Children's Miracle Network Telethon

We recently sent this email out to to a large number 0f family and friends. Pretty much anyone we could think of. Please read it and consider donating.....

Hi Everyone,

We want to share a story with you. Some of you already know it and some of you may be hearing it for the first time.

In June 2007, during a routine ultrasound we were informed that our unborn baby boy appeared to be missing one of the chambers in his heart. After a few months and multiple tests our baby was diagnosed with a rare heart defect called Hypoplastic Right Heart Syndrome and we were told that it would take 3 open heart surgeries to give him an opportunity to survive.

Our miracle baby, Matthew, was born on November 6, 2007. He had his first open heart surgery 6 days later. Over the next few months he was in and out of the hospital for various reasons, but he always pulled through. In February, Matthew had his second open heart surgery at 3 1/2 half months old. It has been a long road, one we never imagined in our wildest dreams that we would travel. Recently, we celebrated Matthew's 6 month birthday and we couldn't be happier.
Matthew is a thriving, happy, wonderful baby boy. He has been worth all of the sleepless nights, all of the endless days at the hospital and all of the hours upon hours of worry. God's hand has been on Matthew's life and we can't wait to see what plans He has for him.

We were blessed with the opportunity to have Matthew treated at the Children's Hospital of Illinois. We know that we would not have Matthew with us today if it wasn't for each one of the surgeons, cardiologists, intensivists, nurse practitioners, and nurses at the Children's Hospital.
Although we can never thank them enough, one way we are going to try is by volunteering to support the Children's Miracle Network Telethon. The Telethon will be from 10 AM to 5 PM on Sunday, June 1 and will air on WEEK TV 25 (NBC affiliate). Amy and Matthew will be answering phones for the telethon during the Heart Hour from 3 to 4 PM. Our goal is to raise at least $500 (25 people donating $20-that's reasonable) prior to sitting down to answer the phones. All of the money raised through this telethon will go directly to Children's Hospital of Illinois. We want to do whatever we can to give hope and healing to other parents and children who are about to embark on the same journey we are on. Matthew has one more surgery in his future and anything we can do to make this hospital the best it can be will give Matthew and other little heart babies their best chance at life.

Please consider donating in celebration of Matthew's life. Any amount will make a difference.

If you would like to support our fundraising efforts please click on the link below. From there you can click on "To make a one time pledge to the Telethon".

As you enter your information you will be able to designate your gift in honor or memory of someone special. Please donate your gift in honor of Matthew Orwig. You will be able to make your tax-deductible donation on the secure website using your credit or debit card. Don't forget to indicate that your gift is in honor of Matthew Orwig to ensure we are notified that your gift has come in Matthew's honor.

Click here to donate (or copy and paste into your browser):

www.childrenshospitalofil.org/top/foundation/telethon)

Children's Hospital of Illinois cares for the sickest and most severely injured babies and children. In 2007, over 5,000 children were admitted to Children's Hospital of Illinois staying over 30,000 days total. Children's Hospital cares for each child with the greatest care and love in an environment that focuses on family-centered care and has the most medically advanced equipment and support programs available.

We sincerely hope that you will take the time to support Children's Hospital of Illinois. Please don't hesitate to call or email us if you have any questions.

Craig can be reached at 309.645.8928 or c_orwig@yahoo.com

Amy can be reached at 309.303.8371 or amyg75@yahoo.com

Thank you so much for your help.

Sincerely,
Craig, Amy, Taylor and Matthew Orwig

P.S.
You can call Amy and Matthew while they are answering the phone live on television from 3 to 4 pm on June 1 by calling 309.495.0685. This will be her direct line that day. She would love to hear from anyone during the broadcast, even if you donate prior to the day of the telethon.