My day was made today!

WaterDR · 03-22-2005, 06:27 PM

Some of you may already know my affliation with childhood cancer. Perhpas you have read some old posts or just have seen some of my comments here and there. Well, I thought it was time for a shameless plug, because my day was really made today and I would like to share the experience.

After loosing our middle daughter in Jan 2001 to cancer (Libby - 17 months), my wife and I incoprated a non-profit organization called Home of Their Own to honor Libby's memory and help other families in need.

Since then, we have been busy raising money (over $250K) and a few years ago the organization purchased a home in Hershey, Pa. across from the children's hospital. We renovated it...it is beautiful. The home is used by a family who has a child with cancer. They can stay as long as needed and do so at ZERO expense. The house is primarily for children who have undergone a bone marrow transplant and need to live in isolation. To date, we have had over a dozen families stay.

The house is a kid's paradise with all the toys and movies they need.

Over 50% of "our kids" who stay will never recover....that is just a simple fact. For may of them, staying in this house is the last good memories that they will have. Without us, their only alternative in remaining in a dinky hospital room for many more months.

Earlier today a new family moved in. The patient is a little four year-old girl and she has two other young siblings. She had been hospitalized for 44 days straight and has never been allowed to leave the hospital room. Now, she can roam free around an entire house and play with her sibs and live like a normal kid (well almost) until she is well enough to go home.

Holding back tears, her Mom could barely contain herself when I spoke to her on the phone. The gift was more than she could have imagined. She had no idea until they walked in the door what to expect.

Sometimes effort is paid-off...this is one of those times.

TayWolf55 · 03-22-2005, 07:34 PM

Its great to see someone like you do that for such a great cause. I'm sure the pay off was easily worth all the hard work you put into it.

Congrats and good job. :headbang:

WikidStang · 03-22-2005, 08:55 PM

That is awesome to hear. Definitly keep it up we need more good people like you

ModMotorRacer · 03-22-2005, 10:58 PM

I had no idea man...I'm really sorry. My daughter is almost 11mos old, I can't imagine if she were gone. I think what you are doing is wonderful. The world needs more people like yourself.

Adam

*4.6 Love* · 03-23-2005, 06:49 AM

God bless!

mrshoss97v6 · 03-23-2005, 06:51 AM

I have seen you sig about stopping childhood cancer but never knew it was so personal to you.. I am sorry about your loss. I have 3 children 2 girls and a boy, my girls are 10 and 5 and my baby boy is 3. We are right now dealing with ssome issues with my boy. He is undergoing testing for Lympnomic Cancer. We don't know really anything other than his lympnodes are swollen and his spleen is inlarged. I just recently been learning about cancer in children, it is blessing to know someone that has gone through all that comes with thier child having cancer and losing them to it and seeing that life still will go on no matter how you think it won't without them. GOD Bless you and your family and GOD Bless you for what you bring to the familys that are just starting to travel the road you have... Kathy

Phantom1313 · 03-23-2005, 07:00 AM

what you are doing is a wonderful thing for those unfortnate children. It's nice to finnaly see a bit more good in the world, especially towards children. If there's anyway we here can help, i'm sure we will...I didnt know ur fight against childhood cancer was so personal, i am sorry for your loss, but i am glad that you managed to turn things around and give other children a brighter future...

gtnumber2 · 03-23-2005, 11:57 AM

Im really sorry to hear about your daughter, my second son is do to be born in about 2 weeks and i can imagine anything ever happening to my kids. The house is a great idea and im glad to see someone doing things for these kids. I was involved in a bad motorcycle accident that put me in a hospital for 6 months and if it werent for my now wife and family i would have lost it, so that is a great thing you are doing for the kids and familys.

dmkx3 · 03-23-2005, 12:37 PM

keep up the good work. sorry to hear about your loss.

my2001GT · 03-23-2005, 03:14 PM

Wow.... Sorry for you're loss... It's people like you and the orginization you're affiliated with, that make the world a much better place to live in... Keep up the awsome work.

