I don't think I've mentioned the fact that our family has been chosen by a local group, www.friendshippaddle.org, a group that puts out a mammoth effort to benefit locally challenged individual and families, such as ours in order to ease the financial strains that always accompany these challenges. Our part is to field a team of paddlers to make the crossing from Santa Cruz Island to Holly Beach in Carpinteria September of this year and those paddlers will ask for sponsorships from both businesses and individuals for their mammoth effort. please visit the website above for more info or to donate. They had a BBQ last yesterday evening in our honor that was attended by 50 - 75 of the nicest people with the biggest hearts. It was like a class reunion for Anne as she knew a lot of the paddlers from High School in Santa Barbara years ago (sorry, honey, not that many years ago, right?)
I felt a very real fellowship with the members of the group and I look forward to getting to know each one of them better as the process moves forward and the event draws near. The new pics are from the BBQ and were taken by Mike Long, one of the board members
14 comments:
Tom; I'm bummed we missed this one, but it sounds like it was awesome! We need to get out of this friggin hospital and start doing things we actually like! As you know, my daughter NEEDS her time with your Kelsey (yesterday was a huge day for her, seeing KW!). And I can't wait to take you to see Hancock (I'm NOT going to see it without you)... Keep the faith... We love you!
Tom and Anne:
It has been such a long time! I remember your wedding day at the Presidio Cafe! What a beautiful day!!
I would love to help in any way I can. Contact me through Mary.
Anne: Melanie Bryson was here for the weekend. She said to say, "HI" to you. She was here for her 30 year reunion.
Love to you and your family!
Erin
Does anyone know how Tom is doing? I've been following his blog and now nothing for almost two months. I am hoping he and his family are ok.
Hi All! I'm a friend of The Whittaker's and thought I'd drop a line to invite you to this weekend's "Friendship Paddle" festivities benefiting Tom and his beautiful family. I encourage you to log on to their website for detailed info regarding the paddle and how to donate. Saturday, Sept. 13th, at Carpinteria's State Beach- to the left of Linden Ave. Paddlers due to arrive between 2-4p.m. Tom will be there! Hope you are too! ~Andi Duffield (my husband Mike's paddling for Team Whittaker!)
Any updates on Tom and how how the Paddle went?
From what I've heard, the paddle was an amazing event and Tom was there to enjoy the friendship and loving support of friends, both old and new. Since then, Tom has been hanging on through all the indignities that the disease can offer. Sadly, there is no fairytale ending in sight, but the human experience has been amazing enough. The family continues to do well, with a busy school year for the girls and many football games for mom to watch from the sidelines as her girls cheer. Each new day and new event has to be bittersweet, but the remembered joys far outnumber the difficult days as Tom prepares for the next adventure ahead of him. They are admired from afar and loved immensely by so many in our community!
God Bless Tom, May Heaven's cyclists welcome you with open arms, and a challenging ride.
It was such an honor to have known you, and although I can count the number of times we met and rode together, I will never forget your courage, humor, and positive outlook.
I still see you standing outside Bikesmiths, with your brother and amazing girls.
Watch over our beautiful baby son and teach him how to ride. Iman died July 6th the day of your last post.
Until we meet again,
Tomstrong
Hugh & Funmi
For those of us that got our updates from Tom here on his blog, I ask that if you can give us any news on Tom to please post it here. Thanks so much.
Heaven has an awesome new angel.
Tom's Celebration of Life is to be held on November 16th, 1:30 at the Lion's Club Park.
Are you saying Tom passed away? If so when?
Yes he did. Friday with Anne at his side coaching him on to the finish.
Hopefully Andi can post the beautiful letter she wrote for Anne telling us about his final flight to freedom.
Do you have an address for the Lion's Club Park? I will be coming in from out of town and don't know the area. Thanks for your help.
Carpinteria Lion's Park
6197 Casitas Pass Road
101N to the Casitas Pass exit;
Turn Right, travel to the end (North); Turn right on Hwy 192, the park is about 3/4 of a mile on the right side.
...Follow the yellow balloons. xo
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