What I enjoy most is the celebration of people by the people who love them.
An event caterer, is involved in some of the most important moments in peoples lives. There is nothing more beautiful then friends and family coming together to mark a special day and special people like Chelsea Lane.
The moment I began working with Chelsea's her mother, Sandy, I knew Chelsea was special. The depth of care and attention to every party detail exceeded the preparation for most graduation parties.
I learned that Chelsea was diagnosed with Friedreich's Ataxia (FA) ( see Friedreich's Ataxia ) at age 5. FA is an inherited progressive disease that debilitates motor skills and often leads to serious health problems. This disease has robbed Chelsea of activities that average young people experience easily but on this occasion, it wouldn't steal her day.
Arriving for set up, I found the house brimming with family and friends chattering cheerfully. Did I mention Chelsea Lane is loved?
The party colors were teal, black and white. The buffet was tucked in the kitchen dining area, music and festive party tables filled the backyard.
More then celebrating a graduation, the Lane family were celebrating Chelsea!
Special Party Menu
for 70 guests
for 70 guests
Crab stuffed Mushrooms
Mandarin Chicken Salad
with ginger sesame dressing
with ginger sesame dressing
Hibachi Beef
marinated tri tip with rich pineapple glaze
marinated tri tip with rich pineapple glaze
Vegetable Rice Pilaf
Penne Pasta with Tarragon Chicken
baked with mozzarella in Parmesan cream sauce
Paradise Fresh Fruit Salad
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| Crab Stuffed Mushrooms ready for the oven |
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| Hibachi Beef resting |
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| The Mandarin Chicken Salad recipe will appear in next post |
Chelsea Lane is courageous, loved and her family's perseverance inspiring. Sadly soon after the party Chelsea developed a heart virus. Please remember her and her care givers in your prayers.
To learn more about Friedreich's Ataxia (FA) and how to help, please click on the link or go to http://www.curefa.org
1 comment:
Forward from Chelsea's Mother;
Dear Family and Friends,
This is probably the hardest letter I've ever written. The only other time when things were just as hard, was when she was first diagnosed at the age of four.
As most of you know, we've had a very tough summer. We almost lost Chelsea due to a heart virus called myocarditis. Chelsea says she did die and saw God. She has been going through major depression, as well as post traumatic stress disorder. She has now faced the reality of her disease. We too have faced the reality - Chelsea may die due to Friedreich's Ataxia.
I have expressed the urgency before, but never before has it been so important. There is finally a drug getting ready to start clinical trials. We need funds to continue these clinical trials.
There is still hope for Chelsea. She has told us that she is not ready to go to heaven and wants to be here with us, here on earth. I still think she has a lot left to do here on earth.
Please, please let's make a difference for Chelsea and all of the other kids who have FA.
We are once again going to participate in Ride Ataxia Philly on October 9, 2011, to raise funds for FA. Please help us make a difference.
To make a donation, click the link below and then go to "Make a Donation."
It is because of the support I receive from my generous family and friends, that our past fundraising efforts through our numerous walks, my triathlon, our bike rides have raised close to a million dollars. Thank you so much for your love, caring, compassion and support.
https://sna.etapestry.com/fundraiser/FriedreichsAtaxiaResearchA/raphiladelphia/individual.do?etapCacheBuster=1315931585773&participationRef=968.0.461182157&shareMedium=label.facebook
Sandy
P.S. Please feel free pass this email to your family and friends.
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