I recently lost a best friend of 10 years to a rare cancer (parents wouldn't say). All I can remeber is seeing him on his last few days, in the hospital laying in a bed. I'll never forget his face. Especially when 2 seconds before he pasted away, he said thanks for being such a great friend to me, and he shed 1 very small tear. I told him you'd have done the same for me.
Every year on his birthday, I bring flowers and put them by his grave, Adam Williams, 1984 - 2005.. Rest in Peace my Good Friend :sad7:

MattJ · 03-23-2005, 04:29 PM

I lost a high school friend this past year to cancer. Thanks for doing the good deeds you do. You make the world a better place for the less fortunate and their family and friends.

*venom* · 03-23-2005, 04:29 PM

It was hard when I lost my mom to cancer when I was 27, I feel for your loss and pray for your family. Congrats on your success and may you have many more.

WaterDR · 03-23-2005, 04:32 PM

Thanks for all the kodos. But really, it is easy. The real thoughts go to all those who are currently in the battle. They have the tough road ahead of them.

rebelyell · 03-25-2005, 12:46 AM

I'm 12 years cancer free. But I can't imagine how I would feel or react to my kid having it. I think that would be worse than my chemo treatments. I would easily go through it again to keep any of my loved ones from going through it just once. I can almost imagine how you feel about childhood cancer. You must feel hopeless at times after losing your child. I know I would be devastated:angry7:

SMOKIN'05 · 03-25-2005, 01:11 PM

Thats awesome I have 2 kids of my own. My son who is 10 had to have heart surgery when he was 1 to fix a hole in his heart. We almost lost him so I can feel a little of your pain. My condolenscences to you and your family. Keep up the good work

Shambles · 03-25-2005, 09:12 PM

I do thank you for what your doing. My grandfather currently has Mesothelioma (Rare type of lung cancer due to Asbestos), has been undergoing chemo, but unfortunately the cancer isnt going away. I've only got about 2-3 more months with him before he passes away.

Honestly, I dunno what im gonna do after he passes away. This is the first grandparent to pass away for me. Hes an awesome guy, great mechanic, and I know im gonna miss him.

Either way, thanks for what your doing for families of children with cancer. Its true, the world could use more people like you.

98silvergt · 03-30-2005, 08:24 AM

wow didnt know you were involved in something like that. Youre truly one of the good guys. Need more people like you around.

liv4him · 04-01-2005, 04:50 PM

Awesome man, Im sorry to hear about your daughter!! I have a 10 year old and I just can't imagine something like that. Hey Im to far from you (York) we go up to Hershey to see the Bears and of course H. Park. Are you going to be at CJ's In July? Anyway very very cool thing your wife and your are doing!!

Blue Thunder · 04-01-2005, 08:54 PM

You are a wonderful person. I'm sure when you finally pass on God will have a nice spot reserved for you right next to your daughter. Keep it up you are a wonderful person.

stealth stang 90 · 04-01-2005, 09:19 PM

I dont know how much this would cost But I work for Infocision a tellemarketing company That specializes in political and nonprofit fundraising we are more expensive than the competitors but we get results You can check out the company at www.infocision.com

WaterDR · 04-02-2005, 07:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by liv4him

Awesome man, Im sorry to hear about your daughter!! I have a 10 year old and I just can't imagine something like that. Hey Im to far from you (York) we go up to Hershey to see the Bears and of course H. Park. Are you going to be at CJ's In July? Anyway very very cool thing your wife and your are doing!!

Well, I am supposed to be at CJ's in July. Actually, CJ asked if they could donate all the proceeds from their show to our organization. I last spoke with them in early Feb. They asked for info to be sent to them and for me to come speak with their employees. I have made three of four attempts to contact them since with the info they requested with no response. So, I have no idea what is going on.

I am a bit bothered by this. I am going to try to call this week and see where that gets me. Perhaps the owner is just not getting my emails for some reason.

