Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Angelman Walk A Thon was a HUGE Success!

On Saturday May 16th - we had the Angelman Syndrome Walkathon at Shadow Lake Towne Center. There were similar walks taking place in 23 other cities across the nation - but this was the first one in the Omaha area!

We were blown away - especially given the fact that it was the first year!

Nearly 500 people were at the walk despite the cold and windy weather and we raised over $32,000 for the Angelman Syndrome Foundation!! This money will go directly to research projects for a possible cure and educational and support materials that will benefit all Angelman individuals including Aubrey!

We would like to thank each and everyone that showed up to support Aubrey at the Walk. She had a wonderful showing.

The UNO Dance Team came early in the morning to help with registration. They also did a small performance to get the event officially kicked off and finally walked together in support of their biggest fan Aubrey.

The Union Pacific Daycare made a big splash with the Pink and Green "Team Aubrey" shirts. They seemed to be everywhere! From Aubrey's current teacher Miss Katie - to her first one she had at 8 weeks old Miss Rebecca - they were all there in support! And Kathie - the director of the daycare - assisted with the whole set up and months of organization. She really went above and beyond to make the day a success for Aubrey and all the Angel families!

We were of course happy that so many of our family and friends from work and church could take part in the day with us as well. My parents and sister and cousins were all there. But we hope there are no graduations or confirmations that conflict next year - so we can get the whole clan together!! We did have our full "Omaha family" in attendance. Beth, Tonya, and Rebecca - my best friends in Omaha - were there in full force. Even 4 day old Brody Thomas made the walk!!!

Finally - we would also like to thank everyone that had the opportunity to donate to Aubrey's online fundraising page: http://www.angelman.org/TeamAubrey/

We're so grateful for your generous support! You were there in spirit!

Here are some pictures of the day:


Shirts designed by Jessica at Aubrey's Daycare - they are AWESOME!



We're waiting for the Walk to start!


UNO Dance Team doing a little performance to get things kicked off!



This is our attempt to take a picture with all the Angelman kiddos. Didn't get a good one - but there were about 15 children from 15 months to 20 years old with Angelman Syndrome in attendance. Most kids were from Nebraska - but we did have some participants from Iowa, Missouri, adn South Dakota.


Aubrey and her Daddy - practicing her steps!


Uncle Nate, Aunt Mara welcome Kara halfway through the walk!



Who knew the Buffalo Wild Wings mascot was an Angel too!!


Our family after the walk was all done!

What a great day - I can't wait for next year! Our wheels are already spinning on how to make it bigger and better!




3 comments:

Kerrie (Kendal's Mommy) said...

Happy to hear it went so well. We attended the Nashville Walk-A-Thon for the second year and we also had a really good turnout despite the weather.

I enjoy your blog!

Paula said...

Wonderful to hear!! We were also at the Nashville Walk-a-thon for our first time. Humbling to say the least.

Unknown said...

Hi Elise! I'm so glad that we got to meet you and Aubrey at the walk. We were so glad to be there. I wish we could've spent more time talking to the local people and get to know them. Aubrey is so beautiful and reminds me so much of Hope when she was younger! Keep in touch!