During the past several weeks, I had the opportunity to see the amazing generosity of this city firsthand.

I decided to host a benefit garage sale for my neighbors, the Fenwicks, to help them with medical expenses. Their two sons have neurofibromatosis, a genetically transmitted disease in which nerve cells grow tumors that can cause serious damage to the body by compressing nerves and other tissues.

The garage sale was held at 2450 Yorktown Drive, Sept. 5 to 7. The response was overwhelming, to say the least. I would publicly like to show my appreciation to as many as possible in this forum.

I need to thank Brian Righi and the Abilene Reporter-News. Their story brought others with the same disorder to meet Jesse and Logan and their parents.

I spent the early part of summer going to others' garage sales and asking for donations, but once Mr. Righi's article ran, the donations and help poured in.

Lisa Parker and her husband went to Sam's Rent-All and got tables and clothing racks; Bethel Methodist Church donated tables along with Minter Lane Church of Christ. Thank you all very much.

Friends I hadn't met yet showed up to give of their time without my asking. Esta Wiginton from Minter Lane, Audrey, Pauline and her sister (I have forgotten your name, but not your infectious laugh!). My neighbor and friend, Jackie Miller, helped set up and price items.

We were surprised Friday when Robert Van Cleave of Texas Midwest Optical had six pizzas delivered to us from Pizza Hut. On Saturday, David Lowther from KWKC called and interviewed Stephanie Fenwick, the boys' mother, on the radio. KTAB and KRBC put it on the 6 and 10 o'clock news Saturday evening. JB Cloud from Cumulus Broadcasting put it across the airways for me.

And a very special thank you to restaurant owner Sharon Riley. She donated two gift certificates for a raffle. A donation of two tickets to Hurricane Harbor were raffled off as well. Congratulations to Helen Hames and Jason Pang!

I am especially grateful to all the shoppers. One lady got out of her car, asked if this was the benefit garage sale, wrote a check and left. What wonderful people we have here!

Lastly, I would like to thank First Financial Bank. They have opened a special account for the Fenwicks.

This was a very busy time, and I want to apologize if I left anyone out.

Betty Wall

Abilene