Truly a time to say thank you to all of you! Happy Thanksgiving!!

Wow, what a fabulous night at the Elks Club on Saturday Nov 13th. I was blown away by the support in attendence- over 200 of you- "Aidan's Angels" showed up to enjoy an evening filled with terrific music, great food, awesome auction and raffle items and undeniable love and support of you all! These last few months the support that we have received has been phenomenal. We have had outreach from neighbors, family, friends, school friends, clients, work friends, the church, chamber friends, tball teams,  friends of friends, strangers, classmates and many more. I had the Randolph bus drivers come up to me at the benefit and introduce themselves. They said they heard about our story from someone at the dog pound. I don't even know who there knew or how. Unbelivable!!The Randolph reporter ran an article on Nov 11th about Aidan's story. I will post the link next time. My friend Pete Mauro was kind enough to photograph the evening and I will also post those pictures shortly so check back.

My cousin Jenny had the idea to host such an event on day 2 of ICU. If it wasn't for Jenny's vision this night wouldn't have happened. The Elks so generously donated the facility and my sister Carolyn worked tirelessly on the auction and raffle. My brother Scott got the food donated by his friend Ed Meyer at Sysco Foods and Scott hosted the cooking facility at Mineral Springs Resort and Spa for us( sister Taylor, Scott, friend Everton and myself )  to cook for you. The list goes on and on and hopefully you received our brochure when you checked in at the event with a complete listing of all of our angels. Thank you again to EVERYONE who helped and thank you to you for coming. It meant the world to us. Your prayers were heard and Aidan is on the way up and will soon be back to his normal self.

Aidan started school November 15th and had a challenging week. Remember this has been the longest summer of his life- 5 months. It will take some time to adjust but I know his strength and determination will persevere. He is frustrated with his inability to be running around with the other kids and I think his attention span is a little off considering he hasn't had this kind of time structure in a long time. It's getting better but not with out tears and some negative thoughts. He has had his physical therapy and occupational therapy evaluations and he'll be going to PT 2 x a week and OT 1 x a week for a while. He is encouraged to walk without the walker! We are busy advocating for the resources he needs and is entitled to with the school system. Budgets- Budgets. It appears Aidan is entitled to help within school hours for some PT, OT and likely tutoring. We are awaiting a response requesting a formal evaluation by the school. Pray they do the right thing and give Aidan all he needs to continue accelerate his recovery.

This Thanksgiving more than ever we are grateful for our health, love that surrounds us and our terrific support system. No one can do this on their own. I know this all too well! I am extremely motivated by our experience to pay it forward and help others in their time of need. So my dream to start a foundation for families in transition will soon be a reality. I have recieved advice and support from chamber friends in the area of tax and  legal documentaion preparation. The "foundation" is in the works. We're working on the details one of which is the name. "Aidan's Angels" is taken so we'll likely add another word to the title. Stay tuned for details as they unfold.

We wish you and your loved ones a blessed Thanksgiving! Love to all of you!! Thanks again!!!!

Kim

Directions from All Points to the Event and Silent Auction Update

 

Sparta Elks Club

6 West Shore Trail (Lake Mohawk)

Sparta, NJ 07871 • 973.726.0169 • www.spartaelks.org

From NYC

√ via 78W/Holland Tunnel - Rt. 24 W to 287N (about 4 miles from 287) to 80W (11.5 miles) to exit 34B (Jefferson/Sparta) 15N*

√ via 80W/GWB - (35 miles) - to 15N*

√ via Lincoln Tunnel - 495W (3 miles) to 3W (10.6 miles) to 46W (approx 3 miles) to 80W.  You must be in the center lane when approaching the 80 junction in order to pick it up when the road forks right and exit left. Follow to 15N and pick up directions below.

From Pocono Mountains

√ Rt. 80E (39 miles) to exit 34 Wharton/Dover/Sparta 15N*

From Morristown Area and South Jersey - see above from NYC – pick up at 287N

√ Pkwy N to 78W 24 W to 287N (about 4 miles from 287) to 80W (11.5 miles) to exit 34B (Jefferson/Sparta) 15N*

√ Tpke N 287N to exit 10 through Morristown to 80W (see above)

 *ONCE ON 15 NORTH

1. Go 7.8 miles to the Sparta/Lake Mohawk Business District exit
2. Go .3 mile off exit
3. Go Right on
   Blue Heron Rd.
   for .2 mile
4. Continue straight on 181N/Woodport Rd. for 1.6 miles
5. Turn Left on
   Winona Pkwy
   for .1 mile
6. This takes you into the Lake Mohawk Village Center.  Go directly across the main street to get on West Shore Trail.  West Shore is right in front of you between the pizzeria and ice cream shop.
7. The Elks Club is on the Left next to the Mohawk Country Club (which looks like a castle). Parking on the street or in the gas station/repair shop lot across the street from the Country Club.