WaterDR · 04-02-2005, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stealth stang 90

I dont know how much this would cost But I work for Infocision a tellemarketing company That specializes in political and nonprofit fundraising we are more expensive than the competitors but we get results You can check out the company at www.infocision.com

What do you do for them? Perhaps we can talk.

stealth stang 90 · 04-05-2005, 08:04 AM

I am just a telecomunicator ( i work on the phones it sucks but it pays the bills) I can try to find out some more information for you

03-22-2005, 06:27 PM	#1 (permalink)
WaterDR Administrator Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 6,374	My day was made today! Some of you may already know my affliation with childhood cancer. Perhpas you have read some old posts or just have seen some of my comments here and there. Well, I thought it was time for a shameless plug, because my day was really made today and I would like to share the experience. After loosing our middle daughter in Jan 2001 to cancer (Libby - 17 months), my wife and I incoprated a non-profit organization called Home of Their Own to honor Libby's memory and help other families in need. Since then, we have been busy raising money (over $250K) and a few years ago the organization purchased a home in Hershey, Pa. across from the children's hospital. We renovated it...it is beautiful. The home is used by a family who has a child with cancer. They can stay as long as needed and do so at ZERO expense. The house is primarily for children who have undergone a bone marrow transplant and need to live in isolation. To date, we have had over a dozen families stay. The house is a kid's paradise with all the toys and movies they need. Over 50% of "our kids" who stay will never recover....that is just a simple fact. For may of them, staying in this house is the last good memories that they will have. Without us, their only alternative in remaining in a dinky hospital room for many more months. Earlier today a new family moved in. The patient is a little four year-old girl and she has two other young siblings. She had been hospitalized for 44 days straight and has never been allowed to leave the hospital room. Now, she can roam free around an entire house and play with her sibs and live like a normal kid (well almost) until she is well enough to go home. Holding back tears, her Mom could barely contain herself when I spoke to her on the phone. The gift was more than she could have imagined. She had no idea until they walked in the door what to expect. Sometimes effort is paid-off...this is one of those times. __________________ Black 2000 GT Vert: Novi-2000 with Intercooler (375rwhp @ 9 psi); Tune by Kauffmans; Roush 380R Body kit; Steeda Subframes; Steeda Strut Tower Support; Deep Dish Bullets; FRPP 4:10's; SCT 4 Position Chip with four custom tunes; Steeda CAI; C&L Pleum; BBK 75 TB; SLP Loudmouth; SLP Catted X-Pipe; Bullitt Suspension; UPR Conrol Arms; Focus Fuel Pump My Car My Email

03-22-2005, 07:34 PM	#2 (permalink)
TayWolf55 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Ozark, MO Posts: 597	Its great to see someone like you do that for such a great cause. I'm sure the pay off was easily worth all the hard work you put into it. Congrats and good job. :headbang: __________________ 2004 Mustang GT 5 Speed Mac O/R H Pipe Mac Flowpath Catback JLT Ram Air Intake SCT XCal 2 Tuner FRPP 4.10 Gears 13.191 @ 103.78

03-22-2005, 08:55 PM	#3 (permalink)
WikidStang Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Ar Posts: 192	That is awesome to hear. Definitly keep it up we need more good people like you __________________ Exterior : Demon Body Kit Molded in 18" DrifZ Black powdercoat wrapped on Riken Raptors 18x8/8x40x245 front and 18x9.5/18x35x275 rear Black Shorty Antenna M3 Side Mirrors V2 1/4 window scoops Performance: CAI Hedman Headers PYPEs 2.5 X Pipe with Flowmaster 40's Posi Trac Rearend

03-22-2005, 10:58 PM	#4 (permalink)
ModMotorRacer Modular Misfit Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Iowa Posts: 329	I had no idea man...I'm really sorry. My daughter is almost 11mos old, I can't imagine if she were gone. I think what you are doing is wonderful. The world needs more people like yourself. Adam __________________ www.modularmisfits.com 98GT NA Auto...12.61@109 NMRA Mod Muscle #10

03-23-2005, 06:49 AM	#5 (permalink)
4.6 Love Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Mexico Posts: 6,154	God bless! __________________ Go Cowboys! X pipe and flows

03-23-2005, 06:51 AM	#6 (permalink)
mrshoss97v6 Look again it is a mouse Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: San Antonio, Tx Posts: 129	I have seen you sig about stopping childhood cancer but never knew it was so personal to you.. I am sorry about your loss. I have 3 children 2 girls and a boy, my girls are 10 and 5 and my baby boy is 3. We are right now dealing with ssome issues with my boy. He is undergoing testing for Lympnomic Cancer. We don't know really anything other than his lympnodes are swollen and his spleen is inlarged. I just recently been learning about cancer in children, it is blessing to know someone that has gone through all that comes with thier child having cancer and losing them to it and seeing that life still will go on no matter how you think it won't without them. GOD Bless you and your family and GOD Bless you for what you bring to the familys that are just starting to travel the road you have... Kathy __________________ Is this chicken what i have or is this fish??? I know its tuna but it says chicken of the sea?!?!?!

