About Mommies Funding Research

The 2012 Auction has ended. Thank you for bidding! If you placed the winning bid you will receive payment instructions by Monday, July 9th. If you have any questions, please email us.

Mommies Funding Research is a group started by the July 2007 moms from babycenter.com created to raise money for causes that are near and dear to our hearts. Every year we intend to hold an auction to raise money for these causes. Last year we raised over $1000 (combined) for SMA and MPS! This year we hope to raise even more money to help find a cure for both SMA and MPS. Our auction is in honor of two very special babies who have touched our lives. To learn about these beautiful angels, please read Hannah's Story and Sawyer's Story.

Jun 29, 2012

Bib, Onesie, Burp Cloth Set

 What a perfect baby shower gift! Custom tie onesie, burp cloth, and bib set all wrapped up and ready for gift giving. The winner will get to choose the size of the onesie and the fabric for the onesie, bib, and burp cloth. I can customize it for a girl, as well, with a heart or star applique instead of the tie

I only use super soft and high quality Carter's onesie bodysuits. In addition to the appliqued tie, each bodysuit will also have a cute little detail appliqued onto the "tush".

Bibs have snap enclosures and backed with SUPER soft white chenille. Burp cloths are premium prefold diapers, embellished with the fabric of your choice. I have TONS of fabrics to choose from and I only use high quality designer fabrics.

Please visit my business page at : www.facebook.com/mousehousecreations

Carter's bodysuit sizes available are:
3 month (8-12 pounds)
6 month (12-16 pounds)
9 month (16-20 pounds)
12 month (20-24 pounds)
18 month (24-30 pounds)

Retail value $28
Proceeds to benefit Families of SMA
Donation made by Hayley of Mouse House Creations

Scrappy Doll

 Handmade Scrappie Doll 15" tall made from fabric scraps. Hand embroidered face. Each Scrappie Doll is the product of a collection of fabric scraps and ribbons in all sorts of textures and fibers. Each Scrappie is filled with poly-fill stuffing. These dolls are handmade with a lot of love and joy, and each face is truly one of a kind.

Retail value $25
Proceeds to benefit MPS Society
Donation made by Sidney Dawson

Toddler Owl Hat

 This crocheted owl hat is a perfect way to keep your little one warm this winter, not to mention totally adorable! Made from super soft yarn, this hat is great for every day wear or great as a photography prop. They also make excellent gifts :)

Retail value $25
Proceeds to benefit Families of SMA
Donation made by Sidney Dawson

Jun 28, 2012

Handmade Guitar

 Handmade guitar with hard shell case. For a full description email sniderguitars@gmail.com and check out jhsniderguitars.com

Minimum bid $400
Retail value $800
Proceeds to benefit MPS Society
Donation made by John Snider at jhsniderguitars.com

$25 Target Gift Card


Shopping at Target? Why not put that money to good use by donating it here and recieving this $25 Target gift card in return?



Retail value $25
Proceeds
to benefit MPS Society
Donation made by Clair Salcher

$25 Target Gift Certificate


Shopping at Target? Why not put that money to good use by donating it here and recieving this $25 Target gift card in return?



Retail value $25
Proceeds
to benefit Families of SMA
Donation made by Clair Salcher

$25 Amazon Gift Card

Amazon.com Gift Cards are redeemable storewide, have no fees, and never expire. Use this to by books, ebooks for your Kindle, or anything else that Amazon has to offer. You can choose to have this card delivered via email or snail mail.

Retail value $25
Proceeds to benefit MPS Society
Donation made by Sari Erdos & family

$25 Amazon Gift Card

Amazon.com Gift Cards are redeemable storewide, have no fees, and never expire. Use this to by books, ebooks for your Kindle, or anything else that Amazon has to offer. You can choose to have this card delivered via email or snail mail.

Retail value $25
Proceeds to benefit Families of SMA
Donation made by Sari Erdos & family

Jun 27, 2012

Personalized Hooded Bath Towel

No more fights over towels after bathtime! Now your child can dry off in style in a cozy hooded towel personalized with their initial. Towels are made with soft terry cloth and have a large felt initial in the middle of the back. 42" from the tip of the hood to the bottom and 50" wide. You choose the towel and letter color. This item is made to order. Check out www.bloomandbelle.etsy.com for more pictures.

Retail value $20
Proceeds to benefit Families of SMA
Donation made by Aryn at Bloom & Belle

Custom Superhero Cape

 What child doesn't like to be a superhero? This custom personalized superhero cape will create just the right mood for all of your child's world-saving games.

