A remarkable Ames mama named Angie DeWaard reached out to us recently. She is part of a group of women organizing a fundraiser for Charlie Cole, a 10 month-old Seattle infant battling a rare form of leukemia called juvenile myelomonocyctic leukemia, or JMML.

This form of leukemia only affects three in every one million children. Charlie’s JMML is caused by a genetic mutation. The only treatment is a bone marrow transplant.

After learning about this amazing little boy, his family and getting to know Angie a bit and her passion for helping this family, we are honored to share their upcoming fundraiser with you.

About Charlie

Here’s a link to a story on Charlie from Seattle’s KOMO News last year:

Charlie’s family has been through a great ordeal the past ten months since his birth. A more updated account of what has happened is available on their Facebook site here:

How You Can Help

The group and Charlie’s mother, Jessica, are organizing an online auction for the family as a fundraiser. They are contacting Seattle and Des Moines/Ames businesses, as well as national ones, to try and gather any types of items – gift certificates, services, items, etc. The response has been great thus far.

Here are just a few of the many places which are donating:

• Lane Jahn of Riddle’s Jewelers in Ames has gone above and beyond. She is creating a custom piece just for Charlie – she’ll have it on display in the store prior to the auction so if you’re in town, stop by!
• Isabel Bloom
• Story People by Brian Andreas
• The Big Steer
• Guntongue Records (Ames-based music studio)
• Iowa State Athletic Department
• Raygun
• EL Photography & Design

There are so many other businesses locally and nationally that are joining this great cause, including Mam, Lamaze Toys, BabyLegs, and multiple baby carrier/babywearing stores; and we’d love to list them all but can’t due to space!

Angie and her group are accepting donations via the “Prayers for Charlie Auction” Facebook page. If you like the page, you can be a part of the auction.

The auction will run on their Facebook site from September 5-9th. At the time the auction closes, the winning bid will receive the item. All proceeds will go to the Cole family.

They are receiving donations every day and are continuing to request more. If you or a local business you know of would want to be involved, we’d love to have you pass along this important need!

Des Moines Moms Blog is praying for Charlie and his family and encourages you to share this touching story!