Mailia Meets Bret Michaels and dreams of being part of the "Something To Believe In" charity reality show.

                       Mailia & Bret Michaels Aug. 24, 2011

Well wouldn't you know it.  After teasing Mailia's dad Max about what an absurd idea it would be to ever wish let alone believe that a meeting between that infamous rock star from the Poison days, Bret Michaels, would ever materialize...I am here to tell you it was WORTH...believing in.

I will always remember Max coming in to tell me...this, is who you need to get a hold of to help Mailia...as he hands me a piece of paper with Bret Michaels name written on it.  Who is Bret Michaels?...I asked...as Max just rolled his eyes, knowing I never cared nor listened to his music (sorry BM fans...but that is a fact).

Max told me he had just won the Celebrity Apprentice show (another one I did not watch obviously)...as most of my spare time is glued to the computer and internet looking for therapies and treatments for Eisenmenger's and pulmonary hypertension i.e. Adult Stem Cell Therapy and at time, we were so wrapped up with Mailia's first stem cell treatment and trip and raising the necessary funds to facilitate it all.

No...I thought to myself...well, if he is who you know him to be...then try to contact him Max.

Not...at least for the time being.

Spring ahead to March 2011 while perusing through our local news paper, the Tri-City Herald I happened to see who the concert line up is for our local small town/city Benton Franklin county Fair and Rodeo...and when I saw that Bret Michaels was included...my jaw hit the floor!

It's a sign...it's a sign!  I remember orating to myself and Mailia...and quickly contacted Max to let him know.  Max spent the next several months trying to figure out an opportunity where Mailia could actually meet Bret Michaels.  He wrote letters to the BM fan club, to his publicists and road Manager, who we heard...had graduated from Kennewick high school.

But during this time, we also found out that Bret had been diagnosed with a hole in his heart, a PFO or patent foramen ovale that was a possible cause of stokes he had experienced early on.  Unlike Mailia's heart defect or hole in her heart (VSD), doctor's were able to repair Bret's heart defect with a right heart cath and PFO closure device.

A true Miracle...and now with this added caveat and circumstance that hit sooo close to home, we knew in our hearts that Bret and Mialia...were destined to meet and connect in some meaningful and heartfelt way.

The day of the fair and concert came, August 24th 2011 and Max took the day off work...and left the house early to find a way so Mailia could meet Bret Michaels.  He spent the entire hot and sweltering day combing through the entire fairgrounds...a paparazzi troll if you will, asking and inquiring until he landed at the Bret Michaels concert booth. After talking to several of the Bret Michaels staff setting up for the pending concert, and a 1-1/2 hour waiting period, Max was finally told that Mailia could have a meet and greet with Bret prior to the concert. Max immediately called home to tell us that his baby girl was going to get her wish.

I loaded up Mailia and her little service dog SteelDust and we headed for the fair late that afternoon and found her dad harboring a wrist band for her.  Came time for the meet and greet, Mailia and Max were whisked back stage behind so much security and secrecy where Mailia got to say hello to Bret, shake his hand and have her picture taken with him.  His band members and staff were all over little SteelDust...and Max, so humbled and grateful to them all...handed Bret an envelope with a letter he had written with one of Mailia's cards that said the following:

Dear Mr. Michaels,

Let me begin by saying congratulations on your successful heart surgery and for remaining to be a positive role model in lieu of your other recent health challenges. I have been a fan of your music since the Poisonous 80’s. Having recently watched you on Celebrity Apprentice, Barrett Jackson, and other media outlets, I have gained a tremendous amount of respect for you as an individual, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and most importantly a DAD. The way that you responded to the news of your daughter’s diagnosis of  Juvenile Diabetes, on Celebrity Apprentice, was very commendable. Like they say “Any man can be a father but it takes a special man to be a DAD”.

 My name is Max Goforth and I live on a small farm in Pasco, Washington with my wife Andrea and daughter Mailia. My wife and I work full time day jobs and we also breed horses and dogs in our spare time. Our 17 year old daughter Mailia , like you, was also born with a hole in her heart that went undiagnosed until she was 3 ½ years of age. Mailia developed secondary pulmonary hypertension due to the large hole in her heart, or Eisenmenger’s Syndrome, and has required supplemental oxygen 24/7 for the past 14 years. Until recently Mailia’s prognosis was not good, as the traditional treatment protocols have had no noticeable benefit and Mailia’s pulmonary pressures are too high to safely close the hole.

Mailia is a beautiful 17 year old with a strong desire to live life to its fullest. She amazes her mother and I everyday with her positive outlook and we are extremely blessed to be her parents. We made a trip last summer to Florida and then to the Dominican Republic where Mailia underwent a controversial Adult Stem Cell Transplant that has shown very positive results. This technology is currently the only viable option that Mailia and some other Eisenmenger’s patients have to live long and prosperous lives. We are in the process of planning another similar trip in the near future to allow Mailia to have a second stem cell procedure. You can view Mailia’s story and the chronicles of our whirlwind trip at www.MailiasMiracle.com.

When I heard about your own heart condition and successful surgery, I told my wife, it sure would be cool if Mailia had the chance to meet Bret Michaels someday. Just two unique individuals bound by a common challenge.
As fate would have it, I see based on your current concert schedule that you will be performing live at the Benton/Franklin County Fair on August 24, 2011. This happens to be the County Fair for the area of Southeastern Washington where we live. We would consider it an honor and a pleasure if you could spare a few moments of your time while you are here in Kennewick, Washington to meet with us and Mailia. You would make the proud parents of an amazing 17 year old very happy.

Respectfully,
Max Goforth

The meeting that coincided with Bret's concert was amazing.  Hearing his song, Something To Believe In was heartfelt.  The next day...while googling the lyrics to the song, I found out that Bret is working on another reality show with Donald Trump called non other than "Something To Believe In"...a show based on "Charity" and Bret's intention of traveling the country helping those in need of a miracle.

Well...if FAITH and TRUST have anything to do with it...and taking Bret's last sentence or words said to Max and Mailia (to heart)..."I will talk to you later"...I think, Mailia has a very good chance indeed, of being a part of Bret Michaels circle...once again.  And who knows, maybe a special "angel" will intercede and open a wonderful door so this will come to pass. 

Please everyone...keep Mailia in your on going prayers that she will be healed and have her miracle.  Thank you Max...you are an awesome dad and husband.  We will never forget this sweetie...you are the best and YOU ROCK too!~

                         Mailia, Max and Bret Michaels....

