A Mother`s Story - Clayton Dabney Foundation

Annual Newsletter
Fall/Winter 2013
A Mother’s Story
I WAS TOLD BY MY SOCIAL WORKER that your
organization may be able to help us.
M
things like that? It may sound
trivial, but we all need a break.
Unfortunately, we are dead
broke and barely scraping by.
There is no way we could afford
y 5-year-old son, Brandon, has a brain tumor called
even the simplest outing. We
ependymoma. I had never heard of that word before
have four kids, and the stress is
In This Issue
Clayton’s Wings........................ 3
Clayton’s Cards......................... 3
Kissed by an Angel..................13
Clayton’s Celebration..............15
he was diagnosed three years ago. Ependymoma causes
unbearable for all of them!
tumors to grow on the brain stem in children. When he was first
I have a 10-year-old son who is constantly acting out in school
diagnosed, we were told that he would not live more than six
and at home but believes there is a miracle yet for his brother. My
months. Can you ever imagine hearing that about your baby?
8-year-old daughter is bottling it up but gets pretty emotional on
Fortunately, we still have him three years
some days. The children fight constantly and can
later, but it took 10 brain surgeries, along
barely make it through the school week. They
with lots of chemo and radiation and months
have to see the counselors regularly. My youngest
and months of hospitalization.
is 3, and he doesn’t quite grasp what is going on
other than her big brother is sick all the time. I feel
WE JUST FOUND OUT A MONTH AGO
that the tumor is back again, and my son is
terrible that all my attention goes to Brandon and
now considered terminal. Brandon is in great
my other kids barely get time with me. Brandon
pain. We have physical and occupational
has missed everything and has no friends because
therapy coming in, and that seems to help.
of his illness. How is that fair?
WE WOULD LOVE TO FIND OUT IF YOUR
He is getting some movement back and
getting stronger. He is starting chemo again
ORGANIZATION COULD DO ANYTHING TO
in hopes of slowing the tumor’s growth, but
HELP US, such as a simple getaway from this
it is only a matter of time before his body rejects the chemo and
craziness to just enjoy some family time together—maybe a
the tumor takes over. I have never felt such despair in my life.
beach vacation or somewhere warm. We’d love to go anywhere
My family is falling apart, and there is nothing I can do about it.
to escape, regroup and just enjoy what time we have left with
WE ARE DOING FUNDRAISERS whenever we can, as my
our son. Seriously, these walls are like a prison right now.
husband and I are out of work. There is no way to keep a job
Let me know if your organization can help make this possible.
when you are going through this. The fundraisers help cover our
I greatly appreciate your consideration.
household expenses and medical bills that are piling up. I just wish
Angela S.
we could have a little time off. Does your foundation ever help with
Reprinted with permission
Clayton Dabney for Kids with Cancer provided this family with a trip to the Gulf Coast. They stayed in a beachfront condo and
enjoyed a relaxing week of sun and fun. It was the first time the children had ever been to the beach, and they spent every moment
together creating joyful and warm end-of-life memories with their brother.
Clayton Dabney for Kids with Cancer will receive another 350 referrals like Brandon’s in 2014. You can help make a difference by
supporting one of our year-end fundraisers, Clayton’s Cards or Clayton’s Wings. Details can be found on page 3 of this newsletter
or on our website at www.claytondabney.org.
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Chairman’s Message
I am honored to have served as
Year-end Fundraisers
The mission of the foundation remains strong and
Clayt
on’sWings
Chairman of the Board of Directors
focused. We expect to surpass 300 referral requests
of this fantastic organization this
this year, up 10 percent over the requests we received
past year. I have been a part of
in 2012. Our program committee has developed an
CDF and its mission since the
expansion plan to increase the visibility of the foundation
first golf tournament, which was
in order to increase the referral requests by 15 percent
organized by George Dunlap
over each of the next five years. In order to introduce
year-end campaign has raised more than $1 million since 2005 and has been a
and Barry Brown in 1996. Who would have thought that a
our program over the next 12 months, we will reach out
major factor in sustaining our mission over the years to provide critical assistance to
little golf outing would grow into what this organization is
to hospitals throughout the country where CDF does not
families losing precious children to cancer.
