The Davis Kids/Bill Cody Fund

The Davis Kids/Bill Cody Fund (Raising money for The Association for The Bladder Exstrophy Community ("ABC") and The Talbert Family Foundation (Raising money for kids with catastrophic diseases )

Dear Family and Friends,

Thank you again for all of your support last year throughout our experience fund raising and training for the L.A. Marathon. You enabled The Talbert Family Foundation to aid another Family in need.

It’s official, The Davis Kids/Bill Cody Funds will be ongoing fund raisers. 
I will keep you updated and welcome you to attend all upcoming events.

This year, my 11-year-old son, D.J. and I will be joined by my 9-year-old daughter, Drewanne. In addition, our friend Bill Cody will accompany us in walking the 5K, raising funds for The Davis Kids/Bill Cody Fund to be equally distributed between The Talbert Family Foundation (The Ethan Childs’ Fund) and to children at The Association for The Bladder Exstrophy Community ("ABC").

Bladder Exstrophy is an uncommon birth condition in which the bladder is exposed, inside out, and protrudes through the abdominal wall. This also includes a separation of the pelvic bones, and is frequently associated with other congenital birth impairments. Years ago, an ileostomy was performed within 48 hours. As an alternative to the ileostomy, Dr. Koch constructed an internal reservoir by refashioning the small intestine, and adding a one way valve to the reservoir to prevent the flow of waste to the outside, until a small tube is inserted by the patient to overcome the valve. Currently, doctors try to allow the child's natural bladder to grow in hopes it will grow large enough and then do a bladder neck reconstruction surgery enabling the child to urinate naturally. If the bladder does not grow large enough, the doctors perform bladder augmentation surgery. This makes the bladder larger using the bowels, or stomach tissue. These kids have to catheterize several times a day for life.

Follow these links for further information: www.talbertfamilyfoundation.org/pages/Ethan.html - www.bladderexstrophy.com/

Please take a few moments and allow me to introduce you to my friend and explain how Bladder Exstrophy has affected his life. Bill was raised in North Hills, California. The youngest of four boys, he was destined for challenge. Bill was born with Bladder Exstrophy (BE) setting the course for a survivor.At 16, being unaware of the Koch Pouch, did not leave Bill with many options in terms of daily decisions, from what he chose to wear each day to his own physical/emotional protection. It was not only uncomfortable, but embarrassing when he sometimes “leaked” and had to explain his sudden exit. Not to mention, his painful kidney infections and yearly operations to Children’s Hospital to have the golf ball sized stones removed. This also affected his relationships with girls. Don’t get me wrong, Bill had no problem with the ladies. The only issue he had was his own fear of what they might think if he allowed them to know of his physical state. Bill was determined and proceeded to create a life that kept him active and in contact with his friends, whom he loved. That’s when I came into the picture. I met Bill at a local neighborhood arcade. As our friendship grew, we developed trust and Bill told me about BE. We decided there just had to be a better way for him, and began inquiring. Next thing you know, Bill began enquiring at Children’s Hospital and learned about the Koch pouch. Soon he consented to the procedure to transition to the pouch. This changed his life, and allowed him to conduct an easier way of living. Bill’s strength, courage and great sense of humor remind me each day of my own inner abilities. He has been a priceless, devoted friend and together now we have decided to offer our love, hope and care to help children of Bladder Exstrophy who may be faced with similar circumstances.

And now, some information regarding The Ethan Child’s Fund. Ethan Childs is a 9 year old boy who resides in Oak Park and was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in September 2006 when he went to his doctor for his annual physical. The next day he was admitted to Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and within the week, Ethan began a 3 year treatment program. His first form of treatment included weekly chemotherapy sessions; the next stage includes daily radiation treatments. Ethan lives in Oak Park with his parents and 2 older brothers. Ethan, a 3rd grader, attended Red Oak Elementary School until he fell ill. For the 2006/2007 school year, Ethan will be home schooled with the help of resources provided by the Oak Park Unified School District. Ethan’s friends, neighbors and the families at Red Oak have rallied together to do what they can for him; including spearheading the efforts to help raise funds for Ethan’s family.

Again, all funds raised by myself, D.J., Drewanne and Bill will be donated to the Davis Kids/Bill Cody Fund to be distributed through The Talbert Family Foundation to children at The Association for The Bladder Exstrophy Community ("ABC") and to The Talbert Family Foundation to contribute to The Ethan Childs’ Fund. We could never thank you enough for your participation and support, so please know that EACH thought, EACH prayer and EACH cent goes 100% to the care of these children.

Special thanks to Julie Talbert and family and all of the TFF volunteers for continuing to create opportunities to bridge and aid others. Thank you TFF!

Special thanks to Cindy Buckley for her hand in further education of Bladder Exstrophy.

Special thanks to, my two angels, D.J. and Drewanne. I learn all I need to know about life from these two characters on a regular basis. I am so proud of you two raising money to help other children. I Love you!

Special thanks to Bill Cody who opened his heart allowing us to share his story with hope of helping many other children. Bill, you have been an inspiration to take what life brings and to always move forward. I am proud to know you!

With Love, Lisa Davis