Gratitude...Mailia's 5 Month Follow Up, Right Heart Cath & Second Stem Cell Transplant

               Mailia and Dr. Carl Garabedian - Nov.2, 2010

November 2, 2010 was a day we had so anticipated.  The night before, Max, Mailia and I ventured up to Spokane, Wa. in rediness for Mailia's right heart cath procedure.  We drove over to Post Falls, Idaho to have dinner at a the HotRod cafe and catch the opening game of the World Series.  The 20 or so LCD's in the place had Monday night football on and Mailia asked if they would let us have one TV to ourselves and put on the game for us.  What a wonderful bunch of folks!  They did and Mailia prayed, she rooted hard for her favorite team...the Giants.

After dinner, desert and most of the game...we ventured back to our hotel adjacent to Sacred Heart Childrens Hospital.  We took Mailia in to the room with her companion Steel Dust to catch the remainder of the game while Max and I fetched Mailia's belongings...as she never travels light.

She was so happy and ecstatic to see the San Francisco Giants win the first game of the world series, while her dad and I sat there and sulked for the losing Texas team.  I think it is wonderful though, to consider all that we might accomplish when in tune with our heart, we put others so gracious about the game, or an event that brings so much unification and joy to so many, or even activities that galvanize the world through play and good sportsmanship into the mix of possibility.

And on this eve...Mailia has her own game she intends on winning.  I wonder how she will bring her own giant transformations forth?...but we all know, it is time for a Grand Slam rally so to speak.

At 6:00a.m. the following morning, we found ourselves going through the hospitals admissions and getting all or Mailia's vitals and records in order.  We met with nurses and Dr. Garabedian's cath team prior to their taking Mailia, who at the time...was doing a great job of staying clear, calm and focused.  As they came to take her to the catherization lab for her procedure, we accompanied Mailia, stayed close and held her hand until she was anesthetized enough to warrant our dismissal.

Max and I stayed close by in the family waiting area, praying for our Mailia while every 35 minutes or so, someone would pop their head in to tell us she was doing okay.  Finally, we met up with Dr. Garabedian and had a conversation about what they had found during their procedure.

Basically...they did not notice a huge change from a baseline cath that had been done in June 2006 to present.  He said what he had learned from this cath is that Mailia still has severe Eisenmenger's Syndrome and high pressures in her lung vasculature but one thing they did notice, was that she was very responsive to medications given i.e. oxygen and nitric oxide, which in the past...she was not.

He said he was going to send this cath data to Dr. Black in San Francisco to think where we should go from here because based on these numbers...he was concerned about banding her pulmonary artery for reasons that would increase her right heart pressures and have risks of causing acute right heart failure.  Garabedian thought it best to pursue a more conservative plan like treating her with medications that she might respond to now and take the wait and see approach to see if her pressures come down...and if they do come down then consider further banding or other types of procedures.

So concerned with the data we had in hand...I sent these reports directly on to Dr. Black and Dr. Zannos Grekos at Regenocyte.  A week later, while driving home I received a wonderful call from Dr. Grekos telling me he had reviewed the caths...both 2006 and the most recent one, against Mailia's cath from June 2010 that she had in the Dominican Republic...that Dr. Garabedian did not have in hand at the time, to take into account...and that he could see at least a 20 POINT PRESSURE DROP!  That was from the time her stem cell transplant was done 5 months prior to present cath on Nov. 2.

So yes...that makes perfect sense.  Why all this time, during this summer and fall we have been witnessing Mailia getting stronger and showing more bouts of energy.  I had said in earlier posts that I though Mailia had at least a 30% overall improvement due to the stem cells...but confirming that a 20 point drop has materialized sent us reeling!

Dr. Grekos told us to go celebrate and hopefully we could sit down and plan another round of stem cells for Mailia...as he explained to me that when Mailia underwent her transplant in the Dominican Republic this summer, she was only afforded a "mini stem cell delivery" so to speak.  Dr. Grekos and his 3 other cardiologists would have liked to have seen the ablation or balloon they use through the catheter hold the stem cell solution in a little longer so as to have better vascular adherence...but were fearful Mailia's lungs would not handle it and they would risk losing her.

But to see how she improved...with the mini delivery even, sets up the opportunity to do another round of stem cells that will hopefully guarantee a better outcome yet.

So what does this all mean?...well, looks like we have to jump ahead to Phase 3 before Phase 2 can even be considered.  Another round of adult stem cells...and soon.

Then...just as we are happy celebrating the good news Mailia takes a turn for the worse.  A week after her cath...she had been complaining of the sore throat she had upon leaving the hospital, as her throat was severely irritated with road rash from being intubated. 

I started to give her everything in my arsenal...in hopes of keeping the crud that had hit her father the week prior and kept him home from work for 3 weeks with a bronchial infection, the worse I have ever seen Max debilitated by.  I contacted Mailia's doctor and asked if we should go ahead with antibiotics for Mailia...and he said no, to wait...see...especially since she showed no signs of fever.

The sore throat developed slowly into a cough...and her doctor prescribed her cough medicine, the strongest and safest she could take plus antibiotics.  That did not help, for a week ago Monday she went into a coughing spat and low and behold...she caused a horrendous lung bleed or what is called hymoptysis.

I acted fast...and prayed hard.  Her doctor said to watch her and to bring her in to the ER if it got really bad.  Max ran to town and brought home some fresh organic cabbage which I juiced for Mailia that very day.  Cabbage juice has been used to stop bloody ulcers...and has helped her previously.  I gave her an entire 32 oz bottle of ASEA which are reactive molecules based on redox signaling.  Both these together, had the bleeds under control Tuesday the next day.  I kept up this protocol and worked hard at keeping her from coughing.  Two weeks now...she is feeling better and on the road to mending from another frightful ordeal.

There is one thing I notice that consequently happens every time Mailia goes in for a procedure...she gets very anxious and when she stresses...her immune system goes into the tank.  Something we will work on...prior to the "next" one.

I pray for the day when Mailia will be triumphant over all that we and everyone else...has put her through.

Batter Up Mailia!~  Your day will come sweetie!

Mailia’s 3 Month Follow up in Crescent City, CA., Various Dr.’s Viewpoints and One Happy Tiger Cub

What a month it has been dear ones, since our last post…mostly, what a blessing to see Mailia getting stronger by the day and enjoying her new found energy. We cannot believe she is the same person from just 3 months ago. Prior to her adult stem cell procedure, she was lucky to walk from the living room to the bathroom without getting short of breath, but now…we have witnessed her having the stamina to pick up her heavy E tank of oxygen and walk out the door to our vehicle without passing out!~

We try to encourage her to still pace herself and to refrain from over doing it…for we know how she so wants to be free of the oxygen and constraints the pulmonary hypertension brings, but we also want the stem cells to keep building and helping her lung vasculature to the point where she will be able to tolerate surgical repair to her heart.

