posted 10-07-2000 01:23 PM                  

PS
If you hear of any kid who would like a ride in Eastern Kansas or Western Mo. I live in Kansas City and would be happy to try to arrange something!

Tell Patrick to have fun in "the Cat SEAT!"

posted 10-07-2000 07:31 PM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by Tony Goertz:
I just want to say a heartfelt thanks for all of you who are playing
a role in this event for Patrick. It doesn't matter how large or small
the contribution, my son will be elated, to say the least. The PPC and
POA deserve a lot of credit. I noticed in the discussion that there are
some who may believe this could be getting political, but I thank you all
for your unselfish efforts, especially Nowell Herman and Paul Rosenberg
for getting the ball rolling. I never expected such a response, in fact,
I was quite happy only with the free membership. When Nowell told me
that membership included a t-shirt, I thought that gesture to be icing on
the cake! Overwhelmed with surprise is an understatement. It is soooo
hard keeping this from Patrick. He and I are having a great time looking
at the picture galleries on both sites. Yesterday he told me he would
like to go out to Milo Gordon Chrysler-Plymouth to look at the Prowler
they have in the showroom there. I told him we could, maybe they would
allow him to sit in it. Little does he know that he will not only be
sitting, but cruising as well.
I am looking forward to getting the media involved, I think
something like this will inspire other groups to respond in kind. I
noticed in the discussion that Paul has already contacted the MDA (we
have too). Wouldn't it be nice if other MD kids could enjoy the same
special treatment?? The local media in Lawton will be covering this,
and I understand that a couple of OKC stations have been contacted by
some Cat owners there. It was even suggested that Rosie O'Donnell should
be contacted. I have always felt that the right hand should not know
what the left hand is doing regarding kindness shown to others. However,
I believe an event like this deserves notoriety to draw attention to the
plight of children with dread diseases. Not just my kid, but all children
in these circumstances. I feel for the Prowler owner who lost his child
at 13 from cancer. I can't imagine the pain that comes from losing a
child. Indeed I am very fortunate because Patrick is still around to
brighten my life. I can't think about something like that happening to
Patrick. Although I know mortality may strike at any time, I refuse to
give in to negative thoughts. Drawing attention to the diseases kids
face may help to raise funds for research to help prevent these things
from happening to children. Imagine the MDA including something like this
in their telethon next year. Yes, I believe that media attention to an
event like this will be a very good thing. All things considered, think
of the joy and self-esteem boost that will be the effect of his picture
on television and in newspapers!
The only negative to this that I can see involves the mechanics of
keeping this a surprise. The media will have to 'camp out' somewhere
until the Cats arrive. I told Paul that I would like him to call me when
they are leaving from Cracker Barrel. At that point I will get Patrick
in our front yard to watch the parade of cars go by. I want them to just
drive on past Patrick without him knowing why they are there. I want them
to go around the block and then come back and stop and pop the full
surprise. I will have a video camera perched across the street behind the
neighbor's fence to get his reaction on tape. At that time, the media
can hang around to their hearts desire. I also think that the media
could be at Meer's Store when we arrive to reiterate the good things your
group is doing.
I have said it several times, but I cannot express the gratitude
that I have to those involved in this. Words escape me. Accept, please,
not only the thanks of my family, but also the thanks of everyone that I
have conveyed this too. One co-worker told me yesterday that she was
quite moved by your generosity. All those whom I visited with have
responded similarly. They are just as amazed as I.
I would appreciate it if you would post this email on the discussion
boards of both sites.
Thank you, and God bless you all.
Jim Foster

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This is for Jim Foster:

Dear Jim,

It is my pleasure to do something like this
and feel fortunate to have the opportunity
to be involved. If there are other kids in
the area with the same problems that you
know of that would enjoy something like this
there will be more than enough of us to
accomodate. I speak for myself but I know
the Prowler Group would be happy to do it.

posted 10-09-2000 01:36 PM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by Gary C:
We need to do something for Christmas, like a toy drive.

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Aren't we already driving toys????

posted 10-09-2000 08:45 PM                  

I think it is a great idea