Measuring 20" from neck to hem, it is a one-size-fits-all for the 2 & up set. Made from cotton fabric in the color of your choice and fully lined with a lighter shade of the same color. In the middle is a custom felt super-symbol with a glittery white star and initial for your superhero. A contrasting color for your super symbol initial is available. This item is made to order. Check out www.bloomandbelle.etsy.com for more pictures.

Retail value $20
Proceeds to benefit MPS Society
Donation made by Aryn at Bloom & Belle

From the Heart Jewelry Lot

 Includes all items pictured:

  • Sparkly Heart Necklace - Crystal covered open heart charm on sterling plated 18" necklace chain 
  • Open Heart Earrings - Large plain silver colored open heart charms on base metal posts 
  • Sparkly Heart Earrings - Crystal covered open heart charms on base metal earwires 
  • Pink Heart Charm Bracelet - Swarovski crystal heart charms on silver plate and pink aluminum chain, standard 7 1/2" length
Total retail value $57
Proceeds to benefit MPS Society
Donated by Felicia of Alice's Eyes Design Co.
Handcrafting jewelry for ten years in the beautiful Berkshires.

Earrings in Blue

 Includes all items pictured:
  • Glass Heart Earrings - Lampwork Glass hearts with Swarovski crystals on base metal earwires
  • Sun Hoops - Mix of cobalt blue glass and Swarovski crystal beads on base metal hoops
  • Stone Drops - Lovely milky light blue stone beads with Swarovski crystals on base metal earwires
  • Mother Of Pearl Earrings - Large dark blue organic shaped mother or pearl shell beads on base metal earwires
Total retail value $58
Proceeds to benefit Families of SMA
Donated by Felicia of Alice's Eyes Design Co.
Handcrafting jewelry for ten years in the beautiful Berkshires.

Beachy Jewelry Lot

 Includes all items pictured:
  • Long Shell Feather Necklace - Large carved mother of pearl shell with bone and glass beads on faux brown leather suede cord with adjustable clasp
  • Shell and Wood Beaded Anklet/Bracelet - White shells with wood beads, bracelet has an adjustable clasp which makes it possible to also wear as an anklet
  • Mother Of Pearl Earrings - Large organic shaped mother or pearl shell beads on base metal earwires
  • Small Pearl Drop Earrings - Cultured freshwater pearls on crystal stud posts
Total retail value $58
Proceeds to benefit MPS Society
Donated by Felicia of Alice's Eyes Design Co.
Handcrafting jewelry for ten years in the beautiful Berkshires.

Elegant Jewelry Lot

 Includes all items pictured:
  • Long Agate Ring Necklace - Pink and white agate rings with silver chain and black ribbon, long necklace with filigree hook closure
  • Pearl, Lace and Leather Wrap Bracelet - Single wrap with glass pearls, vintage lace and faux black leather suede cord
  • Pearl and Black Earrings - Black ovals with small white glass pearls (not recommended for sensitive ears)
Total retail value $58
Proceeds to benefit Families of SMA
Donated by Felicia of Alice's Eyes Design Co.
Handcrafting jewelry for ten years in the beautiful Berkshires.

Edgy Jewelry Lot

Includes all items pictured:
  • Mermaid Bottle Cap Necklace - Tattoo flash style artwork bottle cap charm on 18" necklace chain with adjustable clasp
  • NYC Bottle Cap Necklace - Tattoo flash style artwork bottle cap on 18" necklace chain with adjustable clasp
  • Leather And Silver Bracelet - Genuine black leather cord with silver plated metal beads. 7 1/2" with adjustable clasp
  • Long Chain Fringe Earrings - Mixed silver colored chain on silver plated earwires
Total retail value $62
Proceeds to benefit MPS Society
Donated by Felicia of Alice's Eyes Design Co.
Handcrafting jewelry for ten years in the beautiful Berkshires.

Funky Jewelry Lot

Includes all items pictured:
  • Troll Doll Necklace - Vintage Troll Doll charm on blue aluminum 18" chain with black toggle clasp.
  • Chococat Bracelet - Chococat (hello kitty character) face charms with silver and gold plate 7 1/2" bracelet with adjustable clasp
  • Pink and Blue Wrap Bracelet - Hot pink and light blue rubber tubing over silver plated memory wire
  • Extra Long Chain Earrings - Blue, purple and black aluminum chain on silver plate earwires
Total retail value $64
Proceeds to benefit Families of SMA
Donated by Felicia of Alice's Eyes Design Co.
Handcrafting jewelry for ten years in the beautiful Berkshires.