Regenocyte has charged us with follow ups for Mailia at 3 month intervals…so in light of her having her baseline ECHO done in San Francisco by her future heart surgeon, Dr. Michael Black…Dr. Black afforded us the opportunity to meet Cardiologist Dr. Robert Popper, who is also from California Pacific Medical Center, up at their satellite clinic at Sutter Creek Hospital in Crescent City, Ca. This saved us having to drive all the way to the S.F. bay area…and Max once again, fired up the Mailia’s Miracle mobile and loaded us up…for a much shorter trip and adventure than the last road trip we just made this summer in taking Mailia to Florida and the Dominican Republic.

We left at the crack of dawn this past Thursday and 10 hours and 543 miles later, we arrived into northern California’s Crescent City…after a beautiful and scenic drive through southern Oregon and some gorgeous stands of old growth Redwoods. We checked into our hotel, had dinner and set Mailia’s Wii up much to her relief…the TV was accommodating for this.

Friday morning we ventured out to find the hospital and got there an hour and a half early not knowing what to expect, other than getting Mailia in for an ECHO. Dr. Popper’s assistant Darlene had been trying to reach us for a couple of days to see if we could in fact, come in earlier because like us…Dr. Popper travels up to the Crescent City hospital every 3 months for 3 days…to see his long standing patients…and drives the 15 hour round trip…every time. Plus…Dr. Popper is no spring chicken…he is 80 years young and still going strong!

We were met by a gracious and spirited technician by the name of Randy who took charge of getting Mailia all set up for her ECHO. It was a pleasure to be able to discuss with him, about Mailia’s recent journey to the Dominican Republic and he was very interested to learn about her treatments and what is forthcoming for her. Unfortunately…he was not able to get very good views of Mailia’s heart in the room where we found ourselves initially…so he asked if we could remobilize Mailia in the hospitals imaging department where they were better equipped.

After 3 hours, we finally finished up with her ECHO and Dr. Popper came in to check all the various views and stats…he asked a few questions about Mailia’s initial diagnosis, how many caths she has had and previous treatments. When I mentioned about the stem cell therapy she recently underwent, similar to Cal’s…he said, I am going to say something but do not want you to take it personally. He asked if I had ever heard of a heart surgeon back in the ’60 who used to close VSD’s with high pulmonary resistance and how he lost every single one of them. I told him no…but that yes, we are aware that closing Mailia’s defect might be contraindicated at this point…that what we are truly looking and hoping for is a means to facilitate her lungs to further heal…not only with the stem cells, but with a mechanical means such as banding her pulmonary artery, or applying a double flap patch on her VSD…or even, a RVAD to help offload her lungs and relieve her heart…giving the stem cells more umpf to help regenerate her lung vasculature…so that later, as her pressures really come down…to safely and permanently close the VSD.

He said after I conveyed this…you are right on!

So…now we wait a few more days for Dr. Popper, in all his wisdom and experience to review Mailia’s ECHO results at 3 months against her baseline ECHO so he, along with Dr. Black can decide a path forward for Mailia. We trust both Dr. Black and Dr. Popper to find a workable solution and path forward and look forward to really doing some serious discussions here shortly.

This brings me to a related case in point. Wow…another incredible sign divinely sent…that we are on the right track.

Last week, I received an email from Brazilian Heart Surgeon Dr. Randas Batista with new photos of his hospitals construction, still in progress with interior fitout. He also told us that a young girl with Eisenmenger’s from Syria, who he had banded last year, was doing great now, confirmed by the attending heart surgeon, Dr. Ahmad Rajaii-Khorasani from Mashhad Iran with the following:

Hi Dear Randas:


The girl who had PA banding is now doing great & she is getting married soon. I have two other patients for this year .One VSD and the other one PDA.


I have asked the nurse who took care of your patient in the ICU to get her case ready to be presented and the patient will also be invited to come to the conference and answer any questions. Love you man. Looking forward to see you here. Thanks Ahmad

I am hoping to make contact this week, with Ahmad and ask if he would also send us and Dr. Black their published work and findings pertaining to this young woman. Now granted…she did not have stem cell therapy, but as I have believed and said all along, the lungs and body can heal…given the right elements. I pray they will continue to find ways to help improve their patients lives and outcomes…to that extent, I pray for all our world healers and physicians that they too, continue to find ways to help afford positive healing.

Mailia chanted her wishes repeatedly to see a wildlife safari in route to our next evening stop before our long leg home. We were going to spend the night in Bandon…by the sea and so tried to make our way north on hwy 101 along the coast. We got to the Wildlife center about 35 minutes before closing and Mailia was so thrilled to see adult leopards, lions, tigers and their beautiful babies. Mailia even had the opportunity to pet some little black leopard babies and also bottle feed a gorgeous baby Bengal tiger cub. We were so grateful to the staff there…for allowing Mailia this amazing experience…one she will never forget.

We ventured into Bandon and found our hotel near the beach…a gorgeous place with a beautiful setting and view. The next day…we got up early…loaded up after a quick breakfast and high tailed it home, in time to meet our wonderful and incredible friend and family member…Ramona, who without her help caring for our home and critters…we would be hurting in a big way. She hugged and kissed Mailia and ran out to her car to head home and then to the hospital…as her second daughter was going into labor with her first grandson. We are so blessed with Ramona…and grateful for all her love, support and help.

After a quick accounting of all our fur kids…we headed to Dust Devil Stadium for Mailia’s baseball fix for the evening.  She is pictured here, one last time with two wonderful men and brother's who met Mailia last season, Dale Moe from Delaware and Duane Moe from Kennewick, Wa. and who are part of her miracle. Only one more week of baseball left now…as fall is quickly approaching and Mailia is feeling the anxiety of summer’s end once again. I think…we all have a greater appreciation of our daily lives and the events that are beautifully unfolding before us.

It is time to get busy again…staying focused and requesting much needed and appreciated help to continue fundraising for Mailia’s next big step and procedure and to continue however we can…to help others to do the same.  We will keep everyone posted, as soon as we hear from Dr.'s Black and Popper on Mailia's next path forward.

