Ari Sees Horton Hears

Today we have good news to share and some bad news to share.

We’re sorry to share that we have lost one of our Angels on Earth.  Sweet Ashely Williams was just a little older than Arianna.  She was from the Birmingham Area.  Indeed it is a sad week for the whole Angelman Community.  Please join us in lighting a candle this evening for Ashley.  We hope that she looks on us from heaven and that she is able to give Dr. Wagstaff a hug.  We offer our deepest sympathy to the Williams family.

On a brighter note… Ari should be blogging this next part…

- Hey all, Ari here… so Nana took me to my first big girl full length feature film yesterday.  The Autism community, Arc, Pathways, and the Palace theatre sponsored a movie event for us extra special kids.  We got to choose between Happy Feet and Horton Hears a Who.  I chose the Whooville!  Nana bailed me out from school early in the AM… we got popcorn, snacks, and even some press time: http://news10now.com/Video/video_pop.aspx?vids=70112&sid=1079&rid=1115

I sat in my chair and lounged while we watched the movie and had popcorn.  It was very kewl!  I was so excited to tell all my friends at school! 

That night we went for a wagon ride to the diner and then mom and I played for a while.  I thought— well since I’m on a roll — why not work on saying something?  So mom and I worked on B  B  B  B Baaaaahhhl.  I got it out once, then did some more BBBBB while we tapped on the ball.  Maybe I’ll do some more tomorrow.

Tonight the zins (cousins) are coming from Florida.  Good thing it’s nice out here, I was worried about em freezin.  I think I’ll take them  out and show them the town… wagon style. 

So to finish up it’s been a roller coaster week and it’s not even Friday!  Just remember, life is short, smile and eat lots of ice cream.

Peace out- Ari

Thank you Dr. Joe Wagstaff

It’s mom writing today’s post.  Oh you wouldn’t believe the strides Arianna is making these days.  She’s becoming quite the little lady.  She loves her signing time videos and is beginning to show interest in coloring.  I start this post with Ari’s accomplishments to honor the memory of Dr. Joe Wagstaff.  Dr. Wagstaff was a leading Genetic researcher with Angelman Syndrome, he passed away this week in a tragic accident in the mountains.  Dr. Wagstaff spent many selfless hours with families of children with AS calming us, easing our fears, and explaining the unexplainable.  He was the one that helped us get Arianna started on melatonin therapy for sleeping.  He will be sorely missed.  So please as you finish reading this blog, take a moment and say a prayer for his family, that they find comfort through this sad time.

I also plea that you make a donation to the walk a thon www.firstgiving.com/A3 .  Now more than ever we will need a new research champion and with the funds we raise from the walk we can help support the research Dr. Wagstaff had to leave.  Every dollar counts.  Yes even the $1.00 donation makes a difference (it can postage test results). 

Thank you for your support for our family, Arianna, and Angelman Syndrome.  Ari and I look forward to the next post being a joyous one.

With Love- Mom