For many years we have had a shop hosted at Cafepress, http://shop.cafepress.com/costellokids The aim of the shop was to raise awareness of Costello syndrome, and we hoped to raise some funds for our charity. At the time we opened the store the prices were high but in line with the high street for the type of self branded product Cafepress offered.
We made a tiny commission, but over the years the prices have risen ever higher to a point where even our most loyal supporters would be put off purchasing any of our goods. For me having a small shop and our own range of branded goods can help us in many ways. Firstly making a small profit to help fund the charity, but most importantly spreading the word about the syndrome.
When talking to anybody for the first time about CS, the most common reaction is a blank look followed by the two words I have heard more then any other over the years is “what’s that” . Not just from members of the public, but Doctors, nurses and other heath health professionals. The simple fact is that Costello Syndrome is rare, with a tiny world population estimated to be around 350- 400, why should people know.
I have always had a plan, educate the world about Costello syndrome, even if I have to do it one person at a time, or one web visitor at a time. Raising awareness is the key to a better understanding of CS, and at the same time people will become aware of rare disorders in general.
Which brings me back to the shop, I needed a solution, Cafepress was too expensive, I decided to go into the retail business myself.
So thanks to my good friend Paul W, I bought some badges for my first stock item, and found a solution to the shopping cart in a cool application called ECWID, and a new shop was born. I will be adding more items from apparel to cuddly toys over the next couple of months. But the badges had to be the first item I sold because they are special magic badges. No its true, they are magic, they have the power to change peoples attitudes and behaviour. While wearing a badge strangers stop having a strange look and when chatting don’t say “what’s that”, they admire the simple artwork … Designed by Lisa S, then go off an look at the website.
By wearing a badge people can show they support a great cause, and help me to teach the world about CS.
So please visit our shop and show your support.
