Testimonials:
|
|
|
ON BECOMING
AN ANGEL
Over the course of the summer
months, I come in contact with many of the Hero families who visit
Hilton Head. Many of them will make the trip down to Harbour Town
on a summer evening and sit out in the crowd during one of my shows.
Some choose to just blend in with the crowd and remain anonymous
while others readily identify themselves to me as one of our families.
One particular story from a
previous summer stands out from the rest as it clearly reflects
the reality of what these Heroes families are experiencing every
day. I reluctantly invited a Hero child to speak from my stage one
night from the confines of his wheel chair. I say reluctantly only
because I've always tried to let our Hero families remain as invisible
as they choose to be. Well, this particular boy was bound and determined
to perform just like the other children on stage that night. During
the shore interview process that I go through with every child who
performs, I asked all of the normal questions that I usually ask.
This young man knew that I had left out one of my routine questions
so he eagerly volunteered to tell me what he wanted to be when he
grew up. Knowing that he was so sick, I held my breath as he told
the audience that his Mom told him he was going to have the best
job in the world. His eyes twinkled as he told me with pure joy
that he was going to get to be an angel.
I am reminded that we are in
the business of helping children gracefully become angels, while
unselfish acts of love and kindness help normal every day people
become Heroes. I am so grateful for bein in the presence of both.
Gregg M. Russell
President & Founder of Hilton Head Heroes
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
Dear HEROES,
The best part of the Hilton Head Heroes vacation is that it gave us
a chance to be an ordinary family. We got time to see our boys swim
in the pool, watch movies and dig in the sand at the beach. We forgot
about the challenges that come from having a child with a life threatening
illness, you gave us a family vacation and a lifetime of memories.
You gave us a time of peace during a time when our lives did not offer
this. Our family thanks you for making our dreams come true--for having
a wonderful family centered vacation that we will never forget.
Love,
Steve, Katrina, Jonathan, Joshua Acree
(Joshua Acree Hero child)
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| Hilton Head Heroes is an absolutely
wonderful organization! It allows children and their families to get
away together and escape the day-to-day medical hardships that they
are facing. Many of these families would not be able to take such
a vacation, but Hilton Head Heroes goes above and beyond to assure
that they are treated wonderfully and have an experience that they
will never forget. I really cannot say enough good things about this
organization and the volunteers that work together to brighten the
children's and their families lives.
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
Annie Hillegas
Child life Specialist
Backus Children' Hospital in Savannah, GA
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| Our center, the Children's
Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders of Palmetto Health Richland
Hospital, has been referring families to the Hilton Head Heroes program
for the past five years. The diagnosis of a child with cancer or a
serious blood disorder impacts not only the child but the entire family.
The family is forced to adjust to the incredible disruption this crisis
causes, and find a "new normal" for their family. The HHH's
program has provided a wonderful opportunity for families to "get
away" from the stressful environment of the hospital and the
regular stressors of grocery shopping and preparing meals. The families
are able to retreat to a safe and fun environment where they can bepampered
and can be reminded that there is still a time and place for laughter
and relaxation. This time away helps to restore their spirits and
renew their energy for the long and winding road they still must travel.
Programs such as HHH have been a true blessing for our families, and
we thank everyone associated with HHH for making this resource possible.
Julian E. Ruffin, Ph.D.
Coordinator of Psychosocial Programs
Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders
Palmetto Health Richland
Clincial Associate Professor of Pediatrics
The USC School of Medicine
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Dear Hilton Head Heroes:
My wife and I get the reward of being with the family. We see the
kids eyes light up when they enter and explore their holiday home,
the excitement of selecting where they'll sleep, opening their gifts,
telling about their life, school and interests. So many people work
on this program and we are the lucky ones to see it working.
Although it is not easy to hear about their treatment, their courage
has really helped us to gain an appreciation of the strength with
the Hero families. The program REALLY WORKS.
