On Valentine's Day, we would like to tell you about someone close to Ardmore's Heart......

Late in December, 2006 as many of us were preparing to celebrate the New Year, our friend Moira Shaughnessy, Executive Director of The Ardmore Initiative, began a fight for her life. Shortly before the New Year, Moira was struck by the often deadly and extremely debilitating condition, Viral Encephalitis. Viral Encephalitis is a condition which causes an acute inflammation of the brain.

It is a rare disease that literally occurs in 0.5 per 100,000 people.

Today, we are so truly grateful that our friend Moira is alive, but she struggles to accomplish everyday tasks most of us take for granted. The disease has left her robbed of so much, and she now requires long term cognitive and rehabilitative care. The costs are extraordinarily prohibitive and we are asking for any donation large or small to help Moira’s family offset the costs involved with her ongoing care.

A trust is being set up by the Shaughnessy family, and fund-raising efforts will be ongoing. Moira is one of those rare individuals you meet in your life that is so unique, special, and caring. Her illness reminds us of the very literal fragility of life, and how in an instant everything can change.

Here, in our community we have two upcoming events which will be devoted to helping our friend Moira. It is the least we can do for someone who has touched so many of our lives, and was literally becoming the glue bringing everyone in Ardmore back together. In her honor, and out of respect and caring we would like you to save the date for the following events:

First Friday Main Line, March 2nd, 2007
A Very Special First Friday!

Please join us for the exciting and wonderful edition of First Friday Main Line for March 2nd, 2007.

We would also like to announce a community effort at First Friday, which we hope you will also support. We will have donation boxes in our First Friday Venues to help someone dear to all of us.

Late in December, 2006 as many of us were preparing to celebrate the New Year, our friend Moira Shaughnessy, Executive Director of The Ardmore Initiative,began a fight for her life.

....A trust is being set up by the Shaughnessy family, and fund-raising efforts will be ongoing. Moira is one of those rare individuals you meet in your life that is so unique, special, and caring. Her illness reminds us of the very literal fragility of life, and how in an instant everything can change.

Again, we will be setting up donation boxes at our First Friday venues to gather donations for Moira's Healthcare Fund ("Moira's Fund"). Give what you can, that is all we ask. Moira was a big part of First Friday, a most enthusiastic supporter and paticipant.

We thank you for your support and generosity. Further Inquiries can be directed to the Ardmore Initiative at 610-645-0540. Or contact

Enjoy art in some unexpected places, come experience familiar businesses now hosting exciting new. artists, musicians and performers.

And...

“Get out your Green!”
A Community Fund Raiser To Benefit Moira Shaughnessy

Please join The Ardmore Initiative, Ardmore Business Association, Brownie’s 23 East, First Friday Main Line and The Save Ardmore Coalition

on

St. Patrick’s Day
Saturday, March 17, 2007 from 6-9pm

Brownie’s 23 East
23 East Lancaster Avenue,Ardmore, PA
(proper I.D. required)

Tickets will be $20 per person, and will be available soon at The Ardmore Initiative, Milkboy Coffee, Past*Present*Future, Suburban Office Equipment as well as sold at the door.

We thank you for your support, generosity, and prayers. For more information, please contact the Ardmore Initiative at 610-645-0540 or www.theardmoreinitiative.org

Folks, this is what community is all about. You may also contact SAC with more questions, if you want to help, etc: or