Happy Holidays!

With the Holiday Season in full swing I've been extremely busy! We are still working hard to get the funds needed to get to China. I must admit it has been hard work, but it has been rewarding and well worth it. Since my last post we have raised a large amount of funds. We were blessed to have a banquet that raised more than $5,000. I'm so grateful for all of the volunteers that gave up a Sunday to help and all who attended. It was a huge success. The following week a wonderful group of Children in Yukon, OK put on a talent show to raise money. This was extremely heartwarming! These kids put on a show that blew us away. I couldn't believe how talented these little ones were. I heard the sweetest singing voices, enthusiastic dancing, and a hoola hoop performance that I can't stop talking about. Thanks to Perma Jessup and all the participants. It was a Saturday well spent.
We are now getting ready for a bowling tournament sponsored by the bowling team at Southwestern Christian University. This event will be held on Sunday December 11 at Holiday Lanes Bowling Center in Oklahoma City, OK. The event will be from 12-6pm. Contact Coach Shaun Koonce today for more information at  (405) 863-7132. The cost is $60 per team (4 member teams).

Demarion has been working so hard lately. I can't wait to get him to China and get him that boost to help him achieve even more goals. Just two weeks ago he used his left hand, something he hasn't done in almost three years. His therapists are working even harder to prepare him for China. They have been so supportive and helpful.
As I think about what I am thankful for during this holiday season, it's pretty easy. I'm thankful for a loving family, supportive friends and caring strangers. I'm thankful for the kind words and warming hugs from people who are touched by the miracle of Demarion. I'm thankful for a team of hardworking, thinking outside of the box doctors and therapists that have become like family on this journey to get Demarion better.

Things are going GREAT!

One down and many more to go! That's my new outlook on things right now. We had our first fundraiser this past weekend and it was a success! I would like to thank all of the people who donated to the garage sale. We collected a little more than $1,500! Not too bad for one day. Demarion continues to do awesome. I can't wait until we actually get to get on the plane and know that we are on our way. The next fundraiser will be in November. I would like to envite everyone to come out and join us for this banquet. There will be a catered dinner, entertainment, door prizes and a silent aution. For all of you that like to bowl, there will be a bowling tournament hosted by Southwestern Christian University in December. This entire team is excited about helping their new honorary member get to China! I'm so thankful to Coach Shaun Koonce for putting this event together. So, those are the things that are coming up in the next few weeks. Thanks to all of you for your love, support and prayer.

Benefit Banquet
Sunday November 6, 2011 3:00 pm
The Centre
4325 Northwest 50th Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73112
Tickets $25/single, $45/couple, $190/table (seats 8)
Purchase tickets by calling (405) 301-1323 or e-mail Edna @ ednapittman@demarionslaw.com


Demarion Pittman Benefit Bowling Tournament
Saturday December 10, 2011 12:00 noon-6:00 pm
Holiday Lanes Bowling Center
4 member teams (any combination)
$15/person=$60/team
3 games
Contact Coach Shaun Koonce  (405) 863-7132 to resgister your team

Fundraising Continues

Fundraising is in full force. We've been blessed to have so many reach out to help our family in raising the funds needed to get Demarion to China. Currently, there are two fundraiser coming up that you might want to participate in or spread the word.

Garage Sale-Saturday October 1, 2011 (7am-4pm)
11600 N Miller Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK 73120

There will tons of new and  slightly used items including furniture, electronics, artwork,  household items, clothes and more. Remember all donations and sales go to Demarions China trip.

Banquet-Sunday November 6, 2011 (3-6 pm)
The Centre
4325 NW 50th (50th & Meridian)
Oklahoma City, OK 73112

This will be an afternoon of fun with a sit down meal, entertainment and a silent auction. Door prizes will also be given. All proceeds from ticket sales, silent auction will go towards Demarions China trip. Attire is business casual. Tickets will be $25/single, $45/couple, and table purchases will also be available. For ticket purchases contact Edna Pittman @ pittmanenc@hotmail.com.

