By Joy Gonyea-Robertson and Dean Robertson

As some of you may know, our now-2-year-old daughter Kailani Hope has been diagnosed with an extremely rare chromosomal disorder called 11q – also known as Jacobsen’s Syndrome. As a result of the syndrome and associated medical care, Kailani is tended to by a team of 10 specialists at Seattle Children’s Hospital. We continue to fundraise on behalf of our daughter Kailani and other children with the disorder, because the rarity of the syndrome not only limits research, but also the funding of life-enhancing medical studies, which is where parental advocates like us jump in.

We have been collecting gently used donated items from our gracious Woodway and Edmonds community members for almost an entire year now. The generosity we have received in the form of donations will seriously blow you’re mind … almost as much as the amazing deals! Here’s a mini snapshot of what you can expect to find at our sale:
– clothes and shoes in all sizes for boys, girls, women, and men
– furniture
– kitchen appliances
– housewares
– linens
– assorted books
– tools
– sports equipment
– electronics
– baby gear
– children’s toys

Additionally, we are selling raffle tickets for $1 each with 15 different prizes available, including Revelations Yogurt gift cards and jewelry by Forest Life Creations. All proceeds from the event will go toward ensuring Kailani and family members are able to attend the 11q Research & Resource Group Conference in San Diego next summer, where she will have the opportunity to participate in potentially life-saving medical studies at UCSD Medical Center, as well as receive specialty care from the only 11q medical specialists in the world. Any financial surplus will be applied toward conference scholarships for other 11q families in addition to furthering Dr. Paul Grossfeld’s research.

Much gratitude to the many donors, volunteers, and supporters who continue to share their time and offer resources that bring a greater hope to Kailani’s future.

Saturday sale hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m. (please be courteous and respect our open and close times) at the following location: 23201 Woodway Park Rd, Woodway. So bring your change purse, dollar bills and check books, because there is bound to be something for everyone! To inquire about donating goods to a future fundraiser or if you wish make a charitable contribution to 11q research, please contact: joygonyea@hotmail.com or forestlifecreations@yahoo.com.