27 years, 3 teenage sons and one rescue dog later, I discovered the joys of sewing and doll making. I am still a work in progress but I found my true purpose in life which you will find below.
My sisters and friends were really impressed the first time they saw my dolls; guess they thought I was just another pretty face (LOL!). Why dolls? I don't know. I looked through doll books and was awed by the beautiful dolls people had created. All kinds of dolls!! Mixed media, cloth art, clay, altered and the list goes on forever! As I said, I (specifically skill/technique-wise) am a work in progress.
Last year my three teen sons were diagnosed with choroideremia. This is a rare eye disease that results in progressive, eventual vision loss. If you have kids, you know how devasting this kind of news can be. No cure. Yet. That is where the dolls come in...
I have a fund raising site set up exclusively for donations to the Choroideremia Research Foundation. Visitors can make any size donation (they all add up!) and if people make a donation of at least $100.00, they can choose a doll from my Esty site. AHA! That's why the dolls! The site is http://www.firstgiving.com/fabbydolls.com.
I wondered why I started making dolls and now I have the answer:
It is hard enough in this economy to get funding and this disease is so rare - it does not get a lot of funding. Thanks for reading.
Have a great weekend!
Oh my, I don't know what to say! what a terrible shock this must have been, finding out this kind of news. I hope they find a cure. Well, I'm a bit short on cash at the mo, but I will donate a small amount now, and then will add to it as and when!
ReplyDeleteAbi x
Abi,
ReplyDeleteJust the fact that you were the first here, don't know me or my family and opened your heart - that's priceless! I am sure yours success in the art world is going to exlode in 2010! XOXO
I am sorry to hear this. I wish they had a cure. Your sons all look so much alike. They are beautiful. I wish I could donate at this time. As a struggling artist and single mom. I will as soon as I sell something. lol
ReplyDeleteI also will pray for a cure. God bless and your dolls are excellent! Best wishes, Cat and ... Abi is an Angel!!
Catherine, Your message really touches my heart! That is a sweet sentiment. Let me promote your website here. If you join as a follower, that let's me know it is OK to use your photos (art only) and your link to your site. I am trying to post 1- 2 artists a day (doll artists) as I believe we need to promote handmade and I don't mind doing it. Two of the boys are twins and yes, Abi is an angel! Thank you Cat!
ReplyDeleteI read about your family in Abi's blog. How shocking it must have been to find out this kind of news that is affecting your 3 beautiful sons. I have donated a bit, times are rough and wish it could be more, but I pray a cure is emminant. Know you and yours are in my prayers. God bless.
ReplyDeleteDear Georgina,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words and your donation. I truly, truly appreciate it. Every little bit counts! If you can just forward this blog to friends, family, business - that would be plenty. These disease affects only 1 in 50,000 and I sure hit the lottery with 3 in my family! But are faithful and hopeful that a cure is within 2 years reach. If I can ever be of any kind of assistance to you, Georgina, please get in touch. Bless your heart, Deena XOXO
Thank you to Barb from Seattle for donating to the cause for our sons. We will help to find this cure one doll at a time!! God Bless You!
ReplyDelete