Most years you ask me not to buy you anything for your birthday. This year, I listened.
However, I couldn't let this one pass quietly.
Seven years ago today, we got the news that our sweet little girl had juvenile dermatomyositis, a strange disease neither of us had ever heard of then and most people still haven't heard of today. It was an odd birthday gift for you, but a gift nonetheless. Although we quickly learned that it had no cure, we welcomed the fact we finally knew what was making her so ill and that there were ways it could be treated.
Since then, you have worked tirelessly to raise awareness of all the juvenile myositis diseases and raise funds to find a cure for them. I marvel at (and am jealous of) how dedicated you are and how good you are it.
However, this is your birthday. You deserve a day off.
So, for your gift, a bunch of my blogmates volunteered to spread the word for you on this day. Each has posted a piece about our struggle with getting Thing 1 diagnosed in hope of raising awareness of this rare autoimmune disease and the need to find a cure for it.
If we're lucky, we'll even raise a few dollars for the cause.
Happy birthday, My Love, and Happy Cure JM Awareness Day. I love you.
*
To learn more about JM, visit Cure JM Foundation.
To make a tax-free donation to fund research into a cure, visit our personal FirstGiving page.
Thanks to all those participating in Cure JM Awareness Day today:
A Family Runs Through It
A Man Among Mommies
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Cheeky's Hideaway
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A Couple Smokey Acres
CT Mom
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Sending big love and hugs to you and your family today, Kevin!
ReplyDeleteXO
Anna
Happy birthday! May this one be extra special . . .
ReplyDeleteI added it as my post for the day. Glad to help.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of that disease. Looked it up though through your link. Very weird autoimmune thing. It sounds like a great cause. Well, you educated me about it, and I appreciate that.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure this list will grow as the day goes on, and well it should. I hope you guys fly past the fundraising goal. Happy birthday to Rhonda!
ReplyDeleteNearly a hundred people. Wow. He's hoping it grows even beyond that.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Rhonda. You rock!
ReplyDeleteFADKOG brought me here. I have never heard of it either. Blessings to you on your work and your daughter.
ReplyDeleteJust read you on Ann's Rants
ReplyDeleteWhat could be a more fitting birthday gift than the gift of life?
I will give you space on my blog today.
Peace - Rene
We can do anything if we put our minds to it! The badge will be on my blog too today. And Happy birthday little one!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to your wife. It's my pleasure to help spread the word and maybe even get someone to donate a few bucks to a worthy cause.
ReplyDeleteBig birthday wishes coming Rhonda's way!
ReplyDeleteAnd you did a great job on this, Kevin!
I added another one to my other blog at http://www.cradlechatter.com/modern-mommy/
ReplyDeleteI too, bet this list is going to grow like crazy :)
I just found your blog through Amy's (that bitch)blog and my heart is still racing.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter was diagnosed with Lupus at the age of 10 and our quest to get a diagnosis was somewhat similar. She's 19, now, and a Freshman in college. . .
I pray on a daily basis that she remembers to take her medicine and continues to stay healthy.
Beautiful present for your wife. . .
Read about his on sass' blog, I reposted for you. Hope you get a lot of awareness today!
ReplyDeleteHope this is a very happy birthday in your home!
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday Rhonda. And nice job putting all of this together Kevin. It is a pleasure and honor to be involved.
ReplyDeleteJust saw on Twitter that this was the day Lance Armstrong was also diagnosed. I've asked him to RT...maybe others could do the same!
ReplyDeleteJust Jules sent me here and I want to send your family blessings and good health
ReplyDeleteBest. Birthday. Present. Ever.
ReplyDeleteWell done Kevin.
What a perfect present. Happy Birthday Wife!! I'm glad to help in my small blog way!!
ReplyDeletettownsend@bex.com
What an amazing gift! I am so glad to see that the list is growing. Happy Birthday Rhonda!
ReplyDeleteHappy, Happy Birthday. So glad to help.
ReplyDeleteBravo! Bravo!
ReplyDeleteKevin, we barely know one another in bloggy land, but I stand here so impressed and proud of what you pulled off.
Look at that list!!
And more people are joining in the effort as we speak.
Warmest regards to all of you,
Ann
A very happy birthday to you, Mrs. At Home and Uncool.
ReplyDeleteRead your post on Queen Jeannie! Just coming by to say hi. Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to Not Always Home and Totally Cool! I am cash free right now, just getting my feet under me in freelance, but I will post about you today, even though I am no Ernest Hemingway, and add a link to my sidebar for donating. I love it when people use blogs for stuff like this. Very "New World."
ReplyDeleteThat's social media in action, my friend.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday to your sweet wife. Give your family a hug from me.
Happy Birthday:
ReplyDeletehttp://unmitigated.typepad.com/unmitigated/2009/10/its-kevins-wifes-birthday.html
Could not think of a better way to spend my Friday. Happy Birthday.
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome thing all of you are doing today!
ReplyDeletePlease wish your wife a very Happy Birthday today!
I was sent here by Kristine and Ann. Happy Health to your daughter and Happy Birthday to your wife! Reposting and sending healing thoughts your way.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday and what a great thing you're doing.
ReplyDeleteSuch an utterly fantastic birthday gift for your wife, Kevin. Thank you for allowing us this small peak into your life. You two are truly making a difference and I am glad to be able to help, even in such a small way.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your day together!