03-23-2005, 07:00 AM	#7 (permalink)
Phantom1313 i <3 mustangs Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: California Posts: 70	wow... what you are doing is a wonderful thing for those unfortnate children. It's nice to finnaly see a bit more good in the world, especially towards children. If there's anyway we here can help, i'm sure we will...I didnt know ur fight against childhood cancer was so personal, i am sorry for your loss, but i am glad that you managed to turn things around and give other children a brighter future...

03-23-2005, 11:57 AM	#8 (permalink)
gtnumber2 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 289	Im really sorry to hear about your daughter, my second son is do to be born in about 2 weeks and i can imagine anything ever happening to my kids. The house is a great idea and im glad to see someone doing things for these kids. I was involved in a bad motorcycle accident that put me in a hospital for 6 months and if it werent for my now wife and family i would have lost it, so that is a great thing you are doing for the kids and familys.

03-23-2005, 12:37 PM	#9 (permalink)
dmkx3 Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: warren,mi Posts: 55	keep up the good work. sorry to hear about your loss.

03-23-2005, 03:14 PM	#10 (permalink)
my2001GT Newbie Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 161	Wow.... Sorry for you're loss... It's people like you and the orginization you're affiliated with, that make the world a much better place to live in... Keep up the awsome work. I recently lost a best friend of 10 years to a rare cancer (parents wouldn't say). All I can remeber is seeing him on his last few days, in the hospital laying in a bed. I'll never forget his face. Especially when 2 seconds before he pasted away, he said thanks for being such a great friend to me, and he shed 1 very small tear. I told him you'd have done the same for me. Every year on his birthday, I bring flowers and put them by his grave, Adam Williams, 1984 - 2005.. Rest in Peace my Good Friend :sad7: __________________ "Yes, a piston engine will usually have pistons, unless it's a poorly tuned nitrous engine, and then having pistons is optional... " A talented car driven by a very talented driver!! 2001 Mustang GT 5 speed 2004 Marauder 1987 Monte Carlo SS 500WRHP!!! Parting out.... Saving up for a 480-500hp built 4.6 Motor!!! -Brian- :laughing7 :icon_thum

03-23-2005, 04:29 PM	#11 (permalink)
MattJ Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Racine, WI Posts: 10,243	I lost a high school friend this past year to cancer. Thanks for doing the good deeds you do. You make the world a better place for the less fortunate and their family and friends. __________________ 2001 Mustang GT Premium - Mineral Grey

03-23-2005, 04:29 PM	#12 (permalink)
venom Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 5,415	It was hard when I lost my mom to cancer when I was 27, I feel for your loss and pray for your family. Congrats on your success and may you have many more. __________________ http://www.mustangboards.com/mustang...500/ppuser/103

03-23-2005, 04:32 PM	#13 (permalink)
WaterDR Administrator Join Date: Sep 2004 Posts: 6,374	Thanks for all the kodos. But really, it is easy. The real thoughts go to all those who are currently in the battle. They have the tough road ahead of them. __________________ Black 2000 GT Vert: Novi-2000 with Intercooler (375rwhp @ 9 psi); Tune by Kauffmans; Roush 380R Body kit; Steeda Subframes; Steeda Strut Tower Support; Deep Dish Bullets; FRPP 4:10's; SCT 4 Position Chip with four custom tunes; Steeda CAI; C&L Pleum; BBK 75 TB; SLP Loudmouth; SLP Catted X-Pipe; Bullitt Suspension; UPR Conrol Arms; Focus Fuel Pump My Car My Email

