CURRENT FUNDS -- $10,853 / $10,000 MILESTONE #13 (08/18/06) -- We have reached our goal in an amazing 13 days!!!! THANK YOU EVERYBODY!!! TREATMENT UPDATE (11/09/06) -- Dave's operation was a success!! All of his teeth were extracted and he is making a swift recovery. On the 21st, we will be meeting with the denturist for an evaluation of his progress to see if he's far enough along to start taking gum impressions. He wants me to extend a thank-you to all of you who helped make this possible and says he's feeling better already. I apologize for the lack of updates, things have been busy/stressful around here lately due to various reasons.

When I first began this page, I was beside myself and out of options. The bad state of Dave's teeth had been something that had bothered me and his family for years. Whenever we discussed treatment, it would get pushed aside with "Well, we can't afford to do anything about it right now, so let's not worry about it."

When the college dental clinic quoted us $10,000 to fix Dave's mouth, I nearly cried. Ten thousand dollars was one of those mythical amounts of money that you heard spoken on gameshows all of the time, and as our bank account rarely has more than $800 in it BEFORE bills, it was looking rather bleak. Dave was quick to write it off as impossible and said we had more important and immediate things that needed worrying about before we could worry about his mouth. Which, of course, meant another few months of watching his health backslide and watching him lapse in and out of being incapacitated by infections.

The decision to turn to the internet for help came one morning when the realization I had been trying so hard not to bring into focus hit me. Dave is dying, that realization said. And unless ONE of you does something about it, the next month you put things off might be the last. People had turned to the internet before us to raise money for much more paltry things, I reasoned. If someone could beg total strangers for $400 for an ipod for no reason other than they felt they deserved it, and if Karyn could raise $20,000 to get herself out of debt she had irresponsibly put herself into, then why couldn't I try asking the people of the internet for $10,000 to save my husband's life?

My decision made, I hastily set up this page and put a link to it in my Gaia Online signature, hoping perhaps a few people would notice it. I figured if I could sell even a few of my Fourth Wall children, that would be a few hundred dollars to put toward the fund. I expected to be at this for months, in other words...and to perhaps reach the goal by next year.

What happened, however, completely floored me.

A few Gaia friends of mine had noticed the link and expressed concern, offering to place it in their own signature to help spread the word. Others offered to likewise do some artwork to help out. Word spread quickly and, by the end of the day, not only were ten other artists offering commissions toward this cause, but we had already raised over a thousand dollars. I was absolutely boggled by people's generosity and was so happy to get such a strong leg-up into saving for Dave's operation. I figured now that the rush of the first-day excitement was over, that was going to be about as much activity as I'd be seeing.

Wrong again.

Over the next twelve days, the money kept coming in from various sources as word spread off of Gaia to other places on the internet. Some purchased artwork from me or one of those who were helping, others generously donated. We also recieved an outpouring of well-wishes for Dave, personal dental experiences from those who'd had similar work done, artwork, and recommendations for dental plans to get on (one of which we're now participating in).

When I awoke this morning (August 18th), tallied the latest donations, and sent what was in paypal off to the bank, I realize that this was it. Thanks to all of you, it was done. Just thirteen days ago, we were wondering how we'd ever afford something like this, and today, you have all helped to create a miracle.

I cannot possibly express how much your support means to us. This is not something temporary that you've helped to pay for that will be forgotten in time, this is something life-changing that will be with Dave for the rest of his days.

When Dave starts to put on weight and stops being malnourished due to his problems, we're going to think of all of you.

When Dave can actually eat an entire meal without having to stop because his mouth hurts him, we're going to think of all of you.

When Dave's health problems start to diminish due to his body not having to work overtime fighting off infections, we're going to think of all of you

When the pile of ER bills we're currently paying off vanishes someday and doesn't come back, we're going to think of all of you.

This was a tremendous thing all of you did, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Your donations, whether they were $5 or whether they were $500, will all work together to save a life. I am not exaggerating, I am not blowing sunshine, I am serious. The next time any of you feel you've not done anything significant, I want you to remember that you helped save someone else's life. It may sound a little cheesy to you, but its the truth. No matter how insignificant you may have felt your donation was, it made a difference.

This page will remain up to give updates on Dave's condition as he undergoes his treatment so that all of you can see your money at work. With any luck, perhaps some photos as well!

Again, thank you all so much. I can't say it enough. Here's to a happier (and healthier!!!) future for Dave!!

