(photo by Nicoli Productions)
July 17, 2009, I saw myself as his “rock” while he broke into pieces, telling me his dad has pancreatic cancer, stage 4 with a life expectancy of 4 months...six if he’s lucky.
The diagnosis, a complete shock to the entire family and very over-whelming to my mother in-law. She is in her sixties, still works and takes Clay to treatment twice a week for 3 weeks each month. The drive is a little over an hour each-way. She has medical issues herself but never complains and puts her husband, her family and others first.
The cancer is in his pancreas, liver and lymph nodes. We are now approaching month four and my father-in-law is responding to chemotherapy and taking it like a "champ" but his lymph nodes in his neck area are increasing so they will begin radiation in that area of his neck as soon as possible. Clay (my father in-law) is now dealing with the symptoms of the chemotherapy. He is nauseous with vomiting, weakness, easily fatigued, loosing weight, loss of appetite, etc.
Halloween Party & Fund-raiser
October 31, 2009
FireHouse Kitchen
218 Goodwin St.
Prescott, AZ
8:00 PM- 10:00 PMLive Music
*Raffle Prizes
Costume Contest
Featuring Art work by local Artist, Angela York
$5.00 Admission
*50% of proceeds will be donated to Clayton Dyke (my father in law)
Those of you who know us, are aware that Clay is from a very small town in Pennsylvania. Millerton, PA. is so small they still have no traffic light. It is a small farming community with not a whole lot of resources. The resources are usually the churches and your neighbors for assistance.
Clay and June (my in-laws) have always lived a wholesome and simple lifestyle. Rich in values and morals. They have lived in the same 2-bedroom house for over thirty years (in which they converted into a 3 bedroom themselves), their main source of heat in the winter is firewood and they are always the first to help others.
Back in Pennsylvania it is approaching winter months and Clay and June will need help in many ways. Since we are thousands of miles away we are putting together a fundraiser. The funds raised will help Clay and June to pay for firewood, landscaper, gas, medical bills and treatment.
If you would like to make a donation we would be so grateful. We thank you for you for taking the time to read this and your consideration.
If there is one thing I know that will piece together my "rock", it's him witnessing how people come together to help his dad. Clay's greatest attribute is his helping hands. He is a reflection of his dad. Why not contribute to a cause of my father-in-law suffering pancreatic cancer who has dedicated his life to serving his country & community?
Sincerely,
Fetu
*If you are unable to attend the event you can donate by form of check, money order or credit card.
All donations send toStarStruck!
c/o Clayton Dyke Fundraiser
852 S. Allen Dr.
Prescott AZ 86303 payable to Clayton Dyke. *Receipts available. The fundraiser will end Thanksgiving day (November 26, 2009).
Christina is your mid-west genuine gal & Paul is your Southern gentleman...these two make for a fine union!
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While we were there we went to her fitting because she wanted me to see her in her dress...and to show me the bridesmaids gowns, and talk colors...how could I resist? The truth of the matter, I think I was more excited than Kayla to hear about colors and I felt honored that she took me for her fitting. Goodness she looked BEAUtiful! While I would love to show you a picture of her in her dress, my fingers are sealed on that deal. I don't dare want to risk her fiance, Andy seeing any photos of his bride-to-be before their wedding day. That would be a big slap on my wrist and some extras ;0) What I will leave you with is a beautiful photo of the Bellagio
(photo by Nicoli Productions)
Frank Shankwitz, Prescott's Hometown Legend, Founder of Make-A-Wish Foundation. A true gentleman and cowboy, an absolute honor to meet and know this man. Frank is a very down-to-earth person, kind, compassionate & honest. He established the Make-A-Wish Foundation by being inspired by Chris Greicius, a 7-year old boy diagnosed with luekemia. Chris had always dreamed of being a police officer. on May 2 1980, Frank (DPS motor officer) granted Chris' wish by presenting Chris with his motorcycle wings! After realizing how happy granting this wish made Chris, Frank had the desire to continue to do the same for other children who are diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. Make-A-Wish Foundation was established as a 501 c3 in 11/1980, more information at, www.wishaz.org . On May 1 & 2 StarStruck! hosted a Spring Soiree at Briar Wreath B & B benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Arizona, for the Northern Arizona chapter. During the evening we held a fashion show by Bella Donna Boutique, mingled to live music by Max Borjon, enjoyed appetizers & fabulous wine from Veritas International Wine, guests were inspired by wish child testimony and we closed the evening presenting our partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northern Arizona: for every event booked with StarStruck! Event Planning exceeding a $2,000.00 budget we will donate between 3% and 5% to help grant wishes to children with life threatening illnesses. After meeting Frank and staff at the Make-A-Wish Foundation we felt this was the right organization to make contributions to and are excited to have the opportunity to continue helping those less fortunate and ill through StarStruck! Event Planning.
Yavapai Humane Society held the Spring Swing Gala at the beautiful historic, Hassayampa Inn in downtown Prescott, Arizona. We had the pleasure of producing a fabulous "Roaring Twenties" theme, already set in place by Board President. This was a night of "speak easy" atmosphere, jazz and swing and we couldn't have a Roaring Twenties theme without feathers and Model T cars! Photos by Chris Marchetti