today? Here are a few examples of our growth:
have a presence to introduce our program, Medicine of
Our Elite
Donor Program
Clayton’s Wings was established as our elite donors’ group. This annual
When considering your year-end gifts to charitable organizations, we hope you
• A Dallas board made up of 27 awesome talented people
the Heart. Both boards are committed to this long-term
will include Clayton’s Wings. By donating $1,000 or more to Clayton’s Wings,
• A Houston affiliate board that includes 17 dedicated,
vision and the additional funding it will require. I hope
you will receive our commemorative Mosaic Angel, handcrafted by Clayton
you will join us as we seek to serve a larger number of
Dabney board members. Each angel is made in remembrance of a child whom
terminally ill children each year.
we served this year and whose name is inscribed on the back. Your angel will arrive next February with our annual report.
passionate people
• Annual revenues that will surpass $1 million
• Case referrals from hospitals in 87 cities in 38 states
• Over 2,500 families served across the U.S.
I am so grateful to all the kind folks who led fundraising
efforts in Dallas for CDF this
Visit our website at www.claytondabney.org to join Clayton’s Wings today!
Continued on Page 15
Clayton’s Cards
Clayton’s Cards is a meaningful way to get into the
President’s Letter
Thanks to you—our donors,
Marlo and David Bruce and Susan and Rick McConn, our
community partners and board
2013 Clayton’s Card Campaign is off to an amazing start.
members—2013 has been an
These holiday cards once again offer the opportunity to
extraordinary year. With the
send well wishes to loved ones, business associates and
vision and generosity of Ralph
friends while supporting this exceptional cause.
and Lisa Eads, we launched the
first Caliente Invitational. I was
a
I have seen true leadership emerge from our Houston
new way to give in the
holiday spirit
holiday spirit and make an impact by helping children in
gifts, and they are a heartwarming way to celebrate the
need. In the busy season of exchanging gifts, wish your
meaning of the holidays and wish someone the very best.
family, friends and clients a special happy holiday while
You can order Clayton’s Cards online at www.
making a difference in the lives of pediatric cancer patients claytondabney.org, and they will be mailed between
and their families. As you give, you may choose recipients
December 3 and 18. If you have any questions, please
to receive a beautiful card and a gift recognized in their
contact Bracken McGee at 713-488-4096 or
honor. The cards can be excellent stocking stuffers or
bmcgee@claytondabney.org.
Clayton’s Champions
board, with members who are not only willing but eager
gratified to see an outpouring of enthusiasm, creativity
to share new ideas and visions for the growth of CDF and
and of course competitiveness as old and new friends
to motivate others to join us in making a difference in
came together to play tennis while raising awareness
families who will lose their child to cancer. I am constantly
and support for CDF. I also profoundly appreciate
taken aback and humbled by the commitment, unity and
Reagan and Doug Bauer
Lara and Phillip Ladin
Park Place Dealerships
the collaborative efforts of Leah Crosswell, Stephanie
enthusiasm shown by our board members, and I have
Marlo and David Bruce
Jean and Ronnie Ladin
Melissa and Doug Schnitzer
Hamilton, Rachel Lawrence, Joy Randall, Beth Watt and
come to share with them the dedication toward helping
Cadence Bank
Renee and Mark Lange
Strake Foundation
Kristi Whiteside, who worked tirelessly to make CDF’s first
families in their time of greatest need. We consider it a
Friend of Clayton Dabney Foundation
Kim and Scott Martin
Jana and Don Sweitzer
luncheon, Garden of Giving, a success, both in raising
high privilege to have anonymously helped numerous
Friend of Clayton Dabney Foundation
Susan and Rick McConn
Lynn and Jerry Yellen
funds and in educating the Houston community about the
families build everlasting memories with their
Lorraine and Larry Jacobs
Patti and Mike Morgan
foundation. And for the third year, under the leadership of
terminally ill children.
LADCO
Katherine and Paul Murphy
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Continued on Page 15
This year’s Clayton’s Cards fundraiser has been underwritten and generously supported by Clayton’s Champions.
Co-Chairs Marlo and David Bruce/Susan and Rick McConn
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Livin’ Large!