--Karma

CUSTOM FOURTH WALL KIDS !!!CLOSED!!! The goal has been reached, there is no need to sell any more Fourth Wall children :3 Those who are still on my pending list or have discussed buying Fourth Wall children with me via Email before the fundraiser's end (whether you're on the pending list or not) will still recieve theirs, but no new orders will be accepted. Thank you, everyone! Price list for reference: NORMAL FOURTH WALL CHILD (begins as infant) -- $80 NORMAL FOURTH WALL CHILD (begins as child) -- $50 EXTINCT FOURTH WALL CHILD (begins as infant) -- $100 EXTINCT FOURTH WALL CHILD (begins as child) -- $75 MYTHICAL FOURTH WALL CHILD (begins as infant) -- $150 MYTHICAL FOURTH WALL CHILD (begins as child) -- $120 MYTHICAL FOURH WALL TWINS -- $250 TO DO: Kirin Twins (female) Youkochylde (ON HOLD) Indian red squirrel (starting at child) Shiromaru PENDING PAYMENT: NONE! 8D

LINKS TO OTHER ARTISTS These are the other wonderful artists who took it upon themselves to open up commissions to contribute to saving Dave. As the goal has been met, most are likely to have closed shop, but they're still very much worth a look! I am leaving this list up for now in case anyone who has purchased a commission needs to get in contact with one of them, but will likely be taking it down in the future so that they can all take a well-deserved break! Everybody on this list is absolutely amazing. Thank you all for helping to make this possible!! Anya! XD -- Anya, the mother of all fa'e and the goddess of watercolors, has offered her talents in the name of saving Dave. She is offering chibis, full CGs, bust CGs, and pencil sketches along with the offer to mail you the original pencil and ink works :3 You can't beat that! Enoh Love -- Enoh is offering chibis, busts, and full-bodies for this cause. She does beautiful colored-pencil jobs and has a lovely manga style so please head over and take a look! ^^ Prolixity -- A WONDERFUL artist and equally wonderful person who is offering her chibis and sketches for this cause. Cerena -- Cere has a very unique style which, when applied with her cel/painter coloring makes her pieces nothing short of incredible. She is offering headshots, bust-ups, and half-bodies Go look!! Black Duvet -- Angie is offering waist-up, full-body, and bust sketches at very good prices. If you've not seen her art, do yourself a favor and go look at it :3 She's very handy with a pencil and does beautiful faces and bodies! Unseasoned -- Unseasoned is offering bust shots, bust shots with backgrounds, and other things if the price is right. She draws both amazing anthros and people with beautiful coloring to boot. CLEEK! Syrcaid -- If you're into art that's a colorful flashback from the 80's Syrcaid is your girl. She does absolutely magical pieces that will make you feel like My Little Pony and Strawberry Shortcake never left! :D Draconayzia -- she does PLUSHIES! PLUSHIES, PEOPLE!! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?? 8D Arafel -- Founder of DCorp, she does beautiful animal and humanoid artwork with equally-beautiful coloring. You don't want to pass up a chance at this <3 Youkochylde -- A dear friend of mine who is offering pencil and CGed pieces at fantastic prices. :3 But no David Bowie shirts!! Kyrianna and Flarie -- Are both selling fairies, kirins, and artwork over on Pony Island to benefit the cause! They're awesome pets and you must have one! *hypnotises* @.@ Terry Sender is an old friend of mine who, for this cause, has decided to take commissions to help out. His lineart is gorgeous and his colored work is breathtaking. Give it a look! Toushin is offering up custom gryphs (one of my favorite pets on Gaia, BTW, which I would be stocking up on if it weren't for needing to save for things like this) and you should totally check it out. *sage nod* She is also offering commissions over at her DA page Sosiqui, the mod of all Cosmos, is lending her awesome Kitsune and Kyuu to the cause for a very affordable price. If you're a dragon-liking type, this just may be the thing for you! Syrie, the maker of Tall Tales, is offering up commissions for this cause. Sy's putting on the table, chibis, sketches, CG, and even an offer to do Tall Tale children themselves! O_O Anthro or human, take a look!! My good friend Usagi, author of Hidden Disguises has graciously offered to lend her anthro-drawing talents to the fundraiser! Check out her VCL Archive for more examples of her work! Gaia user, Amirynth has joined the bandwagon of artists who are lending their talents to this cause! Give her stuff a look! She's offering pencils, shaded pencils, and colored artwork at very reasonable prices! Felinix is selling mirus from Miru Cloud to benefit the fundraiser and to afford a Fourth Wall baby of his own! Help us both reach our goals XD DOPR, a most-excellent Herp artist is willing to draw your dragons, dinos, and other such leezards!

I want to name each and every person who's contributed to this cause and made it possible to save Dave. Its amazing to know people like you exist in the world and are willing to help out this way. Thanks cannot express my gratitude that you would help save David and I wish I could give you all more than a shout-out or artwork as you certainly deserve it! From the bottom of my heart, thank you all <333 (PS -- some people didn't include their proper nickname with their donations, so if you see your Email nickname on here and would rather be known as someone else, please let me know :3 Also, if you do not see your name here and you donated, please Email me with the name you donated under and the amount and I'll look you up and list you. I updated this page while half-awake a lot and some may have gotten lost in the shuffle.)

