Thanks to all who participated in the October 18th, 2008
APS Type 1 Basket Raffle event...

David and Sherri Seyfert
PO Box 404
Stony Brook, NY 11790

October 20, 2008

        Dear Friends,

        We would like to thank everyone who participated in this year's basket raffle.  We were able to raise $7,700, and all the money raised will go to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) Restricted Grant Fund.  This grant will help to continue the medical research necessary to find a cure for Matthew and all those living with Autoimmune Polyglandular Syndrome (APS Type 1).

        It takes many people to make an event like this possible.  We would first like to thank the board of commissions and staff at the Setauket firehouse for all their help with our event.  We would also like to those who worked in the days and weeks leading up to the auction by soliciting donations and assembling baskets.  Another big thank you goes to the artists who donated their work and all of you who gave assembled baskets and items to make baskets.  We are so grateful to Ellie Browne, the Dunn Family, the Kawalek family, the Loud family, the Reamy family, Melanie McDermet, Tony Friedman and to all those who worked behind the scenes the day of the raffle to ensure that everything would run smoothly.  Finally, a special thank you goes out to Jeff Foster who gave tirelessly of his time, his energy and his talents.  His help, encouragement and advice were invaluable and will always be appreciated.  And Mom, thanks for letting us turn your home into a basket assembly warehouse and storage facility.

        We discovered Matthew's illness two years ago when he was just 6.  It has been a tremendous struggle as parents to watch our son adjust to the changes his body has undergone because of APS Type 1.  Our son is a brave little guy and is taking his illnesses in stride.  We are hoping for a wonderful future for Matthew and because of people like you, he and all of those who live with APS Type1 have the hope that one day soon, there will be a cure.

        We thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.  Please continue to keep us in your prayers.  See you all next year!

        Sincerely,

        David, Sherri, Matthew and Jonathan Seyfert