May 2007

Dear Anthony,

We wanted to formally thank you for the incredible job you did acting as emcee and DJ for the benefit for our son Ethan at the Springfield Elks on May 6th. The night was overwhelming, and the response from the community was bigger than we had anticipated. Since there were nearly 400 people packed into the room, it was even more important that we have someone helping to direct everyone in the evening's activities. You were crucial in keeping everyone aware of the next step that was happening, since we couldn't possibly talk to everyone ourselves.

Even though the room was so crowded that dancing was not an option, you kept the mood and spirit of the day going and upbeat. You played a wonderful selection of music that really worked with the diverse crowd of all ages and backgrounds that had come together to help Ethan.

We were able to purchase and pick up the handicapped van on May 31st, and it has been a blessing the past few weeks. Ethan got sick with pneumonia shortly after the benefit and had a relapse in the past few weeks. Having this new van made it so much easier to transport him back and forth to the many appointments he's had to follow up on his progress.

We would not have been able to come close to this dream of buying a handicapped accessible van if it wasn't for the direct contribution of people like you. We will never be able to say thank you to everyone enough, but please know that our family appreciates your help more than words can say.

Thanks again-
Maria & Jed O'Brien, Ethan's parents