On the evening of Thursday, July 24, 2008 a few hard working employees, a few volunteers and a lot of generous Candidates and the Antlers Community came together for an event that will not soon be forgotten by one family. A Political Speaking, Bean Supper and Bake Auction were held solely to raise funds for a special little girl, Elizabeth Smith.

Elizabeth was diagnosed with renal failure and a non-functioning bladder at 19 weeks gestation. Her mom Kristal and Elizabeth went through multiple procedures before her birth on June 12, 2002. Elizabeth was born five weeks early with only 10% function of her kidneys. Elizabeth was put through more surgeries and dialysis at Children’s Hospital.

Elizabeth received a kidney transplant donated by her father. After the transplant, she contracted the UVB virus. Miraculously she survived and since then has undergone a complete reconstruction of her bladder.

Elizabeth has to have a growth steroid that cost about $1100.00 per shot. This cost is after the insurance coverage. Without this shot, she cannot grow which will lead to more medical problems. The family of Elizabeth Smith is a very spiritual one, a very loving and not one to ask for help of any kind. No one knew of the cost, her mother did not share this with anyone. Kristal kept this to herself except when she shared the information with Elizabeth’s nurse, Ruthie Fulton. Ruthie has a very special place in her heart for Elizabeth. Ruthie has been Elizabeth’s nurse since she joined the services of Mays Home Care. That is all it took, Ruthie let the right persons know and things started happening!

Once Mays Home Care became aware of the need for medication for Elizabeth, medication that is so outrageously expensive, it was obvious that someone needed to step up and help out a family in need. The Pediatric Division got things rolling with fundraising.

The upcoming election was the perfect opportunity to hold a speaking and ask our candidates and community to benefit this little girl and give the candidates a chance to be heard. Who, but our own State Representative, R. C. Pruett was the first to respond! He set the pace of donations that will provide the necessary medications needed by a special little girl. Needless to say, it was a great success!

Mayor Brent Franks was available to speak and give an update to things that are happening in and for Antlers and the community. Jessica Phillips and Wanza McGuffie from Brookhaven, MS entertained those present. Wanza traveled to Antlers to accompany Jessica for this event. Wade Snow was MC and Auctioneer with help from Josh Beechen.

Mays Home Care has 29 offices within Oklahoma and 4 offices in Texas. Also, Central Pyramid located in Paris, Texas. The word was spread that fundraising was needed and many offices held lunches, donated money and provided baked items.

It is overwhelming that when the first announcement was made on July 3rd and by July 28th we had almost achieved a set goal. The goal was to provide a year of medication for Elizabeth. The cost for one year is $13,200. We are very close to reaching this goal!

Your interest and support and especially your generosity is very appreciated by Mays and the Elizabeth Smith family! Mays Pediatrics would like to thank the following persons for making this fundraiser a great success.

Special Thanks to the Candidates and representatives of those who could not be present who made this event a huge success. Those present were Commissioner Candidates Hank Vandever, Frank Rosenthal, Jerry Duncan and Bill Erwin. Sheriff Candidates Jim Duncan, Calvin Smith, and Ronnie Steudeman. US Representative Phil Beatty was present for Dan Boren. Representating the US Senate office of Tom Coburn was Josh Brecheen. State Senate Candidates Steve Young and Jerry Ellis were present. US Senator Republican Candidates present were Ron Massey for Senator Jim Imhofe, Candidates Ted Ryals, Evelyn Rogers and Dennis Lopez were also present.

Also, special thanks to everyone who baked items for the auction.
John Wood and Kenny Briggs for cooking beans.
Mike Wood and Jim from Pruett’s Deli for the cornbread.
Patti Hatcher of Patti’s Place for carnation centerpieces.
Sportsman’s Inn and Suites for providing the Smith Family a room for the night.
Wal-Mart for donating bicycle.
The Antlers High School and Debbie Fuller, Food Manager for use of the facilities.
Will Payne with K95.5 and KDOE for getting the word out in the community.

And last but not least the Mays Home Care Staff who have donated money, time and talent to make this event a success. Thanks again for all of your contributions.