Houston Serves Up a Big-Time Luncheon
N
ever satisfied with the status quo, the Houston board changed direction with a grand-scale luncheon with featured
guest speakers in an elegant setting. The event was hosted at the River Oaks Country Club, with speakers that
included cancer survivor Susan G. Baker, wife of former Secretary of State James A. Baker; and Shelby Dabney, mother
of foundation namesake Clayton Dabney. The ballroom was filled to capacity when President Renee Lange introduced
the well-heeled crowd to the featured speakers. Mrs. Lange and CDF would like to thank the co-chairs—Leah Crosswell,
Stephanie Hamilton, Rachel Lawrence, Joy Randall and Beth Watt—for all their hard work. We would also like to recognize
Kristi Whiteside and Bracken McGee for their tireless dedication. The event was a smashing success thanks to the
volunteers, committee members, underwriters, sponsors and guests. Proceeds benefiting our families exceeded $180,000!
Underwriters and Sponsors
Host Committee
Heroic Hydrangea
Sweet-Pea
Annie Amante
Christiana McConn
Renee and Mark Lange/Aimee and Wynne
Gina Bhatia/Hilda Curran
Ellie Bale
Susan McConn
Gina Bhatia
Clare McLeroy
Snoots/Beth and Jim Watt
Heidi Binet/Kara Childress/Susie Cone/
Heidi Binet
Kelli Mize
Courtnay Elias/Shawnna Fatjo/
Laurie Bruce Maddox
Susanna Moldawer
Marlo Bruce
Denise Monteleone
Kristen Buck
Molly Montgomery
Shana Burrow
Lauren Morgan
Mary Louise and Brad Binning/
Kara Childress
Alix Nakfoor
Shirley and Bill Wood
Michele Clements
Shannon O’Brien
Carrie Colbert
Belinda Oelman
Laura Crawford
Gail Orr
Suzi and Bill Dore’
Hilda Curran
Kathleen Panus
Friends of Clayton Dabney Foundation
Jill Deutser
Pam Pierce
Lisa Eads
Bridget Purdie
Pepper Edens
Angie Reckling
Katherine and Scott Galloway
Courtnay Elias
Randa Roach
Marci Hamilton
Shawnna Fatjo
Sissy Roberts
Waverly Gage
Barbie Ross
Ruth Gay
Lisa Rowe-Bates
Tracy Gay
Heidi Russell, M.D.
Lesli Giannukos
Helen Schmidt
Stacy Graubart
Melissa Schnitzer
Susan Gray
Amy Shaper
Katherine Greene
Laura Sheffield
Shelli Lindley
Terri Havens
Lori Shellist
Randa Roach
Sheri Henriksen
Emily Sullivan
Laura Herring
Karen Susman
Jill Holstead
Courtney Swanson
Amy and Peter Shaper
Natalie Horlock
Beth Tilney
Julie Watkins Baker
Ally Jafarnia
Jennifer Tellepsen
Paige Johnson
Kristi Whiteside
Laura Kelsey
Christine Williams
Gina Lamme
Lisa Wilson
Renee Lange
Jenifer Young
Margaret Larkin
Salli Youtt
Liane and Marty Phillips
Promising Peony
Carrie Colbert
Angie Reckling/Isla Reckling
Rewarding Rose
Defensivedriving.com
Lisa Eads/Mimi Marix
Friend of Clayton Dabney Foundation
Stephanie Hamilton
Sheri Bailey/Evans Christ/Lisa Cook/
Pepper Edens/Terri Havens/Jill Holstead/
Courtney Hopson/Natalie Horlock/
Ally Jarfarnia/Laura Kelsey/
Marie Louise Kinder/Gina Lamme/
Mary Eliza Shaper/Laurie Schaub/
Courtney Swanson
Lisa Holthouse
Rachel Lawrence/Joy Randall
Light Trust/Carolyn and David Light/
Susan Light Lawhon
Sheila Reese
Michele Clements/Leah Crosswell/
Paige Johnson/Mary Stanton Smith
Emily and Danny Weingeist
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Wendy Fatjo/Ruth Gay/Tracy Gay/
Susie Green/Melinda Stevenson/Lisa Wilson
Laurie Bruce Maddox/Betty Perrier
Friends of Beth Watt
HFF and Hines
Melissa Ison/Kelli Mize/Susanna Moldawer/
Sissy Roberts/Laura Sheffield
Mark Lange
Cherie and John Lindley
Lisa Rowe-Bates/Kathleen Panus
Suzette Way
Kristi and Rex Whiteside
Mimi Marix
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Bigger’n Dallas!
