I lost a dear little friend with a big heart today! Brandon Dillon...the beloved 7-year-old Stuart boy who inspired our community with his courage, his concern for others, and his passion for life...died Wednesday, June 18, 2008, peacefully and victoriously ending his 5-year battle against leukemia. Since age 2, Brandon suffered from acute lympoblastic leukemia, a form or leukemia, or cancer of the white blood cells.
Brandon inspired the founding of Faith for the Miracle, a Christian ministry that serves children with cancer or rare diseases and their families. Tammy Bowman, who founded the ministry with her husband Brad, said Brandon was a most remarkable child. "Brandon was very special to me and he was the first child in our ministry. I love him very much, just as if he was my own. We called him our little preacher boy. He loved the Lord so much," said Mrs. Bowman.
The quality for which I will remember Brandon most is his unselfishness, his concern for other people above himself, and his sensitivity to the needs of others, especially to his mother, Tammy Dillon, and his sisters, Tiffany and Sara, whom he loved so much. Brandon never asked for anything for himself without first asking many times for these things wanted or needed by his mother and sisters. He was one of the most protective children I have ever known. He was also very concerned about the well-being of the other 5 children served so far by Faith for the Miracle, asking Mrs. Bowman several weeks before his death to make sure that the other children served by this non-profit ministry are cared for. "Brandon asked me to make sure that I fought for the other kids and helped them," said Mrs. Bowman.
Thankfully, in the weeks and months before his death, with the support of Faith for the Miracle volunteers and many other caring citizens in the community, Brandon had the opportunity to enjoy many special moments, including catching his first fish (a large trout), becoming an honorary fireman, riding a 4-wheeler for the first time, taking a flight in the Air Care helicopter, enjoying appearances by Disney characters at a party given in his honor, going to Chuckie Cheese, singing his rendition of Alan Jackson's song "Small Town Southern Man" on my radio show, visiting the Richard Childress Racing shop, going swimming, and, most special of all, recently visiting his father whom he had not seen in 5 years. In one of his last outings, Brandon asked his mother about 2 weeks ago to bring him to see me at the radio station. On that memorable day, I introduced Brandon to the WHEO staff, gave him a tour of the radio station, and interviewed him for my show. Everyone on the staff took to him immediately, and Brandon became a part of our radio family.
Brandon's survivors include his mother Tammy Dillon; his father, Jeffery Richards; his stepfather, Benny Carter, his sisters, Tiffany Alice and Sara Ann Dillon; 2 brothers, Chris and Willie Lamb; and his grandparents, Virginia and Roger Dillon and Betty Deal.
On behalf of the family, special thanks are extended to the staff of Hospice of Patrick County for their loving care and compassion. The local Hospice of Patrick County team worked so hard to make sure that Brandon was as comfortable, happy, pain-free, and as well cared for as humanly possible in the last weeks of his life.
Brandon touched many hearts during his brief earthly life, especially mine! During the past several months, I have been blessed with opportunities to celebrate his life, to have him on my radio show, to attend his party, to see his joy and enjoy his company at the American Cancer Society Relay for Life event, and to sit by his bedside and hold his hand as he prepared to join the angels of Heaven. Last Sunday evening, I was sitting there by his bed against a wall completely covered with cards and tokens of love from his many friends and well wishers, and he asked me for a hug. After our friendly embrace, Brandon looked at me and whispered "I love you, Richard." Believe me, the feeling was mutural and that sentiment was shared by countless people in our community and beyond.
Remarkably mature beyond his 7 years, Brandon graced this world for only a short while, but he certainly left an indelible mark upon my heart and the many others who knew and loved him!
No more suffering, no more pain, Brandon has conquered cancer! Jesus welcomed him home today! So long, my friend, Brandon...until we meet again on Heaven's playground!
I love you, Brandon!
Your friend,
Richard
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Sunday, June 8, 2008
A 6-Year-Old Radio Sensation!
Hi :O)! Despite the oppressive heat, I attended various events in the community this past weekend, including yard sales, bake sales, car washes, breakfasts, lunches, and even a late afternoon picnic. Everywhere I go in the community (events, restaurants, grocery stores, on the street, you name it) people tell me how much they enjoy the newest segment of my WHEO morning radio show, Madison's Moments. Heard at about 7:15 weekday mornings Madison's Moments features Madison Stowe, a 6-year-old Trinity Christian School honor student who is enjoying her summer vacation (and eating lots of her favorite foods like strawberries, watermelon, cucumbers, tomatoes, and fresh cherries).
In her little more than one month on the radio, Madison has become a 6-year-old radio sensation! Not a day goes by without someone, usually several people, telling me that Madison's morning radio program puts them in a wonderful frame of mind as they prepare to meet the challenges of the day ahead. Listeners also tell me frequently that Madison is a real blessing and an inspiration to them. I couldn't agree more! Madison is truly a blessing to our county and a real asset to my show and our community-minded radio station. She has a very special child's radio ministry indeed! I am proud to play a small part in it!
Madison is one of the sweetest children you will ever meet! As pretty as a little doll, she is well behaved, very polite, courteous, respectful of others, mature beyond her years, and a delight to work and play with (each time she comes to the radio station to pre-record her programs, we take a little time for some fun and games too). Ask her if she would like to recite one of the many Bible verses that she has memorized at her school, and she will readily share with you her favorites passages from the Word of God, recalling each verse perfectly from memory! In her popular radio feature, Madison's Moments, Madison, whom I have affectionately nicknamed "my little radio buddy," recites a Bible verse and relates the scripture to everyday life, giving listeners a child's perspective on Christian living. It is a wonderful radio ministry and I am proud to have Madison as part of my radio show, which, as most of you know, is a very important part of my life (It certainly consumes a great deal of my time!).
