Deborah Hamburg's Bootie Challenge Contest

Crochet contest for CGOA chapters and members, sponsored by Deborah Hamburg, Crochet Design Manager for Annie's Attic, with the goal of collecting "Remembrance Booties" to be worn as pins to increase awareness among women of the importance of screening newborns for disorders that can be successfully treated if detected early. Thanks to all who donated booties for this cause.

	Chapter Prize: The CGOA chapter which sent in the most booties by the deadline received $500 in needlecraft merchandise. Winner: BARC: Bay Area Rapid Crocheters
	Individual Prizes: The three individual CGOA members who sent in the most booties will receive: for first prize, $150; second place, $125; third place, $100.

About the Tyler for Life charity which will receive the donated booties:

The Tyler for Life Foundation Inc. is a not-for-profit volunteer organization that seeks to improve the life of babies by preventing mental retardation and death resulting from disorders detectable through newborn screening. Early detection can lead to early treatment and prevent unnecessary complications. The Tyler for Life motto is "Saving Babies, One Foot at a Time."

Deborah Hamburg coordinates the miniature Baby Booties program to raise awareness of Maple Syrup Urine Disease (MSUD) and other disorders. Deborah is Crochet Design Manager for Annie's Attic, a national crochet publishing company, which is helping her in her efforts. In 1967 Richard and Deborah Hamburg's infant son Christian had to be rushed back to a Harrison, Arkansas hospital only 48 hours after they had taken the newborn home. The coma that Christian slipped into left doctors bewildered. Later it was determined he suffered from MSUD, a genetic metabolic disease that prevents the body from properly breaking down proteins. The names comes from the sweet smell of a person's urine if they suffer from the disorder. Although Christian came out of the coma, irreversible brain damage had been done, and he died at the age of 15, and never fulfilled his dream of becoming a radio disc jockey.

Deborah spreads the message of newborn screening for MSUD and other disorders with a pair of crocheted miniature baby booties. She wears the booties and whenever someone comments on them, she gives them a pair of booties with information on newborn screening. Her goal is to give a pair of booties and an information sheet about testing to all new and expectant parents in the United States. Deborah needs help in crocheting the mini booties and in distributing already-crocheted mini booties.

A pattern for the mini booties is available at the Tyler for Life website: http://www.tylerforlife.com

For more information, e-mail: deborah_hamburg@needlecraftshop.com; phone 903-636-4011, ext. 6294. 

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