Beaded Bracelet & Earrings


This beautiful matched set includes a 7 inch stretch elastic bracelet and sterling silver french hook earrings. Featuring tiger's eye, blue & brown ceramic beads and sterling silver accents.

Retail value $25
Proceeds to benefit MPS Society
Donation made by Desiree at Prairie Dragon Designs

Beaded Bracelet


This is an 8 1/2 inch chunky bracelet featuring a delicately carved bone centerpiece, green & brown speckled ceramic and amber beads with silver tone accents & toggle clasp.

Retail value $20
Proceeds to benefit Families of SMA
Donation made by Desiree at Prairie Dragon Designs

Jun 22, 2012

Flower Hair Clippies

You are bidding on TWO flower hair clippies from Couture to Cure SMA.
Clippie #1: Lime green and white zebra print satin and lime metallic mesh are handsewn with a center of lime green glass beads.  Attached to a single prong alligator clip fully lined in lime green grosgrain ribbon.
Clippie #2 Layers of aqua metallic jersey and aqua sparkle tulle are handsewn with a center of glass beads in aqua and pink.  Attached to a single prong alligator clip fully lined in aqua grosgrain ribbon.

Retail Value: $11
Proceeds to benefit Families of SMA
Donation made by Barb Zahn of Couture to Cure SMA.

T-Shirt ~ Designs by EliAnn

One shirt with choice of any 1 design from designs by EliAnn. You choose the shirt style, size and design. We use American Apparel shirts which are 100% cotton and made in the USA. All of our designs come in fun and fashionable colors and fabrics. Please check out our Facebook page to make your selection. Bid on both EliAnn items and choose a coordinating t-shirt and tote!

Retail value $12
Proceeds to benefit MPS Society
Donation made by Liz @ designs by EliAnn

Tote Bag ~ Designs by EliAnn

One tote bag with choice of any design from designs by EliAnn (except Classic Puppy due to size issues). Our tote bags are considered a mini tote. They are a perfect size for a toddler to carry his/her treats, small toys, books etc for car rides, play dates etc. They are even a cute size for Mom to carry as a small purse. Our tote bags have cotton bodies with nylon handles and a cotton applique in one of our fun designs and are machine washable. Please check out our Facebook page to make your selection.

Retail value $10
Proceeds to benefit Families of SMA
Donation made by Liz @ designs by EliAnn

Jun 21, 2012

Retractable badge holders

 Don't you just get so tired of wearing the same old ugly badge holder everyday? These cute holders have a 36" retractable pull cord, alligator & tension slide clips that hold them securely in place, and a reinforced vinyl snap strap keeps your badge safely attached. Badge holders are $15 a piece (no bidding). Because these items are sold one by one, you may pay now and they will be shipped immediately - no waiting for the auction to end. Please indicate which style you want in the comments below.

All proceeds go to Families of SMA in memory of Sawyer Eberhardt.
Donation made by Monica Eberhardt

Custom Team Blanket

Show your team spirit! Custom made team blanket made in your choice of team, fabric (cotton or fleece), backing (flannel, minky, or satin), edged with coordinating satin ribbon. Please include your preferred team with your bid so that we may notify you if your team is not available. Most NFL, MLB, NCAA, and NBA teams are available. Size varies depending on fabric yardage, but averages around 40" x 50". The blanket in this picture is made from flannel, with a minky back, and a satin ribbon edge. Fabrics are special ordered for your team after the auction ends. Please Note: This is a custom made item and it may not be ready until the end of August. 

Retail value $40
Proceeds to benefit MPS Society
Donation made by Nicole

Custom Team Blanket

Show your team spirit! Custom made team blanket made in your choice of team, fabric (cotton or fleece), backing (flannel, minky, or satin), edged with coordinating satin ribbon. Please include your preferred team with your bid so that we may notify you if your team is not available. Most NFL, MLB, NCAA, and NBA teams are available. Size varies depending on fabric yardage, but averages around 40" x 50". The blanket in this picture is made from flannel, with a minky back, and a satin ribbon edge. Fabrics are special ordered for your team after the auction ends. Please Note: This is a custom made item and it may not be ready until the end of August. 

Retail value $40
Proceeds to benefit Families of SMA
Donation made by Nicole

Daisy Rae Photograph(s)

The Item(s) up for auction: Your choice of photograph(s) from Daisy Rae Photography. You can choose 3 5x7s, 2 8x10s or 1 16x20.

