10 December 03:
This article "About David's Make-A-Wish" is in the latest Loudoun Times Mirror.
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8 December 03: I neglected to mention that the ages of the children at the hospital for whom David got toys ranged from a 4 month old baby to a 23 year old young lady still undergoing treatment. Of course, it was easier for him to pick toys for the boys than it was for the girls! But he did well. And the items were well received.
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Make-A-Wish Day, 3 December 2003
This past Wednesday, 3 December 2003, was David’s big Make-A-Wish day. And it was a pretty exciting day for him. The day started out with David dressing up in his new green outfit and tie. He wanted to look sharp.
PHASE 1: In the house: The grandparents showed up at the house first. They were followed by the original two Make-A-Wish volunteers who sat with David in the hospital and talked to him about his wish and what he would like to do if he could do anything in the world. They came bearing gifts for David. They brought him some balloons, a basket of toys and goodies. While they were sitting with him on the couch, representatives of the Loudoun Times Mirror showed up at the house. The same gentleman who interviewed David months ago for the paper showed up for this as well. A photographer had preceded him by a few minutes. While we were all in the house awaiting the next phase of the day, there were multiple photo-ops for our little VIP of the day.
PHASE 2: Outside the house: Our ‘inside people’ at Make-A-Wish were in contact telephonically with the MAW coordinator. We found out that David’s escort was pretty close to the house, so we were asked to take David outside. We got him in a coat and hat and rolled him out in his wheel chair. Once outside, the photo-ops continued. And they would continue throughout the day. It was very cold, especially for David. So he had to be bundled in his mom’s overcoat as well as we waited. After a while, we could hear the sounds of the loud engines of the Humvees that were in the convoy. Then the police sirens kicked in. As David watched in awe and excitement, a convoy composed of 2 sand colored Humvees, 6 motorcycle police escorts (4 with side cars), and a contingent of MAW personnel rolled onto our court to pick him up. One of the policemen presented David with a credit card for $750 to spend at Toys-R-Us. Once things were all settled down, it was time to get in the chariots and head off to Toyland. The convoy went through stop signs, traffic lights, etc. with sirens blaring as our little VIP was escorted by the finest representatives of the Fairfax County Police, The Park Police, and the Capitol Police. David was brought to Toys R Us in grand style.
PHASE 3: Toys R Us: The shopping spree! David was met at Toys R Us by a big welcome sign, balloons, and hugs from everyone. Then it was off down the aisles to get toys. His mom had already called the hospital in advance. So we knew the ages and genders of the children in the hem/onc ward. It was just a matter of picking toys for them all. We were followed down the aisles with 3 shopping carts. When one would get full, it would be hauled off and another empty one would replace it. While David was shopping, the manager announced over the PA System to all the patrons of the store what was going on with this large entourage of people and the nature of David’s Make-A-Wish. By the end of the shopping spree, David had filled 6 shopping carts full of toys for other kids. Along the way, an estimate was being run on the cost. Some things weren’t marked at all. The grand total was a little over $1000. No problem. The MAW coordinator whipped out an AMEX and covered the overage. After everything was paid for and bagged, Toys R Us stopped David at the front of the store. They presented him with a gift. They thought it was so cool that he was spending this money on all the other kids, that they decided to give him something. It was a large GI Joe assault Jeep.
PHASE 4: Convoy to the hospital: We left Toys R Us. The chariots were loaded with all the toys. And we once again left in grand style with police escort, lights flashing, sirens blaring, and traffic parting like the Red Sea. At one point on Route 7 we passed the school bus carrying one of our other sons. It was pretty amazing watching from the Hummvee how the traffic parted. Anyone familiar with Route 7, the Dulles toll road (near the plaza), and the Beltway, can probably picture how difficult this would be. We got off the beltway exit for the hospital, but went in the wrong direction. The convoy made a pit-stop in a restaurant alley parking area. Here we met up with another Humvee. This one was camouflaged and manned by two Sergeants from the Old Guard of Ft. Myer. Additional MAW personnel and Army public relations personnel also joined in the convoy. The Old Guard Sergeants presented David with a BDU Cap, BDU Shirt, dog tags, and a stack of coins. They made him an honorary memory of the Old Guard for the day. The commemorative coins are:
(1) 3rd US Infantry “The Old Guard” Coin,
(2) The Old Guard of the Army, 3rd US Infantry Coin (different from the other one),
(3) 3rd US Infantry Presidential Salute Battery Coin, and
(4) The Old Guard of the Army 3rd US Army Presented by CDR & CSM for Excellence Coin
The dog tags read:
Dingman
David
3 December 2003
MAWF
3rd INF TOG
After that, our newer, larger convoy made its way the two miles or so to the hospital. And of course we made a grand entrance into the Women’s & Children’s Entrance to the hospital. By this time, we were joined by a SWAT escort that went with us throughout the hospital.