Francesca
Added two links to my blog for you today....wish I could do more...but these links will stay for a while.
ReplyDeleteBless you xo
To Kevin, Things 1 & 2, and Mrs. Uncool...
ReplyDeleteThis is by far the most thoughtful birthday gift I can imagine. Our family has been touched by the illness of a child, so I understand to some extent the way it fundamentally changes a family.
I am so proud to host Kevin's outreach for CureJM today.
You have all my best wishes for a very Happy Birthday.
- Julia at Midwest Moms
I reposted. http://cameracrazy-misty.blogspot.com/2009/10/birthday-gift-diagnosis.html
ReplyDeleteAnd happy birthday to your wife.
Great job, Kevin. I'm proud to be a part of your beautiful gift to your wife.
ReplyDeletei was wondering if i could post this text on my blog as well?
ReplyDeletemadam_diva @ yahoo . com
You are "The Man"!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Uncool Wife!!!!
(I hate when other men out-sweet me)
Please keep us informed on how well this works.
Happy Birthday Rhonda! What a wonderful husband you have - but you knew that already, right?! Have a great day and I hope we effectively spread the word regarding JM.
ReplyDeleteHappy BIRTHDAY!!!!! This is amazing Kevin, what a great brthday gift. So glad your little girl is doing better and thank God you found a Dr. that knew something.
ReplyDeleteThank you both for spreading the word! Let's kick this thing's ass!
Happy Birthday! You guys are incredible and I feel so honored to be a part of spreading the word! Thanks! Hope you guys make your donation goal!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you got the word out.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your wifey. Hope she is having a great one!
Came here from the Stiletto Mom herself - I had never heard of it and I commend you for your efforts. From one "special needs" parent to another, it is a tough world we live in but our children make it so much better!! I will repost for you on FB.
ReplyDeleteLook at that huge list! How very exciting!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday, Ms. Home and Uncool. Blessings on you and your sweet fambly!
(thank you for your invitation to help, Kevin.)
Hello, Kevin. CatLadyLarew sent me to your blog today. Thank you for raising awareness for such a worthy cause. I will add your family to my prayers.
ReplyDeleteGreat job!! Sending good vibes your way!! Also sending blog and twitter love.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your lovely wife, and hugs to your whole family!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday. If the morning hits to my blog have been any indication, your message will be getting out to more people today than ever before.
ReplyDeleteProud to be part of this, Kevin!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful present to give your wife.
ReplyDeleteI just read the post and would LOVE to add it to my blog too!
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing thing for you to do for your wife. I had never heard of JM until just now, but I work with children, and it's valuable information.
Please e-mail me and let me know if I can post it on my blog.
notesfromthecookiejar(at)yahoo(dot)ca
happy birthday, lady love. i hope all your dreams come true.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to your wife!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful gift you have given her spreading the word about JM and I have seen your story all over the blogosphere today
Add The BS Blog as another blog helping you spread the word today, thanks to reading about it on IB's "Idiot Stew"
ReplyDeletepopping over from Bee's Musings.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful birthday!
A Wonderful Birthday to Your Love! I congratulate you both on educating many (myself included) on JM and how to help. Much love to all.
ReplyDeleteA happy birthday to your love. What a wonderful gift.
ReplyDeleteYou don't by any chance have a twin brother who's single, do you?
New here!
ReplyDeletePut your button on my blog. I hope it helps build the awareness you are undoubtedly bringing to JM.
Cheers to you and your family!
That's a lot of people, I hope you baked a big cake.
ReplyDeleteYou are more fun than Kevin Nealon ;)
ReplyDeleteWow, just read your family's incredible story over at Anna's place. Thank goodness your daughter was properly diagnosed in time. And thank you for spreading the word, a wonderful tribute to your wife and little girl. love your blog title. off to read more home and uncool...best to you and your family!
ReplyDeletestay at home dad for 2 plus years now. Found your blog through BERNthis. Glad everything turned out for you and your family. Got a little dust in my eyes before I got through the article though . . .
ReplyDeleteGood Luck!!!
ReplyDeleteI posted it on my other blog too, but not many folks red there. I hope some of my folks donate.
Before I read these posts, I had no idea what JM was. Thanks for the enlightenment, and the education as well. :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome post. I'm broke right now. I'm being honest, but when I have some money, I'll do my best to send a donation toward this effort.
ReplyDeleteThank you for letting us know more about this . . . in case any of us have to deal with it as well . . .
Found out about you and your family via the Bloggess - sending blessings your way. :-)
ReplyDeletei joined in late.
ReplyDeletei hope it was a happy birthday for mrs uncool!
My best friend has this disease (it is in remission now) and has had it since she was about 2 years old. She is now 43, and doing well she even has a son (who is 22)which she was never suppose to be able to have.
ReplyDeleteI am late. But I don't think it's too late.
ReplyDeleteI'm late but linked this today.
ReplyDeleteSorry it took me so long! Don't blame me-this one is on T-Mobile.(and yes..I even got a month's credit for all of the drama...FANTASTIC!)
ReplyDeletePosted mine today.
http://outnumberedbythebrood.blogspot.com/2009/10/im-little-late-to-party-but-here-it-is.html