I would like to thank Madison for enhancing my radio program, The Great Day in the Morning Show, and helping my listeners get the day off to a positive start. I hope that she will continue to do her program for many years to come. It will be interesting to listen to her progress and to get her perspective on life as she grows older. I would also like to personally thank Madison's mother, Shannon Stowe, for bringing Madison to the radio station for our weekly recording sessions and for working with Madison so patiently and helping her to select the material that goes into her show (often while multi-tasking, tending to Madison's 2-year-old sister Kaitlyn at the same time). Madison's father is Jeryl Stowe of Stuart. She is the granddaughter of Jimmy and Othelia Stowe of Stuart and Diana Overby of Lawsonville, NC, and the late Ronnie Overby (who, I am sure, is listening in and watching over her from Heaven). God bless Madison and her family!
By the way, congratulations to Madison, a member of Brownie Troop 1215, who was recently honored for being the number one sales person in Girl Scout cookie sales this year. Madison sold a remarkable 1,257 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies, by far the most of any girl in the county. The next highest person sold 393 boxes. I must admit that I consumed a few boxes in support of Madison's efforts myself. Keep up the great work Madison...in school, as a Brownie, in everything you do, and on the radio as "my little radio buddy"!
Madison is part of what I consider to be the most inspirational 15 minutes in radio. Also during the 7:15 to 7:30 a.m. Monday through Friday quarter hour, Bev "Heartwarmer" Larson's program and Rev. Jim Chruchwell's Good Morning Devotions are also aired. I have also heard many praises (and commented about it many times) of these two much longer running segments of my show, Bev's Heartwarmer feature and Rev. Jim's touching commentary on the Word of God. I am so blessed, honored, and proud to have Madison, Bev, and Rev. Jim for my "Quarter Hour of Inspiration" each weekday morning. Check it out, Monday through Friday from 7:15 to 7:30, and be blessed!
Until next time, I leave you with my love :O) and a prayer that God will bless you with a "great day"!
Richard
In her little more than one month on the radio, Madison has become a 6-year-old radio sensation! Not a day goes by without someone, usually several people, telling me that Madison's morning radio program puts them in a wonderful frame of mind as they prepare to meet the challenges of the day ahead. Listeners also tell me frequently that Madison is a real blessing and an inspiration to them. I couldn't agree more! Madison is truly a blessing to our county and a real asset to my show and our community-minded radio station. She has a very special child's radio ministry indeed! I am proud to play a small part in it!
Madison is one of the sweetest children you will ever meet! As pretty as a little doll, she is well behaved, very polite, courteous, respectful of others, mature beyond her years, and a delight to work and play with (each time she comes to the radio station to pre-record her programs, we take a little time for some fun and games too). Ask her if she would like to recite one of the many Bible verses that she has memorized at her school, and she will readily share with you her favorites passages from the Word of God, recalling each verse perfectly from memory! In her popular radio feature, Madison's Moments, Madison, whom I have affectionately nicknamed "my little radio buddy," recites a Bible verse and relates the scripture to everyday life, giving listeners a child's perspective on Christian living. It is a wonderful radio ministry and I am proud to have Madison as part of my radio show, which, as most of you know, is a very important part of my life (It certainly consumes a great deal of my time!).
I would like to thank Madison for enhancing my radio program, The Great Day in the Morning Show, and helping my listeners get the day off to a positive start. I hope that she will continue to do her program for many years to come. It will be interesting to listen to her progress and to get her perspective on life as she grows older. I would also like to personally thank Madison's mother, Shannon Stowe, for bringing Madison to the radio station for our weekly recording sessions and for working with Madison so patiently and helping her to select the material that goes into her show (often while multi-tasking, tending to Madison's 2-year-old sister Kaitlyn at the same time). Madison's father is Jeryl Stowe of Stuart. She is the granddaughter of Jimmy and Othelia Stowe of Stuart and Diana Overby of Lawsonville, NC, and the late Ronnie Overby (who, I am sure, is listening in and watching over her from Heaven). God bless Madison and her family!
By the way, congratulations to Madison, a member of Brownie Troop 1215, who was recently honored for being the number one sales person in Girl Scout cookie sales this year. Madison sold a remarkable 1,257 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies, by far the most of any girl in the county. The next highest person sold 393 boxes. I must admit that I consumed a few boxes in support of Madison's efforts myself. Keep up the great work Madison...in school, as a Brownie, in everything you do, and on the radio as "my little radio buddy"!
Madison is part of what I consider to be the most inspirational 15 minutes in radio. Also during the 7:15 to 7:30 a.m. Monday through Friday quarter hour, Bev "Heartwarmer" Larson's program and Rev. Jim Chruchwell's Good Morning Devotions are also aired. I have also heard many praises (and commented about it many times) of these two much longer running segments of my show, Bev's Heartwarmer feature and Rev. Jim's touching commentary on the Word of God. I am so blessed, honored, and proud to have Madison, Bev, and Rev. Jim for my "Quarter Hour of Inspiration" each weekday morning. Check it out, Monday through Friday from 7:15 to 7:30, and be blessed!
Until next time, I leave you with my love :O) and a prayer that God will bless you with a "great day"!
Richard
Saturday, May 31, 2008
"Faith for the Miracle" Child Passes Away
Thomas Smith's journey here on Earth lasted a little less than a year, but the Patrick County infant touched countless hearts along his short path of life, leaving a lasting mark on the lives of many people who knew and loved him. Born with a rare disease that he fought courageously throughout his abbreviated life, Thomas died Friday at Brenner's Children's Hospital in Winston-Salem, just one day shy of his first birthday.
Infant Thomas Smith was the son of Anthony Smith and Dawn Barnard of Meadows of Dan. His grandparents are Leslie and Laura Barnard and Gloria Smith and King David Smith. Baby Thomas would have been one year old Saturday, May 31st.
