Thank you for your Support

We wanted to post a general thank you to everyone that has donated to the Hope for McKenna fundraiser or purchased the digital scrapbooking kit "A Mother's Love" from http://www.scrapoutsidethebox.com/. So far we have received $660.00 in donations and sold $175 worth of the charity kits for a total of $835.00 reaching 18% of our goal. We are searching for alternative methods to raise money for McKenna's past and upcoming medical bills, so please be on the lookout for these upcoming offers.

A little follow-up on McKenna's well-being; she is doing well but still has a few doctor's visits lined up for the near future as well as a big move to southern Florida. The Conrad's are moving from Panama City to West Palm Beach in the next month. This is a good move because McKenna will be closer to her doctors in Tampa. McKenna is almost 17 months old and weighs about 21 lbs (the same as my 10 month old). She just healed from a double ear infection however the doctor feels that she may need to get tubes in her ears. She is scheduled to visit an ear, nose and throat specialist just to be sure. She also needs to visit the dentist because of the alignment of her teeth from her cleft palate. In addition, she will need to begin speech therapy to ensure that she will not have a speech impediment in the future. I don't think talking will be much of a problem, because just yesterday, she figured out how to call me on the phone. I listened closely to that adorable little voice as she jibber jabbered on and on about something so intently. She certainly had something to tell Aunt Brandy. Aunt Dani said she had called her as well and told her the most exciting but intangible story. What a cutie pie.

So, all in all, Ms. McKenna (or "Sister" as Bela calls her) is doing well. She has healed well and responded wonderfully to the surgeries and massive amounts of doctors’ offices she has been in and out of. We are hopeful that her physician visits will become fewer and farther between. She is eating well, growing strong and always playful. Her innocence and joyful spirit will heal her ailments, and she will grow into a beautiful toddler and young lady one day. I know this in my heart.

Thank you for all you have done and your continued love and support. Please share McKenna’s story of love, courage and community support.