July 6, 2005

Our lives have just recently been struck with tragedy as well. My baby girl Vanessa was diagnosed at 2 months old with DCM (Dilated Cardiomyopathy) and her struggle for life ended on April 7, 2005. She was only 4 months old but it seems as if she had shared a lifetime with us.

While we miss our little angel Vanessa more than we could possibly express in a letter; My husband and I realize that we must choose to either envelop ourselves in self-pity and shy from the world, or latch on to the deeper meaning and a better understanding of the frailty of life on Earth and to embrace even more the remaining moments we have. Due to the support of friends and family, we have clearly chosen the latter and are looking for ways to add meaning and purpose not only to Vanessa's life, but to ours as well. That being said, we joined the Children's Cardiomyopathy Foundation (childrenscardiomyopathy.org) and we are dedicated to helping uncover causes and cures for cardiomyopathy in children.

I have read all the great things The Chad Foundation has done and I applaud your great efforts. Your fundraising programs and the Free Echo screenings you have provided for young athletes is amazing. You are going to save lives that would of never known there was anything wrong until it was too late.

That being said, I would also like to put my energy into organizing a Free echo-screening for children in my area. I live in Houston, TX and I am in close contact with the Texas Children's Hospital Cardiologists which I hope will join me in my efforts.