This is the second year of The Bell Center 5k.  It was started last year to replace the Mercedes Marathon.  I am participating in this event to help TBC meet their fundraising goals.  

If you have participated with me in the past you know how my family came to be involved with The Bell Center and the impact it had on my daughter, Ella Rose, and our family.  If not, I will give a brief summary.  Ella Rose contacted HSV at 2 weeks old and had a recurrence at 6 months that attacked her occipital lobe in her brain and left her blind.  She can only tell the difference between light and dark.  We were introduced to The Bell Center through the state early intervention program.  TBC worked with Ella Rose to help her become familiar with her environment again as well as help get her back up to speed with her peers for her age.  After TBC we entered the school system and she has flourished ever since.  

Ella Rose is now in 6th grade at Pizitz Middle School.  She participated in track and field events with the Special Olympics in the fall.  She is participating in Choir and Theater along with all her other classwork.  Their Spring theater performance is Finding Nemo.  She has 3 minor roles and not only knows her lines but already knows all the lines and songs of everyone else's parts.  

Ella Rose has progressed in school and in life thanks to the therapy and support she received early on at The Bell Center.  In thanks, my family has been supporting The Bell Center in various roles and fundraising efforts.  

Every donation—big or small—helps me reach my fundraising goal and directly impacts this important cause.

Here's how you can help:

• Donate: Contribute whatever you can. No amount is too small!
• Spread the Word: Share my fundraising page with your friends, family, and social networks. Let’s spread awareness so we can raise more!

Thank you for standing by me in this effort. Your support means the world to me!