Special News & Announcements
This fundraiser is very near to our hearts. Jennifer's uncle Ray
is need of a either a new van or the money to replace the transmission in his current one. Raymond is a quadriplegic
who cannot travel any distance without his van. Right now he needs to raise at least $2000.00 for the repairs.
The rest of the money will be used for his day to day expenses - specifically his much needed therapy sessions.
Jennifer's family and friends are selling Christmas cards that have
been professionally reproduced from original art that Raymond has drawn with markers by his mouth. Please contact Jennifer
for additional information and where to buy these beautiful cards.
You are the most AMAZING People!!!!!
On December 14, 2006, we held a fundraiser for (Jennifer's Uncle) Ray at JD's Key Club and Dueling Piano Bar in Pontiac, MI. The event started at 7:00 PM and ended somewhere around Midnight... We had food,
fun, prizes and Ray in attendance! The event was open to the public and wow did we have an amazing turnout of amazing
people!. Ray is still in awe over the love and support of his family, friends and community. Thank you so much to everyone
that attending or sent contributions, we can't thank you enough!
Extra special thanks to Charlene Morrison who put the plans together for
the event, she did a fabulous job with the silent auction! Debbie Majchrzak of Sterling Printing and Graphics deserves a special
recognition for her help with putting Ray's dream literally on paper! Sterling Printing helped professionally reproduce Ray's
Holiday Cards that sold out in just over a month after they were delivered to us! My sister Cherine Zarves worked her magic
and sold several hundred dollars of raffle tickets!!! Renee, thank you for believing in Ray and selling those cards!
This entire event is a testament to Ray's abilities as an artist and a dedication
to my grandmother and Ray's mother, Loretta Ladowski.
| Ray & Grandma |
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| Loretta Ladowski (Dec. 14, 1929 - August 1, 2006) |
A brief Biography of Raymond Ladowski |
Raymond Ladowski is a quadriplegic who suffered a severe spinal
cord injury in a diving accident during the summer of 1978. He lives near his family in Roseville, MI.
Ray's untitled Christmas cards are a project he started in 2005 in
hopes of selling the prints in time for the holidays in 2006. He has kept the wording nonreligious to make them usable by
diverse populations.
Raymond has created a portfolio of his original artwork that he
hopes to one day sell. Ray makes all of his drawings with colored pencils, pens and markers using only his mouth.
Ray’s mother is his inspiration. She was his motivator and
his friend. It is Ray’s wish to be a successful artist and painter in honor of his mother.
Ray began attending classes at the community college in 1984.
He earned his Associates degree in General Studies in the mid 90’s. Ray is working on his Bachelors Degree in the Liberal
Arts at Wayne State
University. His love of art and painting has him thinking of changing
his course of study to art and sciences.
Raymond has been an inspiration and mentor to other paralysis
patients. He is an avid spokesperson and advocate for others experiencing paralysis. His wish for other paralysis patients
is to never give up. He hopes to make the public aware that people with spinal cord injuries are able to function in the world.
Ray loves to meet people and to travel. He is an avid sports fan
and can play computer games better than most people. Raymond is compassionate, generous and always a true friend. You’ll
feel like a better person for having the opportunity to meet him.
Ray’s dreams are to someday walk again. He would love to
own a home of his own. He would love to write a book about his life, where he’s been and who he has met. Ray’s
immediate needs are far greater. He would like to raise enough money for his every day expenses including his required therapy
sessions.
Through it all, Ray believed his journey a continuous learning
experience and he was meant to share his experiences and help others to understand how to care for and advocate for paralysis
patients..
For additional information about Ray’s cards, works of art
or future projects, please visit his website at www.rayladowski.com.
**Update** - Added December 2007
It is with a sad and heavy heart that we share the passing of Raymond
Ladowski. On Sunday, September 9, 2007 with the promises of his family to carry on his legacy, Raymond journeyed to heaven.
In the months prior to his passing he experienced long bouts of illness and prognosis that would drastically alter the
way of life that Ray was accustom to - including long term rehab in a nursing home.
Ray lived his life to the fullest, never letting his situation get
in the way of what he wanted to do. He could often be found traveling around the state and the country going to concerts,
sporting events and just doing what Ray wanted to do! His philosphy was life is too short to have regrets - live it,
love it and be it! He loved rock & roll, football - especially the Detroit Lions and above all, he loved being a free
spirit.
Ray attended college, lived in his own apartment with nursing care
based on his needs and he could even go to the grocery store to pick up his own items with the help of a store clerk! Ray
could often times be found riding around town in his wheel chair, just to get out of the house. He never had a problem
making friends and could talk to anyone. He was loved and admired by so many people. His family misses him tremendously.
At his funeral, his niece Jennifer gave this eulogy:
Ray was and still is my hero. There is
an empty space in this world without him.
Ray taught us patience, acceptance, honesty
& humor. As with all heros - Ray left us lessons to be remembered and a legacy to fulfill.
His strength and spirit was amazing. Raymond
John Ladowski will truly be missed, and never forgotten. He was a son, a brother, an uncle & a friend.
My Uncle Ray used to walk me school &
take me to the park. Ray would cover for me when I got in trouble - but he could also talk me into trouble! I'll always remember
my Uncle, I'll always love him & admire him.
Ray didn't want to be remembered this way.
He wanted to be remembered for his strength and courage. Ray didn't want us to cry. I know it's difficult not too - so instead
of crying tears of sorrow turn them into tears of joy that Ray is whole again.
He traded his wheels for wings.
In time for the holiday season are Ray's Holiday cards!
We are proud to carry on his legacy and look forward to creating additional products in his name!
These cards are available in sets of 16 cards for $12.00
(US) including envelopes. You will receive 4 of each card, we are sorry but we cannot break up the sets to include more
or less of each.
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Shipping is also available, please include your name and complete address
upon inquiring for an estimated cost of shipping to your zip code.
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These cards are in full color on the front, a simple custom greeting
inside and information about the artist is written on the back of the card. The outside of each card is glossy with a protective
UV coating, so these works of art can be a keepsake for years to come.
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Raymond had other works of art that he was working on as
well as finished pieces that the family with publish at a later date. For further information, please contact Ray's
neice Jennifer Groomes by email or at the telephone number below.
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Special thanks go to Debbie Majchrzak and the staff of
Sterling Printing & Graphics for their dedication and donation of their time to this project. They offer the best personal customer service in
the business. Please patronize this wonderful company for all of your printing & promotional products. "If you can see
it, touch it or dream it - we can PRINT it!"
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