" Flight of The Hope Bracelet Journey "

[Kathy]

We have decided to launch a Lupus and MCTD patient-involved project, in an effort to create unity among patients and to bring hope and encouragement to other's.

In an effort to promote the sites trademark and mission,
" Where HOPE is a Work in Progress," (TM)

we have created : " Flight The Hope Bracelet Journey " (TM)

The Plan:
Kathy will be sending out the Hope Bracelet (TM) to a member of her choice to begin the bracelet's journey.

1) The Hope Bracelet (TM) will visit each patient for 14 days.

2) With each patient visit the bracelet makes, we are asking that the bracelet receive a new charm (of patients choice) or ribbon (if finances are too tight). Enclosed in the bracelet envelope will be "O rings" to attach the charms.

3) Each patient is encouraged to take a photo of themselves (if possible) wearing the bracelet, displaying the new additions of charms. Photos can be e-mailed to Kathy at: [e-mail]
Photos will be placed on the site.

4) Patient will write/type a short letter of current life joys and challenges, and a few words of encouragement and hope for other patients to read. We ask that each letter written be signed, as they will travel along with the bracelet.

5) Patient will choose the next patient to receive the Hope Bracelet (TM). The individual that you choose can be another patient that you know personally or someone from the patient address list that will be traveling with the bracelet. (Out of respect for peoples privacy, we ask all participants to keep the list secure) If you decide to add someone to the list, please make sure that you include their name and address to the list. The mailing address list will travel with the Hope Bracelet (TM) and letters.

6) Kathy will create a map on the site logging the journey of the
Hope Bracelet that we can all view! Be sure to e-mail Kathy when the bracelet arrives to your home, so that your visit is displayed on the geographic map.

7) The Hope Bracelet will return home to www.LupusMCTD.com headquarters. The story of the Hope Bracelet (TM) origins will be posted on the site along with all patient letters for viewing.

8) The Hope Bracelet (TM) and story of the bracelet will be auctioned off on Ebay with proceeds to go to site expenses.

If you want the Hope Bracelet (TM) to visit you, please e-mail your name and address to Kathy at: [e-mail]
We look forward to connecting with you on the journey!

Thanks to Dave Walters/Vice CEO
for coming up with the Hope Bracelet (TM) name!!!

Next year, "International Flight of the Hope Bracelet Journey 2009!" (TM)

---

Today the bracelet left Modesto, Ca. Here is our interactive map to watch it as it travels across the USA. (Next year we will have an International flight for one more Hope Bracelet.)
Check out our map from time to time
to see where all it has traveled and collected charms and ribbons.

When the Hope Bracelet safely returns to Modesto,CA it will then be put up for auction on Ebay, along with a story and photos.
You will be welcome to bid on it, the proceeds will go back directly into the website to continue spreading awareness of Lupus and MCTD.

[Kathy]

http://www.useamap.com/LupusMCTD is the map address you can follow the path of the Hope Bracelet on it's journey across the United States.

Our next Hope Bracelet will go International for our overseas members.
Taking sign ups now for that journey
Email Kathy at [e-mail]
Visit the main website http://www.LupusMCTD.com for more information.

[Kathy]

This is a very sad/sore subject with me, but I must tell what has happened to this fundraiser bracelet.

About one year ago the idea was thought of. The bracelet and charm, along with my letter left here.
It made it to 2 other Lupus patients homes.
This one patient kept it from October 2008 till January 2009 when I asked her why has she kept it so long.
Her only answer was "I have no excuse, it's sitting right here next to me on my table. I will mail it out in the morning".

That my friends was in early Jan. 2009
Today is June 20, 2009, she still has it in her possession. She is very active in other Lupus support groups and My Space. There was no problem or even a disagreement between us. for her to show us her actions.
Actually I would of preferred a disagreement so at least I would know what the heck to tell everyone who had eagerly awaited for the arrival of the bracelet.

So, chalk up one more fantastic idea gone down the drain along with what I thought was an honest friendship..
I'm am closing out many of the LupusMCTD accounts as I am toast.I have no desire to carry on to help patients in the way I spent 7 days a week doing so.
I am now participating and doing things for myself that makes me happy since all my happiness in helping an dgiving to others is gone, thanks to Lacy Anne..

So if you know anyone intrested in purchasing the names, the domains as well as the www.MixedConnectiveTissueDisorders.com, .org etc send me an email [e-mail]
I will keep Ning account open as there is so many Lupus sites on here that it will help you build friends from one Ning account to another.

Sorry this is a downer post, but that is the level I am on when discussing anything to do with Lupus or a MCTD.
I literally am walking away from all I worked for.
www.LupusMCTD.com

[myjoy520]

i am pist that i did not get a chance to even see it .thats a shane how people can steal
an get away with it you no but they wont have any luck you here me none whaqt so ever
so who ever has it please send it back if you have a heart ......