Scrapbook the day away – for a good cause

By Erica Thoits
ethoits@keepmecurrent.com

Sean, Indy, & Chris

When Cathy Fitzgerald'S son Christopher was 2 ½, she took him  to the doctor for problems with his back.  She soon found out that her son suffered from the genetic disorder Morquio syndrome, and that both she and her husband were carriers.

Christopher is 13 now, and research on the disorder looks promising.  On Saturday, Oct. 21 from 9a.m. – 5 p.m.., Fitzgerald will hold the second annual fundraising event, “Cropping for Chris,”, at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church on Black Point Road in Scarborough.  Fitzgerald is a consultant for Creative Memories, a scrapbooking company, and will host a crop, or an all-day scrapbooking event where people can work on scrapbooks uninterrupted.  Registration is $25, and all fees and profits from supplies will go toward paying for clinical trials to help cure Morquio syndrome.

Morquio syndrome is caused by missing the enzyme that’s responsible for breaking down sugars in the body.  Without the enzyme, said Fitzgerald, sugars build up and cause a range of health problems, including dwarfism, cataracts, back problems and loose joints.

The syndrome affects about 1 in every 250,000 people.  “It’s a very rare thing,” said Fitzgerald.  “People understand a part of it, that he has dwarfism, but that’s just one part of it.”

Christopher has already had surgeries on his back, said Fitzgerald, and because of joint problems he has weakness in his hands as well.

Fitzgerald and her family were hoping for clinical trials for enzyme replacement therapy, but more money is needed for the effort.  Up until now, researchers have been experimenting with mice and are close to human trials.  Though the replacement therapy probably wouldn’t help with her son’s height, said Fitzgerald, it could ease his joint problems and help others as soon as they are diagnosed.

Another purpose for the benefit is to increase awareness about Morquio syndrome.

“Little by little, we are getting information out there”, said Fitzgerald.  “The more you can educate the better.”

To help raise money, Fitzgerald will have scrapbooking tools and supplies for sale and will also take orders for them until Oct. 9.  Friends of the family are making different crafts, and she hopes to have other items for auction and raffles throughout the day.  Last year she raised a total of $1,600, and hopes to either match that or beat it.

Fitzgerald encourages both those who are new to scrapbooking and the experienced to attend.

“I can help you get started, find the right items and demystify things you see in the store,” said Fitzgerald.  “I can help those who say they aren’t creative enough find out that they are.  Once you start, you’re hooked.”

Kerry Hilton, who went to last year’s crop, agrees that scrapbooking is additive.  Not only can you get pages finished with uninterrupted time, said Hilton, but also working alongside other people helps the sharing of ideas and creativity.  Hilton has known the Fitzgerald’s for several years, and hopes that the benefit will be a success.

“It’s a good day to go out and relax.  It’s for a very good cause.  It’s a disease not many people know about, so it’s fund and an education,” she said.

To see the latest products, go to www.creativememories.com

Seating is limited, so RSVP with payment by Oct. 11 to reserve a spot.  To register or for more information, call or e-mail Fitzgerald at #888-1746 or cmcathy@maine.rr.com