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Dear Friends:
As I reflect on the past year, I cannot help but smile and say, "Yes-dreams really do come true".
As of today we have welcomed more than 55 seriously ill children and families to our program and it is growing every day. We are able to offer our services to these families with the help and commitment of our entire team-staff and volunteers, and donors. Of these 55 children, 15 have become real Angels. Our staff and respite volunteers were along side each little one's journey home and help for the grieving families.
Last year with hard work and determination Angels' Place passed House Bill 1734 which provides a three-year pilot program for Angels' Place to work with the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) to develop standards for a free standing children's respite and end of life home. (Respite meaning a few days/week time off for exhausted caregivers while we take full care of their seriously ill child at our home).
Community collaborations continue to grow! Our list is seven pages long of organizations, healthcare partners, businesses, and foundations and is growing every day. Our donors, who are often the silent partner on our team, make all of this possible. Their support of Angels' Place ensures that the children and families of Greater New Orleans Area, and eventually the State of Louisiana get the care they need today. Soon, on December 15th, 2002 - Angels' Place will host our "In the Company of Angels" Christmas Gala at Chateau Estates Country Club. There will be a wonderful silent and live auction. We are looking for corporate donations for levels of lights on our Christmas tree. We have several "layers of lights" which each contributor will be asked to step up and light according to their contribution.
On behalf of everyone at Angels' Place Children's Respite/End of Life Program, especially the children and families, thank you.
Yours sincerely,
Anita Gilford
Executive Director
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