Update on Fundraising & Brycen's Hyperbaric Chamber

Thanks to lots of hard work on the part of Brycen's friends, over $9,000 has been raised so far towards purchasing a hyperbaric chamber to help control Brycen's seizures. There was a great article in this past monday's Transylvania Times covering Brycen's poker run benefit & other private gifts. A huge thank you to everyone who has helped so far, especially:

Charles Pickelseimer III & Charles Pickelseimer Jr.
The Brevard Board of Realtors
Kelley Corwin
Erin Holden
Bella Hair Company
Julie's Subs & more
The UPS Store
Huddle House
Grand Central Station
Daggie's
Ed Boudreaux's
Save-mor
Brighter Day Coffee

Initially, our research indicated that the total cost of the chamber would be around $11,000 at most. Now, we realize that the kind of chamber Brycen needs is actually much more expensive. There are many different sizes of chambers out there, and the one Brycen needs must be big enough for Erin or Laura to crawl in with him. Because Brycen can't tell us if the pressure and other settings in the chamber are what they should be, someone has to be in the chamber with him to make sure the pressure is correct and not painful. The cost for this type of chamber is somewhere in the neighborhood of $20,000.

While we're disappointed that we are further from our goal than we initially thought, we know that it can be done. Thanks for continuing to let your friends & family know about Brycen and his needs, and for sharing this blog with anyone who might be interested in helping out.

Benefit This Saturday in Brevard

Hi Everyone!

I hope you can all make it out to a benefit this Saturday, October 18th, at the John Deere building across from Save More groceries on Rosman Highway in Brevard. The benefit includes a poker run, hog dog dinner plates, a live auction, live music, and hair cuts by the fabulous ladies of Bella Hair Company. Here's the schedule of the day's events:

9 am - noon: Haircuts by Bella Hair Company. $10 for adults & $5 for children. Stylists include Charlie O'Shields, Tracey Guillebeau, Brittany Austin, & Karie Eggelston. No appointment necessary.

11 am - noon: Poker Run! 2 wheels, 3 wheels, or 4! Cash prizes and door prizes on hand. It costs just $20 to enter- entry fee includes a t-shirt.

11 am - 4 pm: Hot dog dinner plates. All plates are $5.

noon - on: Live music by Leigh Glass band and other fantastic musicians!

1 pm until it's gone: LIVE AUCTION!!! Prizes valued from $100 - $12,000.

All day events: live music, raffles, bake sale, face painting, temporary tattoos, fellowship, & education on neurological disorders.

Hope to see everyone on Saturday!

Brycen is a Superstar!

Brycen made the front page of last week's Transylvania Times! We've also placed collection jars anywhere in/around Brevard that would let us... look for them around town. Of course, you can still give to the Brycen Ashworth fund at any Carolina First location or via paypal. Thank you to everyone who has given so far. We still have a long way to go, but your support is really encouraging!

Brycen has been in the hospital for the last several days with pneumonia and the flu. For children with Brycen's condition, pneumonia is a very serious concern. He is doing well and will hopefully come home this week, but this does not underscore his tremendous need for medical equipment. Not only do we feel that the oxygen chamber would be of significant benefit, but we also see the need for an oxygen sensor and, in the very near future, a new chair. Please keep Brycen in your prayers and, as always, forward this blog to anyone you think may be interested in giving.