Update on Silent Auction 

Abbreviated list of all the amazing items that have been generously donated

Autographed footballs, t-shirts, hats from: Coach Lou Holtz,  Boomer Esiason, Derek Jeter and Phil Neikro (Knucknsie) and the Jets	Autographed CD’s, posters and other memorabilia from Selena Gomez, Plain White T-s, Atreyu, Miley Cyrus ‘Hannah Montana’, Jesse McCartney, Jonas Brothers, Rascal Flatts, Dakota and Elle Fanning
Round of Golf for 4 – Trump National Golf Course	Personal Aerial Banner Advertising/Messaging
Will Preparation and Estate Planning	Neiman Marcus Beauty & Fragrance Basket
Classic Plane Ride	Andre’s Cooking Classes
Gift Baskets:  Black Label Choppers, Movies, Tea Time, Haircut/Blow-dry from Amici’s, Proctor & Gamble, Massages and The Hair Gallery	Bobby Flay and Paula Deen Gift Baskets and Autographed Merchandise
Exceptional Flooring Concepts Gift card	VIP Tickets to ‘The View” and Carrot Top in Las Vegas
Piano Entertainment Package and 6 CD’s.  Renowned, Classically trained, Juilliard graduate Rio Clemente is offering 2 hours of private play for a cocktail or holiday party	Broadway Tickets to Wicked and Rock of Ages both packages include $100 Amex Gift Cards
Black Bear Gym Membership	Customized & Personalized Pilates Mat or Reformer Training
Goalability Self Development and  Vemma Gift Package	Suburban Furniture Gift Card
Raffling off Gift Cards to: Charley’s Tavern, Sheridan’s, Arthurs St. Moritz, Krough’s, Sparta Lanes	Minerals Resort Weekend Getaway and Inn of the Hawk Gift Certificate

$25 per/person at the door • Appetizers, Dinner Buffet & Desserts • Cash Bar • 3 Bands + DJ

Please RSVP to aidansangels04@yahoo.com or via FaceBook http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=152892201415932

100% of the proceeds are being donated to the family

Home Sweet Home! Address and directions for Aidan's benefit.

Aidan finally left Children's Specialized Hospital yesterday! He spent countless hours in therapy working on regaining his strength. By discharge date Aidan was able with close supervision to gingerly jog on the mat for a short distance. He is still best with the walker as it provides the support for him to walk heel toe and learn to use his toes for balance. Aidan invited his team of therapist for lunch on Tuesday for one last hour together as a thank you for their dedication to his health.

Aidan returns to school on Monday and will have the support of an aide until he no longer has "fall precautions". He's excited to get to know his classmates better and visit with old friends. His brother and sister are especially glad he is home as well as the neighborhood kids.

Today on the front page of the Randolph Reporter is an article about "Aidan's story". This weekend we are so happy to celebrate Aidan's progress with a benefit at the Elks Club in Sparta, Lake Mohawak
6 West Shore Trail
Sparta, NJ 07871-1829
(973) 726-0169

DIRECTIONS:

From Randolph, NJ

Take NJ-15 N/W Clinton St
Continue to follow NJ-15 N 1.7 mi
10. Take the ramp onto NJ-15 N 8.4 mi
11. Take the exit toward Sparta/Lake Mohawak/Business District 0.3 mi
12. Turn right at Blue Heron Rd 0.2 mi
13. Continue straight onto NJ-181 N/Woodport Rd 1.6 mi
14. Turn left at Winona Pkwy 0.1 mi
15. Turn right at Co Rd 613 56 ft
16. Take the 1st left
Destination will be on the left 144 ft

6 West Shore Trail, Sparta, NJ 07871-1829

PARKING ACROSS THE STREET AT THE COUNTRY CLUB!
See you there 6 pm - AIDAN WILL BE OUR GUEST OF HONOR!

We will have a raffle and silent Auction - Some awesome items to look for include:
Autographed footballs from Lou Holtz and Boomer Eisason
Tkts to Wicked and Rock of Ages on Broadway
Weekend getaway in Lambertville, NJ - Bed and Breakfast
Autographed items from Dakota Fanning, Miley Cyrus, Plain White T's and more
Round of golf at Trump National Golf Course
Many local restraunts
Personal Aerial Banner advertising
Gifts from Neiman Marcus
Complete Will and Estate Planning analysis and prep
VIP tkts to the View
and much much more!

Donations being accepted via www.ChipIn.com - Thank you for your generosity!

Halloween Pictures

IN THE HOME STRETCH!! DISCHARGE DATE SET FOR NOV 10TH! ZACK'S BIRTHDAY!

Aidan continues to make tremendous strides daily. His attitude and drive are admired by all the staff. He is warm and considerate to the other patients. He has made friends of all ages. He walked through the entire hospital while trick or treating on Friday! He's walking quality is best with the walker. He's still working on building muscle and core strength.

 We were able to bring him home for a day pass for Sat and Sunday this weekend. He misses home a lot and misses his family and friends. He enjoys hanging at home with Zack and the neighborhood kids. He has re visited some of his favorite activities like playing Wii! He's lobbying for his room to be painted so it looks like we'll be painting this weekend! We enjoyed a few hours at a Halloween party where there were inflatables that doubled as phyical therapy for Aidan to navigate his way through with the help of his big brother Zack. Taylor joined the family for the afternoon so she could see her brothers in costume. Thank you to Aunt Carolyn and Ned for inviting us to the neighbood festivites.

Monday we had a school visit to plan Aidan's return. The room was filled with our Phyical Therapist, Child Life Specialist, the Principal, VP, Nurse, Child Study team represenative, his teacher, Mom and Dad. Aidan wanted to know why so many of us were for him! We walked his route to ensure he'll be able to get to his classes. Likely he will need an aide to help for the first few weeks as he continues to improve his stength.

Last night Aidan returned to the PICU unit at MMH to visit and show them how far he has come in 30 days since he left there. They were happy to see Aidan. Most times they never know how the kids do after they leave. We wanted them to see that the fantastic care they provided has paid off!

We are working hard Monday - Fri to get home for the weekends. I've told Aidan he is like the rest of us now.. working for the weekends! Soon we'll be home and celebrating his recovery with all of you! Don't forget to RSVP to our event on Sat Nov 13th! You can do so by email to aidansangels04@yahoo.com.  We have awesome silent auction and raffle items. How about a getaway to Lambertville at a Bed and Breakfast or to Mineral Springs Spa and Resort? How about recieving authentic autographed items from Lou Holtz, Boomer Esiasson, Dakotka Fanning or Hall of Fame baseball player Phil Niekro and much more!!

See you soon. Love to all!  Kim