How awe inspiring it all was.... Hynda said as we were taking the big picture of all the NMers...Dakota was right next to Christian and Christian's beeper went off and Hynda saw Dakota reach over and hold Christian's hand. It brings tears to my eyes every time I tell the story.
I don't know if anyone saw it because we were all taking pictures.How touching.

I'll never forget the loving thankful look on Kathleen's face when she said...."I found my long lost twin when I met Michelle". How inspiring her story was.

When Melissa said how inspired, grateful and moved she was and we all were when Niki spoke.

Seeing the pack of tween/teen girls together. Laughing, sharing, swimming, hanging out in the sauna, watching a movie, doing the yoga, eating pizza, putting on make-up, telling their stories. The group of guys hanging out together, sharing their stories.

All the speakers...the hope...the light...but most of all I'll never forget all the faces and all of you. I'm so honored to have met you all and you can't imagine how profound it was for Hynda to meet you all....There's so much more to say...little by little it'll all come out. Thanks to all.

How very special it was to meet you David, and your mum. You are so humble in accepting our gratitude for starting all this. Your face is so beautiful and clear and was beaming the whole time. Thank you, thank you.

Lea Blum

Thanks to EVERYONE who attended and helped put together such a great, informative conference in Toronto. Thank YOU David for putting the 1st ever website about NM that actually anyone can understand and be a part of that is NOT a specialist, with just a ton of medical "jargon!" It was SO great to FINALLY meet, get to know, become friends with other people that suffer from this horrible disease. I've felt nothing but ALONE ever since I was diagnosed over 14 & a half years ago......I am NOT ALONE!!!! THANK YOU ALL!
I wish I could have spent time with more of you for a lot longer. Next year, lets have it for another day, and MORE events! I learned SO much and am SO happy I went. God Bless you David ("The Wizard") for creating such an amazing, informative website that WE ALL can be a part of. God bless you ALL!

Thank you to ALL!

Mike Taylor

Finally, a chance to sit at the computer. We're sorry we had to leave after lunch and miss the yoga and Katie's speech, but both Bob and I had to work on Monday, only to return to Toronto on Tuesday for an appointment. Like everyone, we can't say enough about the experience that we had. Nicole went to school Monday and gave a speech about her illness, the conference, and about all the wonderful new friends she now has. She had the time of her life. (maybe we'll include the pictures of her sleeping on the way home in the car :) ). The speakers were incredible, and so are all the parents. I have to commend Christian's, Marie's, Dakota's and Felix's parents. You are AMAZING. With all you deal with on a daily basis, you are still happy go lucky people with a positive outlook on life, which is noticeable in the quality of life we see in your children. A picture may say a thousand words, but the real thing says a million. In the eyes and mannerisms of these kids, you see intelligence, beauty and grace.

I would like to thank David, Daphne, Lynda, Kathleen and Monette. The conference was a wholehearted success!!!!!!

Cyndie Vachon

Hi everyone,
I am so happy that Fawkes and I went to the conference.
I feel so much more secure in fighting for what Fawkes needs. Everyone was so kind and warm. Fawkes took a real shine to Katie. What an amazing girl. Also meeting Isabelle, Emmett, Christian, Dakota, Marie, all you amazing children and parents give me renewed faith and strength. Niki 's speech was so touching and made me rethink my opinions on what is best for Fawkes. Dave again you are a true light in a dark tunnel. Fawkes has not been feeling well since we came home, he is weak but I think that he might have just had so much fun and being able to play with children just wore him out. I miss you all. Christian and Monette, I am so happy that he pulled through. Once again that boy has the heart of a lion.

Sherry and Lil Fawkes

I want to reinterate everyone elses words...WE HAD GREAT, FANTASTIC, FOREVER REMEMBERED TIME!!! I am sorry that Marie did not have the dark black hair and brown eyes that everyone expected...light brown hair and hazel eyes. I'll work on getting better pictures on the web. My sons also had a great time Raymond made some new friends and wants to invite them all over for a sleep over on his next birthday! Mitchell learned a bit more about the sister he is just really getting to know. I think he also thought a few of those girls were "cute".

Dave...I never realized you were as quite as you were...No speeches!?!

The Teens...You inspire me.

Amy Rhodes

David,
Just wanted to drop a note and tell you how great it was to meet you!!! I was really glad that we attended the conference. Hope you had a good trip home!
Have a great day!

Lisa Moretto

I want to write so much about the convention. It was such a rich and rewarding experience for me and yet for the first time on the group I am speechless/typeless whatever you want to call it!!;-)

Lynda Roy

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to express how wonderful and incredible it was to meet all of you who attended the NMC04. I told a couple of friends who asked about it that it was a 'life altering experience' and it truly was. People came up to me to say hello before I had my name tag on and I realized "oh yeah, they've seen my picture on Dave's web site!". Meeting others with NM was truly amazing! I felt like I found another sister in Mechelle, we look so much alike and have many of the same mannerisms. I loved seeing the children. And hearing of Dakota bringing Christian gifts truly touched me. At one point I walked by the kids room to see the girls all doing crafts together and the boys playing on the floor and it was so sweet.

I was also very impressed with the speakers. They were so warm and friendly. I was very impressed that they all stayed to listen to each others talks.

I will post some pictures soon!

Kathleen Roy

Oh I agree! It seemed on the first night we just ran into someone everywhere we went close by the hotel Friday night. It was exciting to meet friends and get to know them even better over the weekend. It was hard to talk to everyone, but we did try.

Katie was a hit with the small children in the conference room, it seems. She played with Isabelle and Fawkes.

The speakers were wonderfully informative and nice people to have around.

Pat Orler

I must tell you all, after seeing your pictures of the convention, I am a bit weepy. I am looking at the pictures and thinking how proud I am of all of you. And how great our kids look and how much I wish that I was there. Needless to say, I hope to make the next one with Peri.

Lori Finkelstein, mama to peri, age 4

I am happy that people there really showed how much they have appreciated your valuable work.

I can see how this was extremely important especially for all those who had never before met a fellow “Nemaliner”. For me too, this was an immensely valuable experience.

Edinburgh certainly sounds like an excellent idea, I wish you inspiration and good luck with all the arrangements.

All my best,

Dr. Carina Wallgren-Pettersson