do that! :) Brady looks so much older all the sudden.. what a sweetheart!

Tes said...

A true blessing.

Anonymous said...

Just awesome, Kerry!! I was wondering how it went... great day for a stroll! :) You really are an amazing woman!

Penny said...

Wow, that is just awesome!

Katie said...

That is AWESOME!!!!
What a fantastic effort :) Great pics!
I cant get over how grown up Brady suddenly looks in that photo, he is a real little boy, not a baby anymore... just beautiful!

Michelle said...

congrats on the huge success! how awsome that so many families came out and so many funds were raised! Whoo hoo!

Anonymous said...

It was a great day and to see all the love and support for all of you was overwhelming! It was our pleasure to be a part of Brady's Walk 2008!!!!

Unknown said...

Kerry that is just amazing! Way to go. When you have some time can you tell me about the braclets.

I can't wait to see the video!

Teresa and Shawn said...

Incredible job, Kerry! We are bummed we missed it this year, but are hoping to make it next year!

Laura said...

We had a wonderful time. It was an honor to be a part of this day!
Kerry, you did an amazing job.
Thank you!!!!!

Tara said...

This is fantastic!! I am so glad you had so many people donate and show up to walk. You did a lot of hard work - and it paid off. Thanks for sharing the pictures- I wish I lived closer so I could be there!

Amy said...

I am SO PROUD of the work you did and the money you raised for Brady's Walk. Wonderful job!!! The new photo of Brady is shocking, he has grown like a weed overnight and is starting to lose his baby-ness.
xoxo
Amy

Aspen said...

Like everyone else...I too am SO PROUD of you! Sounds like the walk was a HUGE success and everyone had an amazing time while raising boat loads of money! You totally rock. Desperately wish we could have been there to walk along side of you. CONGRATULATIONS on such a great day!