Thomas was born with Hirschsprungs Disease, a rare disorder of the digestive system. During his short life, he underwent multiple surgeries and was to have a small bowel transplant in Cincinnati, OH, when he was a little older. God, however, had an immediate need for Thomas in Heaven and called him home the day before he would have been one year old.
Thomas was one of the first three children served by the humanitarian organization "Faith for the Miracle," a non-profit Christian ministry that provides support to children in our community with cancer or rare diseases. Tammy Bowman, founder of the organization, recalled on the anniversary his birth, "he was always 'baby Thomas', the youngest child in our ministry."
Noting that she never saw Thomas "fuss or cry", Mrs. Bowman said, "he was so full of joy." "When he smiled you immediately fell in love with him." Mrs. Bowman added, "he was such a little flirt. He would lay his head sideways and smile at you with that shy little look. He just got you. He sucked you right in," added Mrs. Bowman. When she thinks of Thomas and the other children served by her ministry, Mrs. Bowman said she thinks of "butterflies." Like butterflies, "they're beautiful, radiant, and colorful. They're free" and can't be bound to earth, she concluded. The beautiful baby butterfly that was Thomas Smith is now soaring in the Heavenly realm.
The funeral of infant Thomas Smith will be conducted Tuesday, June 3rd, at 12 noon at Cox-Needham Funeral Home in Pilot Mountain, NC. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday night from 7:00 to 9:00. Please ask God to comfort and strengthen Thomas' loving family.
You prayers are also requested for the child who inspired Tammy and her husband Brad Bowman to found "Faith for the Miracle," Brandon Dillon, the 7-year-old boy who has served as a great example of courage and determination during his valiant fight against leukemia. Brandon, who was the first child served by "Faith for the Miracle", is now under the care of Hospice of Patrick County as he fights for his life. His disease has spread to the point that the doctors determined that a planned bone marrow transplant is no longer an option in prolonging his life.
Brandon is in much pain as his caregivers try to keep him as comfortable as possible while helping him to do live out some of his lifelong dreams. On Saturday, Brandon was driven to Mecklenberg, VA, to see someone special that he had asked to meet. Recently, Brandon toured the skies over Mt. Airy, NC, in the Air Care helicopter and had a wonderful day as the special guest of members of Surry County area firefighting units. Brandon was delighted to catch a huge fish during a recent fishing trip. Much to my honor, Thomas sang Alan Jackson's "Small Town Southern Man" (accompanied by Sue Nester on guitar) during an unexpected but much welcomed visit to WHEO's "Community Conversation" recently. I will always remember that he sat in my lap in front of the control room microphone that wonderful day.
For more information on "Faith for the Miracle" or to become a volunteer of this child's Christian ministry, call Tammy Bowman at 276-694-3886.
Obviously, these children (and a third "Faith for the Miracle" child Samantha Mota) have deeply touched my heart. I have been blessed to know and love them. Please pray for Brandon and Samantha and their families. In their time of bereavement, please be expecially prayerful for the family of infant Thomas Smith, God rest his precious little soul.
Keep the faith for God's miracles.
Hope and Love :O),
Richard
Infant Thomas Smith was the son of Anthony Smith and Dawn Barnard of Meadows of Dan. His grandparents are Leslie and Laura Barnard and Gloria Smith and King David Smith. Baby Thomas would have been one year old Saturday, May 31st.
Thomas was born with Hirschsprungs Disease, a rare disorder of the digestive system. During his short life, he underwent multiple surgeries and was to have a small bowel transplant in Cincinnati, OH, when he was a little older. God, however, had an immediate need for Thomas in Heaven and called him home the day before he would have been one year old.
Thomas was one of the first three children served by the humanitarian organization "Faith for the Miracle," a non-profit Christian ministry that provides support to children in our community with cancer or rare diseases. Tammy Bowman, founder of the organization, recalled on the anniversary his birth, "he was always 'baby Thomas', the youngest child in our ministry."
Noting that she never saw Thomas "fuss or cry", Mrs. Bowman said, "he was so full of joy." "When he smiled you immediately fell in love with him." Mrs. Bowman added, "he was such a little flirt. He would lay his head sideways and smile at you with that shy little look. He just got you. He sucked you right in," added Mrs. Bowman. When she thinks of Thomas and the other children served by her ministry, Mrs. Bowman said she thinks of "butterflies." Like butterflies, "they're beautiful, radiant, and colorful. They're free" and can't be bound to earth, she concluded. The beautiful baby butterfly that was Thomas Smith is now soaring in the Heavenly realm.
The funeral of infant Thomas Smith will be conducted Tuesday, June 3rd, at 12 noon at Cox-Needham Funeral Home in Pilot Mountain, NC. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Monday night from 7:00 to 9:00. Please ask God to comfort and strengthen Thomas' loving family.
You prayers are also requested for the child who inspired Tammy and her husband Brad Bowman to found "Faith for the Miracle," Brandon Dillon, the 7-year-old boy who has served as a great example of courage and determination during his valiant fight against leukemia. Brandon, who was the first child served by "Faith for the Miracle", is now under the care of Hospice of Patrick County as he fights for his life. His disease has spread to the point that the doctors determined that a planned bone marrow transplant is no longer an option in prolonging his life.
Brandon is in much pain as his caregivers try to keep him as comfortable as possible while helping him to do live out some of his lifelong dreams. On Saturday, Brandon was driven to Mecklenberg, VA, to see someone special that he had asked to meet. Recently, Brandon toured the skies over Mt. Airy, NC, in the Air Care helicopter and had a wonderful day as the special guest of members of Surry County area firefighting units. Brandon was delighted to catch a huge fish during a recent fishing trip. Much to my honor, Thomas sang Alan Jackson's "Small Town Southern Man" (accompanied by Sue Nester on guitar) during an unexpected but much welcomed visit to WHEO's "Community Conversation" recently. I will always remember that he sat in my lap in front of the control room microphone that wonderful day.
