September 2007

Scott & Michele,

Jeff just let me know that you were able to get additional funds to send more children to Camp Care.  I’m not sure that words can really express to you our sincere gratitude and thanks for what you have been able to do for Camp Care.  I wish you could have been there when we dropped Jake and Jenna off to go to camp.  To see all the children waiting to get on the buses…. These are incredible children who have been through so much and a week away is such a gift.  Many of these children could not afford to go to this camp if it wasn’t for the generous contributions from people like you.  I honestly can’t tell you how much we appreciate you thinking of Camp Care and donating the money that you have raised for these kids.  I can only speak personally for Jenna,  The week away at Camp changed her.  She came back different.  More confident, happier, made friends (as she said that have cancer like her).  In Jake’s words “there were lots of kids with cancer but we didn’t think about that, we just had fun”. 

We consider ourselves blessed to have you as friends.  Thank you again for the donation for Camp Care.  I will get the contact information tomorrow.  I am confident that they will be overwhelmed, as we were, with your generosity.

Karen & Jeff Aschenbrenner, Charlotte, NC

Dear Aunt Michele, Uncle Scott and the Gary M. Smith Foundation Board,

I wanted to personally thank you for your generous donation to JDRF.  It makes me happy that the GMSF chooses JDRF every year. It is a struggle for me to keep my blood sugars steady and normal.  While wearing a pump is easier than taking shots, I’m still different than some of my other friends. I am honored that you call me up every year at the golf tournament and present me with a check for JDRF. It brings me love and joy. I have accomplished many things in my life, but I would exchange all of that for a cure for diabetes.  Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.

Love, Morgan

(Transcribed from Braille) Morgan Budreau age 13