Kissed by an Angel-Girls Night goes Downtown!
K
issed by an Angel changed direction in 2013 with a new
address and new attitude. Co-chairs Margot McCann
and Trish Alessio decided to shake things up this year and set
up digs at Dallas’ newest icon, MUSEUM TOWER. Guests had
an all-access pass to visit everything from the penthouses to
the pool and fitness areas. More than 200 guests were treated to specialty drinks, sumptuous foods, live music and
Underwriters and Sponsors
Guardian Angel
Cherub Angel
Special Thanks
Laurie McCann Hyde and Margot McCann
Trish Alessio
Museum Tower
Seraphim Angel
Michelle and Roger Johnson
Uber
Dexter & Company
Mary Titus
EpiCentre
Dinesh Chandiramani
Heavenly Angel
Niven Morgan
Lisa Combs
Karen Clarke
The Scout Guide Dallas
Claire Emanuelson
Julie Crawford
Pogo’s Wine and Spirits
Karen Harris and Margie Harris
Leslie Ficke
Andrews Distributing
Sharon Folsom
Glazer’s Distributors
Heather and Mark Molthan
Lombardi Family Concepts
Kay Potter
Fluff Pop™ Gourmet Cotton Candy
hip-couture shopping while they gazed at the magnificent Dallas skyline. Each guest received a signature Kissed by an
Angel swag bag provided by Neiman Marcus, with gifts and goodies worth more than $100. Proceeds this year topped
more than $80,000 for CDF. Margot, Trish and CDF would like to thank the many sponsors, committee members,
Angel
volunteers and guests who made Kissed by an Angel another success this year.
Mary Grace Mewett
2013 Host Committee
Co-Chairs
Margot McCann and
Trish Alessio
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Michele Albanese
Claire Emanuelson
Kara Legako
Tracey Shuey
Chris Bracken
Sally Evans
Janet McCarty
Mersina Stubbs
Kathy Carney
Leslie Ficke
Natalie McGuire
Mindy Taylor
Jennifer Carter
Brittany Gaskill
Dena McKinney
Keri Voss
Pamela Chao
Whitney Giles
Anne-Marie Mee
Lisa F. Walker
Jennifer Clark
Maggie Graham
Stephanie Mercer
Janet-Lou Westbrook
Karen Clarke
Lisa Haddow
Capa Mooty
Natalie Westbrook
Kim Click
Tara Harper
Niven Morgan
Lori Whitlow
Lisa Combs
Karen Harris
Paula North
Meredith Willey
Julie Crawford
Margie Harris
Wendy Poston
Caroline Woodbury
Shelby Dabney
Anne Helbing
Susan Riddle
Page Young
Ruth Ann Daniels
Amy Henley
Randa Roach
Alicia Dawson
Michelle Johnson
Jenny Robertson
Dinah Donham
Susan Krejs
Audrey Schmit
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The Great Ball Drop
BENEFITING THE Clayton Dabney Foundation for kids with cancer
Title Sponsor
Major Sponsors
Jim Batjer Family • Barry Brown Family • Benchmark Title • Tim Costello Family
Lincoln Property Company • Granite Properties • Looper, Reed & McGraw
Randa and Doug Roach • Southwest Airlines • Uber
Hole Sponsors
Brownlie & Braden/Cottonwood Capital • Blue Star Land • Capital One Bank
Cawley Partners • CBRE • CNL Commercial Real Estate • Condon, Thornton, Harrell & Sladek
Cozen O’Connor • Scott Dennis Family • Dexter & Company • Energy Future Holdings (TXU)
Folsom Properties • Frontier Investment Management • HFF, LP • Jones, Lang LaSalle • KDC
Mario Sinacola & Sons • Metroplex General Contractors • Red Steel Company
Best Ever!
