Testimonials

2009 Campaign LFCC

LFCC Chair:

CAPT John Malfitano
Commanding Officer, Naval Station Great Lakes

LFCC Vice-Chair:

CDR Robert S. Sullivan
Naval Station Great Lakes XO

2009 Campaign Chairman:

Mrs. Kathleen M. Jensen
Navy Family Housing

Committee Members:

CAPT Susan Lichtenstein
Naval Health Clinic Great Lakes

CAPT James Norton
Naval Hospital Corps School

CDR Courtenay E. Murakowski
Training Support Center XO

CDR Ward Zauner
Reserve Component Command

CDR Mark Geronime
NAVFAC Midwest

CDR Theresa A. Lewis
Recruit Training Command

LTCOL Sidney McGraw

CAPT Greg Donohue
MACG-48 Supply Officer

Mr. Shay Molleda
Training Support Center Great Lakes

LTJG Sean Hughes
NAVFAC Midwest PWD Great Lakes

SSG NG Robert Iverson III
MEPCOM

QM1 Christopher Belson
NRD Chicago

YN2 Nicole Barousse
NOSC Great Lakes

Ms. Pamela Thomson
Veterans Administration

Mr. John Samples
Veterans Administration

Mrs. Bobbie Dellissee
Social Security Administration

Mrs. Peggy Overstreet
Naval Station Great Lakes

PCFO:

Mrs. Lee Allen
United Way of Lake County

Loaned Executives:

LT Vince Dasta
Recruit Training Command

Mr. Fred M. Fragassi
United States Postal Service

DCCS Robert E. Tadej
Naval Station Great Lakes

HMC James Hopkins
Naval Health Clinic

MMC(SW) Patricia Cunanan
Recruit Training Command

BM1(SW/AW) Jose L. Padilla
CSCSU Great Lakes

RP1(SW) Kisha Madison
Training Support Center

Web Master:

IT1SW) Andrew Wilson Sr.
Naval Station Great Lakes

Recorder:

ABE1(AW) Johnathan Hawthorne
Naval Station Great Lakes

Real Life Testimonials

The Benefits of Children's Miracle Network during the Tragic Loss of my Nephew, Christian B. Acosta. By: HM1 Randi Acheson

On 10 May 2002, my nephew, Christian Acosta, collapsed at school shortly aftermy sister dropped him and his little brother, Avery, off for the day. My nephew was only 10 years old and had never encountered anything other than normal childhood illness until this point; therefore, his collapse was met with absolute shock and disbelief.

Christian was tended to immediately and airlifted to Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center (OLOL) in Baton Rouge , La. where he was cared for until he passed away just ten days later. It was during this time we learned that Christian had a rare genetic heart condition known as Long QT Syndrome. Further family testing was performed and revealed that my sister, my little nephew, Avery, and my mother have the condition.

Children's Miracle Network (CMN) was holding a radiothon during this time in the waiting area at OLOL's Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. It was then that we learned of the outstanding contributions to the community made possible by donations to the Children's Miracle Network. All of the finest equipment that was utilized during my nephew's stay was provided by CMN. In addition, counselors were provided, at no charge, for the children who witnessed the event as well as any child who was affected by this tragedy. My nephew spent 10 days in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and underwent numerous tests before succumbing to the effects of the brain injury that occurred, due to the loss of oxygen immediately after his collapse.

Carver Primary School has held a “penny drive” each year since 2002 in memory of Christian. The first year, the school won a computer which was installed in Mrs. Beth Risinger's classroom, Christian's 4 th grade teacher. This year, CMN gave Carver Primary 36 raffle tickets, for the $3600 raised during the penny drive. To everyone's amazement, Carver Primary won the Grand Prize; a home worth over a half million dollars. The home will be sold and proceeds will be used to benefit Ascension Parish public schools. These children gave to help others and in turn received a benefit of their own.

The loss of my nephew was nearly unbearable; it was the most difficult event that I have ever dealt with in my life. I can hardly fathom the pain that my sister and brother-in-law were going through at that time and still endure to this day. What provides comfort is the knowledge that through Christian's death great things are occurring each day. Families and children are showing compassion through penny drives and donations to the CMN that enable greater awareness of various childhood illnesses, exceptional medical care for sick and injured children, and support for families and friends involved. CMN came into our lives during a very difficult time and gave us the motivation to work through our loss by helping others in so many ways.

The National SIDS Foundation. By: LT. Anne-Marie Springer

On November 1 st 1986 my husband and I were blessed with a beautiful baby boy. On April 1 st 1987 we lost our son to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Devastated, we turned to the National SIDS Foundation for crisis counseling and were helped through some of the hardest days of our lives.

