2009 Prayer Blanket Challenge.....

For children with Nephrotic Syndrome

Good Morning..........
Let me first say THANK YOU to everyone that helped me with this challenge last year as it was a GREAT success with reaching and exceeding my goal of 21 Prayer Blankets for "my kids" for Christmas!
After talking to Michael's nurse the other day... and spending time praying and thinking.. I'm going to change this years challenge.
Apparently there has been an increase in children coming in and being diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome. They are coming from other near by states too.... to receive treatment. The blankets that were taken for Christmas are down to 3. You can see ... they are going to need more blankets.... soon.
So......... my challenge is to to take 5 blankets each month starting with this month which I already have 5 blankets ready to go.
Prayer Blankets are made with a 12 point round blanket pattern.
Anyone willing to help me with this challenge that does not have a pattern of this sort... please email me (address on sidebar)
THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART!

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What is nephrotic syndrome?

Nephrotic syndrome is a condition often characterized by the following:

*very high levels of protein in the urine
*low levels of protein in the blood*swelling, especially around the eyes, feet, and hands
*high cholesterol

What causes nephrotic syndrome?

Generally, nephrotic syndrome results from damage to the kidneys' glomeruli - the tiny blood vessels that filter waste and excess water from the blood and send them to the bladder as urine. However, in some cases, the cause remains unknown.Nephrotic syndrome may occur with many diseases, including the kidney diseases caused by type 2 diabetes. Prevention of nephrotic syndrome relies on controlling these diseases.

What are the symptoms of nephrotic syndrome?

Nephrotic syndrome is actually a set of symptoms and not a disease in and of itself.
The following are the most common symptoms of nephrotic syndrome.
However, each individual may experience symptoms differently.

Symptoms may include:

*high blood pressure
*swelling in the feet and hands, and around the eyes
*susceptibility to infections


Why is this important to me?

My sweet little 10 yr old (Michael) has been diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome.
The doctors have placed Michael back on prednizone due to tests showing his relapse once again.
Michael is the one that set this ministry into motion. I had made a Prayer Blanket for him during one of his bad relapses.... he found such comfort in it .. he said that all the kids with Nephrotic Syndrome needed one too. It would help them feel better like his does.
I spent time in prayer about it and came to the conclusion that Michael was right.... so for the last two Christmas's we have delivered Prayer Blankets for "our kids"
God Bless everyone that has helped us with this!

A handful of 2008 Prayer Blankets

Time to get busy crocheting.
Have a Fabulous Friday and a Wonderful Weekend!!!

hugs... love & blessings,
.::Tam::.

**We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them.
~ 1 John 4:16**