volunteer work??

Tom,

I sent you an email through your website. It has my email address attached to it. You can send me yours after reading my note. From your pictures, looks like we have a lot in common.

-golf

-traveling

-good street bikes Not oil dripping raddle machines.

What else do you do? We like dirt bikes, jeeping, scuba diving.

Can't wait to get back to doing all of them.

Rick

I applaud your will to help others. I once volunteered at Senior Centers to keep the ederly company. So many people abandon their loved ones when they get old or sick. Many family members do not live nearby and often do not visit. Whether someone is sick or alone, they want company. They need to feel like they matter. Perhaps, a day at the park, a listening ear? I know in my dad's case I volunteer to clean his house and cook a few meals. Highschools' often have volunteer groups called T.A.S.C. (Teens assisting senior citizens). Maybe the schools can adopt a Teens Assisting Cancer Patients program? It can include bi-weekly cleaning (dusting, vaccuuming, sweeping) And monthly get togethers to celebrate the cancer patients life. Pizza and cake? Something, anything to look forward to to inspire hope. 

P.S.

At my Dad's hospital they have an anonymous gidt of daffodils program where anyone can pay a minimum of ten dollars and send cancer patients who are hospitalised, a vase of flowers with or without a bear. The best part is it is random. Bringing a ray of sunshine to somone lest expecting it.

Priscilla

Thanks Priscilla.

I've received many a good idea and the wheels are turning. I've already spoken to some people about doing a national fundraiser for children w/ cancer through Speedway Children's Charity, then helping drive local folks to appts. Heck, if I can drive a race car 203 mph in Atlanta, I should be able to taxi those in need. Also as important, you reminded me that I need to call my 87 year old dad. He is in a senior assisted living home in So. Cal. I'm in Las Vegas so I don't get to see him as often as I'd like.

BTW: Priscilla is my favorite name of all time. I wanted to name our daughter that but my wife vetoed it.

Thanks,

Rick

Re: My Name

Maybe it is a good think she vetoed it. I have been given so much grief over the years because of my name. From Priscilla -Gorilla (LOL) to Elvis' long lost wife (LOL) I always kep that in mind when naming my kids.

Priscilla

On 2/22/2008 rick51 wrote:

Monday will be #34 and my last radiation. Wow how time fliys when you're having fun!! Anyway, I must say that I was raised in a pretty religous home, then as an adult decided religion was no longer my thing. Not that I became a bad guy or anything, just wasn't as devout as I was as a kid. Probably a pretty typical American adult. Still believed in God, tried to do the right things, just not (pardon the term) "a holy roller". It's funny what brings people back to God. There are many things, and one certainly is for many people what we all are going through. I now pray every morning for members of my family, people I know, and even for all the people hurting on this board.

I was a very fortunate business man. I hade lots of money and at age 47 (4 years ago) a big Fortune 500 compnay offerred me a bunch of more money to buy me out. I couldn't pass it up. So, for the most part, I'm retired. I promised God that when I recover I will do more to help those cancer patients that need help. We've all seen them. Yes, it is easy to write the check to help (and I will). But I want to do more physically. I've never been much of a volunteer guy. Give me some ideas? What should I do? Just walk into a cancer center and say put me to work? I want to use my time in the best possible fashion but there are only so many hours. Looking for suggestions to pick from.

I'm a very blessed man (cancer and all) and need to give back. Help me out people. Shoot me some volunteer ideas.

Thanks,

Rick

Hi Rick,

First let me say how wonderful it is to hear you want to give back and your health now. 

 I am in the same situation, not the financial aspect like yourself, but the desire to give back as well.  I start volunteering at the Cleveland Clinic on Tuesday.  You see my late husband was a patient there and passed away from esophageal cancer.  The doctors and the social workers were wonderful and I figure it's my way of saying thanks.  That is an option for you in your local community.  Best of luck.  Nancy

Rick:

My husband is very much like ThreePutt.  I'm the one working on raising funds and DVD players for our local cancer treatment center.  I have a "team" of friends and industry associates (I'm in events) who are creating a multitude of fundraising plans in honor of my husband. 

While giving your money and time and both wonderful and needed, you might consider heavily the helping of those going thru it alone.  I know I have already put my name on a list to drive locals to the center as needed.  I'll begin this summer when (hopefully) we receive the all clear.  I've also promised the social worker to provide an ear to wives of head and neck patients.  I'm doing this, in particular, because the majority of support groups have seniors (I am 42) and their spouses are near the end of life.  The social worker has said that they receive very few H&N but they are almost always in our age range and men.  I know I can at least provide an ear, kind words and those suggestions you all gave me here.  I found my most valuable advice from those on this board.

Good luck with the do gooding.  It will help you as much as it helps them.  That much I know.

God speed to you in recovery.

Kara