Any photo listed on this Facebook Page or on www.daisyraephotos.com is available!

Retail value $40
Proceeds to benefit MPS Society
Donation made by Amy Nelson

Daisy Rae Photograph(s)

The Item(s) up for auction: Your choice of photograph(s) from Daisy Rae Photography. You can choose 3 5x7s, 2 8x10s or 1 16x20.

Any photo listed on this Facebook Page or on www.daisyraephotos.com is available!

Retail value $40
Proceeds to benefit Families of SMA
Donation made by Amy Nelson

$25 Scentsy Gift Certificate

Spend your $25 on whatever you want from Scentsy! Scentsy is a safe, wickless alternative to scented candles. The decorative warmers are designed to melt scented wax with the heat of a light bulb instead of a traditional wick and flame. Choose your favorite scents (so many to choose from!) and enjoy the benefits of a scented candle without the safety risks of a burning candle.

Retail value $25
Proceeds to benefit MPS Society
Donation made by Stephanie Clark
Check out Stephanie's Scentsy page to see all of her products!

$25 Scentsy Gift Certificate

Spend your $25 on whatever you want from Scentsy! Scentsy is a safe, wickless alternative to scented candles. The decorative warmers are designed to melt scented wax with the heat of a light bulb instead of a traditional wick and flame. Choose your favorite scents (so many to choose from!) and enjoy the benefits of a scented candle without the safety risks of a burning candle.

Retail value $25
Proceeds to benefit Families of SMA
Donation made by Stephanie Clark
Check out Stephanie's Scentsy page to see all of her products!

$50 Target Gift Certificate


Shopping at Target? Why not put that money to good use by donating it here and recieving this $50 Target gift card in return?



Retail value $50
Proceeds
to benefit MPS Society
Donation made by Faith Spratlin

$50 Target Gift Certificate


Shopping at Target? Why not put that money to good use by donating it here and recieving this $50 Target gift card in return?



Retail value $50
Proceeds
to benefit Families of SMA
Donation made by Faith Spratlin

Apr 28, 2009

Auction Instructions

If you are experiencing any trouble posting your bid, you can also email your bid information to mommiesfundingresearch@yahoo.com and we will post your bid for you. Just make sure you tell us what item you are bidding on. The bidding will take place in the comments for each individual item. When you bid, please adhere to the following rules.

1. You must bid with a name and the dollar amount of your bid. First name is fine if you don't want to post your whole name for everyone to see. Every item has a minimum bid of $10.

2. You must post with an email address. If you don't want to post your personal email address, please create a yahoo, hotmail, etc. account for the purposes of this auction. You MUST use this email address for all auction communications, because the winning bidder will only be contacted at the winning email address. This is to ensure that the item goes to the person who bid on it.

3. Please do not bid on an item unless you are willing to follow through with your bid.

4. No bids will be counted after midnight - 11:59pm to be exact (eastern standard time) on July 7th. When the auction is over, please check to see if you have won an item. All comments posted after this time will be deleted.

Example of a bid:
Mary
$20
mary@emailaddress.com


5. Any bid missing any of the above information will not count and will be deleted.

6. Your winning bid includes shipping within the United States ONLY. If you live in another country, you may still participate, but be prepared to pay the difference in shipping costs.

Still have a question? Please do not ask questions in the comments sections. Anything other than a bid will be deleted. Please
email us with any questions, comments, or concerns.

Detailed instructions on how to submit your donation and receive your item will be posted near the end of the auction, but here is a general overview of what will happen.

When the auction ends you will have 48 hours to follow through and make your donation in the amount of your winning bid. You will receive an email from mommiesfundingresearch@yahoo.com confirming that you have won, listing the winning bid, and including detailed instructions on how to pay for your item. You must follow the specific donation instructions for each charity so that we receive proof that you have paid. The person with the item will wait for confirmation of payment from us (NOT the winner) and at that point, the two of you can make shipping arrangements. More details will be included in your email, but here is a brief overview of what to expect:

SMA payments will be made online through the Families of SMA website. There is a page specifically set up for our auction. Click here to see the donation page. You may also make a monetary donation using this page if you wish to make a contribution without bidding in the auction. Thank you to everyone who donates!

MPS payments will be made by credit card through Clair. MPS Society sent her a credit card machine for the purposes of this auction. PayPal is also accepted, but please submit payment as personal so that Clair is not charged a PayPal fee. If you submit it as payment for goods, you will have to cover the PayPal fees before your item is sent.

