Hello Todd,

I just wanted to let you know what a pleasure it was to meet you last night at the event honoring Madison DeJarnette. Madison's family are very special people and they hold a special place in my heart. And even though Madison is gone, she very much is still there too always will be.

As much as I have always felt that we have all been placed on this earth with a special purpose, nothing has convinced me of that more than my own daughter Emily, and her ability to touch other people's lives. I believe that children/people with Down Syndrome have truly been given a special gift from God and sent to earth to change people's hearts, their minds, and their souls. Madison did just that in her short time on this earth. Just by her bringing all of those people together last night, many, many more will benefit from the support of the Pujols Foundation.

There have been times over the last 7 years since Emily's birth that we have encountered instances where people stare and shy away. Feelings of "is this how it is going to be for her the rest of her life" have weighted on my heart more than I care to recall. I like to think, though, that I am a much stronger person than that, as well as the rest of my family, and we shrug those feelings off and then use these times as opportunities to show those people that Emily is a human being with hopes and dreams and abilities that all the rest of us have. Other children or adults with Down Syndrome don't always have the support system in place to do the same for them. So, I am grateful that there are people like you, the Pujols Family and the Foundation to be champions for those that need a voice to let others know that they are human beings, again, with hopes, dreams and abilities that all the rest of us have.

Our family's lives have become richer and filled with so much more meaning since Emily was given to us by God. There are times that I stand and look at her, my eyes filled with tears and I thank him for the job he has entrusted with me to be her mother. I still remain in awe after all this time, that God would think our family was worthy of receiving such a special gift like Emily. My prayer is that all children and people with Down Syndrome will be accepted in their families and communities as the special gifts from God that they truly are. My best to you and the foundation for your wonderful efforts and hope to meet you again in the future.

Beth

Beth Diveley
 Human Resources Recruiter
SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center
Dear Mrs. Pujols,

I would like to introduce myself. My name is Lorraine Boyet and I am the sister of Margaret (Peggy) Napier who has Down Syndrome. Peggy is 47 years old and now resides at My Place Residential. As you know, the joy these children can give to others is just abounding. Peggy lived my our mother until her death 3 years ago, and then I became Peggy's guardian. It just broke my heart when I realized that I could not keep my promise to my mother that Peggy would always stay with me at home. The last few weeks of my mother's life were hard. A couple of my siblings and I were staying at our mother's home in order to keep Peggy in her routine. That was important to me. When I realized that I could not be a stay at home mom, my husband and I made the difficult decision to move Peggy into a residential facility. After much research of different facilities, my husband and I chose My Place Residential. Then I had to make to difficult drive to the nursing home to talk with my mother. She was not happy with me at all. Once I took Peggy to My Place and then she talked with mom about the place, my mother could see that Peggy was truly happy about the move.

It has now been 3 years since Peggy moved to My Place Residential and she is doing extremely well.

My point is, many families do not realize just how much love these children give. I can't tell you how many times while out shopping, or eating at a restaurant with Peggy, that people give us some of the meanest looks, or the comments that they think we can hear come across the table. I know this hurts Peggy's feelings, and I just tell her how beautiful she is, and she will shoot me the most beautiful smile and continue on with what we were doing.

Please keep up the good work that you and Albert have started with your foundation. I just wish there had been something like this when my sister was younger. Many young families will truly benefit from foundation.

Thank you.

Lorraine Boyet

Dear Mrs. Pujols,

I just had to write to you, and ask you to convey my utmost and sincerest respect to your talented husband. Truly, God is using him as His instrument here an Earth!

My beloved husband, Tony, passed away this past January after a seven year battle with renal cell cancer. He was only sixty one years old.

Like your husband, My Tony lived his life for God and family. He coached girls softball in his younger days, taking team after team to AA state championships.

Our girls became christian adult, coaches, lawyers, teachers business leaders...............etc. They loved their coach and carried christian ethics from the playing field right into adulthood. I am so proud of him.

The cancer was relentless. We fought it together furiously! Through the cancer, the cardinal games became the highlight of Tony"s days. It did not matter how bad he felt, he took such delight watching Mr. Pujols play the game. We waatched all the games on tv together, cheering the guys on----quite loudly. Tony was too debilitated to attend games in person; no matter because we were certainly there in spirit -we loved the Cards

It has been devastating it go on without my dearest husband....no words can begin to explain. We would have celebrated our 42nd anniversary this August.

I cannot tell you how much joy we derived from all the hits and homers we watched by your husband.
As this season started, I was so lifted up , to my surprise, to see the Cards play again. It is as if part of my veil of sadness has been gently lifted away.

I watch every game I can and I realize with absolute joy that my Tony has the best "seat" at the new stadium. I know he still cheers for
"Pujols" at every game! I feel like we continue to share the total enjoyment of watching our Cards play, and it helps me to feel closer to him while "we" watch our wonderful Cards play hard.

Like your husband, My husband always put God before everything. And you know, in the end the cancer did not win---------praise God!

If possible. please convey my kindest regards ot Albert and all our Cardinal friends.

