Hello Everyone,

One of our GUU members, Autograph Addiction, is running a few eBay auctions to help an organization called The Hope Chest for Women. He contacted me about the auctions and I have agreed to let the forum members know about the auctions. Here is the information he provided:

In December of 2005, my mom, Amy Sharp, was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. It required immediate surgery and intense sessions of chemotherapy, and many doctors and specialists didn't think she would make it very long at all--I was only 11 years old. My mom- with the help of the doctors and staff at Hope Chest for Women, a cancer center in Asheville, NC- fought the cancer very hard for 5 years, allowing me the crucial teenage developmental years with my Mom. She passed away last December, and since then, I have wanted to give back to Hope Chest, in order to help out other women and their families who are fighting this terrible disease.

Regarding the auctions, here is some info I have provided in the item descriptions:

"All profits from this auction will be donated to The Hope Chest for Women, a cancer center in Western North Carolina, in honor of Amy Sharp. The late Amy Sharp, my mother, was treated at Hope Chest for 5 years while fighting ovarian cancer. Her treatments with the Hope Chest allowed me to have 5 more years with her than the doctors expected I'd have, and I am forever grateful for that. I was able to have a mother in the final years of my developmental teenager years. Your bid will help families experiencing a struggle against cancer and will help those who go through experiences similar to my family’s.

As stated from its website, “The HOPE CHEST for WOMEN commits to providing limited financial assistance for Western North Carolina women diagnosed with breast or gynecologic cancer and who are experiencing economic difficulties due to treatment cost.

The Hope Chest acts as an information link to the American Cancer Society and other organizations to provide resources for women and their families.

For more information about the Hope Chest for Women visit www.hopechestforwomen.org."

I contacted many athletes and got a few donations from Nolan Smith and Stephen Curry. A flyfishing mentor of mine donated two custom-built fly rods for this November auction. Hopefully I will be able to do more auctions in the future.

Here is the eBay link to myeBay: http://myworld.ebay.com/auctions4amy/?_trksid=p4340.l2559

Here is the link to the Steph Curry listing: http://www.ebay.com/itm/290631063869?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p398 4.m1423.l2649#ht_556wt_1338

Here is the link to the Nolan Smith listing: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nolan-Smith-Autographed-Photo-Duke-ACC-POY-November-Charity-Auction/290631071499?ssPageName=WDVW&rd=1&ih=019&category= 23796&cmd=ViewItem#ht_484wt_1338

If you wish to participate in bidding this seems like a great cause.

Sincerely,
Chris