Our Hero, Maxx!

Our Hero, Maxx!
Maxx was born with dominant dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa; a rare, genetic disease that leaves blistering and open wounds on the body.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Help DebRA Win a Makeover!


Each year, MindComet, the interactive agency behind the CommuniCause campaign gives back to our community by providing non-profit organizations free-of-charge agency services and donations. In the past, they have worked with the Orlando History Center, Habitat for Humanity, the American Cancer Society, Race for A Cure, and Toys for Tots, and they are really proud of the work they have done.
This year, they just couldn’t pick a favorite, so they launched CommuniCause, allowing America to help select the organization to receive a pro bono social media services. They are allowing America to nominate and vote for their favorite charity that they’d like to see win the grand prize of a Social Media Makeover valued at $25,000.
A winner will be randomly selected from the top ten charities that receive the most votes and upon awarding the winner, MindComet will provide the winner with expert consulting services to help improve their social media presence and fundraising outreach. Click on the link above to vote for DebRA of America!

Monday, May 25, 2009

Workplace Giving - Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association


DebRA has joined Health 1st - America's Charities, a federation for workplace giving campaigns. Through this federation, DebRA will gain increased exposure in hundreds of workplace campaigns across the country.Charitable employee campaigns provide an easy way to donate to DebRA. Donations are automatically deducted from paychecks, so there are no checks to write, no envelopes to address, and no stamps to lick. Simply fill out a campaign pledge card indicating the amount of your gift and designate DebRA as the charity of your choice, our number is 11990. Look for DebRA in your employee-giving guide under Health 1st - America's Charities. If you cannot find DebRA or Health 1st - America's Charities in your guide, contact anyone on the DebRA staff at (212) 868-1573.

Memorial Day Fun!

My little lady bug, Anna enjoying the great outdoors!

The "boys" coming down the slide of the bouncy house!


Memorial Day Picnic

My family and I were able to spend time with friends and extended family over the weekend. It was amazing to see family members that I haven't seen in years. My grannie and gramps visited from Florida and all of my great aunts and uncles were there as well! My sister rented a bouncy house for all the kids, and it was a huge hit! Maxx and Anna got to play with all the cousins and run through the sprinkler, boy was it hot!! We are so fortunate to have such a close bond with our families!

Ohio International Queens


Miss Ohio Int'l Tiffany Schramm, Mrs. Ohio Int'l Lindsey Gregg,

Miss Teen Ohio Int'l Jessica Byington.

(Pictured here w/ Mrs. Ohio Int'l '03 Carrie Layne, Miss Ohio Int'l '07 Brittany Barton,

Miss Teen Int'l '07 Allie DeSantis, Mrs. Ohio Int'l '08 Gerri Walczak)

Friday, May 22, 2009

Senior Breakfast & DebRA of America Donation


Mr. Hopkins, the government teacher at Preble Shawnee High School started the community service project for graduating seniors advocating for epidermolysis bullosa and DebRA of America. High school students have learned about this rare genetic disease, while spreading awareness and having fun! They held a talent show, skating parties, and an auction. In three years, these classes have donated close to $10,000 to DebRA of America, Inc. This allows my family to send medical supplies to new EB babies as well! I am so proud to say that I am also a graduate of Preble Shawnee High School!

Thursday, May 21, 2009

First Appearance as Mrs.Ohio International 2009!

Hello Everyone!

I have my first appearance as Mrs. Ohio Int '09 on Friday morning. Our local high school has been raising funds and awareness for epidermolysis bullosa this past year, and they are presenting a check for the research foundation, DebRA of America, Inc. I will be talking to them about their future plans as graduating seniors as well. The ironic thing about all of this is that I have taught some of them as elementary students and talked to them about community service in my social studies class! I will post pictures soon!