Family extends thanks for contributions to foundation

To the Editor:

We have been preparing all year to help raise awareness for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America.

Thanks to Small Town America -- Brazil, Ind. -- and the few surrounding counties, we were able to achieve success with a Jonah Fish Fry Aug. 28, 2010.

It has been an amazing year and full of first experiences for all of us. We have learned a lot, plus received so much assistance from local merchants in generous donations of time or to the foundation directly via the web. Mostly, it was the Brazil merchants and/or organizations along with a few from surrounding counties.

Now, it is time to express our gratitude for all those who cared to join us in our endeavors.

From all of the family members, friends and associates of Dean A. Young, we would like you to know the generosity and support throughout the year has been greatly appreciated.

The following organizations and/or individuals contributed to our cause, in no specific order: Our Mayor Ann Bradshaw, Kroger Co. (supplies and products), The Brazil Times (coverage and contributions), WTWO (for interviewing Dean for the local news), The Popcorn Festival of Clay County (contributions and services), individual donation of Colts' Leather Jacket, Susan Crafton, Brazil, Colts' Blanket, Joe and Amalia Moran, Texas, Brazilian Lanes, Harper Studios, Crossroads Massage Therapy, Tans Express, Timberland, U.S. Nails, Luxury Nail Salon, all Brazil, Walmart Distribution Center, Greencastle, online donation, Spring Klean Car Wash and Finzel's Master Tech, Sun Factory Tanning, and Sony Corporation, of Terre Haute, Sisters Antiques, American Family Insurance, Goodies Galore, Pizza Hut, Fun Time Scuba, Shaw Chiropractic, Brazil, Maurizio's Pizza, Subway, Caribbean Works, Video Specialists, Sunrise Realty Group, KIHM, Brazil, Cato and New Elegance Salon and Spa, Brazil, individual donations from Grover and Rita Young, Jasonville, Mario and Mandy Dees, Brazil, Max and Bea Deakins, CO, J.R., Moran Okla., and Melody Kollmeyer for a large sheet cake, along with all online donations.

In the event we have neglected to mention anyone who made a contribution, we apologize, it was not our intention to leave a single person out.

In addition, special thanks to all contributions, whether monetary or otherwise, such as time spent creating signs, web page information, printing tickets, contacting businesses door-to-door, contacting media for exposure and many other tasks performed on our behalf.

We all support Dean A. Young in his endeavors to raise money for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America. Dean has suffered for more than 45 years from this debilitating and eventually terminal disease. Crohn's has no known cure and is very painful for all who live with it on a daily basis.

The lesions, scar tissue, inflammation and blockages, all create near unbearable pain each and every minute of the day. Not to mention those who may suffer from Colitis.

Dean is an inspiration to us all. He never complains. Unless you are a close family member of friend, many may not realize he suffers at all.

He will be participating in his second, 13.1-mile mini-marathon, in December 2010, in Las Vegas, Nev.

He, along with his daughters, Mandy Dees and Deana Young, and sister Molly McKenzie and spouse Gary.

We wish him all the best in his battle against Crohn's disease.

His perseverance is commendable. We love you Dean.

Thanks again to everyone involved.

The family and friends of Dean A. Young