I was reading my morning paper and sipping coffee when I came across a headline that grabbed my attention, “Jack,” I called out, “I found the group I want to donate money to!”
He was on the patio watering flowers. “Who is it?”
“It’s elderly people who are dying.” He gave me a screwed-up-face look. I held the OC Register up for him to read, “Girl grants elderly people their dying wishes.” I said, “This college girl, Caitlin Crommett, is forming groups across the nation so elderly people who are dying in Hospice can have a wish come true. The groups are called DreamCatchers – you know, it’s like the “Make a Wish” foundation for kids, but its for the elderly. It’s perfect for me: I’m in Hospice dying from cancer… and some might say I’m elderly.”
He laughed. “Not to me, you aren’t. So, you’re going to give money to dying old people?”
“Yup.” I read more of the story. “It says their first dream request was from Bernie Klein who was in a wheelchair and couldn’t talk. He had sailed his whole life, and his wife wrote that it would be great to see him out sailing the ocean one last time. Caitlin chartered the schooner Curfew out of Dana Harbor for $600. Bernie’s family insisted Caitlin come with them. She took homemade ham sandwiches for everyone. Caitlin says that family reunions and hundredth birthday parties are the top dream requests.”
Since I was now a Hospice patient, I really understood the benefits of fulfilling last dreams!
I have always been philanthropic, so fundraising is not new to me. However, I usually work with groups I’m involved with and DreamCatchers did not fit that criteria. Still, I liked their mission and I had books to sell, so why not give some of the proceeds to this group. I hadn’t been involved with them, but I certainly fit their recipients’ criteria. I nodded slowly, thoughtfully, and then declared to the universe, “I’m going to do it!”
“They made a mistake. They used a solution that was old.” These words sent my world reeling and I was overcome with grief analogous to death. My baby was fighting for his life and it was all because of one critical error that resulted in profound injuries to his life. I have had an incredible life fighting to improve and protect his rights and the rights of all persons with disabilities. I invite you to follow my journey through these struggles and victories in my book, A Ticket to He… . My story is also one of faith in God and his promise to prepare a place for us in eternity. My blog, til we meet again, ends with the final journey of my life where I meet God. Can you even imagine what that will be like!
Five dollars ($5) will be donated for each book purchased through this website if you check DreamCatchers as the designated charity on the order form. Click on the Book Cover at top right to purchase your books; it’s a direct link to PayPal. Books are $15 + $5 for shipping and handling. If you buy directly from Wanda or her representatives and there’s no shipping or handling then there’s no $5 S/H charge.
The book is based in my hometown of Forest City, IA, and I’m honored to give back to this community’s American Cancer Society Relay For Life teams. My supportive sister, Carolyn Cox, is taking the lead on selling books in Forest City. To order, please call her at 641.590.5809. The book can also be purchased through the link at the top right – just be sure to designate which charity the $5 donation is for.
All of this got me wondering …. “What’s still left to do on my bucket list??”
(to be continued)
For more information on
• Dreamcatchers or if you are interested in starting a local DreamCatchers organization please visit http://www.dreamcatchers1.com. Currently, the program is only sponsored by local high schools or colleges working with the Hospice organization. DreamCatchers is a 501 ©(3) organization.
• American Cancer Society Relay for Life Winnebago County http://www.facebook.com/pages/Relay-For-Life-of-Winnebago-County/101145147512
til we meet again 