Garage Sale Supporting the CMA - Sat., June 25 & 26, 2011

Thank you to all those that supported Cyndi and the Canadian Marfan Association to help fundraise and increase awareness of Marfan syndrome in our community. 
 
The garage sale raised a total of $1400 for the CMA!! Cyndi was approached by a reported who shared her story in the Maple Ridge/Pitt Meadows Times about her brother Justin and why increasing awareness for Marfan syndrome is so important. Cyndi met three families who have been affected by Marfan syndrome that came out to support the garage sale, meet Cyndi and share their story. Cyndi was inspired by her community and how we can all help to make a difference!
 
Again, thank you to everyone and Cyndi for your hard work and support. Together, we can save lives and improve the quality of life for patients! 
 
Click here to see Cyndi and Justin's story in the Maple Ridge Times
 

 
Garage Sale Benefiting The Canadian Marfan Association
 
Hosted by Cyndi Reed
Saturday, June 25 and 26, 2011 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
 
Location The Thompson House
11666 Fraserview Street
Maple Ridge District Municipality, BC
 
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=198121320225204 
 
Dear Friends and Supporters,
 
My name is Cyndi Reed and my goal is to raise $2000 for the Canadian Marfan Association. This association is very important to me because my brother Justin Reed has Marfan syndrome. On February 7th, Justin (age 30) underwent open heart surgery to save his life. During this stressful time, I realized there needs to be more awareness about this syndrome. Many people are living with Marfan's and don't even know it. 

On June 25th and 26th, I am going to host a two day garage sale. All money made from the sale will be donated to the Canadian Marfan Association. I am completely relying on donations of gently used items. If you have anything you would like to donate please contact me directly at nikyda@yahoo.com or facebook and we can make arrangements for pick up/drop off. 

You may ask what Marfan syndrome is:

Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder of the connective tissue. Connective tissue "connects", provides structural support, and determines the elasticity of the body's organs, bones, and ligaments. In Marfan syndrome, the connective tissue in the heart, lungs, eyes and skeletal and nervous systems and other tissues can stretch and weaken.

The major problem lies in a component of the connective tissue, which is abnormal because of a change in a gene. This change can be inherited from a parent (autosomal dominant inheritance) or may appear for the first time in a family in a child of unaffected parents.

The condition was first described by Dr. Antoine Marfan in 1896 and can affect both men and women of any race or ethnic origin. It is estimated that 1 in 5000 Canadians has the Marfan syndrome or a related connective disorder. (This definition was taken from the Canadian Marfan Association’s Website: www.marfan.ca )

Thank you for taking the time to read this and please feel free to invite friends and family!!

If you are unable to attend/donate to the garage sale please consider making a cash donation on-line through the CMA's website at www.marfan.ca or my Giving Page at Canadahelps.org
 
Thank you,
Cyndi Reed