For more information on "Faith for the Miracle" or to become a volunteer of this child's Christian ministry, call Tammy Bowman at 276-694-3886.
Obviously, these children (and a third "Faith for the Miracle" child Samantha Mota) have deeply touched my heart. I have been blessed to know and love them. Please pray for Brandon and Samantha and their families. In their time of bereavement, please be expecially prayerful for the family of infant Thomas Smith, God rest his precious little soul.
Keep the faith for God's miracles.
Hope and Love :O),
Richard
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Memorial Day, A Time to Remember
It is time to honor the memory of the millions of brave Americans who made the ultimate sacrifice to secure and protect the freedoms that we enjoy and sometimes take for granted. Those liberties that are the hallmark of our great country were won more than two-and-a-quarter centuries ago and have since been defended against many foes because courageous men and women were willing to give their lives for the country that they loved. "Freedom is not free," my friend and Patrick Country veteran Bob Knight has often said. It is indeed obtained at great cost.
This Memorial Day, let's reverently commemorate those American men and women who have perished in military service to our country. Let's also be grateful to live in a country built on Godly ideals that are worth dying for. Although many times I am frustrated by the leadership of this country and the partisan politics that sometimes, it seems to me, hinders politicians from acting in the best interest of all Americans, I am proud of the United States of America and thankful to be an American citizen.
It is important that we all honor our fallen heroes and pledge, in whatever ways possible, to serve our country and make this land that they were willing to die for a better place to live! That way their sacrifices will never have been in vain. We are losing our military veterans at a rapid rate. An average of 1,800 veterans die each day, and 10% are buried in the country's 125 national cemeteries, which are expected to set a record with 107,000 interments, including dependents, this year. An estimated 686,000 veterans died in 2007, according to USA Today. While many World War II veterans are dying, so are an increasing number of Korean and Vietnam veterans.
Whether you attend a Memorial Day service or just pause in silent tribute to our nation's deceased soldiers, always remember their sacrifices and seek to honor their memory in every way possible. As we reflect upon the true meaning of Memorial Day, it is also fitting to lift up those who are defending our country on world battlefields today. God bless our American soldiers and the U.S.A! May it always be a country that can truly say, "In God We Trust!"
Patriotically yours,
Richard
This Memorial Day, let's reverently commemorate those American men and women who have perished in military service to our country. Let's also be grateful to live in a country built on Godly ideals that are worth dying for. Although many times I am frustrated by the leadership of this country and the partisan politics that sometimes, it seems to me, hinders politicians from acting in the best interest of all Americans, I am proud of the United States of America and thankful to be an American citizen.
It is important that we all honor our fallen heroes and pledge, in whatever ways possible, to serve our country and make this land that they were willing to die for a better place to live! That way their sacrifices will never have been in vain. We are losing our military veterans at a rapid rate. An average of 1,800 veterans die each day, and 10% are buried in the country's 125 national cemeteries, which are expected to set a record with 107,000 interments, including dependents, this year. An estimated 686,000 veterans died in 2007, according to USA Today. While many World War II veterans are dying, so are an increasing number of Korean and Vietnam veterans.
Whether you attend a Memorial Day service or just pause in silent tribute to our nation's deceased soldiers, always remember their sacrifices and seek to honor their memory in every way possible. As we reflect upon the true meaning of Memorial Day, it is also fitting to lift up those who are defending our country on world battlefields today. God bless our American soldiers and the U.S.A! May it always be a country that can truly say, "In God We Trust!"
Patriotically yours,
Richard
Sunday, May 18, 2008
A Record Relay!
Exhausted volunteers concluded the most successful Relay for Life fund-raising campaign in Patrick County's history late Saturday night with renewed "HOPE" for a cancer-free tomorrow, having raised approximately $75,000 to fight the devastating disease. That total topped last year's record of $62,000 and exceeded this year's $52,000 goal by about $23,000. (Relay team volunteers will add to the $75,000 total Saturday night, May 24th when they provide the concessions for the Patrick County Music Association Jamboree at Rotary Field in Stuart.)
"It was a phenomenal event," said LaVergne Collins, co-chairperson of the Patrick County Relay for Life Committee. She and fellow co-chair Betty Conner, local Relay Committee Treasurer June Gunter, and other volunteers stayed at the Patrick County Community Center at DeHart Park well past midnight into the wee hours Sunday morning counting money raised during the event and the radio-thon, and throughout the 4-month campaign.
Robin Minter, American Cancer Society Relay for Life Community Manager for Patrick County, said 36 teams comprised of about 500 members worked together beautifully in raising a record amount of funds for this cause locally. The money will help to fund the continuing efforts of Nobel Prize-winning researchers to find a cure for cancer and to provide provide programs and services to cancer patients and their caregivers in our community.
Minter was also elated over the large turnout of citizens for Saturday's Relay for Life family outing. The largest crowd ever to attend the event brought DeHart Park to a bustling frenzy of activity that included games and activities for the children, contests to promote cancer awareness and prevention, live entertainment, delicious food, and the close fellowship for which Patrick County has long been noted. Highlights included the opening Survivor's Walk honoring hundreds of cancer survivors in our community, the Womanless Beauty Pageant (won by Bobby Alley who portrayed the lusty "Bubblicious"), the Race for a Cure event featuring race cars constructed from cardboard and serviced by pit crews in an event to promote American Cancer Society's patient transportation services, the live music by local entertainers, and the touching luminary ceremony that focused on the word "HOPE" that was spelled out in lights on the hill overlooking DeHart Park with luminaria purchased by citizens in honor and memory of loved ones.
