BENEFITING: THE BELL CENTER FOR EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAMS
ORGANIZER: THE BELL CENTER FOR EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAMS
EVENT: Mercedes Marathon, Half-Marathon & Marathon Relay
EVENT DATE: Feb 12, 2012
HERE'S THE STORY:

THANK YOU for visiting my fundraising page for The Bell Center for Early Intervention Programs via The 2012 Mercedes Marathon in honor of my friend Case Nicolas Rush.   Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to make a contribution to our fundraising efforts.

Last year, in February of 2011, I ran the Mercedes Half Marathon in honor of Case Nicolas Rush, the son of our friends Jason and Leslie Rush. With the help and support of friends and family, as well as friends and family of the Rushes and from strangers whom we had never met, I was able to raise nearly $3,000.00 in honor of Case for The Bell Center. On February 12, 2012, I will be doubling my distance and running in the 2012 Mercedes Marathon to raise money for The Bell Center in honor of Case Nicolas, and I am aiming for a fundraising goal of $2,620.00.

I would like to tell you about Case and The Bell Center:

Case was born early and was diagnosed with Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL) which affects the white matter in his brain which has also led to Cerebral Palsy (CP) and other motor skill and developmental delays. Case Nicolas will be three years old in May, 2012 and has been attending The Bell Center for two years. The Bell Center has been working with Case Nicolas to develop ways for him to communicate and to improve his motor skills, both of which can be obstacles for children with PVL and CP. They have had success with him drinking through a straw which his neurologist did not anticipate occurring until he is 4 or 5 years old. They have also fitted him with leg braces which will hopefully allow him to stand and walk on his own one day.

As much as I enjoy running, I try not to take the ability to do so for granted. I am glad to be able to help The Bell Center in honor of Case Nicolas Rush. The Bell Center has helped the children of several friends of mine, and I know that the funds raised will be put to good use. You can learn more about The Bell Center below or at www.thebellcenter.org. 
  

Click the big orange DONATE button or go one step further and help us fundraise by clicking the JOIN THE TEAM button. You'll get your own fundraising page to share with all your friends and family.

The Bell Center offers early intervention services to children at risk for delay, often within a few days or weeks after birth. Parents often feel a sense of helplessness when they discover their child has special needs; however, the Bell Center staff and volunteers are able to provide them with specific information and encouragement allowing parents to move from a sense of confusion, to a deep pride in their children’s accomplishments and optimism for the future.

Programs at The Bell Center are designed to promote growth in gross and fine motor skills, as well as language, cognition, self-help, and play skills. Each child is evaluated annually, and goals are tailored specifically to the child’s needs. The Bell Center employs a staff of highly qualified professionals including physical and occupational therapists, speech/language pathologists, and early childhood special education teachers who work directly with infants and toddlers in many programs while directing the efforts of volunteers who work with toddlers in other programs. 

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too! 

Brooke Dodson