Who is Raeleigh?
Raeleigh Grace was born October 12, 2007. Raeleigh (pronounced Ray-lee) is a sweet, lively, and adorable Texan with eyes that spoke to our hearts. From her grandmother, Diane: "At four months, she began to cut teeth and we were amazed that she managed to show us a mouthful in a short time. Because the hemangiomas keep her mouth, chin, gums, and tongue so sore, she couldn't work with a teething ring. But, she figured out quickly that the nipple on her bottle would serve her just as well. She is so resourceful in everything she manages to do which is proof positive to us that she is capable of figuring out what works for her and what doesn't. She seems to have the ingenuity to 'figure' out a way, a trait which has amazed us." For more pictures of our gal, please visit our photo page.

How can I learn more about her?
If you have a specific question, please email us, and we'll reply back as soon as possible. You can also visit her CarePage at www.carepages.com. Sign-up (it's free), and search for "RaeleighGrace."

What is Raeleigh's condition?
As of this writing (7/08), Raeleigh's condition as described by her family: "Although the hemangiomas are vascular tumors and never cancer in nature, they can cause big trauma for a baby. In the beginning, we learned that the tumors in her face and across the floor of her throat could cause blindness, heart problems, and brain damage, and because they did grow across her air passage, she had to have a tracheotomy at 9 weeks. Raeleigh can never be left, even for a minute, in a room alone with someone who is not a certified tracheal tube changer, which in the beginning was frightening for all of us. She is a 24/7 baby, which keeps everyone on their feet and alert all of the time. Because of the tracheal tube, she must be suctioned on a regular basis and often this goes on throughout the night, as well as off and on during the day.

She is hooked up to a monitor, which keeps track of her breathing and the beats of her heart. Upon occasion, the monitor goes off and that's when the household is alerted that there is a problem with her. Whenever she gets the chance, she grabs the cords and holds them, with the most adorable grin on her face, scaring us to death for fear she'll pull them from her body.

She is also on steroids, which can have horrible side effects. But, when the doctors take her off of them, the tumors see a window to grow at rapid speed again and she must go back on the steroid treatment immediately.

Although, the tumors are not cancer, she was put on chemo once a week to try and retard the growth of the tumors. She will continue that treatment for the next eight weeks. Like everything else that has been pitched at her, she has managed the chemo like a trouper, and although she may get fussy after her treatments for a day or so, most of the time, she handles it like everything else, with great courage and smiles."

Where can I learn more about hemangiomas?
The Web has many useful resources. Here are a sample of sites you may be interested in (please copy & paste into your browser):
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001459.htm
http://www.childrenshospital.org/az/Site998/mainpageS998P0.html
http://www.saltlakeregional.com/adam/Health%20Illustrated%20Encyclopedia/1/001459/

Why is Team Turtle collecting donations for Raeleigh?
Raeleigh's treatments, including chemotherapy and steroids, are expensive. One chemo treatment, for example, is $(Diane will provide exact number). Raeleigh, as of June 2008, has had (Diane will get exact number). Until Raeleigh is rid of her hemangioma, her family will continue to seek treatment.

How much of my donation will go to Raeleigh?
100%. Yes, all of it. This website, including the hosting/design/blog, is completely donated by Team Turtle so that all donations can be given to Raeleigh. For a list of those who have already generously donated, please see our Honorary Team Turtle list. Your check will be converted to cash, and the money will be folded neatly into Pokey.

How should I send my donation?
Please make a check or money order out to Liza Maakestad, and mail to Race to Raeleigh, PO Box 1185, Mansfield, TX 76063. Please print your name (or the name of someone you would like to donate in honor of) as you would like it to appear on the Honorary Team Turtle list. Please include your city and state. Thank you for your help! If you would like an email to confirm your donation was received, please send your email address as well. If not, just look for your name on the Honorary Team Turtle list. We update it weekly.

How will I know you received my donation?
If you would like an email to confirm your donation was received, please send your email address along with your donation. If not, just look for your name on the Honorary Team Turtle list within 10-14 days of mailing.

Will Team Turtle really stuff my donation or message into Pokey?
Yes. Pokey has no cotton, polyester, or green leaf filling (well, last we checked). Her body and shell backpack were empty when we began. She is only filled with donations & Pokey Notes.

I want to help even more. Any ideas?
Please help us get the word out about this site. Send it to coworkers, friends, family members, your dentist--anyone! Get a creative fundraiser organized for Raeleigh, or put this website address on a bumper sticker. Whatever you can do that might help, we truly appreciate.

When will Pokey get to Raeleigh?
Stay tuned. We honestly don't know how long it will take for Pokey to be filled up, but our hopes are to do complete the mission in 2-3 months. Our goal is to get Pokey nice and plump before she meets Raeleigh. Check our News section for updates, especially on Raeleigh's health. The Race section is updated weekly with donation information. Pokey has a blog, too, so check it out for fresh news from the course.

I still have questions. How do I contact Team Turtle?
Please email us at info@racetoraeleigh.com if you have any questions.

One last thing: who is Team Turtle?
Team Turtle began when two sisters (Liza Gomez Maakestad & Gina Gomez Pham) heard about Raeleigh and wanted to help. Haven't you ever thought about doing something good for someone else, but didn't know how? Well, for quite a while Team Turtle didn't know either. Then Liza heard about Raeleigh, who is the granddaughter of friend and fellow writer Diane Roberts. Afterwards, Liza met Pokey and introduced Pokey to Gina. Gina and Pokey instantly bonded over lattes, and Team Turtle was established.

Team Turtle also corrals volunteers wherever they can find them and sincerely wishes to thank those that have helped so far. To all our friends and family who have helped us dream a little big dream: thank you.