In 2002 the National SIDS Foundation became the First Candle Organization to reflect its broader mission including other areas of infant death, stillbirth and miscarriage. This organization in addition to counseling provides funding for research in coordination with other agencies which led to the Back to Sleep Campaign in 1994 resulting in the reduction of SIDS deaths by 50%.

For compassionate grief support for all those affected by an infant death please call 1-800-221-7437 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Hurricane Katrina. By: Mr Tyrone Seymour

A Great Author and Teacher said, “Give and it shall be given unto you, a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over will he cause people to give unto you.” As a young man, I was taught to give—that it was always better to give than to receive. Many years ago, when I was on active duty, through the CFC and payroll deduction, my wife and I donated to the Navy Relief, Soldiers and Sailors Home and several other CFC organizations. We always felt comfortable and assured about the integrity of the organization, knowing that the proceeds would be used to help those who were “less fortunate.” I never realized, however, that many years later, my family and I would, because of a catastrophic event, become “less fortunate” and be in great need.

The week before Hurricane Katrina hit the MS Gulf Coast, I had a double hernia operation. As a result, my doctor instructed me to not drive. As the hurricane approached, being from Miami , Florida , we initially thought we would remain in our home and ride it out. Just three or four weeks before Katrina, we were urged to evacuate because of another hurricane. But, after we evacuated, it turned away from our area. However, the morning before Hurricane Katrina reached land, we decided along with many others, to evacuate. We didn't know where, or in which direction to go. But we felt a strong urge to evacuate. As we started driving, we began to pray for a direction. Our decision led us to Maxwell AFB in Montgomery , Alabama . Base personnel and the residents of the City of Montgomery were very accommodating to each of the 6,000 evacuees who sought refuge there.

This would become our first encounter with the American Red Cross. When we arrived at the Red Cross Reception/Staging Area, tents had been erected, food, cold beverages and comfort kits were available, and they provided information to us. While we waited to be interviewed, the staff continually triaged the crowd to ensure that every person was alright. Special attention was given to the young, medically/physically challenged, and the elderly. Their staff was great! Their professionalism and compassion of the staff was nothing short of amazing. They treated each person with dignity. They were courteous and respectful. Each person had a smile and words of encouragement for us. They also provided each family with a gift card, which was a tremendous financial help. We were treated as though we were paying to receive these services.

Our next encounter with the ARC would be soon thereafter. Every day, over the next 30 days, my wife and I would drive 7 ½ hours, round trip, to undertake the seemingly insurmountable task of clearing and cleaning out our flooded house. Most of what we had acquired over a period of 30 years was gone. Nonetheless, we were happy and blessed to be alive. Each day, twice a day, without fail, the ARC would drive through the neighborhoods delivering ice, water, food and continuing to give each person they saw, a smile and words of encouragement. Those compassionate, deliberate acts of kindness were like medicine for us—a healing salve. They were priceless acts of kindness. Going through situations like these gives life new meaning. You begin to reassess and rearrange your priorities and values.

Ladies and gentlemen, yesterday was the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. Katrina is not publicized as much in today's news as it was two years ago, or a year ago. But, that in no way, diminishes the tremendous, ongoing needs that continue. Staggering needs and challenges continue for residents of the Gulf Coast . Fortunately, great organizations like the ARC and many other organizations that operate under, and have joined with the CFC, are making a huge difference in the lives of Katrina victims, as well as people around the world who are in need. Please support the CFC—not only financially, but with conviction and purpose. We never know when we may be at that point of great need.

So, in the words of the Great Author and Teacher, “Give and it shall be given unto you—a good measure, pressed down and shaken together, will men give unto you.” Thank you and God Bless!

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) and Make-A-Wish Foundation (MWF). By: HMC (FMF) Sharolyn Ziegler

TJ was 2 y/o when Cassidy was born with major respiratory complications. After further testing, it was found she had the genetic disorder (Cystic Fibrosis). Ironically, both parents have to be carriers in order for their offspring to have the disease. Then TJ was tested, the results were positive. The CFF assisted in offsetting the cost of lifetime medication and in the research to prolong their lives. Make-A-Wish took the entire family to Disney World, all expenses paid for Cassidy. And they bought TJ a horse and saddle. The look in Cassidy's eyes when Snow White whispered in her ear that she would always love her is a memory her mother carries with her to this day.

Cassidy died on March 10, 1999, 2 months before her 11th birthday. Because of the great strides made in research, TJ is 22 y/o and going to college in MO. He is thankful to both organizations for what they did for his sister and for the extended life he has led due to CFF research. Their mother wants to thank everyone who donates to these organizations that gave her time and memories of her children she may not have ever had the chance of having.