Archive for October, 2009

Soon another challenge

Sunday, October 25th, 2009

We are only $334.66 away from bringing in our fundraising quota to start on the next phase of our journey.

While the next phase mostly consists of waiting there is work to be done here as well.

While we wait for Becca’s service dog to finish it’s training we will be making movies of Becca.

These home videos will be used by the trainers to observe Becca’s behaviors to determine what intervention behaviors would be most valuable to teach Becca’s SD. (service dog)  They will also be used to desensitise the SD to Becca’s own personal noises and quirks.

From what I have read over the parent network, we will be mailing clothing back and forth. Shirts Becca wore when she didn’t have any seizures, some when she had petite malls and any worn during a grand-mall seizure that might occur.

We will  be fencing in the yard, reading up on dog care, and stock piling supplies like  a doggie bed, a crate, bowls, toys, leashes and harnesses.

And we will be fundraising still. We will be staying in a hotel for two weeks of training, with eating out, and travel it will come to a pretty penny. I am estimating about three thousand.  So on and on it goes.

We, unlike 4paws, cannot offer a tax deductible contribution. But we do need some more financial help to make it through training. If you want to help us directly email me at becca@beccasdream.org.

Will continue to keep you posted as I find things out.

Bringing us into the home stretch are…

Monday, October 19th, 2009

As they tumble out of the envelope and we head into the home stretch we find

Anonymous in the lead followed by

Rhonda S. & Family

David & Cathryn L. & Family are neck and neck with

Pat & Charlie E. But look out

Jan H. & Family along with

Anonymous II are making a break for the outside.

But wait the race is not done until it is done here come

Bruce and Holly C. on the inside while

James and Jennifer Q. & Family are zooming up on the outer edge.

What a race! Who will actually be here at the finish line?

(Guess I’m just a little bit excited.)

                            NOT!

I am jumping up and down kind of excited.

Mega thanks to all of the new contributors listed above. In my wildest dreams I never thought we would be looking at finishing this year.  I feel so loved and cared for.

Comments on August posts

Saturday, October 17th, 2009

I was just reviewing the posts and thought to update you on two items.

When Becca was in the hospital, 8-1 post, we found out that the pharmacist on duty was a friend. He filled the order for 3000 mg of Keppra for Becca, which was being sent to the ER, and knew she was in trouble. We are grateful for his on the spot prayers for her.

In missing Becca not the noise I had voiced concern about the new style of camp this year. After talking with Becca and her friends, and at length with the camp director we are all of the opinion that this change is a very good thing.  Becca had a blast! Even more so than in previous years. One of the many problems we have faced through the years is not having places were there are roll models of appropriate behaviors for a given situation. When you are consistently isolated to a group of people who do not know any better than you, it is harder to grow in social skills.  Well, the handicapped group was not the only group being challenged. The ” normal” kids were growing this summer as well. The director tells of one little girl who had the most objections to having the handicapped group at camp. At first it was easy to be horrified by this child’s attitudes. But as the story unfolds and I heard of the child’s fears of the unknown of those people who were so different than her my heart softened. As I was told of her initial attempts at swallowing her fear and finding the courage to reach out to someone who made her feel totally uncomfortable I found myself cheering for her. It was utterly delightful to know that by the end of camp she was championing her new friends and actively seeking to include them in the days activities. 

Oohh(sigh) that all prejudice in this world could be so easily overcome. Walcamp has been there for years supporting all kinds of kids. This new venture, though very scary even to us, is going to be a blessing on so many levels. May it’s growing pains be few.

Oopps falling behind.

Friday, October 16th, 2009

Here is the list of donors from Sept 16-30. Those who provided that wonderful 12.5% increase. Thanks to all of you for your generousity and love.

Folks at Grace and Glory Gosple Chapel

Don & Leanne M.

John A.

Rich & Suzanne H.

What happens to any overage?

Friday, October 16th, 2009

We are so close to reaching Becca’s funding goal. I wanted to let you know what will happen to any funds collected over fourteen thousand.

4Paws for Ability has many clients currently in fundraising. Any monies we bring in “In Honor of Becca Tally” that exceed our need will be given to another child (or children) who is trying to reach their fundraising goal. 4Paws makes the determination based on who is working hard at fundraising and who needs the support the most.

Among those families struggling are single parent families, rural/small community families, and military families in need of service animals.  Our race is not done, help us finish strong that we may be an encougagement and benefit another family by bringing them closer to their goal.

http://www.4pawsforability.org

ALMOST THERE! 96.7% FUNDED

Thursday, October 15th, 2009

13544

ONLY $456 TO GO.
ONLY $456 TO GO.

Thank you God for the generousity of your people. Thank you for the out pouring of love from friends. Bless all who gave; with double blessings upon those who sacrificed to do so. Thank you for those who encouraged, and for the others who prayed.

Thank you for this tangible expression of appreciation. Thank you for affirming the knowledge that being there for others is more important than an organized or spotless house. When I once again start to be selfish about my time and energy let this service dog serve to remind me that being there for people is more important than any household project.

Lord meet all the needs of 4Paws not just the ones that pertain to Becca. Amen

I found them! I found them!

Saturday, October 3rd, 2009

I was trying to stay calm. I knew I had put my SD card in a place I would find it but was afraid I had opened the item while traveling and dropped it in the dark at a McDonald’s in PA. After a week had gone by, during which I had unsuccessfully looked everywhere, I was becoming more convinced that it was gone. Yesterday, I pulled out the mortage bill to pay it and low and behold out tumbles my SD card. I was right about one thing; I did put it where I had to find it relatively soon. 

We took a trip to visit Becca’s grandmothers. Her paternal grandmother is 99 years old!  Those pictures were a great loss to me as I didn’t know if we could ever replace them; our time with her is precious and getting limited.

Becca, Daddy, Grandma, Auntie & Cousin

Becca, Daddy, Grandma, Auntie & Cousin

  After visiting here for a few days we went down to New Jersey to visit with Becca’s maternal grandmother who was celebrating her 75th birthday. Unbelievably we managed to pull off a surprise party. She  knew we were taking her out but had no idea where or that there would be more people there than just her kids.

Mommy, Grandma & Becca

Mommy, Grandma & Becca

 

Kisses Goodbye

Kisses Goodbye

Up 12.5 % of goal.

Friday, October 2nd, 2009

efi-therm21Grand Total Is

$9,886.19

70.6%

This is becoming very real and exciting.

I have even been hitting the library for books about puppy care and types of dogs to help Rebecca understand some of what will be involved with having a service dog.

Becca is very quiet about everything. She keeps her hopes and dreams very close to the vest. I believe she is among those people who are afraid that nothing good is ever going to actually happen to them. With everything good that has happened this year I believe that is starting to change. Becca, on occasion, voices her desires and is finding that she does have some say in what happens in her life. It is wonderful to see her shell of silence crack and Becca assert herself in an appropriate way.