Sincerely,
Joan & John Geisler
Host Family
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Dear Lindy and Gregg,
We can't thank you enough for extending
the Hospitality of Hilton Head Island to our family. The trip exceeded
our dreams and everything went flawlessly. The people of the island
are very gracious and kind and we had a wonderful time. Daniel and
I had actually been praying for a vacation (without staying with
relatives as Daniel always adds) and just a few days later the chaplain
from the hospital called to tell us about your invitation. The trip
was a true blessing. We will send some photos soon and I know Daniel
wants to write you a thank you note as well. Thank you again from
the bottom of our hearts.
Love,
Donna, Bill and Daniel Choctanowski
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Thank you Hilton Head Heroes. This has
been one of my favorite vacations. I had so many people be good
to me but you're the best. Hilton Head Island rocks! The next kid
who comes will be glad they did.
Love,
Barett Dimarco (age 9)
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Hilton Head Heroes is a wonderful organization
which has been a tremendous blessing to so many of our families.
I am a social worker at the Medical College of Georgia and our patient
population is engaged in a "fight against cancer". This
fight requires every bit of energy, strength and courage that the
patient and family can muster. They are often drained both physically
and emotionally.
One mother stated she felt like a "queen"
all week long while on Hilton Head Island. She was so appreciative
of this unique opportunity to take her 3 kids on their first beach
vacation ever. Being a single parent and unable to work since her
8 year old son was diagnosed with cancer, HHH's was an answer to
her prayers. She had a desire to spend time with her family and
create memories and "enjoy one another" away from chemo,
clinic and medicines. They were able to do that before her son relapsed
the following winter. Another family of 7 could not afford a week
at the beach for such a large family. They too were able to make
memories that would last a lifetime. Sadly their son died the following
summer. Thanks for all your hard work, love and commitment to these
special families dealing with chronically ill children and/or kids
with a life threatening illness. God bless you abundantly! We appreciate
you!
Dana Kaminer, LMSW
|
|
| |
|
| |
| |
|
| My daughter Kayla's favorite
stop on the PGA TOUR is without a doubt Hilton Head Island. If you've
ever been there, you know this is a gorgeous piece of America wrapped
up into one small piece of land in the low country. Kayla isn't all
that impressed with the scenery, she likes it because she gets to
see Gregg Russell every night in Harbour Town. He's been playing there
each night for a long time (32 years!).
A few years ago, when Caddy For A Cure
was young, we happened to be in Hilton Head sharing yet another
night listening to Gregg's rendition of "There's a Booger in
your Sugar, no it's Not," when, Gregg proceeded to digress
and talk about a project he started called "Hilton Head Heroes."
It is a home in Sea Pines designed to house a family with a seriously
ill child, unable financially to come, all expenses paid, for a
week. In most cases, these children are terminal. Needless to say,
I was touched deeply.
Since 25% of each experience goes to
the PGA TOUR Host Site Charity of Choice, we made a "note to
self" to inquire if we could earmark our money gift that week
to Hilton Head Heroes.
The next morning on the putting green
I noticed Tournament Director Steve Wilmot. We had mailed, spoken,
but had never met each other and I wanted to thank him for his and
his staff's generous hospitality. Then, I asked him about our gift
and the earmark to which Steve quickly asked me "What do you
know about this charity?" I mentioned Gregg the night before
and other than that, not too much.
He told me about the battle to get that
house completed. It was an "adult only" community and
the residents had fiercely battled the children and the transient
nature of what Hilton Head Heroes is. Obviously, Heroes won and
they have been operating for over 10 years now. Steve then told
me with teary eyes, the "rest of the story."
This home is very close to HIS home in
Sea Pines. He has been watching now each and every week a new family
come in with a chemo ridden patient. Another family to watch almost
certain to lose their precious child, another last attempt at happiness
on this earth. Steve was painfully aware of the impact Hilton Head
Heroes had on this community, and life.
My fate was sealed. I realized that Caddy
For A Cure exists for a cause far greater than even the patients
of Fanconi. There was indeed a true reason that we continue on with
our quest to help others using this most unique method of caddying
for one of the world's best players.
I encourage you to come to Hilton Head
Island on April 15th and listen to Gregg Russell. Meet Steve Wilmot
and see what a terrific tournament they put on. Honor your American
Wounded Warriors, and help so many. I guarantee you it will be a
time you will never, ever forget.
Sincerely
Russ Holden
Caddy for a Cure Founder
|
|
|
