Disney Magic Needed!!!Healthy Recipes Needed post 43!

Nanu57v

The Tooth Fairy had a message here before.
Joined
May 6, 2004
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Here's the story: Its hard for me to believe this can all even happen to one family, but it's true. I want to help them, but I'm not sure how. Any ideas would be appreciated.


There is this family I know through work. The mother, "Rachel" is the assistant director at my daycare center. It seems hardship keeps following the family. She works hard to support her family at $8 an hour. (Daycare pay always sucks). Her husband "Larry" worked for a discount store until he was laid off about 9 months ago due to the store closing. Since then he has had trouble finding a job, and has had a plethora of health conditions. First, he had a heart attack. Upon exploration, it was found he had several blockages, one of which could not be operated on because he would likely die on the table. A surgery was scheduled to operate on the other blockages. Prior to this surgery, I talked with Rachel and told her she could have vacation if she wanted, and she said about how her family always wanted to go to WDW. Well of course I got her a great package with free dining for the 4 of them. Then they moved up the surgery, so the trip was cancelled. Since then, Larry has had a stroke. Then, his cancer that was in remission returned. Then he had an infection in his leg that would not respond to antibiotics and nearly needed ambutation. His legs are still hugely swollen, but improving. Finally, the family found out yesterday that Larry is having congestive heart failure, and his kidneys are failing.

But wait, there's more. Both children were born extremely premature, both weighing approximately 1 lb at birth (mother had toxemia).

Finally, they rent a house with a landlord that rarely fixes things. One time their 2nd floor bathroom actually fell into the children's playroom. The porch has also caved in. I'd say move, but of course the rent is the cheapest you can find around here.

Everytime something else happens to this family, I'm just shocked that something else wrong could happen. I wish I could send the family to WDW, but Larry is not able to travel so far. I'm hoping to send them to a local resort, but I really wanted to share some Disney magic with them, since that is where they originally wanted to go. So, any ideas?
 
:grouphug: How sad...I wonder if anyone locally would be able to dress up as some Disney characters and surprise the family at their house with Disney presents.....:confused3
 
That poor family....:sad2: ..But how lucky to have a friend like you.:)

Its a shame The dad can't travel..they really need some disney magic.
I think sending them to a local resort sounds great...and is so thoughtful...I can't think of any other disney magic...Iam sure someone here will have good suggestions though:)
 

So they are in Pennsylvania then? I really really wish there was something I could do. Please let me know if there is any way anyone can contribute to some disney magic.
 
Yes, they live in Mifflin County. I remember reading about a resort locally that has an indoor waterpark. I'm trying to remember the name.
 
Yes, they live in Mifflin County. I remember reading about a resort locally that has an indoor waterpark. I'm trying to remember the name.

Great Wolf Lodge!
Awesome place...very expensive though.
 
It is called Great Wolf Lodge. I wish there was a way to get them to disney. Is driving not an option at all? I would imagine not under dads condition. Maybe you could hold some type of benefit in honor of the family (that would be if they were willing sometimes people feel like others will help out of pitty and dont want this) Monies from the benefit could help them get a new aptmnt. and improve quality of life for them

You are a truly special person for wanting to help them.:)
 
Yeah, I like the benefit idea, I just don't know if it would be successful. This area is so economically depressed, no one wants to help each other. A few years ago I tried to organize a special Christmas for the family of one of the children in my daycare. The mom was going to school to get her GED. Dad was legally blind. They were really poor. When I mentioned it to a group of people about getting a turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and some gifts, they threw a fit saying how people on welfare make more than them! It is really sad how some people think.
 
I know that this is less than what you are thinking of.... but I just got home from Disney on Ice, and it was so awesome!!!! It gave me just the fix I need, since I won't be able to go on my usual January trip. Just an idea...
 
I don't have any ideas... :sad2: But I can bump the thread to keep it on the front page...
 
I don't want to rain on anyone's parade, but wouldn't it help more to find them somewhere to live and help paying some bills?
 
They have a place to live, even though its not the best, they like it enough. I offered to rent them my place (we are moving) at cost, but it would still be 50 a month more, and half the size.

They aren't asking for help. When the dad was in the hospital the last time when he almost had his leg amputated we were all asking what we could do: babysit, help pay bills, etc. She won't tell us anything that we could help with. The truth is that the dad isn't going to make it much longer. His body just can't keep up with all this. I think what is important is to give the family some happy memories to hold on to for when the dad isn't around anymore.
 
You sound like a really nice friend. I hope it all works out.
 
I just hope he gets better. I don't know that that's really a possibility though. I'm hoping they can go to Great Bear when he gets well enough. I like the DIsney on Ice thing too. I wonder when they are coming here.
 
Since you indicated the dad will not make it to WDW, how about taking WDW to them?

Send away for the WDW planning video. Plan a party for the family and ask friends to dress as if they were visiting WDW. Paint some signs, decorations, etc. like the parks and show the planning video. Disney music would add to the feel.

If you send me an address, I will send some WDW plush toys to you (no charge) to give to the family. I may even be able to throw in some other items to add to the theme.

No, it isn't the same as visiting WDW, but it is still an opportunity for the family to build some memories.

Just a thought....
 
Since you indicated the dad will not make it to WDW, how about taking WDW to them?

Send away for the WDW planning video. Plan a party for the family and ask friends to dress as if they were visiting WDW. Paint some signs, decorations, etc. like the parks and show the planning video. Disney music would add to the feel.

If you send me an address, I will send some WDW plush toys to you (no charge) to give to the family. I may even be able to throw in some other items to add to the theme.
No, it isn't the same as visiting WDW, but it is still an opportunity for the family to build some memories.

Just a thought....

:sad:

:disrocks:

Gotta love the generosity of the people here!
 
Since you indicated the dad will not make it to WDW, how about taking WDW to them?

Send away for the WDW planning video. Plan a party for the family and ask friends to dress as if they were visiting WDW. Paint some signs, decorations, etc. like the parks and show the planning video. Disney music would add to the feel.

If you send me an address, I will send some WDW plush toys to you (no charge) to give to the family. I may even be able to throw in some other items to add to the theme.

No, it isn't the same as visiting WDW, but it is still an opportunity for the family to build some memories.

Just a thought....

So sorry I never responded to this before..> I don't know how I missed it!!! Thanks so much...read my next post for an update, and depending on what happens we can go from there.
 
For those of you that read this story...I wanted to post an update. A few weeks ago they gave the dad 4-6 weeks to live. So they transferred his case to a new hospital with a brand new heart wing (don't know if this is a good or bad thing that its new). They are going to do a 15 hour surgery tomorrow where they totally reconstruct his heart. Its obviously very risky. His kids have been saying things that make us think they don't believe he is going to make it. The DD said "Is heaven big enough for daddy?" So for those of you that are following this story and believe...all prayers are welcome for tomorrow. I'll let you know the outcome.
 
Nanu57v -

This is VERY important. When is the surgery scheduled? I would like to alert some praying friends of mine & would like to tell them the scheduled time so "Dad" & the family & the surgery team can be prayed for exactly at the time they need it. Do you feel comfortable posting the dad's first name? I like to have a name of the person I'm praying for. I just need the first name. If not, PM it to me.

agnes!
 


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