We thank everyone for their continued support and prayers...we are so very grateful and humbled.

Love and blessings...
The Goforth's

One More "Impossible" Disease Reversed By Repair Stem Cells---NOT Embryonic Stem Cells

Last Sunday we were contacted by our local NBC affiliate, KNDU reporter Hilary Whittier who asked how Mailia was doing and if she could come out to do a follow up story about Mailia’s Stem Cell procedure. We were thrilled to see Hilary and it was truly wonderful and humbling to be able to tell another soul…all about Mailia’s incredible journey.

It has been six weeks since her lungs accepted all her own adult stem cells and we are thrilled and truly blessed to see Mailia thriving and healing…every single day.

We owe so much gratitude to everyone for their help and prayers and hope that it is evident in the miracle they have chosen to support.

Today we were also blessed with seeing a wonderful post on Don Margolis’s web site which I have copied below and I also encourage folks to visit his web site from time to time to learn all they can about Adult Stem Cell Therapy and people’s stories…and speaking of which, I encourage EVERYONE who is part of “the family” or “club” who has received and benefited from Adult Stem Cells to send Don Margolis an email or letter telling him of their journey so as to help inspire others.

Here is the post from DonMargolis.com:

If you ask your pulmonologist if stem cells can help your lung disease (COPD, emphysema, pulmonary fibrosis, etc. etc.) he/she will tell you “No---stem cells are snake oil.” That is what we hear from almost every lung patient who comes to us trying to get out of the medical prison imposed by all lung conditions. We know that stem cells have helped dozens treated in Latin America and Europe, but a disease almost no one has heard of?
Ten years ago, one teen in the state of Washington was told she only had months to live, but today, 16-year-old Mailia Goforth has defied the odds and continues to surprise doctors.

At the age of 3, Mailia was diagnosed with Eisenmenger's Syndrome. It's a heart defect that causes high blood pressure in her lungs and doesn't allow her to breathe on her own.

But recently, Mailia and her family took a trip across the country for a special procedure using stem cells. The hope, to fix her lungs and be one step closer to closing up a hole in her heart.

After more than a month of recovery, Mailia says the $50,000 operation worked, and she's getting stronger everyday.


She can now take out her breathing tube and even find enough energy to play outside. She tells me, after a few more operations she could be able to run, jump and do everything most 16-year-olds can do.

"It feels amazing," she said. "I know I'll be able to do everything I've always wanted to do without having to get sick anymore... just to be free at last."

Free at last from the worry and stress of her disease is what the family is wishing for. To get there, she still needs her lungs to get stronger from the stem cell surgery. Once the lung pressure goes down she will be able to have heart surgery.

The video is HERE.

To follow Mailia's progress or donate to her cause go to http://mailiasmiracle.com/

Thank you Don. Thank you Dr. Grekos and Regenocyte. Thank you God and everyone for your help and prayers once again…all our gratitude!

Max, Andrea and Mailia

A Miracle For Mailia - Tri City Herald Article by Michelle Dupler June 7, 2010

Mailia Goforth, center, prepares to undergo an experimental stem cell procedure in the Dominican Republic. Doctors hope stem cells from her own blood will help heal high blood pressure in her lungs so she can have a life-saving heart surgery. Nurses Amie Ryan, left, and Emily Storrer, right, from RADY Children’s Hospital in San Diego, observed the procedure while volunteering in the area.
Pasco teen begins experimental stem cell treatment

By Michelle Dupler, Herald staff writer

PASCO — Once upon a time, Mailia Goforth was a young girl dreaming of a miracle that would break the curse cast over her as a child.


She waited 12 years for someone to fix her heart, which while full of love has a defect that makes her weak and steals the breath from her lungs.

Last year, a wizard entered the tale holding in his hands an almost magical treatment using her own blood, but it appeared it might take more time than Mailia had for her parents to find the money to pay.

Max and Andrea Goforth wished for a miracle for their daughter, but Mailia grew weaker and her parents grew more afraid, even though they never gave up hope.

But across the land, a fairy godmother heard of Mailia's curse and waved a wand to grant her dearest wish -- a chance at life free from the curse that has bound her.

Mailia Goforth on Wednesday became one of a handful of people in the U.S. to get an experimental stem cell treatment that could end up not only saving her life, but allow her to live the normal one she's never been able to experience.

Mailia, 16, has Eisenmenger syndrome, a condition that affects the blood flow to the heart that in her case is caused by a hole in her heart's wall.

She also suffers from secondary pulmonary hypertension, or high blood pressure in her lungs. Her blood pressure is high because the hole in her heart allows too much blood to flow from her heart to her lungs, causing her blood vessels to constrict and stiffen and strain her heart. The pressure also stops surgeons from closing the hole.

That in turn means not enough blood flows into her lungs and she becomes fatigued and short of breath.

She can't walk more than a few steps without tiring, and for seven months of the year -- when temperatures are cool -- she can't venture outdoors because of the strain on her lungs and her susceptibility to viruses.

A double-lung and heart transplant -- the customary treatment for Mailia's condition -- is not an option, as doctors have told the family Mailia would not survive.

Andrea Goforth believed she found an answer to Mailia's problem when she learned about Dr. Zannos Grekos -- Mailia's wizard.

Grekos developed an experimental technique to repair pulmonary hypertension using adult stem cells. In fact, it's so experimental it can't legally be done in the United States because it isn't approved by the Food and Drug Administration, so Grekos flies with patients to the Dominican Republic to perform the procedure.

Because it is experimental, the $64,000 cost of treatment is not covered by the family's insurance.

Blood is drawn from the patient and flown to a lab in Israel where stem cells are extracted and activated with a protein known as a growth factor to cause them to multiply.

Growth factors are produced normally in every person's blood and tell other cells to become brain tissue, heart tissue or liver tissue, Grekos told the Herald in August.

"We use ones that are specific in this instance for blood vessels," he said.

Every person also has stem cells running around in their body like miniature repairmen, and when they can be extracted, multiplied and told what to do, they can repair damaged blood vessels and even make new ones.

The stem cells are flown from Israel to the Dominican Republic, where Mailia would be waiting to have them inserted into her lungs through a small tube. The stem cells would attach to her pulmonary blood vessels and help them regenerate.

For Mailia, that would reduce her blood pressure, making it easier for her to breathe and allow surgeons to give her a pulmonary artery band, which would reduce the blood flow through the hole in her heart.

Once Max and Andrea Goforth knew they wanted Grekos to treat Mailia, they started raising money as fast as they could. They figured they'd need the $64,000 for the stem cell treatment, plus $10,000 for travel and expenses.

