Perseverance gives power to weakness, and opens to poverty the world's wealth. It spreads fertility over the barren landscape, and bids the choicest fruits and flowers spring up and flourish in the desert abode of thorns and briers.

First, Learning About TM through A Friend

In the spring of 2000 I received a letter from Alica, a friend of mine from childhood, saying that she had been diagnosed with transverse myelitis. I had never heard of TM before, so I went online to see if I might learn more. That's when I found the TMIC list and realized, to my complete surprise, how TM often affects people -- and more people than I cared to comprehend. Immediately my heart was broken for Alica and anyone who might suffer the affects of TM in their lives.

My heart was not simply broken, however -- it was stolen. Immediately after writing to the list, people came forward and offered their encouragement for Alica. She has long since received everyone's best wishes and help, but I remained on the forum namely because of everyone's remarkable tenacity, perseverance, knowledge, friendliness, moral support and hope -- all of which are richly displayed in their lives. Unbeknownst to most, perhaps, I am simply grateful for how much my own life has been enriched ever since.

Inspired by TM Talent

Within this same time frame and after reading the last edition of the TMA newsletter, I was inspired by Netta Ganor's "Clouds" and "Seagulls" pictures that were printed with Sam Melville's poem, "A Thief In The Night." I thought there must surely be enough talent within the TM community to create greeting cards. I had hoped by doing so that we could generate funds for medical research at the Johns Hopkins Transverse Myelopathy Center. Sure enough, there is tremendous talent among those with TM. Thus, it is my privilege to introduce here the Transverse Myelitis Greeting and Note Cards.

TM Greeting and Note Cards

As I write this, the creation of the cards is still underway. However, for those of you who are not yet aware of this project, what we have asked others online, we are also asking you, TMA's readership: If you, a family member or close friend want to submit any number of original and quality artwork, photography, graphics, or verses, we are still accepting your submissions until June 1, 2001. We do have a printer for your original work, thanks to Jenna Stentz's father, Duane Hamilton. All we ask is that you give us written permission to use them as greeting cards designs. We will accept your designs either on a zip disk, CD, or in the highest quality copy. Original designs are also accepted; however, anyone involved in the creation of the cards is not liable for damage to original work. We will return your designs upon request. To submit your work, along with a brief bio, please refer to the address listed at the end of this article. Feel free to send questions or comments also.

Card Quality

At this time, it is the printer's intention to print the cards in a four-color process, using standard fold, no foil. We are expecting to provide a brief bio of each person contributing his or her design. Also on the backs of the cards will be our greeting card logo. The cards will be pictured and orderable via a brochure, which is also designed to inform the public about TM and Dr. Kerr's medical research.

Our Goal and Logo

Graphic artist Karrie Bernhard designed the greeting card logo and brochure layout. Karrie quickly picked up on the original drawing of a blue flower sent to me several years ago by Alica. While the logo holds personal sentiment for a dear friend whose own TM eventually led to this endeavor, the blue flower conveys our hope that medical research and all attempts to fund those efforts, blossom and flourish beyond our greatest expectations -- all for the sake of finding a cure for those suffering TM and other spinal cord injuries.

All the proceeds from the card sales will go directly to the Johns Hopkins Transverse Myelopathy Center in support of Dr. Kerr's medical research. No one is compensated or reimbursed for their designs or efforts in this project.

Marketing

We have asked others online to help us distribute the card brochure and to refer people to our website where the cards may be viewed. A number of TM supporters are also going to link their website to ours, and vice versa. There are several people hoping to establish bulk sales of the cards within their own communities. In essence, while we are striving mightily to create quality cards, it will be a success insofar as we can sell them and in high quantities. For that reason, we are asking you also to consider distributing our brochures and establishing bulk sales in your area.

Contacting TM Greeting and Note Cards

You may contact me by writing or sending an e-mail to:

TM Greeting and Note Cards
P. O. Box 682
Arnold, MO 63010

E-mail: tmcards[AT SIGN]email.ky

We also have a website for the cards which is currently under construction. At this time we are not able to take orders online; however, people may view the cards and send their order to the postal address listed above. Our cards online will, at the least, receive greater recognition, and hopefully that in itself will extend our funding efforts and encourage other TM supporters. Our website address is:

http://tmcards.freeyellow.com

The process of selecting the art and printing the cards will take approximately three to four months. We are anticipating that the cards will be available early this winter 2001.

Finally, thanks to everyone's talent, interest, expertise and support, the Transverse Myelitis Greeting and Note Cards is a unique hallmark for everyone with TM. Educating the public about transverse myelitis is as much a part of this endeavor as anything. These cards can make a strong statement for you in the public realm, and in a very practical way, besides.

Thank you in advance for your submissions and support in this endeavor!