Sincerely,

Mary Mareshie RN

Dear Mrs. Pujols,

I live in Houston, Texas, and of course, I am an avid Houston Astros fan. I have always loved baseball, but I love the Astros for even more than that. We are fortunate to have men that just pour out God's love all over. We have so many men of faith, it's just absolutely amazing. I attend most of the home games in Houston, so naturally I've had the priviledge of seeing your husband play--and hit a few walk-off homers for the Cards. I have always heard that Albert Pujols was a Christian, but I had no idea where he stood until I ran across your website. What an amazing man he is. As we were battling this season for the National League championship, one game sticks out--and that is when Albert hit his homer and stole Game Four from us!!! I remember the fans being so angry--I just stood there in silience and thought, "It couldn't have happened to a better man." I love my 'Stros, but more than that, I love the fact that there are Christ-like men in MLB who stand up for their faith and make an impact on all of their fans. I've always joked about wanting Pujols on our team--not only for his bats, but for his faith as well...I think he'd make a good asset ! :) I'm so thankful for the foundation you've set up and for his Christ-like example. Tell your husband, he's doing a great job and he continues to make an impact--and not just on Cardinal fans!! Thank you for all you do!!

 Sincerely,

Shahla

Hi Pujols Family:

CLICK TO ENLARGE		 I have wanted to say thanks for a few years now and Iam finally going to do it. My son, Nathan, was about 2 at the time and we took him to the Cardinals seasonticket holder appreciation day. Nathan fell a sleepin the stroller while he and I waited in line for alittle over an hour to get
a picture taken with "Albert' Huhols'" as he would say. Nathan's brothers and Dad met us later and when it was time to get the picture. Nathan would have nothing to do with it. So we took the first picture without him. After the picture was taken Mr. Pujols had Nathan give him "five" and then took Nathan from his dad. I have the best picture. Nathan has had the picture in his room ever since. He would look at it and say "Albert 'Huhols' holds me." I love it!? So thank you, Mr. Pujols, for taking the extra time to make a treasured memory for us. You didn't have to but you did and I thank you. The picture is attached just in case you would like to see our treasure.

Also thank you for sharing your faith. I think it will make an impression on my boys to know that notonly Mom and Dad think faith is important but so doesan MVP.

Thank you for everything you do, you are appreciated. God Bless.

Vicky

To Albert:

Thank you so much for your sharing your faith with the world. It is so awsome to here when a player steps out in their faith. You have so many opportunities to witness and share your faith with so many children. Thank you for being a great role model for our children. I have three boys and they all love baseball, you are one of their favorite players. I hope someday they have the opportunity to meet you and your family. THANK YOU. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

Joann, Nursery & Preschool Director

Mr. and Mrs. Pujols and family:

This is the first time I've been to your site and I can't tell you how encouraging it was to read through. I'm in the Air Force and currently deployed to Iraq. Your statement of faith and testimony was encouragaging even as I endure the desert. I've been a lifelong Cardinals fan. My Dad grew up in St Louis and the best memories I have with my Dad is at Cardinals games or huddled over a radio during the summer listening to Jack Buck. Thank you for sharing your faith in Jesus. It is true that only He can fill the void in our hearts. The six months here away from my wife and 3 kids has validated that fact. Thank you again.

Respectfully,

 Bob

Dear Deidre:

First I wanted to say I appreciate your faith. I am a youth minister and work with kids everyday. It is so good to see a great sportsman who has a strong faith (not by word only). As I was watching the game last night, in the 9th inning, Albert came up to the plate I prayed that God would bless him and help to do his best for God's glory. God & Albert both came through. God gave him the strength of Samson and Albert gave God the glory. The last Cardinal game we went to I saw a billboard in St. Louis that showed Albert pointing up in the air and him saying, "My love is baseball, but my passion is Jesus Christ." Would it be okay for me to find a picture of Albert, blow it up and put that quote underneath it. I want to make a poster to put in our youth room at church?

Thanks again for you and your family being such a good witness to the youth of this nation. I will continue to pray for you and your foundation.

In His service

 Tim


To: Deidre Pujols, Pujols Family Foundation

I want my son to have good heroes, and not just 'good heroes' - but Godly heroes. I know that your husband's testimony shines (I get "Sports Spectrum" magazine.) I see the great leadership and the kindness he shows. For that I say - Thank you! Thank you for your support of him. Thank you for your involvement in so many aspects of ministry and outreach! Thank you for your testimony to that one time boy-friend of yours who is now your husband.

Jeff


To Deidre, and all who made this wonderful event happen:

I don't really know how to express my gratitude for yesterday's Mother/Daughter tea event. Thank you so much for all the goodies and the door prizes...but much,
much, more, thank you for an opportunity to share, and for making that
sharing something so SPECIAL.---something that some of our girls may not
have had at any other time.--for the joy as a mom of having that WITH our daughters. The wonderful 'girly-ness' of the whole event. The sweetness and beauty. I left there feeling special and grateful and INSPIRED.--by you and by so many others that I met and
talked to.

I could go on and on,...but I guess I won't.

Thanks again,

Jane & Hannah


Dear Deidre,

I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful afternoon yesterday at the Mother/Daughter tea. My daughter Abby and I had such a great time.

As I was sharing the day's events with my husband, he asked me what was the best part of all. My answer was to just spend the afternoon with Abby, and just being girls together and nothing else to think about but being "girly". You know usually when there is a large group of parents and children with Downs, we are usually gathered for a lecture or a meeting to discuss our children's needs etc., but yesterday was so refreshing just to be with other moms and not discussing what we should or shouldn't be doing for our daughters. We had time just to enjoy our daughters.

So I thank you for making that happen. And yes, thank you for all the "goodies" in the goody bag. Thank you for the wonderful experience, and for making us all feel so special and "girly"!

God Bless You and Your Family!

Always

Mary and Abby

 
   
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