They also expect to need the money for a second stem cell treatment in about a year. They hope the surgery to correct Mailia's heart defect will be covered by insurance.

By the end of April, the family had raised $47,000 -- significant progress, but not enough to start Mailia's journey to the Dominican Republic.

Andrea Goforth said she's stayed in constant contact with Dr. Grekos and e-mailed him an update after their last fundraiser in April to tell him how much they'd been able to raise.

In response, she got a surprise she's describing as Mailia's miracle come to life.

Dr. Grekos' staff at his company Regenocyte wrote back to tell Mailia's parents he was willing to take $42,000 of the money they'd raised to perform Mailia's stem cell procedure, and that a nonprofit called the Alliance for Adult Stem Cell Research and Therapy -- Mailia's fairy godmother -- was going to pay the rest.

After they got the news, Max and Andrea Goforth each scheduled a month off from their jobs, got the family's SUV in shape for the more than 4,000-mile, nine-day drive, and set off on a cross-country adventure.

They arrived in Florida about a week ago, where Mailia underwent preliminary tests and her blood was drawn and whisked away to Israel to make stem cells.

She flew to the Dominican Republic a week ago, and on Wednesday had nearly 58 million stem cells pumped into the arteries in her lungs through a catheter.

Within days, she'll be on her way back home.

"This is an adventure," Andrea Goforth said by telephone from Florida. "This is a first for us, as it is for many. I hope Mailia will be able to come back and tell a very positive story about her journey for others."

Grekos has said if the stem cell therapy is successful, Mailia's pulmonary hypertension could be reduced enough that she could have a relatively normal life without an oxygen tank and perhaps even be able to play sports.

Mailia has dreams both simple and lofty -- she'd like to go to the mall like other teenagers and be able to swim like her idol, Michael Phelps. She also envisions one day running her own animal sanctuary in Costa Rica where she'd preserve endangered species.

Right now, Andrea Goforth is focusing her prayers on a successful stem cell procedure that will allow Mailia's heart repair within a matter of months.

But she's also worried about how the family will pay for additional procedures with just $33 left in the Mailia's Miracle fundraising account after the costs of the procedure and trip.

The family plans additional fundraisers when they return home, and has set up a website called mailiasmiracle.com that tells Mailia's story and gives information on how people can donate.

Mailia's Blood Draw a Success at Regenocyte

Mailia's Stem Cells - The Ultimate Gift

Tuesday morning, we were greeted at Regenocyte by Nancy Trombino and Roxanne Pleva who are patient coordinator's at Regenocyte.  Everyone was so thrilled to finally meet Mailia...a young patient who has traveled so far in hopes of reaching her dream of a miraculous healing.

Mailia was very nervous about the procedure and Dr. Grekos and his incredible team of nurses, Michelene and Felicia, were able to talk to Mailia and give her the necessary dialog on what they would be doing, step by step...in order to draw her blood successfully with minimal stress to her body and psyche.

In speaking with Dr. Grekos about our concerns relating to Mailia's previous blood draws via her arm's and how difficult she is to do in this manner, I asked if he would consider doing her blood draw through a femoral pic line through her groin instead.  He agreed to do this validating that it is the parents that know their kids specifics and he is all about listening and taking these things into account.  Boy...big relief!

They preped Mailia in their catherization lab and lightly sedated her while monitoring her heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturations.  Once she settled down...they inserted the line and were able to draw around 30% more blood which for Mailia...means more stem cells we hope.

 

After Mailia's blood draw, we took her for a good meal to replenish her strength and gave her alot of fluids and supplements to replenish her blood.  She did well, and expressed excitement about finally getting her stem cells.  We also had a wonderful interview with Tri City Herald reporter Michelle Dupler who is doing a follow up article on Mailia's Miracle and her journey now to Florida and the Dominican Republic for stem cell therapy.

Today...we needed to replenish her oxygen once again, so headed to LinCare to exchange 20 empty E tanks for 20 full ones which should last her through the weekend, for we will be planning to check out of our hotel here in Bonita Springs, and head in to Miami this coming Suday.  Our flight to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic will be Monday May 31st...for her scheduled procedure on June 2nd.

We also spent some time this afternoon at the Regenocyte clinic meeting with Dr. Grekos and discussing Mailia's procedure and the options and opportunities this would present for her.  We also had the chance to meet Howard Linderman, a Regenocyte patient who underwent stem cell therapy two years ago.  To hear his story is one of true inspiration and can be seen by clicking the Regenocyte link.  He offered Mailia so much hope and motivated her to stay positive and believe in herself...and her doctors.  She is now...part of their exclusive club!  He offered to teach Mailia how to scuba dive at some point...she told him she already was an accomplished diver...in her Wii game "Endless Ocean". 

                  Howard Linderman and Mailia

During our visit with Dr. Grekos and Howard, we also were visited by WINK CBS tv reporter Carlos Suarez who I had contacted to see if their station would be interested in doing a story on Mailia's Miracle and Regenocyte.  More on this...shortly.

$43,000 Raised to Date! - Mailia's Miracle "Night of Hope" a HUGE Success

Jesica Dawsey, Mailia & SteelDust

Max, Mailia and I wish to recognize and thank everyone for coming out last night to Mailia's Miracle "Night of Hope" benefit fundraiser and to also thank all the volunteers, businesses and generous donors who contributed to this event and the live and silent auction.  We were blessed with raising over $11,715.00 last night for Mailia's Adult Stem Cell Therapy.

We wish to convey, that this event was not all about Mailia…but about the sense of generosity, compassion and love that a very special little girl can inspire. By having spent the evening with us, you will be blessed with the knowledge that you have made Mailia…so very happy and that you are a part of an ongoing miracle. To see her smile, to see her so very happy last night...we can only hope you know how much that means to us. Thank you!
We know while Mailia’s personal courage and strength have played a significant part in this ongoing miracle, it is the prayers, encouragement and ongoing support of many folks who have made this possible.

Last night...was no exception.
I wish to explain what may have inspired you to be here. Right after Christmas…I ran in to an old friend at the grocery store, Kolin Dawsey and we got to talking about Mailia. Right away…Kolin said he would like to introduce us to his wife Jesica…and before we knew what hit us…Jesica asked if we would allow her to do a fundraiser to benefit Mailia’s Miracle.