PHASE 5: In the hospital: Our SGTs acted as escorts for David and carried the toys in duffle bags up to the 5th floor hem/onc ward. On that floor, David, his mom, and the Child Life coordinator went over the list of children and the ages/genders that were currently there (as some had left and new ones had come in during the course of the day). A cart was filled with toys for these children in the order in which we would be going to there rooms. All of the remaining toys were left in the activity room. They would later be bagged up and taken to the doctor’s office. With a cast of thousands (or so it seemed), David was escorted down the halls of the hospital ward to go room to room giving out toys. He proudly wore his dog tags and BDU hat at he went about his business. In each room he was introduced by Child Life, his mother, or me. It turned out that none of the children in the hospital were the friends that David was used to seeing and talking and playing with when he is in the hospital. They were all newer diagnoses children. In each room, a SGT, one of us, or David would hand the toy to the child. Either mom or I would tell them that this was David’s Make-A-Wish, to give toys to the children here. Many of the parents would cry. Most everyone seemed genuinely amazed that David would use his wish this way. Before leaving each room, David would tell them that he had a message for them. His message: ”Miracles can happen. Be Strong” . Towards the end he was saying ”Miracles can happen. Stay Strong”. We went to every room on the floor and David gave a gift to every child that was there (or in the case of some who were not allowed to have visitors for medical reasons, or were off the floor getting tests done, a gift was left with Child Life to present to them on David’s behalf. On the way out of the hospital, David had to be given a shot of Phenergan for nausea. Then we were on our way.
PHASE 6: At the doctor’s office: We arrived at the doctor’s office, once again, in grand style and with a much larger convoy of vehicles. Our Sergeants from the Old Guard brought in David and the bags of left over toys. All the doctors and staff at the office had gathered in the waiting room. Once everyone was in the building except our police escort which remained outside during this portion, it was time for a presentation. The MAW coordinator made the announcement about David’s wish and then the Army Public Relations Officer handed our Old Guard escort a Red-White-and-Blue Flag box. They presented David with the Chemo Joe. David and mom opened it up. Chemo Joe rocked! He was bald. He had a central line coming out of his chest that powered a machine gun. Nothing like a little chemo power. He had a G-tube (feeding tube) coming out of his stomach and connected to a bag of food. He was wearing camouflaged pants and a hospital smock. He came with other clothes as well. He also came with 2 additional heads. One was with a little bit of hair for when he started to go into remission. The other was with a full head of hair for when he was healed. The box also came with the arch enemy, Home Nurse. Dressed in red with a scarf covering the lower part of her face, packing a large cold stethoscope and other nasty little nursing toys, she could prove to be a formidable enemy. After the Chemo Joe presentation, the Old Guard once again presented David with some gifts from the US Army. He was given a hat, stickers, key chains, coffee mug, tee-shirt, and other goodies. Everything was in keeping with the GI Joe theme of the day.
PHASE 7: To DC and at the Willard International Hotel: After leaving all the leftover toys at the doctor’s office to be distributed by the doctor’s at their discretion to the kids who are having a great day, a bad day, or for whatever reason, it was off to DC. Our huge convoy proceeded to block 495 and 66 during rush traffic. It was amazing. Rolling into DC was even more amazing. The traffic parted, and where it couldn’t, we drove on the wrong side of the rode. It was like another presidential motorcade or something. We arrived at the Willard International Hotel for a 600 person invitation only tree lighting ceremony. While here, David posed with his police escorts for pictures. One of them presented him with a United States Park Police coin. After this we would no longer have an escort or Humvees to ride in. We weren’t really sure how we were getting home at this point. Food was available in several different rooms on a ‘serve yourself basis’. But David was feeling bad by this point. It had already been a long day for him. And he was overwhelmed by all the people thronging him all day long. He just wanted to be alone for a little while. The hotel manager took David and mom to a quiet telephone room for some rest and privacy before the Tree Lighting Ceremony. When that time came, David was taken to the third floor by elevator and then brought back down behind the crowd for his entrance. The hotel manager gave a little speech. The one of the MAW people gave a little speech about David’s wish and what he had done during the day. The hotel manager introduced him and then David was rolled off the elevator and through the hall to the front of the podium where the tree was. He was met by a chorus of cheers and ovation. David was asked to show the crowd his Chemo Joe which he did. More clapping and cheering. Then it was time to light the tree. Everyone counted down from 10 to 1. David flipped the switch and the tree lit up brightly. More clapping and cheering for our little VIP. After that, the hotel presented David with a gift. It was a huge GI Joe headquarters. Then the crowd pressed in – everyone wanting to touch, thank, and congratulate David. While that was nice, we had to keep in mind his susceptibility to catching anything from anyone with a practically non-existent immune system. So we worked our way.