I commend the many survivors and caregivers who were honored during the event. I would also like to personally thank cancer survivor Mr. Don Sall, who was my special guest at the Relay event. It was an honor for me to bring Mr. Sall to DeHart Park from the Blue Ridge Nursing Center where he is undergoing rehabilitation following the removal of a hip and leg because of bone cancer, allowing him to participate in the survivor's walk from his wheelchair. Thanks too to Clyde Crissman, William Hines, and others who assisted me in taking care of Mr. Sall during his stay at the event and transporting him back to the nursing center.
The $75,000 countywide Relay for Life total includes the sum of more than $13,200 pledged and donated during WHEO's second annual "12 Hours for a Cure II" radio-thon broadcast Friday, May 16th from sunrise to sunset. More than half of the $13,200 plus has already been collected. I would like to urge that WHEO listeners who have not yet turned in the money contributed during Friday's broadcast to quickly honor your pledges so that all of the radio-thon money can be turned in to the American Cancer Society and and put to work in the fight against cancer immediately. The radio-thon total of $13,200 represents close to 10% of the $75,000 raised so far. Checks should be made payable to the American Cancer Society and mailed to WHEO, c/o Relay for Life, 3824 Wayside Rd., Stuart, VA 24171.
The "12 Hours for a Cure II" radio-thon was presented by the WHEO Relay for Life team, the Kilowatts for a Cure in Memory of Sandra Merritt Rogers. An avid Relay for Life supporter as principal of Woolwine Elementary School, my wife Sandra died of cancer in July 2006. Thanks to my co-workers and WHEO teammates for a phenomenal job in running a smooth radio-thon and open house. I know that Sandra was smiling upon our efforts from her Heavenly home.
I would like to personally thank every citizen, business, and community organization that supported our radio-thon through your donations to Relay for Life, prayers, volunteer assistance, donations of food for the radio-thon, and other assistance especially the hard work of Kevin and Paula Polachek who solicited donations and prepared the food served to our hungry guests. The "12 Hours for a Cure II" radio-thon and the WHEO open house accompanying the broadcast drew a massive radio audience and a large crowd of citizens to the radio station for a day of fun, food, fellowship, live entertainment, and the satisfaction of knowing that we were making a difference in the fight against cancer in our community.
Special thanks goes to the appoximately 50 talented local musicians who donated their time and talents to make the radio-thon successful, the many citizens who volunteered their services and assistance in conducting the radio-thon, and especially to the many people who donated the more than $13,200 that far exceeded our expectations given the poor economy, rising prices, and a forthcoming county tax increase. Although I greatly despise buttermilk, I agreed to drink a few sips on the air when we reached and ultimately exceeded our $12,500 goal Friday evening. The temporary bad taste that the buttermilk left in my mouth (along with the desperate frown upon my face) was more than relieved by knowing that it was all for a great cause and part of our community wide efforts to achieve VICTORY in the war on cancer!
The record-setting 2008 Relay for Life campaign in Patrick County was truly a community effort and a perfect example of the amazing feats that we can accomplish when we work together following God's direction. That is a hallmark of our community! You are amazing Patrick County! I sincerely thank each of my fellow Patrick Countians for your support or this worthwhile cause and ask God to bless you richly for your sacrifices!
You have my prayers and...
My love :O),
Richard
"It was a phenomenal event," said LaVergne Collins, co-chairperson of the Patrick County Relay for Life Committee. She and fellow co-chair Betty Conner, local Relay Committee Treasurer June Gunter, and other volunteers stayed at the Patrick County Community Center at DeHart Park well past midnight into the wee hours Sunday morning counting money raised during the event and the radio-thon, and throughout the 4-month campaign.
Robin Minter, American Cancer Society Relay for Life Community Manager for Patrick County, said 36 teams comprised of about 500 members worked together beautifully in raising a record amount of funds for this cause locally. The money will help to fund the continuing efforts of Nobel Prize-winning researchers to find a cure for cancer and to provide provide programs and services to cancer patients and their caregivers in our community.
Minter was also elated over the large turnout of citizens for Saturday's Relay for Life family outing. The largest crowd ever to attend the event brought DeHart Park to a bustling frenzy of activity that included games and activities for the children, contests to promote cancer awareness and prevention, live entertainment, delicious food, and the close fellowship for which Patrick County has long been noted. Highlights included the opening Survivor's Walk honoring hundreds of cancer survivors in our community, the Womanless Beauty Pageant (won by Bobby Alley who portrayed the lusty "Bubblicious"), the Race for a Cure event featuring race cars constructed from cardboard and serviced by pit crews in an event to promote American Cancer Society's patient transportation services, the live music by local entertainers, and the touching luminary ceremony that focused on the word "HOPE" that was spelled out in lights on the hill overlooking DeHart Park with luminaria purchased by citizens in honor and memory of loved ones.
I commend the many survivors and caregivers who were honored during the event. I would also like to personally thank cancer survivor Mr. Don Sall, who was my special guest at the Relay event. It was an honor for me to bring Mr. Sall to DeHart Park from the Blue Ridge Nursing Center where he is undergoing rehabilitation following the removal of a hip and leg because of bone cancer, allowing him to participate in the survivor's walk from his wheelchair. Thanks too to Clyde Crissman, William Hines, and others who assisted me in taking care of Mr. Sall during his stay at the event and transporting him back to the nursing center.
The $75,000 countywide Relay for Life total includes the sum of more than $13,200 pledged and donated during WHEO's second annual "12 Hours for a Cure II" radio-thon broadcast Friday, May 16th from sunrise to sunset. More than half of the $13,200 plus has already been collected. I would like to urge that WHEO listeners who have not yet turned in the money contributed during Friday's broadcast to quickly honor your pledges so that all of the radio-thon money can be turned in to the American Cancer Society and and put to work in the fight against cancer immediately. The radio-thon total of $13,200 represents close to 10% of the $75,000 raised so far. Checks should be made payable to the American Cancer Society and mailed to WHEO, c/o Relay for Life, 3824 Wayside Rd., Stuart, VA 24171.