This was the comment heard time after time at the post-
Republic Title • Stream Realty • Doug Thompson Family • Thompson Knight
Centers was the title sponsor again this year, and Tony
round celebration of this year’s Dabney golf tournament,
Click and Joe Young served as co-chairs. Tournament
held once again at the majestic Honors Golf Club in
proceeds exceeded $175,000. CDF, Tony and Joe would
Carrollton. This year’s field, the largest in Dabney history,
like to thank all the sponsors and volunteers who made
boasted Dallas’ business elite from the fields of real
this year the … best ever? Yes, indeed!
estate, law, banking, finance, and oil and gas. Regency
TH Wealth Management • Vintage Interests • John Young Family
Special Sponsors
Chief Partners • Dick’s Last Resort • Joe Fly Company • Golfsmith • Jason’s Deli
Kuby’s Meat Market • Legacy Texas Bank • MAPP Construction • Northern Trust • Rusty Taco
The Crescent • Jeffrey Walter Family
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Underwriters and Sponsors
The 6th Annual kid’s tournament was another terrific
by Bill Cody and his Party-Time Machine. Awards were
success for the Clayton Dabney Foundation, raising
presented to the top teams and fundraisers. Top honors
nearly $60,000 for needy families facing the tragic loss
for fundraising went to our very own Kate Dabney for
of a child to cancer. More than 130 kids participated
the second year in a row! Co-chairs Dinah Donham
in the Classic at the famed Las Colinas Country Club in
and Audrey Schmit would like to thank all the sponsors,
Irving, marshaled by more than 120 adult volunteers.
volunteers and golfers who participated this year, and we
The day concluded with a wild Splash Bash afternoon at
look forward to seeing everyone again on June 9, 2014!
the Las Colinas pool, with lots of food and great music
The Scott Dabney
Family
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Thank You Eads Family
Crawfish Boil
The third year is the charmer! The annual boil was another tremendous
success, with proceeds exceeding $30,000 this year. This year’s
celebrity-filled crowd topped 400 attendees who were greeted with
gorgeous spring weather, more than 900 pounds of crawfish, Cajun corn,
burgers and grilled chicken with all the fixin’s, adult beverages, bounce
houses, basketball, face-painting and live music throughout the day. It’s
a day like no other! CDF would like to thank hosts Chandra and Mike
Burress and Steve Burke for their ongoing dedication to the foundation
The first-ever Caliente Invitational was held on May 17 and 18 at River
and all the generous support from corporate and family sponsors. Since
Oaks Country Club. It was an outstanding event that raised nearly $120,000.
2011, the Annual Crawfish Boil has generated more than $60,000 for
The event’s success is attributable to Lisa and Ralph Eads, whose generosity
CDF and the families we serve. Thanks Boil Nation!
and enthusiasm led the charge for the big tournament. Ralph made a dream
a reality from the start to the finish, including such special touches as LL
Bean bags and hats as giveaways. The festivities kicked off the night before
at the Coronado Club with the Men’s Calcutta Event, where players picked
teams to win and bought mulligans with the hopes of increasing their own
chances. The following day, the courts were raked, the sun was blazing,
and the competition was fierce from the start. The presence of tennis pros
Redi-Mix Charity Classic
The 18th Annual Redi-Mix Charity Classic was held at the Trophy Club,
like Mark Philippoussis, a singles finalist at the U.S . Open and Wimbledon;
and CDF was the beneficiary for the fourth consecutive year. This year’s
and Rick Leach, who holds 46 career doubles titles, made the stakes even
classic fielded more teams than ever before, filling two courses to capacity
higher. Mark Philippoussis and Ralph Eads were victorious on day one, and
for a beautiful October-morning round. CDF would like to thank senior VP
Rick Leach and John Sullivan stole the crown on day two. The victories
of Redi-Mix Concrete, Buck Weatherby, and his staff for their tireless efforts
were celebrated that evening with a beautiful party at the Eads’ home. The
in putting on a fantastic tournament again this year. This year’s tournament
Clayton Dabney Foundation would like to thank Lisa and Ralph, who made
raised an all-time record $92,000 in proceeds, bringing the four-year total for
this tournament possible so that we can help more families in Houston
CDF to nearly $250,000! Thank you Redi-Mix!
facing the devastating loss of a child.
