The Pepsi Challenge

[P_Mom]

I'm starting to get REALLY excited, nervous.....and totally humbled. When the seed to start this project was planted in my head in February, it was a fleeting thought.......

 

I saw Demi Moore speaking of the Pepsi Refresh Challenge on t.v. and how they were looking for good ideas to fund. I thought...."heck, I know a good idea." Then, sitting there, the idea and feeling to actually try and do it got stronger. I wanted to do SOMETHING! So, I popped on the computer, started the Pepsi page, ran it by those on this forum, took a picture of my son for the Pepsi page, got help from Vickie, and, together we completed the application.... I failed to get it submitted the first month , but, was set and ready at midnight the next month and frantically tried to get the application accepted in the 20 minutes you got , it got accepted , we made great gains and learned much the first month, and now ....... HERE WE ARE!!! I actually am kinda stunned....when the thought first ran through my head I guess I thought I'd give it a shot...what the heck....I didn't really expect to win!!!?? But, like I said, I am humbled and awe struck by all the support, dedication, and compassion from all those that have been involved in this project.......all you that vote EVERY DAY for this cause.......all you that campaign, post links everywhere, spread the word, etc.....Vickie, your unbelieveable help and dedication ....EVERYONE!! THANK YOU! I know we haven't won, yet, but, it is looking really good......either way, win or "lose"......we have definitely made an impact on this world and spread PANDAS awareness....and THAT is a great thing! THANK YOU ALL so very much, again, this could never have been possible without each and every one of you!

Edited June 26, 2010 by P.Mom

[JAG10]

Kelly,

 

THANK YOU!!!! from all the pandas families including those here, those out in the community who are having "ah-ha" moments as they discover and learn, and those whose children suffer, but they have yet to discover why.

 

Is it too optimistic to think this could spark a domino of funding???

 

I would love for someone who goes to the OCD conference to get a picture of Dr. Cunningham's face when she shares the news that she WON the $50K from the parents of pandas children who have moved mountains one bucket of soil at a time.

 

What the heck are we all going to do with the all that free time we'll have when we don't have to vote in July? I'm planning on giving my laptop some vacation time too!

 

Jill

[ajcire]

Does Dr. Cunningham know just how close she is??

[memom]

I want to also send thanks. It is an amazing amount of work for all. I would also like to hear about Dr. Cunningham's reaction when she hears about the money. It is such a testiment to how despirate we are to get our kids properly diagnosed and treated.

 

Though most of us have not done the amount of work you have done, each person who votes daily (for all the other causes as well), and spreads the word so others will vote are pieces of the success. Step by step, stone by stone, we will find cures for our kids.

 

memom

Ellie

[P_Mom]

Jill...... ...no, I don't think it is too optimistic to expect a domino effect! Thank you so much for everything!

 

Ajcire....yes, Dr. Cunningham is aware of how close we are....she is still "overwhelmed" by what we PANDAS parents are doing!

 

Memom....you are 100% right...it is all of us....each person, each vote! Let's keep it up!

 

I will definitely keep everyone updated on conversations with Dr. C!

 

5 days to go and the 50K is OURS!!!! (well, Dr. C's but, you know what I mean!

 

 

VOTE!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU EVERYONE!!!

Edited June 26, 2010 by P.Mom

[tpotter]

Thank you, thank you to everyone who has been helping. I know it's a ton of work, but it's so worth it for so much to come of this. This is also a testament to how much we trust in the work Dr. Cunningham is doing.

 

I know it's early, but what about getting money to pay for some of the docs to get out there and speak to colleagues (general rounds, etc.) Money that would cover the cost. Money that would pay for ads in magazines, etc? I know I'm dreaming, but isn't this how the current challenge started?

[P_Mom]

tpotter....yep, that is exactly how this current project got started......and, if we follow our dreams....look what can happen! Count me in for any new ideas/challenges!!!

 

Oh, I'd LOVE to get one of the top docs out here to Pittsburgh!!!! You know....that is a really good idea......hmmmmm.....(wheels are churning)

[JAG10]

One night in July, we should all grab a glass of our favorite wine or spirit, get together in our favorite meeting spot...here....and start a topic titled "What I've been willing to do to help my pandas child."