Everybody who's put the link to this page in their sig (I HAVE noticed <333 )
Everybody who's recommended sources of insurance/medicine/doctors
Everybody who's selling pets/commissions to benefit this fundraiser (I love you all ;; )
Sajhiri -- purchased a bust shot! (COMPLETED)
Zero Dream -- $10 donation!
The Nozomi -- purchased a normal FW child! (COMPLETED)
NineTailedNightmare -- purchased normal FW twins! (COMPLETED)
Flarie -- $20 donation!
Krista Darkangel Silme -- Purchased a normal FW infant! (COMPLETED)
Kamiki -- Purchased a bust shot! (COMPLETED)
Precious Flame -- $40 donation!
Anya! XD -- $100 donation!!!!!!!
Syrcaid -- Purchased an extinct FW infant! (COMPLETED)
Smerdle -- Purchased a bust shot (COMPLETED) , a normal FW child (COMPLETED) , plus a $10 donation!
Mousekinn -- $15 Donation!
XBear -- $20 donation by way of Anya commission!
Flarie -- $10 donation by way of Anya commission!
Sajhiri -- $20 donation by way of Anya commission!
Puchiko -- $40 donation!!
Sosiqui -- $5 donation by way of Anya commission!
J_Krolack -- $50 donation by way of Sajhiri commission!
chirigami -- $20 donation!
Wotcher -- $15 donation by way of Anya commission!
EnchantedKandyland -- $5 donation!
Saikatsu -- $50 donation!!!
Shadesfox -- $50 donation!!!
jaydita -- $5 donation!
Prolixity -- $267.51 donation!!!!!!!! <33333
Arafel -- Purchased a normal FW infant (polar bear) (COMPLETED) and extinct FW twins! (raptors) o_o
Krista Darkangel Silme -- $50 donation by way of Sajhiri comimission!
Sabin Duvert -- $20 donation by way of Anya commission!
Enoh Love -- purchased normal FW twins! (COMPLETED)
fallofrain -- $20 donation!
blueeyesafraid -- $5 donation!
barry_j_rowe -- $25 donation!
Draconayzia -- $15 donation!
jamicotc -- $10 donation!
Sizzla -- Purchased a FW infant plus a $20 donation!! (COMPLETED)
Chinchillie -- Purchased a normal FW infant (COMPLETED)
Britain -- $15 donation + $30 for Brina's chibis!
Shiaree -- Purchased a normal FW child! (COMPLETED)
Kaze Taco -- Purchased a normal FW infant (COMPLETED) + $5 donation by way of commission from Anya!
mononokepl -- $150 donation by way of Arafel commission!
Romy -- $150 donation by way of Youkochylde commissions!!!
XBear -- $5 donation by way of Cere commission!
Kyrianna -- Purchased normal FW twins! (COMPLETED)
Aecas -- $100 donation!!!!
Fwhite -- $100 donation!!!!!
Boleslaw -- $1 donation!
Swifty -- $140 donation!!!!
Kalindara -- $100 donation by way of Anya commission!
tkrahnriosto -- $10 donation!
Zorro -- $20 donation!!
The Phantom Lurker -- $35 by way of Anya commission!
BloodiedFox -- $20.00 donation!!
Ilithari -- Purchased a normal FW infant! (COMPLETED)
paladin2 -- $20 donation!!
alaglasse -- $50 donation!!!
Paul Escobar -- $100 donation!!!
Locksley L'Crit -- $15 by way of Cerena commission!
chris -- $5 donation!
jpm -- $20 donation!
daniel.meyer -- $10 donation!
Anonymous -- $48.25 donation!!!
Arcaton -- $50 donation!!!
The Phantom Lurker -- $50 donation by way of Unseasoned Commission
t.k.g. -- $25 donation!!
Flarie & Kochi -- $5 donation for kiri devouring
Gavyn Lumier -- $50 donation!!!
Fender -- $250 donation!!!!
JousterL -- $20 donation!!!
Dressari -- $50 donation!!!
dannp5 -- $20 donation!!!
kitsunethiefsonja -- $40 donation!!
Squirrelly -- $20 donation!!
curranc090 -- $50 donation!!!
Kamiki -- $5 donation by way of Kyuu purchase!
Wotcher -- $5 donation by way of Kyuu purchase!
K.J. Rollins -- $50 donation by way of Arafel commission
The Phantom Lurker -- $10 donation by way of Kitsune (2) purchase!
fether -- $175 donation by way of DCorp Purchase!
Toushin -- Purchased a Fourth Wall Child + $10 donation!
ynes_chan -- $10 donation!
i_am_the_wild_blue_yonder -- $10 donation!
darrellflynn -- $20 donation!
