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Tara's Toy Drive

Tara Brady
Tara Brady before she lost her battle with cancer in July 2009. She is the inspiration for "Tara's Toy Drive" for Children's Hospital of Michigan.

I received a very touching email from Gary Parrish and wanted to share it.  His granddaughter, Tara Brady, passed away July 9, 2009, just 27 days after her 9th birthday.  Tara had a very rare cancer in children.  According to Gary, Tara was just one in three known to have this form of cancer. She was diagnosed March 3, 2009, and lost her battle against the disease just 17 weeks later.

Tara's Toy Drive was started last year by the students at Mound Park Elementary in Warren, MI in honor of Tara who was a 3rd grader there at the time she became ill. Tara has three younger sisters who also go to Mound Park. "The school was very supportive of Tara and the family during her illness, sending cards and letters all the time," said Gary, "as was the terrific staff at Children's Hospital."

All toys donated will go to Children's Hospital of Michigan where Tara was treated.  If you would like to support Tara's Toy Drive, you can drop off new unwrapped toys for ages newborn to 18 (except gun like toys) at Mound Park Elementary, 5356 Toepfer, in Warren, Mi on Dec. 8 from 5-8pm and Dec. 9 from 8am-noon.  Toys will also be accepted at Ferndale Machine, 1280 Wordsworth, in Ferndale, MI Monday- Friday from 7am-4pm until Dec. 23.

"All toys will go to Childrens Hospital of Michigan to try and make Christmas a little better for the kids there," said Gary.   For more information, you can contact Gary Parrish at 586-339-5284.

Thanks to Gary and all the other Homegrown Heroes for making the world a better place.

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