Derek
The Derek’s Dream Mission
Derek DiGregorio smiles easily, wrestles with his brothers, works hard to get his school work done and spends his free time pursuing his athletic championships in taekwondo. In other words, he’s very much like any other 12-year-old boy in many ways.
In one major way, though, Derek’s world is sadly different from the majority of children his age. Today, and every day, Derek faces a hideous genetic disease called Ataxia Telangiectasia, which affects three people out of every million and offers the grim prognosis of a life expectancy unlikely to reach much past 20 years.
Derek, his family, and their friends are not giving in to this opponent. Instead, they have together created Derek’s Dreams, a group dedicated to raising the awareness and resources necessary to combat Ataxia Telangiectasia.
The group’s goal is twofold. First, there are the needs of Derek himself, which will only increase during the next few years and which will make normal day-to-day life difficult. Second, there is the more global desire to attack the disease itself, so that future children and families can have a better chance against Ataxia Telangiectasia. This will involve working with government agencies and private organizations to fund greater research and
support efforts.
Derek’s dream is to live as long and happy a life as possible, surrounded by friends and family, able to pursue his education, goals and hobbies. Derek’s Dreams is committed to making it happen.
Please help by supporting Derek’s Dream
FUNDRAISING EVENT! April 21, 2010
We are planning a very special fundraising event for Wednesday April 21 from 6:30-10:30 at “Nanina’s in the Park” in Belleville , NJ .
Tickets for the event are $100 each or $1,000 for a table of ten. When you buy tickets, we will add your name to our guest list for admission on the night of the event.
Two ways to purchase tickets:
1. Click the ADD TO CART button on the right
or….(you can do it the old fashioned way)
2. Mail a check made out to
DiGregorio/Dereks Dreams
PO Box 245
Kingston , NJ 08528 -9442
Please send a confirming email with the number of tickets you would like to info@dereksdreams.com.
We are seeking donations for our silent auction/raffle. Of particular interest are: use of vacation homes, golf foursomes, restaurant gift certificates, tickets to sporting or other events, spa services, as well as sports memorabilia. If you have anything you would like to donate, please email us at info@dereksdreams.com .
Please spread the word; it will be a very special event.
Sincerely,
Ernie Barsamian (ebarsamian@aol.com)
Howard Levy (howardl@hypnyc.com)
Steve Verbit (Verbit@princeton.edu)
Michele DeMatteo ( Michele6@live.com )
Jess Deutsch – (jdeutsch@princeton.edu)