With experience in the fundraising arena…Jesica took the bull by the horns and started down the path to pull together, an incredible team of volunteers and angels. She solicited help from friends Tassie and Tammi. She and her angels asked for donations from individuals and businesses. She brain stormed on a daily basis…some nights, losing sleep worrying about the fundraiser.  But she perservered and came through with a beautiful and successful event.  We commend her highly on her integrity, hard work and dedication...she is a true inspiration that anyone can do great things...if they set their minds and heart to it.  Thank you Jesica...we love you and Kolin dearly!

Jesica also connected with the MissyG Band, John and Missy Guthrie, and they graciously accepted her invitation to play for our benefit and to help Mailia.  Missy to us...sounds like Emy Lou Harris and has such a beautiful voice and her band members are wonderful musicians.  Thank you so much for your beautiful gift to Mailia...we will always cherish your songs.

A good friend of the Missy G band, Kristine Webb who's business is "Clutter and More…was also responsible for helping in a huge way with decorations and finding willing participants.  Kristine will always have a special place in our hearts...thank you!

Kristine then connected us with Profesional Videographers Marti and Mike Greif, from Everlasting Video Memories and asked if they would consider doing a video montage about Mailia’s Miracle and her journey.  This video, which will be found on Mailia's web site...was played for everyone during the benefit dinner.  Mike and Marti…we owe you such a huge debt of gratitude. Your ability to capture this personal glimpse into our lives and that of Mailia’s plight and story is truly appreciated. We thank you so very much!  The video is beautiful and one we will always cherish!

Amy Raye LeMasters…has been an integral part in helping us get the word out about Mailia’s Miracle in the community with public service announcements. To be the Emcee to help with this event…and all the advertising through her radio station 94.9FM The Wolf... and affiliate stations…we wish to recognize and thank her so very much, for affording us the opportunity and for bringing Patricia LaBelle who donated her time proceeds as well.  Thank you sweetie...we love you!

To the owners and staff from Eagle Printing, we owe them so much for their services.  Chris Steel has been around this fundraising block…more times than I can count. But they too…have played such an instrumental part in helping Mailia’s Miracle touch the world. Chris is a wonderful and neat lady…she has a knack of knowing what to say to make your day a whole lot brighter. Her laugh is contagious…her light…is one of the brightest I have seen!  Thank you...so very much!

Web Master extraordinaire…Thomas Granbois…a dear soul who has built Mailia’s Miracle web site and blog…and assisted us from a technical standpoint…to you, we thank you too...you are our angel! Mailia’s web site has been an important conduit to sharing information about Mailia’s condition, her potential therapies and outcomes with thousands of other people around the world looking for answers…and will afford us a means to reach out for help for Mailia…and others.

Mailia’s caregiver Ramona Torres…you know how much we love and value you and your wonderful family. Your taking Mailia’s care so personally…and to heart…treating her as one of your own, means the world to us too. I hope you will always know…how much you truly mean to us and how grateful we are for being a part of Mailia’s life.  Gracias...te quermos muchisimo!

To the staff of the Shilo Inn…, D.J. Dave from Riverside Audio, Auctioneer Doug Swenson and to everyone else, friends, co-workers and family that made time and sacrifices to come meet and support Mailia…thank you so much!

I think in summarizing…Mailia’s spirit reflects she has so much more…to offer this world. Her dad and I have a huge responsibility to her…to see to it that she has the best medical and spiritual assistance to make this life, a reality for her. We don’t have a choice…that is what we are supposed to do. And because of the generosity and support we have from all of you, it will help make it all possible.

We wish for all of you to cherish your loved ones and friends like there was no tomorrow and to live your lives to the fullest by continuing to help one another, and to be true to yourselves.  We will post photos of the event up on Mailia's Miracle Facebook page here shortly.
We love you and humbly thank you.  May God Bless you richly.

Max, Andrea and Mailia

Tu Decides News and KNDU TV report on Mailia's Miracle - Night of Hope event

We were thrilled and blessed this week to have been given the opportunity to tell Mailia's story and ask the community for their support.

Correspondent Annagrisel Alvarez from the Tri-Cities Tu Decides bi-lingual newspaper did a wonderful article, both in English and in Spanish, about Mailia's Miracle and the upcoming Night of Hope event on Friday April 23rd at the Shilo Inn, as seen in the below post.  Annagrisel's story can be found by clicking on this LINK for the English version or by clicking this LINK for the Spanish version.

Also, Blanca Torres from Tu Decides reported on KNDU news at 6:00 p.m. about Mailia's Miracle, for which we are truly grateful to her and the KNDU staff of reporters, anchors, producers and technical staff at KNDU news station.  Thank you Chris for meeting with us and giving Mailia the "grand tour" which she so enjoyed and Scott, thank you for your awesome report at 11:00 p.m.!  Thank you too Blanca and Annagrisel!  We appreciate it so very much!

Mailia's Miracle - Night of Hope Benefit Fundraiser

On Friday April 23rd, 2010 there will be a Benefit Dinner, Dance with the MissyG Band, Live and Silent Auction starting at 6: p.m. at the Shilo Inn located in Richland, Wa.  This event is being spearheaded by our dear friend Jesica Dawsey and her wonderful team of Angels/Volunteers who are planning a very festive and fun evening to be enjoyed by all who can attend the Mailia's Miracle - Night of Hope event.  Please contact Jesica (509)542-0791 for tickets and information on how you too, can help be a part of a great cause and miracle. 

We look forward to seeing everyone and thank you in advance, for your support and prayers in helping to be a part of Mailia's Miracle.

All our gratitude and blessings...

Max, Andrea and Mailia

Fox News in Portland Interviews Dr. Julia Robirds for Mailia's Miracle

Fox News Story (click here for video)

On Saturday March 27, 2010, KPTV Fox News did a story about Dr. Julia Robirds from Portland, Oregon who we wrote about in our previous blog post.  Reporter Ronna Sweeney and her crew interviewed Dr. Robirds and quickly ran her story...one so compelling and from the heart.

It really shines a beacon of light on our experience and reminds me, one more time, how truly fortunate we are to have people like Dr. Robirds and her incredible staff giving of their tallent, time and resources to help Mailia.

Portland Oregon Dentist and Staff To Hold Benefit Fundraiser April 17th 2010 for Mailia's Miracle!

                                                                                

                                             

Dr. Julia Anne Robirds D.M.D.

General Practice

13908 SE Stark St Suite D

Portland , OR - 97233

503-408-5778

Hello Andrea, Max and Mailia...this is a picture of my office staff.  They have all agreed that they would like to help with a fundraiser for "Mailia's Miracle".


