Hello,
Thank you for your interest and support of PCD Smiles. Since starting this program with my husband's support, the outporing of support from the PCD community has been astounding. As I have spoken with recipients, parents' of recipients, and donors alike; the one question that seems to be on everyone's mind is, where did the idea for PCD Smiles come from? So here is my answer to that question.
I was inspired to start PCD Smiles because, as a child, I was a frequent recipient of the Ruth Lyons Children's Fund (originally known as the Ruth Lyons Christmas Fund); growing up in the Dayton, Ohio area. Upon checking in for my hospitalizations for PCD (Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia), I got to select one free toy from the toy cart in the admission's office at the Dayton Children's Hospital. To this day I still own most of the stuffed animals that I had chosen. The free toy was a big part of each of my hospital stays. The toy helped me create my own little world where I could escape and cope with my medical treatment.
With PCD Smiles, I hope to bring that same opportunity to other PCD patients; no matter their age!
Founder
Renee Dale