PHASE 8 The End: Our escorts were gone. Our rides were gone. We left the hotel through a side wheelchair exit not yet knowing how we were getting home. We were met by a long white stretch Hummer Limo. Very cool. David loved it. But, he couldn’t enjoy it as much as he may normally have. He was very tired, sick, and sore. His bones were aching. He had been through the longest day of the last 7 months of his life without sleeping, resting, etc. It had worn him to the bone. He just wanted to get home and go to bed. The limo was a wonderful touch to close out the day. After getting hooked up to hydration, given medications, etc., David was able to go to sleep. Thus ended his MAW of 3 December 2003.
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Been a while since I put anything up on this page. So let me give a brief overview of what's been happening.
Hasbro called a while back and said they were moving along with the project. They were originally going to get with David and have him look at blue prints or 3-D computer images and give a final approval of the Chemo-Joe. But it hasn't turned out that way. They have completed it based upon the information they originally received from Make-A-Wish and the conversation they had with mom and David. He never saw a demo or anything.
While they were finishing things up, they sent David a box of 20 new GI Joes that are not available on the US Market. Some looked like they were available in Australia. Others looked like they might we awaiting a Christmas-time release. They hoped that would tide him over until they finished the Chemo-Joe. And, of course, this was well received by David!
We also found out along the way that Hasbro is not going to make a round of this, multiples for David to give to other kids in the hospital. They are only making the one for him. Additionally, initial indications that we might be flying to their office in New England for presentation turned out not to be what would happen.
The scenario right now is that everything takes place on 3 December 2003. First, Make-A-Wish is going to pick us up and take us to Toys-R-Us. David is going to be allowed to spend $750 buying toys for the kids in the hem/onc ward of the hospital. This is to cover his part of the wish where he wanted to take care of the other kids too. It's very cool because he will get to pick everything himself. And he has become friends with many of the children there that we see on a regular basis.
After that (and I may have the exact order wrong at some point but will give a full account once it all happens), we will be taken to the hospital so David can give away the toys that were just bought.
Then it's off to DC to be presented with the Chemo Joe and the arch nemesis Home Nurse. Then we have a fancy dinner at the Willard Hotel (I think). After that, David will be honored at a ceremony there by being invited to light their Christmas Tree.
By that time, it should be bed time!
After all is said and done, we will post information about how it all went down.
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The Make-A-Wish Foundation has met with David to discuss his wish. As a reflection of his personality, he chose an unusual wish that the foundation is really excited about.
History behind his wish: The Child Life Program frequently rewards children in Peds Hem/Onc after they go through very stressful treatments such as surgery, first day of radiation, etc. David has had several such days. Unfortunately, the toys that they have are pretty much meant for girls. David gets a little frustrated having to choose between some girls toys. So he thought up a solution to the problem.
The Wish: David wants to go to Hasbro and have them make a Chemo-Joe GI Joe with a central line, no hair (but a velcro wig), and assorted cancer fighting weapons. But he wants Hasbro to gear up a production line and make a bunch of these so that the hospital can get them and then other boys can get them as well. Then the boys won't have to choose from amongst the girls toys when they are rewarded for going through a very stressful treatment.
The Status: Originally, the wish was going to try to be scheduled for March or later of 2004 when David would be done with chemo. Because of current circumstances, the process is being hurried along. We do not know at this point whether or not Hasbro will be willing to go along with this. But the Make-A-Wish foundation will be contacting them.
This page will be dedicated to the whole process.
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