The "12 Hours for a Cure II" radio-thon was presented by the WHEO Relay for Life team, the Kilowatts for a Cure in Memory of Sandra Merritt Rogers. An avid Relay for Life supporter as principal of Woolwine Elementary School, my wife Sandra died of cancer in July 2006. Thanks to my co-workers and WHEO teammates for a phenomenal job in running a smooth radio-thon and open house. I know that Sandra was smiling upon our efforts from her Heavenly home.
I would like to personally thank every citizen, business, and community organization that supported our radio-thon through your donations to Relay for Life, prayers, volunteer assistance, donations of food for the radio-thon, and other assistance especially the hard work of Kevin and Paula Polachek who solicited donations and prepared the food served to our hungry guests. The "12 Hours for a Cure II" radio-thon and the WHEO open house accompanying the broadcast drew a massive radio audience and a large crowd of citizens to the radio station for a day of fun, food, fellowship, live entertainment, and the satisfaction of knowing that we were making a difference in the fight against cancer in our community.
Special thanks goes to the appoximately 50 talented local musicians who donated their time and talents to make the radio-thon successful, the many citizens who volunteered their services and assistance in conducting the radio-thon, and especially to the many people who donated the more than $13,200 that far exceeded our expectations given the poor economy, rising prices, and a forthcoming county tax increase. Although I greatly despise buttermilk, I agreed to drink a few sips on the air when we reached and ultimately exceeded our $12,500 goal Friday evening. The temporary bad taste that the buttermilk left in my mouth (along with the desperate frown upon my face) was more than relieved by knowing that it was all for a great cause and part of our community wide efforts to achieve VICTORY in the war on cancer!
The record-setting 2008 Relay for Life campaign in Patrick County was truly a community effort and a perfect example of the amazing feats that we can accomplish when we work together following God's direction. That is a hallmark of our community! You are amazing Patrick County! I sincerely thank each of my fellow Patrick Countians for your support or this worthwhile cause and ask God to bless you richly for your sacrifices!
You have my prayers and...
My love :O),
Richard
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Relayers Ready for Radio Marathon
After several months of preparations, plans are in place for "12 Hours for a Cure II," the annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life radio-thon which will be broadcast Friday, May 16th from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on 1270 AM-WHEO, "the Heart of Patrick County." I encourage everyone in the our community and surrounding areas to tune in, call in, and drop for a visit during this radio marathon.
On the day of the radio-thon, WHEO will suspend all normal office and radio programming operations to focus on raising funds to help fight cancer in our community. All proceeds will go to Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society's signature fund-raising event, to help fund research for a cure and advances in cancer drugs and treatment, to provide programs and services for cancer patients and caregivers in our community, and to provide programs to educate the public about cancer and the importance of early detection and prevention.
During the 12-hour broadcast from sunrise to sunset, live entertainment by local singers and musicians will be aired. Interwoven with the live local music will be interviews with cancer survivors who serve as an inspiration to other citizens of our community and with local and regional Relay for Life officials.
Last year's inaugural "12 Hours for a Cure" was one of the most successful single-day fund-raising broadcasts in the almost 50 year history of WHEO radio, which over the years has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for organizations such as the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the United Fund of Patrick County, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, and countless other worthy causes. Last year's radio-thon raised approximately $17,400 for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. This year...despite rising prices and an economy that is showing signs of recession...we are asking the generous citizens of our community to step forward and join the hundreds of Relay for Life volunteers in our community as warriors in the fight against cancer. Please pray for our fund-raising efforts and to give as generously as you feel led to do so. Just remember that everyone is affected by cancer either directly as victims or as loved ones, friends, and neighbors of the many people who are battling cancer. Each dollar donated will represent a step forward in eliminating the deadly scourge that is cancer! In order to make a tax-deductible donation, please call WHEO this Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 694-3114 or 694-3388. May God bless you for your generosity.
I would like to thank the following singers and musicians for donating their time and talents in an effort to support our cause and to make the radio-thon successful. Sincere words of appreciation go to these scheduled live radio performers during the radio-thon: Vernon Harris, the Spirit Seekers, Denny Archer, Bill Banks, Darrell McCumbers, Marcie Horne, Sue Nester, Cecil Hall, Don Smith, the Glory Road Singers, One Accord, Debbie Bennett, DorNel Pratt, Tommy Nichols, Bluegrass Strings of Faith (Waitman Wade's group), Kelly and Ruth Ratcliff and the Singing Directors, Jason Harris, Barry Collins, Charles Bowman, the Shelton Brothers, Lloyd Burge, the Over the Hill Gang (Clarence and Marion Hall, Junior Cassady, J.A. Midkiff, and others), Tina, Herbert, & Catherine Conner, the Wayside Travelers, Denny Alley, Tommy Morse, Amy Fain, Johnny Joyce, Doug Joyce, and others. This is a tentative line-up that is subject to change.
I will also interview, among others, these cancer survivors in our community: Shirley Gough, Larry Brannon, Shelby Turner, Bev and Chuck Larson, Louise Harris, Sue Fulcher, Vernon Harris, Sandra Health, Joni Hunt, Vernon Harris, Garland Cockram, Cecil Hall, and others.
I would also like to personally thank these citizens who have volunteered to work during the radio-thon as telephone operators, food service personnel, parking/shuttle service attendants, safety personnel, or other duties: Madison Stowe, Rev. Jim Churchwell, Kevin and Paula Polachek, American Cancer Society Community Manager Robin Minter, Paul Farrar, Kathy Adams, Bev and Chuck Larson, Linda Harris, Larry Brannon, Brenda Simms, Betty Conner, Kathy Conner, Donna Joyce, Betsy Wilds, Margaret Vernon, Lavergne and Jesse Collins, and others. If you too would like to get involved, please call me at 694-3388 as soon as possible.
