A Mother`s Story - Clayton Dabney Foundation
Transcription
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. 1 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 [email protected]. 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 2 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 3 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 4 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 5 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 6 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 7 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 8 9 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 10 11 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. 12 13 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 [email protected]. 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 14 15 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: [email protected] 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. 16 We are forever grateful. GOD Bless, The Webers
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Fall/Winter 2014 - Clayton Dabney Foundation
the end of the day, it was our title sponsor team, Regency