- My relationship with Oscar started almost (2)yrs ago.
My youngest son, Michael Frechette married his daughter
Cristina. (I think I sent you a picture of Cristy & Angel)
>He had been painting all his life and I took on intro-
ducing him to the US. through cyber sites and Galleries
here in New England. I am working my way across the
country marketing with England my next adventure.
Although a very good Artist in my opinion and others, he
did not have the tools or expertise to market himself.
Therefore the bulk of his earlier paintings were sold in
Asia.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Where I came in.
>My background is Business Administration so Fine Arts
was a new world for me as well ...tough one to
break into as well.
>On MARCH 23RD 1995 ....My son and his wife had a baby
girl born in Okinawa (where he is stationed with the Air
Force)... SHEER SHOCK rattled our mutual families and
shock 'the earth' in our world. The Baby soon to be named
'Angela Lee Frechette' and called 'ANGEL' was born with
a very RARE Neurological Disorder which resulted in mass
deformities at Birth in all extremities. AVENUES uses a
clinical definition but the IMPACT to a FAMILY is TERROR.
"Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita" is an extremely rare
disorder believed to be a result of a mutant gene that
happens somewhere in the 10-12 week of pregnancy. There
is NO WARNING and is noted at birth. MOST DOCTORS have
no IDEA what they are up against. The baby was flown from
Okinawa to Tripler Army Medical in Hawaii where there are
specialists in this Neurological Field and Surgeons to
deal with the operations to attempt to correct deformities.
Wishing it were that easy. These children
are born with LITTLE TO NO muscle development in their
extremities. Even correcting the position of bones does
not give them muscle and nerve tissue they need to grow
in affected area's. There are many variations of the dis-
order ranging from FATAL to milder lack of muscle in arms
and legs. With the GRACE of God...no brain damage. Some
will NEVER walk or use their arms. Some have chances in
some area's. "Angel" has a chance to walk someday, her
arms appear to be another story:((

Guess I am getting carried away with "our story"...anyway
both OSCAR and I were SO Shocked, Heart Broken, and totally
devastated with the REALITY of life, and the lives of MANY
parents we decided to dedicate some of our lives to trying
to help. Not just AMC children but all families and children
who need extra medical care and have 'this long road to walk"..... as
Grand Parents our lives changed in many ways.

I have never not been sensitive to MDA, Cancer, Heart Assoc.
and etc. right to "Free Willy" with my personal funds but
now a new door opened. A mutual goal with a man whose heart
is kind and caring as well. Children like 'Angel' have many
special needs and astronomical medical bills.

My first break was with Wendy Atterbury from Horseweb, a kind woman, who
not only set up our regular pages to market
art but VOLUNTEERED a PAGE to set up an AUCTION AREA for the
soul purpose of managing FUND RAISER's for good causes. She
likewise Donates HER TIME and EFFORT to make the Auctions
work. This PAGE could be used by anyone donating anything
which was our hopes in the long run as well.
>>>> Our 1st Auction was done for Muscular Dystrophy.

If enough people knew about the site
I am sure 'others' would want to help Organizations as well.
As the Government goes on 'cutting budgets' for many needy
organizations we feel the "Private Sector" has to feel some
responsibility to care for the less fortunate in this world.
> I would give anything to get links to Corporate Groups,
Celebrity Pages and Art Galleries that could well afford
to invest in a non-profit, tax free investment to help
these Children Organizations.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>> COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY >>>>>>>>>>>
HOW is an on-going struggle.

We do not give up easily. It is our intention to continue
to find means to use a Painting and raise funds for assorted
Disabled Childrens Organizations as long as we live.

100% goes to the Organization we are working for. No one
receives one penny for the Art or the efforts. Just a real
good feeling :))))