Also invited to attend open house at the WHEO studios are all of the citizens of Patrick County and the Town of Stuart, town and county elected public officials, government, civic, and community leaders, pastors, tourists, and EVERYONE in the community. Come one, come all and support Patrick County's fight against cancer! In order to alleviate parking congestion and promote public safety, visitors (except musicians and radio-thon performers) are asked to park at nearby Wayside Community Church and take the shuttle vehicle to and from the radio station. Parking attendants will be on duty at the radio station to assist.
In conjunction with the 12-hour radio-thon, WHEO will hold OPEN HOUSE this Friday, May 16th throughout the day. Everyone in the community is invited to visit our studios at 3824 Wayside Rd., Stuart, to support our efforts with your presence. Those attending open house will be treated to free food, including sausage biscuits and other breakfast foods, 'hot off the grill' hotdogs, maccaroni salad, potato salad, cole slaw, Paul Farrar's homemade chili, pinto beans, cornbread, a Subway platter, homemade desserts, drinks, water, and coffee, and much more. During the broadcast, we will recognize businesses and individuals who have contributed to the feast that we will serve during open house.
Last year's radio-thon became a spellbinding broadcast that kept thousands of listeners glued to the radio throughout the daylong broadcast and brought out a large crowd to the WHEO open house. This year, we are anticipating an even greater public response to our call for help in the fight against cancer! Won't you join us and assist in this worthy cause. Please tune in, call in, and drop in this Friday, May 16, as WHEO's Relay for Life team, the Kilowatts for a Cure in memory of Sandra Merritt Rogers presents "12 Hours for a Cure II." Again, I ask that you please pray for the event and support it as you are able and directed by God. Help Relay for Life volunteers in our community to "Celebrate, Remember, and Fight Back"....celebrate the victory over cancer by the cancer survivors of our community, remember those who have died of cancer, and fight back for the multitude of people in our community to are now battlling cancer. There is too much at stake not to get involved in the search for a cancer free tomorrow! I know that the people of Patrick County...who are undoubtedly the most generous and caring people on Earth...will not let us down! Thank you Patrick County in advance for your overwhelming support!
May God bless us with a "great day" on Friday, May 16th!
Love :O)
Richard
On the day of the radio-thon, WHEO will suspend all normal office and radio programming operations to focus on raising funds to help fight cancer in our community. All proceeds will go to Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society's signature fund-raising event, to help fund research for a cure and advances in cancer drugs and treatment, to provide programs and services for cancer patients and caregivers in our community, and to provide programs to educate the public about cancer and the importance of early detection and prevention.
During the 12-hour broadcast from sunrise to sunset, live entertainment by local singers and musicians will be aired. Interwoven with the live local music will be interviews with cancer survivors who serve as an inspiration to other citizens of our community and with local and regional Relay for Life officials.
Last year's inaugural "12 Hours for a Cure" was one of the most successful single-day fund-raising broadcasts in the almost 50 year history of WHEO radio, which over the years has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for organizations such as the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the United Fund of Patrick County, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, and countless other worthy causes. Last year's radio-thon raised approximately $17,400 for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. This year...despite rising prices and an economy that is showing signs of recession...we are asking the generous citizens of our community to step forward and join the hundreds of Relay for Life volunteers in our community as warriors in the fight against cancer. Please pray for our fund-raising efforts and to give as generously as you feel led to do so. Just remember that everyone is affected by cancer either directly as victims or as loved ones, friends, and neighbors of the many people who are battling cancer. Each dollar donated will represent a step forward in eliminating the deadly scourge that is cancer! In order to make a tax-deductible donation, please call WHEO this Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 694-3114 or 694-3388. May God bless you for your generosity.
I would like to thank the following singers and musicians for donating their time and talents in an effort to support our cause and to make the radio-thon successful. Sincere words of appreciation go to these scheduled live radio performers during the radio-thon: Vernon Harris, the Spirit Seekers, Denny Archer, Bill Banks, Darrell McCumbers, Marcie Horne, Sue Nester, Cecil Hall, Don Smith, the Glory Road Singers, One Accord, Debbie Bennett, DorNel Pratt, Tommy Nichols, Bluegrass Strings of Faith (Waitman Wade's group), Kelly and Ruth Ratcliff and the Singing Directors, Jason Harris, Barry Collins, Charles Bowman, the Shelton Brothers, Lloyd Burge, the Over the Hill Gang (Clarence and Marion Hall, Junior Cassady, J.A. Midkiff, and others), Tina, Herbert, & Catherine Conner, the Wayside Travelers, Denny Alley, Tommy Morse, Amy Fain, Johnny Joyce, Doug Joyce, and others. This is a tentative line-up that is subject to change.
I will also interview, among others, these cancer survivors in our community: Shirley Gough, Larry Brannon, Shelby Turner, Bev and Chuck Larson, Louise Harris, Sue Fulcher, Vernon Harris, Sandra Health, Joni Hunt, Vernon Harris, Garland Cockram, Cecil Hall, and others.
I would also like to personally thank these citizens who have volunteered to work during the radio-thon as telephone operators, food service personnel, parking/shuttle service attendants, safety personnel, or other duties: Madison Stowe, Rev. Jim Churchwell, Kevin and Paula Polachek, American Cancer Society Community Manager Robin Minter, Paul Farrar, Kathy Adams, Bev and Chuck Larson, Linda Harris, Larry Brannon, Brenda Simms, Betty Conner, Kathy Conner, Donna Joyce, Betsy Wilds, Margaret Vernon, Lavergne and Jesse Collins, and others. If you too would like to get involved, please call me at 694-3388 as soon as possible.
