For my 16th birthday on October 17, I invite you to help me raise funds for MySchoolPulse. MySchoolPulse was founded by a family friend, Mireille, in memory of her son, Paul Yared, who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma (bone cancer) in 2008 at the age of 12. Despite this crushing diagnosis, Paul was determined to keep up with his schoolwork. He continued to study with an oxygen mask on his face until his last moments in August of 2009. Paul's story deeply resonates with me not only because of his determination to learn despite his dire condition, but also because he was born only a few weeks after me. For my birthday, my goal is to raise $2,000 by October 30, 2012 - the date Paul would have turned 16. I believe we can reach this goal together. You can make your secure donation on this webpage. Please consider donating any amount. You can make a great impact and give the gift of learning to a sick child! Thank you! Serena Hajjar