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Everyday Angels

WALK/RUN RAISES MORE THAN $20K FOR RARE GENETIC DISORDERS

Many of us have been touched directly or indirectly by someone we know or love who has been diagnosed with cancer. It seems the older we get, the more we hear about it. Regardless of who it is or how bad it becomes, it scares us all and can bring us to our knees! I would like to share an inspirational story about one of our Towne Lake neighbors and only hope that I can adequately describe just how special this particular person was.

Two years ago, we were blessed with new neighbors (not that we didn't like the old ones). They were a sweet, young family. The husband and wife were in their early 30's with two young children who attended Bascomb at the time. Shortly after they were settling in, the young mother was diagnosed with cancer. This was the beginning of a long, two-year battle for her and her family.

Determined to win, she and her husband began their mission. During her toughest times, she always believed she would beat it. They tried so very hard to live a normal life for their precious children and did not allow much assistance from outside the family. What courage! She was a wonderful mother and wife who loved everyone and despite her physical condition - even on her worst days - never lost her cheerful, optimistic spirit. Her friends, neighbors, church and community sent cards of encouragement, cooked dinners (when she would let them) and embraced this sweet family. She touched so many - even those who had never met her.

On October 14, 2001, Susan McNutt lost her life on earth to cancer but oh, how her sweet spirit remains! In honor of this sweet, courageous wife and mother, Everyday Angels is donating its maximum monthly allowance of $300 to continue spreading Susan's sweet spirit. We will use these funds to purchase Christmas gifts for children suffering with cancer and deliver them to the local children's hospitals during the holidays as a special gift in Susan's honor. We know that Susan is watching with a big smile.

Won't you please help us honor Susan? Before turning this page, grab an envelope and send in a small donation (even $1 makes a difference, and because we pay our own expenses, your entire donation goes to the children). This is your opportunity to make a difference too! We will plan to deliver the gifts in December. Thank you Towne Lake for compassionately giving and lifting up those who are in need (financially and emotionally). I am so blessed to be a neighbor!

Please call us at (770) 517-8210, ext. 580 for more information, to contribute or to notify us of someone in need.

Below - Walkers and runners at the starting line. Above - Tom, Erin and Stacy Peters.

More than 375 participants gathered on Saturday, October 13, 2001 at Woodstock High School joining the second annual MPS (Mucopolysaccharidosis) Society Walk/Run to benefit children who suffer from rare progressive genetic disorders for which there is no cure.

The Second Annual "Run for Erin" was one of multiple events held throughout the country. Event organizers were local MPS family members who were able to involve and mobilize their community. Locally, $20,000 was raised for MPS programs and research.

The Second Annual "Run for Erin" was held in honor of Erin Murphy Peters, a 12 year old who lives in Towne Lake. Erin represented thousands of children in need of treatment of the MPS disorders. Two other MPS families participated as well. The Griffith Family of Dacula came with their son Walker and daughter Ali, and the Prince Family of Lawrenceville brought both of their daughters, Jennifer and Savannah. Walker, Jennifer and Savannah also have MPS.

In addition to Runner's World Magazine, local sponsors included Woodstock High School, Coca-Cola, Kroger, Athlete's Foot, Smoothie King, Prudential-Georgia Reality, Starbucks and the Cherokee Running Club.

MPS and ML disorders and its syndromes affect major organs including the respiratory system, heart, bones and even the nervous system. Affecting mostly children, it is caused by the body's inability to produce certain enzymes. At the present time, there is no cure.

For more information about future MPS Society events, please contact the National MPS Society at (610) 942-0100. To find out more about the National MPS Society, visit www.mpssociety.org.