Fluffybacon2004 -- $10 donation!
declantribal -- $10 donation!
opheliasfatality -- $15 donation!
Kedge Raccoon -- $150 donation!!!!
Syrcaid -- $10 donation by way of Kitsune purchase!
Schiz -- $175 donation by way of DCorp purchase!
Professor Hunnydew -- $25 donation!
Forestcat -- $8 donation!
The Teamouse -- $20 donation by way of four Kitsune!
crafall -- $10 donation!
Draconic -- $5 donation!
ninjaunderglass -- $20 donation!!
themagyar -- $10 donation!
Shishi -- $30 donation!
Kalo Foxfire -- $20 donation!
seth triggs -- $21 donation!
jeffh4 -- $20 donation!
bolen1mt -- $20 donation by way of Youkochylde commission!
egblades -- $250 donation!!!!!!
cinci555 -- $50 donation!
joaniegecko -- $10 donation!
clawsight -- $8 donation!
Corgi -- $30 donation!!
Simcha-Lerner -- $18 donation!
Howdy -- $20 donation!
kemanorel_ -- $50 donation!!!!
Kesslan -- $50 donation!!!!
scifox -- $15 donation!
misteroonova -- $15 donation!
Charon -- $10 donation!
rcsi -- $20 donation!
kronos106 -- $20 donation!
SEckert01 -- $50 donation!!!
not_2_me -- $10 donation!
MalkavianPrimogen -- $100 donation!!!!!!
Z -- $20 donation!
yarnick.larvor -- $10 donation!
rigger -- $20 donation!
jalendragon - $25 donation!
krmrivera -- $15 donation!
boffh -- $5 donation!
mlepew -- $50 donation!!
stripes -- $20 donation!
ollygt -- $20 donation!
Anonymous -- $245 donation!!!!!
Grizzlymech -- $200 donation!!!
spotweld -- $25 donation!!
alistairkatt -- $10 donation!
mtd.mobious -- $25 donation!!
jordan.somonan -- $20 donation!
marcin -- $30 donation!!
Insane_Angel2U -- $9.66 donation!
GoldenPanther -- $200.00 donation!!!!
trygve -- $15 donation!
magra -- $222 donation!!!
kerblamit -- $10 donation!
javaboy1999 -- $100 donation!!!!
Thabara -- $5 donation by way of Cerena commission!
iain_dewer -- $5 donation!
mlooshka2 -- $20 donation!
maege1 -- $100 donation!!!
Overlord Kraken -- $75 donation!!!
lesch -- $40 donation!!
cynic573 -- $5 donation!
chris -- $25 donation!
PotziHookman -- $100 donation!!!
fox-o-nine -- $75 donation!!!
amoraq -- $5 donation!
Tobias -- $100 donation!!!
glent -- $500 donation!!!!!!!!! o_o
Trio Maxwell-Chang -- Purchased a Mythical FW baby (COMPLETED)
Sosiqui -- Purchased a normal FW child
tbrudder -- $50 donation!!!
adamdiran -- $20 donation!!
alien.motives -- $20 donation!!
honestjonh -- $20 donation!!
graf.matthias -- $666 donation!!!!!! <333
tricia -- $5 donation!
forgiveness999 -- $20 donation!
travis.capener -- $25 donation!
Leigh -- $25 donation!
iamme-uk -- $20 donation!
Aja Barris -- $5 donation by way of Cere commission!
kaskat -- $8 donation!
redwolf -- $10 donation!
Soulbinder -- $5 donation!
darmes_d -- $50 donation!!!
vgamet -- $15 donation!
GLBoothby -- $5 donation!
asbeorn -- $5 donation!
Nanook -- $25 donation!!
Bluefish -- $50 donation!!!
jschutte -- $5 donation!
thermaldtm -- $20 donation!!
Syrie -- $15 donation!
Cigarskunk -- $40 donation!!
Emelyn -- $20 donation by way of Anya commission!
Trixi and Tet -- $100 donation!!!
frugality200 -- $10 donation!
chipini -- $10 donation!
swiftfoxhound -- $30 donation!!
Paul Pinewood -- $100 donation!!!
traubitz -- $250 donation!!!!
farmer_giles -- $5 donation!
flowers -- $10.72 donation!
Darkwing Dork -- $5 donation!!
Draconayzia -- $30 donation!
JReq -- $50 donation!!
Inle-Roo -- $15 donation!
Highwing -- $100 donation!!!
gmswanner -- $5 donation!
gmirles -- $10 donation!
robert --- $5 donation!
lionar_panthar -- $10 donation!
The Nozomi -- $150 donation by way of DCorp purchase!
p.meijer -- $50 donation!
Gatorman -- $15 donation!
wiscecq -- $5 donation!
milgrove -- $100 donation!
Laesar -- $30 donation!
holly_hollis -- $10 donation!
justinmeyers58 -- $40 donation!!
alyssatree -- $150 donation!!!!