 

I KNOW Vickie and Kelly would have some humdingers to share on that thread!!!

[P_Mom]

Jill....yeah...let's do that!!!

 

Let's wait until the end of the month to pick a date....anyone else in?

Edited June 26, 2010 by P.Mom

[coco]

You are awesome! The effort you have put forward on behalf of all children and families is incredible! Both you and Vickie have kept us on the forced march and guided us strategically to cross the finish line! I am so proud to call you all my cyber friends and am honored to play a teenie-weenie part in this victory. It tickles my heart when pharmacists have their families vote for us, church groups, teams, friends... strangers! You all deserve a standing ovation!!! The small seed has taken off and this is soooo huge!!

[T_Mom]

Vickie and Kelly--You guys have been amazing in getting this effort up and over the top !!! THANK YOU !

 

It goes to show what Parent-Power there is when parents have ill kids--

Way to go voters one and all!!!

 

TMom

[LNN]

tpotter....yep, that is exactly how this current project got started......and, if we follow our dreams....look what can happen! Count me in for any new ideas/challenges!!!

 

Oh, I'd LOVE to get one of the top docs out here to Pittsburgh!!!! You know....that is a really good idea......hmmmmm.....(wheels are churning)

 

First, a HUGE thank you to Kelly, Vickie and others who've sacrificed so much family time to achieve so much!

 

So here's an idea to kick around after the 1st of the month...someone mentioned a few weeks ago about a few doctors in Texas who were now willing to consider Pandas treatment because of some things they heard at Autism One. In 2 weeks, the OC Foundation hosts its annual conference and Drs. Swedo, Cunningham, Leckman, Kovacevic and Nicolaides will all be presenting in a Pandas track.

 

Maybe one project would be to coordinate speakers and/or Pandas tracks at other upcoming conferences (which generally set speakers' lists 4-6 months ahead of time). The more Pandas tracks, the more presentations by the professionals/experts, the more it becomes "real" to the doctors in attendance, the more "main stream". Can we come up with a half dozen conferences in the next 12 months? Immunology, pediatrics, neurology? We'll know we can all retire the day they have a Pandas track at a TS conference !

Edited June 27, 2010 by LLM

[thereishope]

The National Tourette Syndrome Association has let me post our cause on their facebook page without deleting it a few times this month. It's a start.

 

tpotter....yep, that is exactly how this current project got started......and, if we follow our dreams....look what can happen! Count me in for any new ideas/challenges!!!

 

Oh, I'd LOVE to get one of the top docs out here to Pittsburgh!!!! You know....that is a really good idea......hmmmmm.....(wheels are churning)

 

First, a HUGE thank you to Kelly, Vickie and others who've sacrificed so much family time to achieve so much!

 

So here's an idea to kick around after the 1st of the month...someone mentioned a few weeks ago about a few doctors in Texas who were now willing to consider Pandas treatment because of some things they heard at Autism One. In 2 weeks, the OC Foundation hosts its annual conference and Drs. Swedo, Cunningham, Leckman, Kovacevic and Nicolaides will all be presenting in a Pandas track.

 

Maybe one project would be to coordinate speakers and/or Pandas tracks at other upcoming conferences (which generally set speakers' lists 4-6 months ahead of time). The more Pandas tracks, the more presentations by the professionals/experts, the more it becomes "real" to the doctors in attendance, the more "main stream". Can we come up with a half dozen conferences in the next 12 months? Immunology, pediatrics, neurology? We'll know we can all retire the day they have a Pandas track at a TS conference !

Edited June 28, 2010 by Vickie

[peglem]

i was just pondering what an extraordinary thing we've (almost) done! I don't know how many members this forum has, but we've managed to top groups that I'm sure have thousands of members! Thank you to our excellent leadership and to all of us determined ain't-gonna-let-nothing-stand-in-our-way parents!!!

[forjpj]

Thank you so much Kelly and Vickie!! Words can not begin to express my gratitude for all your time and effort!! You have done so much for our kids!!

Sarah