Thanks again for all of your support and prayers!

What a Blessing!

I am excited to announce to date more than $10,000 has been raised to help Demarion on his journey for a better quality of life. The out pour of love from so many people has been overwhelming. People have donated through the website, mail, donation accounts, and different fundraisers. Some of these people we know personally, but others we've never met. I received a call last week that a concert was held and the artist donated all of the funds to Demarions China trip. With so much bad highlighted in the world, I think we sometimes forget that there are still good people. These good people restore hope for a world so torn. Each and every donation I hear about or receive I share with Demarion. I tell him everyday that he is one step closer to his China trip.
In the months to come there will be several fundraisers in Demarions honor. I will keep you posted with dates so you can join in and spread the word. Thanks again for all of your support, love and prayers.

Thank You!

I am so thankful for all of the support to help get Demarion to China. I must admit this has been a humbling experience. We've received donations from people all over the US and many of them we don't know personally. It makes my heart fill with joy knowing that so many others believe in what we are doing for him.
I've been asked what will the stem cells do? What kind of stem cells will be used? What are our goals for him. So, that's the purpose of this blog.
Stem Cells have the ability to develop into different types of cells to exert different functions. They can reproduce a completely new, normal and even younger cell. As a result of Demarions accident most of his brains cells were damaged causing his disabilities. It is our hope that the stem cells will not only reproduce new brain cells but regulate his immune system, promote the growth of blood vessels resulting in increased blood flow to the damaged areas and improve the effective conduction of his intercellular electrical signals and transduction. We will be going through Beike Biotechnology. Demarion and I will stay in a hospital in Qingdao, China. They use three types of stem cells: umbilical cord blood, umbilical cord tissue and bone marrow. The stem cells will be given to Demarion through IV injection and Lumbar Puncture (spinal tap). The lumbar puncture procedure is used to access the cerebrospinal fluid of the brain and spinal cord and helps deliver stem cells directly into the cerebral spinal fluid. Our major goal is improvement, big or small. We would love for him to be able to walk unassisted, use words, feed and cloth himself. These are all basic things that many of us take for granted each day....I know it did before he was injured.
I know this is a lot of medical terminology, but I can't think of any other way to explain it. We are hopeful that the treatments will be highly effective giving Demarion a much brighter future. Again, thank you for your support and prayers.

Edna

Why China?

I been asked several times, "Why China?" I've always thought of America as the leader in all medical research and treatment. I still do. Unfortunately, in this case China is offering something that Demarion can't get at home. My husband and I made the decision after much research, praying and talking with other Americans that have traveled to China for the same reason. This trip to China gives my son a new start, new hope and how could I deny him that. On the day Demarion was hurt we vowed to take care of him no matter what. This is one of those things that parents do not because it will be easy, but because you love your child so much you would go to the ends of the earth if it meant giving them a better life. I would like to share a link with you all. This website shares the stories of so many around the world who have taken the journey to China and seen positive results. Check it out, you'll be glad you did.
http://www.stemcellschina.com/
Thanks again to all of you who have donated. We couldn't make this happen without your support.

Demarion's going to China!

Wow! What a journey thus far. I never imagined we would be at this point in our lives. In the past four years we've done everything to try to help Demarion improve and much of it has paid off. He's doing more than most of his doctors ever imagined. Our family is so excited about the opportunity to take him to China for stem cell treatment. This is another step in seeing Gods miracles being performed. We consider it a blessing that he was accepted for the treatment. He will be recieving 8 stem cell injections over a 40 day period. He will also receive therapies. Thank you to each and everyone of you for visiting this donation site and donating. Our goal is $55,000 and each and every donation is appreciated and greatly needed. Just click on one of the donate buttons and your donation will be added to Demarions donation account for the trip. Thank you for your prayers and support. God Bless!