I don’t usually promote fundraisers or give money to charities. My husband and I prefer to do hands on charitable work for a couple of reasons. By doing work ourselves we know where the “money” or charity is going and we get a lot more out of it. We gain an appreciation, knowledge, empathy, etc. for a person or group of people that need help. You can’t get that from just writing a check.
I get a lot of emails at work during the day. We have a lot of clubs and organizations at my school that do fundraisers, especially at this time of year. Most of them I pass on. Until I read this email. Before I share the email with you, I want to give you a little background.
I work with students whose last names begin with A-F. A particular boy’s mother (Sandy) came into my life during his freshman year. She came to all the PTO meetings and informational meetings and was always so vibrant. I liked her immediately. I met with her a few times to discuss school stuff and again, very nice and easy to get along with. Each time I saw her I would comment on how good of shape she’s in. She looks phenomenal! She’s the picture of health. I asked her if she worked out every day and told her that I needed to start going to the gym with her if I wanted to get back in shape. She was always very humble and equally as complimentary (although she shouldn’t have been). I mean she’s in great shape!
Then, like I said above, I got this email from our DECA sponsor and I nearly fell out of my chair.
Sandy’s Story
Sandy Flanigan is a mother in the Brentwood community who has been battling with health problems over the past 12 years. She has a child who is attending, and other children who have attended, Brentwood High School.
In 1996, her health problems started with herniated discs, which required four lower back surgeries, including a spinal fusion. Unfortunately, the Flanigans’ insurance company raised their premium, which caused them to have to obtain insurance with another company. In August of 1999, Sandy was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. The doctors gave little or no hope for a cure, and told her they didn’t think she would survive more than 3 weeks to 6 months. However, that negative outlook didn’t affect Sandy. She changed doctors and stayed positive. Sadly, the Flanigans were dropped once again by the new insurance company. Luckily, Sandy then obtained Tenncare coverage, but the week of Christmas 2004, Sandy suffered a heart attack while working out at the YMCA. The cardiovascular surgeon discovered Sandy had an Ascending Aortic Aneurysm.
While prepping for surgery, doctors discovered she had a malfunctioning aortic valve. The week before open heart surgery, the Flanigans were notified that yet again they were being dropped from their insurance company. With her many health issues, no company will carry Sandy. Each chemo treatment costs $20,000. She needs another treatment in January that will require the Flanigans to come up with $7,000 before their new insurance will cover the treatment. Your participation in this endeavor to help raise the funds to cover the cost of the chemo treatments will be extremely valuable. Please consider donating items that could be auctioned, buying tickets to the event, or making a donation to The Sandy Flanigan Fund. The Flanigans are an inspiring family. Sandy has more bravery than almost anyone. Even with all the hardship and strife surrounding her medical circumstances, she continues to stay positive and believes that she will fight through all of this. She is truly an incredible woman who is the strength behind an incredible family. Please help Brentwood High School DECA rally behind Sandy and her wonderful family.
This woman, the picture of health, had never once said anything to me about her medical issues. Never once did she complain, never once did she have a bad attitude. As a mother myself, I can only image what she’s going through and what her family is going through. This is someone that deserves help. I can say that from personal experience. So, I’m asking for your help. Please go to the link above and take part in this wonderful opportunity to help a person and family in need. Thank you!
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