Charity Slam
March 6, 2014
Matthew Eads, a senior at Kinkaid High School,
found a way to raise money for families facing the
Co-Chairs
devastating loss of a child and a reason to have all of
Paige Johnson and Sissy Roberts
his friends come together. He coordinated the 2013 Charity Slam, a benefit
Hosted by Paige Johnson
concert in his home that raised nearly $4,000. Over 300 kids bought
Underwriting Opportunities and
wristbands for the Charity Slam and came to Matthew’s house to hear
the Kinkaid Senior Band and enjoy Mexican food from a local food truck.
Thank you, Matthew, for your vision and your passion to raise awareness
Tickets available through
Houston
Bracken McGee at 713-488-4096
and support for the Clayton Dabney Foundation, which helps families in
their time of greatest need.
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Chairman’s Message
Continued from Page 2
children and their families.
past year. We are also so
We have so much to be thankful for, thanks to you,
fortunate to have such a
our donors. I pledge to you that CDF, in all aspects, will
for Kids with Cancer. The HALO Group was organized by Michael Dabney (Clayton’s older brother) and close friends whose
wonderful group of people in
continue to be good stewards of the monies you entrust to
parents have been involved with Clayton Dabney for many years. Since 2011, the HALO Group has organized several franchise
Houston, led by Renee Lange.
us. I hope you will consider a gift to CDF this year so that
fundraising events that have raised more than $75,000 for CDF and involved more than 1,000 dedicated professionals.
They hosted the first-ever
we can continue our mission to help those less fortunate
Garden of Giving Luncheon,
facing the worst of all nightmares—the loss of a child.
The HALO Group is our network of young professionals dedicated to raising awareness of and funding for Clayton Dabney
To learn more about the Halo Group and to get involved contact Lauren Lee at 214-361-2600 or lauren.lee@claytondabney.org.
which featured Susan Baker as guest speaker. What a
resounding success that was! It was such a special day for
sharing the purpose and passion of CDF for terminally ill
Warmest regards to all for a joyful and safe
holiday season,
Bob
President’s Letter
Continued from Page 2
I’m excited to announce the
addition to our board of
Dr. Murali Chintagumpala,
head of the Solid Tumor and
Neuro-oncology team at Texas
Children’s Hospital.
With Dr. Murali’s help the Houston board hopes to
work more closely with the social workers and doctors
who assist patients in need at Texas Children’s. We
look forward to another extraordinary year in 2014, with
plans well under way for a successful Kissed by an Angel
Fiesta in the fabulously fun home of Page and Todd
Johnson, chaired by Sissy Roberts and board liaison
Mimi Marix. The board is already discussing new ideas
to involve a greater part of our Houston community and
in turn impact more families suffering the unimaginable
loss of a child. Our vision is in sync, and our goal is
set! I look forward to continuing our work together as
we expand to help more children and families here in
Houston and across the USA.
Renee Lange
February 26, 2014
Dallas Country Club
A luncheon celebrating the birthdays of
the children we have served.
Underwriting Opportunities and
Tickets available through
Lauren Lee at 214-361-2600.
President – Houston Affiliate Board of Directors
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NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Dallas, TX
Permit No. 1177
6500 Greenville Ave. Suite 342
Dallas, TX 75206
Phone: 214-361-2600
Fax: 214-217-5199
Email: admin@claytondabney.org
www.claytondabney.org
The Clayton Dabney Foundation for Kids
with Cancer provides needy families,
with children in the last stages of
terminal cancer, assistance in creating
“Everlasting Memories.”
The assistance is arranged through the
parents and is anonymous to the child.
Dear Clayton Dabney:
We wanted to send you a big thank-you for your
recent support. With your assistance, our family
was able to take a dream trip to London to see
our son’s favorite soccer team, Chelsea FC, play
at its home stadium, Stamford Bridge. He got to
meet several players, including his favorite, Frank
Lampard (picture attached). It was a dream come
true for our son.
Our journey with this awful disease over the last several years has taken a severe toll on our whole family. It sure was
wonderful to have an opportunity to get away together and make special memories that will last us a lifetime. We will
undoubtedly need them when our son is no longer with us.
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We are forever grateful.
GOD Bless,
The Webers