Also invited to attend open house at the WHEO studios are all of the citizens of Patrick County and the Town of Stuart, town and county elected public officials, government, civic, and community leaders, pastors, tourists, and EVERYONE in the community. Come one, come all and support Patrick County's fight against cancer! In order to alleviate parking congestion and promote public safety, visitors (except musicians and radio-thon performers) are asked to park at nearby Wayside Community Church and take the shuttle vehicle to and from the radio station. Parking attendants will be on duty at the radio station to assist.
In conjunction with the 12-hour radio-thon, WHEO will hold OPEN HOUSE this Friday, May 16th throughout the day. Everyone in the community is invited to visit our studios at 3824 Wayside Rd., Stuart, to support our efforts with your presence. Those attending open house will be treated to free food, including sausage biscuits and other breakfast foods, 'hot off the grill' hotdogs, maccaroni salad, potato salad, cole slaw, Paul Farrar's homemade chili, pinto beans, cornbread, a Subway platter, homemade desserts, drinks, water, and coffee, and much more. During the broadcast, we will recognize businesses and individuals who have contributed to the feast that we will serve during open house.
Last year's radio-thon became a spellbinding broadcast that kept thousands of listeners glued to the radio throughout the daylong broadcast and brought out a large crowd to the WHEO open house. This year, we are anticipating an even greater public response to our call for help in the fight against cancer! Won't you join us and assist in this worthy cause. Please tune in, call in, and drop in this Friday, May 16, as WHEO's Relay for Life team, the Kilowatts for a Cure in memory of Sandra Merritt Rogers presents "12 Hours for a Cure II." Again, I ask that you please pray for the event and support it as you are able and directed by God. Help Relay for Life volunteers in our community to "Celebrate, Remember, and Fight Back"....celebrate the victory over cancer by the cancer survivors of our community, remember those who have died of cancer, and fight back for the multitude of people in our community to are now battlling cancer. There is too much at stake not to get involved in the search for a cancer free tomorrow! I know that the people of Patrick County...who are undoubtedly the most generous and caring people on Earth...will not let us down! Thank you Patrick County in advance for your overwhelming support!
May God bless us with a "great day" on Friday, May 16th!
Love :O)
Richard
Friday, May 2, 2008
Prayers Answered!
Thanks for your prayers this week for my mother, Mrs. Willie Mae Ray, who returned home Friday, May 2nd, after undergoing successful knee replacement surgery 3 days earlier at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem. "It's good to be home," she said relaxing in her favorite recliner in the living room of her home located south of Stuart near the Virginia-North Carolina state line. On behalf of our family, I can tell you that it is great to have her home!
The surgery to replace her right knee went remarkably well, and, despite the intense pain associated with this procedure, she has been praised by her therapists for responding so well to her intensive therapy sessions. Mom is proud of the certificate of commendation she earned for her outstanding performance during the twice per day therapy sessions at the hospital. She will now continue to receive in-home therapy by home health professionals as she continues the arduous rehabilitation process. Her recovery will take about three months.
Our family members are pulling together to care for mom during her recovery period at home. I would like to thank my sisters Beverly, Kathy, and Judy for all that they are doing for her and my stepfather, Spot Ray. I am trying to do what I can as well. Thanks to the many citizens of our community who are praying for my mom's complete recovery. Your prayers are being answered!
My mother has been expecially blessed to have a wonderful doctor that conducted the surgery and a competent medical team that has provided excellent medical care. She praised her doctor, noting that he prayed with her before the surgery and told her upon her departure from the hospital, "God bless you." That sort of open Christian witness is hard to find in this age of political correctness and declining moral values, it seems to me. I commend Dr. David Pollock, my mother's surgeon, for reflecting his Christian faith in his professional as well as his personal life. We can all learn a valuable lesson from Dr. Pollock's example. After all, simply put, our mission as Christians is to seize every opportunity to practice discipleship. Despite our humanly shortcomings, we should all strive to witness for Jesus in all areas of our lives, including the workplace.
If you would like to send my mom a get well card, the address is: Willie Mae Ray, 603 Salem Highway, Stuart, VA 24171. Thanks again for your prayers. Welcome home, mom!
Until next time, may God bless you with a "great" day!
Love always :O),
Richard
The surgery to replace her right knee went remarkably well, and, despite the intense pain associated with this procedure, she has been praised by her therapists for responding so well to her intensive therapy sessions. Mom is proud of the certificate of commendation she earned for her outstanding performance during the twice per day therapy sessions at the hospital. She will now continue to receive in-home therapy by home health professionals as she continues the arduous rehabilitation process. Her recovery will take about three months.
Our family members are pulling together to care for mom during her recovery period at home. I would like to thank my sisters Beverly, Kathy, and Judy for all that they are doing for her and my stepfather, Spot Ray. I am trying to do what I can as well. Thanks to the many citizens of our community who are praying for my mom's complete recovery. Your prayers are being answered!
My mother has been expecially blessed to have a wonderful doctor that conducted the surgery and a competent medical team that has provided excellent medical care. She praised her doctor, noting that he prayed with her before the surgery and told her upon her departure from the hospital, "God bless you." That sort of open Christian witness is hard to find in this age of political correctness and declining moral values, it seems to me. I commend Dr. David Pollock, my mother's surgeon, for reflecting his Christian faith in his professional as well as his personal life. We can all learn a valuable lesson from Dr. Pollock's example. After all, simply put, our mission as Christians is to seize every opportunity to practice discipleship. Despite our humanly shortcomings, we should all strive to witness for Jesus in all areas of our lives, including the workplace.
If you would like to send my mom a get well card, the address is: Willie Mae Ray, 603 Salem Highway, Stuart, VA 24171. Thanks again for your prayers. Welcome home, mom!
Until next time, may God bless you with a "great" day!
Love always :O),
Richard
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