Shipping is the responsibility of the person donating the item, EXCEPT in the situation where the winning bidder lives outside the United States. The winning bidder will have to make arrangements with the shipper to pay for the difference. Questions about shipping on a specific item? Ask us.

Apr 23, 2009

Sawyer's Story

Sawyer was born on 6/29/07 and diagnosed on 8/22/07 with Type I Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). Type I SMA is also called Werdnig-Hoffmann Disease. SMA is the #1 genetic killer of children under age 2.

SMA is an autosomal recessive genetic disease. An individual with SMA has a missing or mutated gene (SMN1, or survival motor neuron 1) that produces a protein in the body called Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein. This protein deficiency has its most severe affect on motor neurons. Motor neurons are nerve cells in the spinal cord which send out nerve fibers to muscles throughout the body. Since SMN protein is critical to the survival and health of motor neurons, without this protein, nerve cells atrophy, shrink and eventually die, resulting in muscle weakness.

As a child with SMA grows, their bodies are doubly stressed, first by the decrease in motor neurons and then by the increased demands on the nerve and muscle cells as their bodies grow larger. The resulting muscle atrophy causes weakness that leads to loss of function; such as head control, leg and arm movement, swallowing, feeding, as well as additional compromise of the respiratory (breathing) system.

At the time of Sawyer's diagnosis we were told there was no treatment available and he would die before his 1st birthday. We refused to accept that in this day and age there was nothing to be done and Charles immediately searched for the latest techniques and research on this disease. Sadly, this is the reality for children facing this disease.

His efforts brought us to The University of Utah's Medical School and Dr. Kathryn Swoboda, a geneticist and researcher at Primary Children's Medical Center. After flying there to meet with Dr Swoboda, Sawyer was placed on medications (Valproic Acid & carnitine). The medications were not a cure, but were being given in the hope of improving the quality and length of his life. Sawyer was visited weekly by a nurse, physical therapist, and an occupational therapist. Sawyer required around the clock care. Our goal was to enjoy Sawyer's sweet smiles and laughs as much as we could every day. We wanted him to live comfortably and to feel well loved.

Despite his circumstances, Sawyer was a happy baby. He smiled constantly and loved attention! He was a true joy to be with! Sawyer went to heaven when he was 3 months old. He was in our arms, surrounded by love and passed peacefully into heaven. To learn more about Spinal Muscular Atrophy & the efforts to find a cure please visit the Families of SMA website
.

There IS HOPE! Scientists feel they are very close to finding a cure!

Hannah's Story

Hannah was diagnosed with MPS Type I on June 30, 2008- one week before her first birthday.

MPS is an acronym for a rare genetic disorder called mucopolysaccharidosis. Hannah's body was lacking an enzyme necessary to break down molecules called glycosaminoglycans - long chains of sugar carbohydrates in each of our cells that help build bone, cartilage, tendons, corneas, skin and connective tissue. Over time, these glycosaminoglycans collect in the cells, blood and connective tissues. The result is permanent, progressive cellular damage which affects appearance, physical abilities, organ and system functioning, and mental development.

There is no cure for MPS although there are some treatments that are proving helpful, if successful. The first is enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), where a synthetic form of the missing enzyme is given through an IV weekly. It is helpful in the physical aspect of the disease, but doesn't cross the blood/brain barrier so it doesn't help with the neurological breakdown that occurs with the disease.

The second treatment is a stem cell transplant. Since the enzyme is produced in white blood cells, a transplant of healthy, enzyme producing stem cells will produce enzyme producing white blood cells, which do cross the blood/brain barrier. We made the choice for Hannah to start enzyme replacement therapy as soon as possible and start the process for transplant. Hannah responded almost immediately to the ERT, her liver started shrinking and her facial features became softer. A stem cell donor match was found very quickly and Hannah started chemotherapy to prepare her body for transplant on August 25, 2008 and transplant day was September 4, 2008. Hannah did not respond to the first transplant and it was deemed unsuccessful in early November.

We made the difficult choice, again, for another transplant. She started chemotherapy again on November 10th and transplanted on November 15. Just a few days later Hannah went into respiratory arrest and 5 weeks later she passed away. The strong drugs necessary to break down her immune system prior to transplant were just to much for her little body and we had to make the difficult decision to let her go on December 27, 2008. She fought harder than anyone I've ever seen, and harder than anyone should have to. She was surrounded by loved ones throughout her life and as she passed. We are grateful for the time we had with her, we just wish he had more.

For more information please check out www.mpssociety.org