This was an incerpt from an incredible and gracious letter we received a week ago from Dr. Julia Robirds and her staff....ALL THE WAY FROM PORTLAND OREGON!!!!  We met Julia and her husband Kelly back in January when they came to inquire about a Mini Aussie puppy we had available and that Mailia had been caring for.  Little Cowboy, pictured below...came to us at a time of uncertainty as he was not planned.  But trusting that there would be a higher purpose to his coming into this world at this time, we now know what his gift to us, Julia and Kelly and Mailia...truly is.  A gift of concious healing.


Cowboy has become Kelly's shadow and constant companion and now, the catalyst for something so very big with Dr. Julia Robirds and her wonderful staff offering to work a Saturday (April 17th 2010) with proceeds of that day...to benefit Mailia's Miracle.  They have also been selling "Miracle Money" which are coupons that cost their patients $50 and each coupon has a $100 value and can be used towards cleaning appointments in their office.  And as they state on their flier...This is a great opportunity to save money and help a child in need at the same time!


Our heartfellt thanks go out to Dr. Julia Robirds and her staff, Virginia, Eduardo, Colleen, Amie and Anahi for giving selflessly and graciously to help Mailia. We pray you will be blessed and happy to know, your efforts and caring so that Mailia can get her stem cell therapy and the means to her miracle do mean the world to us and we appreciate it so.  Please give your patients a extra thank you for their support...they too...ROCK!

                                                                                                               

                           

EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES - "Don't Hope For A Miracle...Make One"

This past week we went to see the new movie Extraordinary Measures and I sobbed and cried through the entire movie. We thought it was a very powerful story in how they captured the essence of living with a child with disabilities.

Don’t Hope For A Miracle…Make One, is the tagline of CBS films newly released movie Extraordinary Measures, starring Brendan Fraser and Harrison Ford. It is inspired by the story of John Crowley, a father who defied conventional wisdom and great odds and risked his family’s future to pursue a cure for his children’s life threatening disease.

To celebrate the Crowley family’s story, there is a wonderful opportunity to get the word out about a cause that is close to you, and also possibly win some money for them. All you have to do is upload an inspirational video by going to the Inspirational Quilt and click on Upload Your Story. Once the video is uploaded, you will be entered into the sweepstakes for a chance to designate the charity or cause of your choice to receive $10,000! Then share with your friends and contacts to vote to increase your chances of winning.

We hope to get a video compiled soon…on Mailia’s Miracle to add to the Inspirational Quilt.

Anyway...please try to see this...and tell others too as well. Scientists, medical practitioners, parents, students, families and the community must see this exciting movie, not only because the story has proved to save the lives of Pompe-stricken individuals, but the spirit and sunshine it brings to each viewer, because we, as advocates of Mailia's health and healing, and having moved almost heaven and earth to find the cure for Pulmonary Hypertension and congenital heart disease with other parents and adults, we believe this movie lifts viewers to a height that really transcends beyond cinematography and arts. It truly gave us the “Shot in the arm” we really needed now, more than ever!

In gratitude…

The Goforths

Recap of 2009 and What 2010 Shall Bring For Mailia's Ongoing Miracle

Greetings everyone…Our apologies for being out of touch relaying updates on Mailia’s blog. We hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday…as we did. We have so much to be grateful for. There have been so many inquiries as to how Mailia is doing. Mailia had been sick with a very strange and severe viral bug she came down with in Nov/Dec. that landed her in the hospital in need of some additional support due to her coughing up blood from the lung bleeds she would experience. Very scary stuff for us, but in light of this…she was able to get through this healing crisis and is now doing much better.

This past year, after starting this blog and Mailia’s Miracle…it was our intention and desire to maintain this web site not only as a means to help Mailia with our fundraising efforts but also for others who would follow, maybe baptized by fire as we were and looking for the means of creating a miracle to save their life or the life of a loved one. It was to be our way of giving back. Through this experience we think Mailia is a pioneer among many…and through her journey, she will be healed through a beautiful miracle and become a great inspiration to many through sharing her story to help champion financial support for others found in need of a life saving stem cell therapy possibly through a non profit designated primarily for adult stem cells.

When we get e-mails or are contacted by folks…even now, searching as we have and continue to do on the internet for anything new in the realms of technology or medical science to help themselves or their children or loved ones, it gives us so much joy and inspiration to know that we could help…that by you being here too…supporting Mailia, that you are also contributing to their miracle. It is huge blessing for all.

We still encourage and would like to remind folks to research adult stem cell therapy. A site we continue to espouse and follow for updates on a weekly basis is called www.donmargolis.com We hope Mailia’s success story will be featured and supported on his site as well this coming year.

So to sum up this past year we would like to say it was a time in which we were full of gratitude….grateful that Mailia has made it this far and continues to blossom into a beautiful young lady despite her challenges…she prefers to be seen as a normal happy child…still a kid at heart. Grateful for the windows of opportunity presented her from her doctors, surgeons and researchers on ground breaking therapies and treatment. Grateful for the opportunity to personally meet Dr. Zannos Grekos and the staff of Regenocyte and to also connect with heart surgeon Dr. Michael Black from San Francisco. Grateful to the news media for capturing and reporting Mailia’s story. Grateful for the outpouring of support from family, friends, folks behind the scenes who were generous with their time and financial resources in helping us raise funds to pay for her future stem cell transplant and therapies. But grateful also in advance…for all the incredible help and resources that are yet to come, in fulfilling Mailia’s desire to be well and live a happy life.

As we look to the new year and what the possibilities are for 2010, we can’t help but be optimistic and will gear back up to our getting Mailia’s Miracle shared with everyone in hopes that her message, story and need will be the catalyst for a beautiful miracle. We are not just praying and asking for this miracle to happen…we are all going to make it happen!

Please check back from time to time during the year, to check our updates to this blog and we humbly and graciously ask for your continued support and prayers for Mailia. There are plans for more fundraising events and requests for assistance in getting Mailias Miracle out to as many folks as possible. But most importantly we wish to share with you the heart warming events that we know and trust will come.

Thanks for being part of Mailia's Miracle! All our love, gratitude and blessings for a prosperous New Year!

The Goforths

$20,257 Raised to Date! Our fundraising efforts continue to gain momentum!

