Get Excited For FoF + #TeamTeddy!

Meet Mary & Alex Fish, and their adorable son Teddy! Often times in the blog world, we see "perfect" images (and this family does look like life is pretty darn near perfect), but only then do we learn that everyone deals with challenges and struggles ... some much, much more than others. Here is their story along with a call to action of how WE are going to help them this Friday!

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In the words of this sweet couple's good friend Alex from the awesome blog Pink & Prosperous:

On November 14th, Mary and Alex Fish were given the most devastating news a parent could ever receive: their seven-month-old son, Theodore, who is affectionately known as "Teddy,” was diagnosed with a terminal syndrome called Menkes. Menkes Syndrome affects approximately 1 in 450,000 male babies. There are currently only a handful of documented cases in the entire United States that specialist, Dr. Stephen Kaler, is studying at the National Institute of Health.

Mary created a CaringBridge page (here) as an outlet to both update family and friends about Teddy's health and to spread the word about a relatively unknown syndrome, which currently has no cure. Their journey is documented almost daily by journal entries written by Mary, who as you will quickly learn, is an incredible mother. Every entry she writes is a reminder of what it is to be truly selfless, acting with only your child's best interest in mind.

Teddy was dealt the most unfair hand, but he is so lucky to have quite possibly THE most amazing parents. Teddy's story may not be able to save other babies who currently suffer from Menkes, but it could create awareness and eventually lead to a cure. It could also empower mothers to trust their guts when they know something isn’t right. Because the syndrome is rare, many doctors dismissed her concerns about her child’s symptoms (such as distinctly kinky hair) because they lacked knowledge of Menkes.

So, folks, here's where we step in.
The most important thing that we can do is spread awareness of Menkes Syndrome. Recently, various celebrities have even been hopping on the #TeamTeddy train! Social media is such a strong outlet for us to share this message, and if you write a blog and plan to participate in this week's Five On Friday, we invite you to join us.

This Friday, please consider making the very first photo in your Five on Friday post a picture of you holding a #TeamTeddy sign! Please even put it in before the FoF logo (that way, it will show up as the leading photo on blogrolls and in readers). 

If you would like, we also would love you to Instagram your photo on Friday with the #TeamTeddy and #FiveOnFriday hashtags! 

Lastly, there is a site up (here) to assist with medical expenses should you feel moved to donate financially.

Please let me know if you have any questions at all, and I truly hope you will join us in spreading the word about precious Teddy!