A message from Stephanie Parkinson

February 19, 2010

Dear Family and Friends,

February is National Marfan Awareness Month.


Our son Cory was diagnosed with Marfan syndrome at the age of 16 while attending Downers Grove South High school. While at Downers Grove South, Cory excelled not only academically, but musically as well, garnering 7 IMEA State Composition Awards, several National and Community Awards and representing DGS in the All-State Honors Choir.
After graduating DGS with honors in 2008 Cory was proud to attend The University of Michigan School of Music as a Music Composition Major. Unfortunately, during the spring semester of 2009 he was forced to withdraw from the University of Michigan due to health complications of Marfan syndrome. He is currently residing in Downers Grove, receiving available treatment for his condition and hopes to return to the University of Michigan in the future. The above picture is Cory playing the piano in the atrium of the Mayo Clinic during the 2009 National Marfan Conference.

Since Cory graduated from DGS, I have been an active volunteer for the National Marfan Foundation www.marfan.org and have been working to increase awareness & education, providing online and local support to Marfan patients and their families.

In honor of National Marfan Awareness Month I am hosting a three part Fundraiser to benefit the National Marfan Foundation:
1) A letter writing campaign for family and friends asking for a contribution*
2) An online campaign via email/Blogging/Facebook/Twitter requesting donations*
3) A Spring Floral Design Program/Fundraiser hosted by Heritage House Florist in Downers Grove on March 11, 2010.

Please consider making a donation* to the National Marfan Foundation
Donations* can be made online by visiting:
http://www.firstgiving.com/stephanieparkinson

*Any donations made prior to March 30th, 2010 automatically enters you in a drawing for a FABULOUS gift package which includes a CD of original compositions and vocal performances by Cory Parkinson, a CD by Chicago Indie artist TEAMROCKIT an NMF T-shirt, hand created heart jewelry and many other wonderful surprises. Random drawing will be held on April 1, 2010.

Thank you in advance for any level of participation in support of this worthy cause!

If you have any questions, please contact me at stefpark@aol.com

Information about Marfan syndrome and the National Marfan Foundation can be found at
www.marfan.org