Hello Everyone! We are over a 1/4 of the way to our goal and are at $20,257 thanks to all who have donated, prayed and helped in so many ways. We have immense gratitude to everyone who has supported Mailia and her cause, who have given their precious time, financial resources and also wish to thank our friends Tom and Claudia Stephenson, Sergio Torres, Frank & Carolyn and Nayelo from Smoovies, the CUP church administrators for allowing us to use the "Lounge" and to the wonderful band members from Come To Shore, Run From Cover and Brazen Layver for a wonderful concert this past week to benefit Mailia's Miracle...we thank you!

Benefit Concert for Mailia's Miracle - Nov. 20th 2009

We wanted to let everyone know here locally about a Rock concert being organized by our friend Tom Stephenson and sponsored by Smoovies in Richland to benefit Mailia's Miracle. The concert will be held on November 20th at 7:00p.m. at the CUP church's "Lounge" on 1124 Stevens Drive in Richland, WA.

Featured bands will be Brazen Layver with special guest Run From Cover who have graciously offered their tallent and time to perform at this "FREE" concert, with donations being accepted going to benefit Mailia's Miracle Benefit Fund.

It is our hope that this event will bring out everyone wanting to have a good time to champion and benefit a real good cause.

www.MailiasMiracle.com

$15,000 Raised to Date - Thank You Mailia's angels who are making her Miracle possible!

It is hard to express how humbled and blessed Max, Mailia and I feel right now. Everyday, a new blessing comes to us in a note or call of encouragement from a stranger, a visit from a dear friend or a donation to our daughter.

No one would ever wish any disease or malady upon their child or anyone else's, and yet...in a very strange way Mailia's condition has been a blessing in our lives. Through Mailia...it has taught us so much. So many lessons to take with us on our journey together and to share with others.

What I mean by this is that we are continuously reminded that Mailia's journey is not about her. While our ultimate goal is to see her live a normal life, her's I believe is a journey for humanity. A million candles can burn from the light of just one single flame. That magnificent light never snuffs out, but burns eternally in the hearts of all who believe and have faith...or even those of us who are simply curious.

Mailia's journey is about others lighting Mailia's way and helping her along her path. In turn she is able to quietly cast a golden ray of hope for humanity by holding true to her vision.

Our community, family and friends have supported her, faithfully igniting the wick of her life waxing love, faith, compassion and encouragement for each baby step of progress we pray she will make.

We wish to acknowledge the follwing individuals, families, businesses and organizations who are Mailia's angels and heroes for their generosity and financial support to date. If your donation was "Anonymous" it is either your wish to be anonymous or because we did not have access to your details so please contact us to add your name...thanks so much!

$ 15,020.79 as of 10/08/09

Individuals and Families:

Virginia Lindahl***Lois & Lon Alexander***Ray Gerk

Byron & Eileen Lesher***Duane Neely***Roy Wiprud

Thomas Stephenson***Daryl Boyle***Carl Connell

Sandra Jewell***Van Speers***Kelly Sullivan

Kendra Goss & Chris Mydock

John & Janet Goforth***John & Kathy Riordan***Janette Lesher

Ramona Torres***Ronald & Diane Lacher***Denise & Marty Farian

Fran LeClaire & Nick Enders***Tamara Deutsch

Jerry & Carol Parker***Harrison Gibbs***Jeanie Dixon

Phil & Mary Raekes***Pat McKenna***Elizabeth & Kenneth Lewis

Hahn Family***Alan & Kathy Rither***Janice & Paul Haigh

Roger Rohrbacher***Terry Yearust***Alma Cahn

Sally & Bob Phillips***Maurice & Susanne White***Curtis DeOlivera

Judy & Dave Sheldon***Patricia Styris***Janet Davis

Patricia & Dale Wood***Georgia & Jack Gannon***Bob Parmley

Mirna Contreras***Bernice Bemers***Joseph Cleppe

James Young***Margit Spadt***Shirley Larson***Mary Perkins

Steven Doctor***David Randall***Linda Eggers***Linda Proctor

Sue Rhoads***Shirley Taylor***Kathy Kilbury

Edward Robbins***Virginia Polster***Peggy Dale

Linda Cowdry***Thelf DiWeber***Ben Garrity***Shirley Nilson

Elizabeth Kalkwarf***Monte Gills***Harry Parton

Terry Holden***Thu Vo***Janice Haigh***Linda Williams

Shauna Anderson***Dave Haggerty***Tamara Deutsch

K.C. Brooks***Tom Lear***Gene Cook

Businesses & Organizations:

Thomas Grandbois

Multimedia & Web Site Production

http://www.thomasgranbois.com/

***

Tri City Herald

Michelle Dupler - Reporter

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/

***
Grace United Reformed Church
2904 West 4th

Kennewick, WA 99336

***

LifeTime Dental Care
Dr. Michael Brier & Staff

2469 Queensgate Drive

Richland, WA 99352

http://www.lifetime-dentalcare.net/

***

Tri-City Dust Devils Baseball Club

6200 Burden Blvd.

Pasco, WA. 99301

http://www.dustdevilsbaseball.com/

***

Wal-Mart Heart Program

Tom Lear & Gene Cook

http://walmartstores.com/CommunityGiving/234.aspx

***

Jensen Bookeeping Service

262 Pioneer Road

Connell, WA. 99326

***

Dian Patterson

Directed Potential Coaching, Training & Hypotherapy

Vancouver, B.C. Canada

http://www.directedpotential.org/

***

LouAnn Hug

Benton-Franklin Volunteer Center

900 S. Dayton St., Suite B

Kennewick, WA 99336

http://www.bfvc.org/

***

Mailia's Miracle Benefit Car Washes

Mailia's caregiver, Ramona Torres has planned several car washes recently to benefit Mailia's Miracle. Two of which were held recently at Roberto's Taco's in Kennewick and Jessie's Window Tinting in Pasco. We were able to raise $1,000.00!!!

We wish to thank everyone that helped from providing the location's to also Radio Station 97.9 La KeBuena in Pasco, and to DJ Eduardo for announcing and promoting the car wash at these locations. To Albert from our Hispanic newspaper Tu Decides...thank you for advertising the car wash and to the following volunteers and helpers and to all who donated, including the wonderful gentleman from Hermiston who came by with a truckload of beautiful watermelons and gave us some for our tireless helpers that day...all our gratitude and blessings!

The generosity you have demonstrated to our Mailia is truly humbling. Thank you: Ramona, Crystal, Checo, Marcie, Michael, Mirna, Erica, Marta, Pablo, Anthony, 5, Naomi, Hermina, Lauri, Kerina, Chena, Edwardo, Grandma Janet & Papa John and of course Tom!