And the Winners Are ...

The heart of the mailing, though, is still a two-page letter by a parent whose child was born with a disability. In this case, it's the mother of a girl, Kayla. She starts on a note of flattery, thanking Easter Seals "and people like you," because her daughter "is a typical 9-year-old." She then relates their story, touching on many of the fears, uncertainties and determination most parents experience when raising kids. Without appealing to pity, she paints a hopeful portrait of a "tough little girl," who, with the help of Easter Seals from early on, overcame great odds. At the letter's end, the mom thanks Easter Seals for "so much caring and expertise," and asks for support so more children "will have every opportunity to reach their full potential."