Lola's Helping Hands

Editor's Note: the following letter was submitted by Kara Meade, who is helping to organize the Lola's Helping Hands Fundraiser at TD's Pub.

On October 29, 2009, my dear friend Laurie Stanley (Lola) was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the young age of 30. She began to lose feeling in her right leg in March of 2009. This resulted in an MRI, Lumbar Puncture, Brain Scan, and many other tests finally revealing the dreaded lesions on her brain. Since this diagnosed, Lola’s symptoms continue to progress and a steady rate. She suffers from numbness in her legs and hands, and a macular leakage in her eyes that causes black spots and lines in her vision amongst other progressing side effects.

Even with this life changing diagnosis, Lola remains positive and a steady fixture in her son’s activities. Lola has not missed one of her son’s basketball or baseball games. Her son Cameron excels at sports, being on local, all-star, and travel teams, and holds honor roll grades in his schooling. He is Lola’s biggest supporter at home and with fundraising. He and his friends host their own MS fundraising lemonade stand every year that has resulted in thousands of dollars in donations. It is with support such as this that Lola’s famous quote is “Just Smile”.

Over the years, we have held many fundraisers to raise money on behalf of Lola’s Helping Hands Walk MS Boston Team. Last year our team was awarded most team spirit in recognition of our positive presence and fun filled outfits on walk day.

This year, on March 23^rd, beginning at 2pm, we will be hosting our annual fundraiser at TD’s pub in Milford, MA. This fundraiser is a simple raffle of many donated themed baskets and raffle items. TD’s Pub is donating the food and some raffle items for the event. Other prizes would not be made possible without the continuing support of our local businesses.

Salon Vicaro, JP Liquors, and The Tradesman are always the first businesses to lend a hand and contribute raffle items that people line up for. This year we also have newcomer coaches Rolando Griffith and Remo Cardarelli from USMMA in Bellingham donating their own personal time for private MMA and self-defense training to the lucky winners. All About You Boutique and Fitness and Freedomware Clothing Line have also jumped on board to donate to this cause. Along with these businesses, many friends and family members of Lola will be participating in donating themed raffle baskets to add to this fundraiser. It is a fun event for all and a great way to raise money for a cure!