Trenton Business to Raise Money for Girl With Rare Disease With a Homecoming Dress Resale Event

About two years ago, Suzanne Turgeon, owner and head seamstress, of jumped at the chance to help a little girl go swimming with her dad.

"They (Lindsay's parents) had to get her a wetsuit because she has no body fat, and her small body gets chilled even in a heated pool," Turgeon said.

Even the smallest wetsuit available was too big for "Little" Lindsay -- as her friends and family lovingly call her. Lindsay has a rare disease called Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria, which causes her body to age about eight to ten times faster than normal, according to a website dedicated to "Little Lindsay."

Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome is a rare, fatal genetic condition characterized by an appearance of accelerated aging in children, according to the Progeria Research Foundation.

Turgeon and her staff altered the wetsuit to fit Lindsay, as well as a second when she out grew the first, and she's been able to stay warm while swimming with her dad ever since.

Since her first encounter with Lindsay, Turgeon has altered a number items including dresses for dance class and recitals, as well as costumes.

"I feel very honored to be Lindsay's seamstress," Turgeon said.

Turgeon has opened the doors of her shop to Lindsay once again. Alterations and "Sew" Much More is holding a Homecoming Dress Resale from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8 and Sunday, Sept. 9 to raise money for Lindsay's care.

The shop is packed with over 250 current styles of new and gently used homecoming and prom dresses under two years old. A flyer for the fundraiser states the shop has a large selection including short and sassy dresses, beautiful ball gowns, mermaid dresses, hi-lows and many more in sizes from extra small to 5X. Dresses start at just $10.

Proceeds go to Lindsay and her family. For more information contact Turgeon at homecomingdressresale@yahoo.com.

Turgeon is currently accepting dresses to be sold by consignment, as well. If the dress sells, the seller will receive 75 percent of the selling price and the remainder will go to help Lindsay and her family. If interested in selling a dress, send a picture of the dress to homecomingdressresale@yahoo.com.

There are several dates and times available to drop off dresses for consignment:

• From 12-4 p.m. Aug. 26 at Alterations and "Sew" Much More, 2142 west Road in Trenton
• From 3-7 p.m. Aug. 29, 30 and 31 at 2334 West Road in Trenton
• From 3-7 p.m. Sept. 4, 5 and 6 at 2334 West Road in Trenton

The shop will not accept dresses after the above dates.

Alterations and "Sew" Much More accepts cash, MasterCard, Visa and Discover, but does not accept checks.