Not Your Ordinary Tag Sale

To the Editor:

Last weekend something amazing happened. Our neighborhood held a benefit tag sale/bake sale/silent auction for our family. During the event, one of our neighbors asked what we think about at night — when faced with a very serious illness, what kind of thoughts run through your head? Well, these past few nights as we lay awake in bed, we think about how lucky we are. We are overwhelmed by the spirit and generosity of our community.

This was no ordinary “tag sale.” Everyone pulled together. The kids had a face painting booth. The Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company brought two trucks, and spent the whole morning talking to everyone and letting the kids climb on their equipment. Several people whose lives had been touched by cancer stopped by just to share their stories. My Place even donated pizza so the neighborhood could have lunch and still work.

At this point, we do not know what the proceeds are. We have heard that there is enough not only to pay for our trip to Disney, but also enough to possibly explore some alternative methods of treatment. But this isn’t just about the money — it’s about all of the people who have touched our lives in a way that they will never know. We want to thank all of the local business who made donations to the silent auction, and all of the people who spent their weekend trying to make our lives a little easier. There is no way for us to effectively show our gratitude to everyone. Hopefully we will have a chance to repay your kindness in some way in the future.

Sincerely,

Ken Ayles

and the Ayles Family

19 Toddy Hill Road, Sandy Hook                                October 8, 2008