I will try to get one in the mail this weekend! I will see if my niece will write in it she just turned 12 on Tuesday. I have 3 little boys and if possible they would love to get one from were you are from 2000 Arkansas Green River WY 82935

Today is a bad day. I have been crying so much that It took me a long time to get signed onto the net. I need to turn to you all again, but now it is for my Grandpa. My Grandpa Earl is my maturnal Grandfather. He is 84 years old. He and my Nana raised me part of my life and I am very close to them. They recently just left my town to make their last trip to Las Vegas. My Grandpa had fallen on hard cement and broke his hip I am told. He has to have surgery. He is at a hospital in Las Vegas called Mountain View Hospital. My Grandpa's PCP here in Chelan had told him a few months back that he has a leaking heart valve and if there were to do surgery that it my be too much for him and he may not make it. I am so very worried that I may lose my Grandpa. I don't even have money to go be with him. I fear I may not see him again. I am trying to stay positive. I just can't stop crying about him. He will have to stay in a convalescent hospital for 6-8 weeks. He is so far away from home. All I can do is pray my heart out and turn to everyone at OH for theirs prayers. My Nana (grandmother) was stepping out of the elevator at the hospital and stubbed her bad toe bad enough that now she is in the emergency room there getting checked out. PLEASE, PLEASE pray for them. I hope many people are reading this. Please send to others you know, churches, anyone. We need your prayers. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Debbie Davidson

Hi everyone, I wanted to encourage you to attend the obesityhelp event in Gering, Nebraska. If you know Drs. Holloway and Forney, they are good speakers and have a lot of good information to pass along. Also you can talk to other people who have had wls. I know there are no support groups in Cheyenne or in eastern wyoming. Hope to see you there. Mona

My friens of 20 years just found out that she was denied surgery due to her psych evaluation. I have known her for so long and feel that this test was not true at all. Any assistance will be helpful.

Philadelphia Gathering of Friends of WLS Friday, October 6, 2006 - Sunday, October 8, 2006 Adults Only Registration Deadline is September 1, 2006 Late Registration Deadline is September 15, 2006 These weekend gatherings are about meeting and connecting with people who can understand the journey we all have taken and to have fun with fellow WLSers and support people. And this year is something a little special, a Halloween Costume Ball! You can even win prizes for your costumes! So grab your ghoulish gear and come see Philly in the Fall. We have finalized the Hotel Information for the Philadelphia gathering. The cost of the hotel is $99.00/per night, this is per room. You can call the hotel to make your reservations at 1-800-325-3535 or (215)547-4100 by September 15, 2006: Ask for "FRIENDS OF WLS". Sheraton Bucks County Hotel 400 Oxford Valley Road Langhorne, PA 19047 The hotel has a pool, hot tub, sauna and gym for guests to use at no charge. As a lot of people did at past gatherings, we recommend doubling and tripling up in rooms. If you are flying into Philly, the best choice is Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) which is about 30 minutes south of the hotel on I-95; but you could also fly into Newark Airport (EWR) in New Jersey, which is about 1.5 hrs from the hotel. Cabs are available to the hotel, but we will try to organize our own little shuttle service, if we know what time people are coming into the Philadelphia airport. Remember, "You have a Friend in Pennsylvania" is our state motto- we will get you to the hotel! Please feel free to bring your Significant other or Support person, but children will not be allowed at the Friday night or Saturday night events. In addition, the Philadelphia area has a wealth of nearby attractions and shopping. The hotel is down the street from Sesame Place for those interested in a family activity. We will be releasing a full itinerary later, but a very brief overview is as follows: Friday, October 6, 2006 Mix & Mingle, evening Saturday, October 7, 2006 Sight seeing, during the day Dinner/Dancing a the Halloween Costume Ball Sunday, October 8, 2006 Farewell Breakfast Here are the costs associated with the weekend. COSTS: Deadline: September 1, 2006 Post -Op $ 72.00 Pre-Op/Sup $ 78.00 This includes: Registration fee: $25.00 Saturday night meal: Post-op ($35.00) Pre-op ($38.00) Sunday breakfast: Post-op ($12.00) Pre-op ($15.00) COSTS: Deadline: September 15, 2006 - LATE REGISTRATION- Money Orders Only will be accepted Post -Op $ 97.00 Pre-Op/Sup $ 103.00 This includes: Registration fee: $50.00 Saturday night meal: Post-op ($35.00) Pre-op ($38.00) Sunday breakfast: Post-op ($12.00) Pre-op ($15.00) We are still working on some of the details and activities, so more information is to follow. The registration forms are posted on the Philadelphia website: www.geocities.com/philly_wls_gathering/ or you can email us for it: [email protected] Please feel free to email Steve or me at [email protected], if you have questions or need more information. We can't wait to see you all there!!!