RESULTS OF THE BENEFIT IN BROUSSARD, LOUISIANA OCTOBER 4TH, 2003!!

Last October 4, 2003 the Lantier family did a fund raiser to help support research for Morquio Type A in Broussard Louisiana. They raiser $63,000. It felt like the entire community of Broussard showed up for this event! They had t-shirts printed up with The Carol Ann Foundation logo on the front and the sponsors on the back as well as t-shirts made up for the 5k, 3k and 2k runs with Dane's Dash on the front. There was food and drinks for all. There were many different children's activities including a kiddie train, bingo, fighting sumo wrestlers, a dunking booth that had some of the teachers from Dane's school, all of whom volunteered! They had 3 different bands playing music throughout the day and also an master of ceremonies (mc) to keep the crowd going with jokes and prize giveaways. Lots of dancing was happening throughout the afternoon and especially once the sunset.

I must say I've never seen such an outpouring of love from a community before. The whole town showed up at one time or another. It all began early with the runs at 8am and ended with the last band at 9pm. The silent auction went very well and so did bingo, Although Leslie Willis, Dane's 3rd grade teacher who ran the bingo games, was experiencing a slightly hoarse voice afterwards.

Dr. Tomatsu, our chief medical researcher for The Carol Ann Foundation & International Morquio Organization, examined all the morquio patients that attended. He also took time to talk with each family. Dr. Keaty also examined the patient's teeth and offered very helpful suggestions regarding the daily care of and the importance of having a pediatric dentist examining your child teeth considering the special needs of these morquio patients. We had a meeting in the school's library so that Dr.Tomatsu could present his findings and have a question and answer session for parents and patients.

My heart felt thank you to the Broussard community, The St. Cecilia School and Sacred Heart Church, all the teachers who volunteered, the Lantier family and friends for all their hard work and support of The Carol Ann Foundation. The money raised goes directly to Dr. Tomatsu, who is our Chief Medical Adviser and Research for The Carol Ann Foundation, for Morquio Type A Research at Saint Louis University in Missouri. May it be said that one day real soon Dr. Tomatsu will reach the bone and have a treatment for all the Morquio children worldwide!

God Bless.
Mary Smith, President
The Carol Ann Foundation &
International Morquio Organization