03-25-2005, 12:46 AM	#14 (permalink)
rebelyell unofficial philosopher Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Fayetteville, NC Posts: 1,848	I'm 12 years cancer free. But I can't imagine how I would feel or react to my kid having it. I think that would be worse than my chemo treatments. I would easily go through it again to keep any of my loved ones from going through it just once. I can almost imagine how you feel about childhood cancer. You must feel hopeless at times after losing your child. I know I would be devastated:angry7:

03-25-2005, 01:11 PM	#15 (permalink)
SMOKIN'05 cant drive 55 Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Bennington, VT Posts: 32	Thats awesome I have 2 kids of my own. My son who is 10 had to have heart surgery when he was 1 to fix a hole in his heart. We almost lost him so I can feel a little of your pain. My condolenscences to you and your family. Keep up the good work

03-25-2005, 09:12 PM	#16 (permalink)
Shambles The Baninator! Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Springfield, PA Posts: 2,652	I do thank you for what your doing. My grandfather currently has Mesothelioma (Rare type of lung cancer due to Asbestos), has been undergoing chemo, but unfortunately the cancer isnt going away. I've only got about 2-3 more months with him before he passes away. Honestly, I dunno what im gonna do after he passes away. This is the first grandparent to pass away for me. Hes an awesome guy, great mechanic, and I know im gonna miss him. Either way, thanks for what your doing for families of children with cancer. Its true, the world could use more people like you. __________________ Chris "Shambles" Chamblee

03-30-2005, 08:24 AM	#17 (permalink)
98silvergt Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 68	wow didnt know you were involved in something like that. Youre truly one of the good guys. Need more people like you around.

04-01-2005, 04:50 PM	#18 (permalink)
liv4him 40thGT Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: York, Pa Posts: 177	Awesome man, Im sorry to hear about your daughter!! I have a 10 year old and I just can't imagine something like that. Hey Im to far from you (York) we go up to Hershey to see the Bears and of course H. Park. Are you going to be at CJ's In July? Anyway very very cool thing your wife and your are doing!! __________________ 40thGT,Mach1chin,shorty ant.,K&N, Magnapacks catback, bullet knob, Steeda U/D pulleys,H&R SS springs,4.10's,grill delete,SCT, DD 17x10.5 315 NittoDR's,17x9reps.SLP X pipe,poly isos. rear seat delete,Alum.drivshaft, MMcc plates,35% tint, dyno tuned

04-01-2005, 08:54 PM	#19 (permalink)
Blue Thunder Speed Demon Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 487	You are a wonderful person. I'm sure when you finally pass on God will have a nice spot reserved for you right next to your daughter. Keep it up you are a wonderful person.

04-01-2005, 09:19 PM	#20 (permalink)
stealth stang 90 street sleeper Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: akron ohio Posts: 112	I dont know how much this would cost But I work for Infocision a tellemarketing company That specializes in political and nonprofit fundraising we are more expensive than the competitors but we get results You can check out the company at www.infocision.com __________________ 1990 Mustang LX hatch back Mods include todate gt40 y heads gt40 intake e303 cam frms 65mm throttle body and egr plate c&l intake k&n filter king cobra clutch frms headers flowtech off road x-pipe dynomax cat back frms aluminum drive shaft and 3.73 gear tri-ax shifter best time to date 13.67 @ 104.56 soon to come every thing! pm me if you want the list unless your my x then its top secret ( im trying to beat my ex-girlfreind with an 89 gt 5spd with a powerdyne supercharger )

04-05-2005, 08:04 AM	#23 (permalink)
stealth stang 90 street sleeper Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: akron ohio Posts: 112	I am just a telecomunicator ( i work on the phones it sucks but it pays the bills) I can try to find out some more information for you __________________ 1990 Mustang LX hatch back Mods include todate gt40 y heads gt40 intake e303 cam frms 65mm throttle body and egr plate c&l intake k&n filter king cobra clutch frms headers flowtech off road x-pipe dynomax cat back frms aluminum drive shaft and 3.73 gear tri-ax shifter best time to date 13.67 @ 104.56 soon to come every thing! pm me if you want the list unless your my x then its top secret ( im trying to beat my ex-girlfreind with an 89 gt 5spd with a powerdyne supercharger )

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