Fundraiser Silent Auction & more. Kidney 4 Johnny Fitzpatrick
By: Donna Hermann
Topics: bakersfield.com, Religion, health, News, fundraiser
Posted by tajwilly Thu Nov 29, 2007 09:07:47 PST
Viewed 582 times
0 responses 0 comments Location: 2020 H Street, Bakersfield, CA 93304
Your attendance is requested. We are having a Fundraiser with a Silent Auction & Raffles, Dinner, 50’s Music & Santa Claus! Benefiting Vietnam Vet, John Fitzpatrick. John is having his kidney transplant in later December, early January according to the doctors at the Iowa VA Hospital Transplant Unit. John has resided in Bakersfield over 27 years. We are trying to raise funds to offset the family costs incurred for the travel and expenses while in Iowa, as well as his recurring home expenses of home & child. Our goal is $25k.
We have been collecting very nice donations to make this event a success with such items as huge baskets from various businesses, Disneyland tickets, Magic Mountain, over 30 local restaurants gift cards, stores, day spas, Tanning Salons, Health clubs and so much, much more. We hope you can come and enjoy our wonderful Dinner (Chicken or Beef), the live DJ of 50’s music and dancing, Santa Claus, a AVON table donating 40% of all sales of their wonderful collection of Christmas baskets and stocking stuffers all benefiting this family. We have it all for you to buy your Friends, family and co-workers their Christmas gifts here and have fun while you do it!
Please join us on December 15, 2007. Dress in 50’s or Christmas Attire at 6pm -11pm. Dinner served 6:15-8:30. Tickets are available now or at the door for $15 each. (Presales preferred). Raffle tickets will be available at the door for only $1.00 each or 6 /$5.00. The Bar will be available to buy your drinks and relax. We are also still taking donations for the events cost. Event Info is as follows; American Legion Hall, Post 26. 2020 “H” Street. Across from the FOX Theater. Take a photo with a 50’s car at arrival or with Santa.
Cash Donations accepted during the event or dropped off at any Kern Schools Federal Credit Union or mailed to; KSFCU P.O. Box 9506. Bakersfield, CA 93389-9506 **Payable to KIDNEY 4 JOHNNY FITZPATRICK Act#2374650. Contact us by email kidney4johnnyfitzpatrick@hotmail.com or Donna 496-5514 / 833-8749.
Sincerely,
The Kidney 4 Johnny Fitzpatrick Committee
Donna Hermann, Organizer
A new kidney for a new life
By John Fitzpatrick
I found out in 2002 one night when I got sick and my legs swelled that I had end stage Kidney failure. I had no symptoms. They think it was caused by Hypertension which I also did not know I had. I was put on dialysis immediately.
I was staying at my best friend David's home from about 2001 then until 2005 when I married Teresa whom now is not only my wife but registered Caregiver with VA. David also was my caregiver at the VA. After our wedding 11/5/5 we bought our home together.
We have been married now almost 2 years and been on Dialysis almost 5. Teresa has two kids. One lives with us — Lilarose, age 8. Joe lives with her Mom, Lila in Orange County and he is 19 with a baby named Kathryn. Teresa now is a Grandma as of Oct 25, 2006. I became a Grandpa 3rd time by my daughter Kristina the same month.
I am now a Step Father to an 8 year old daughter I am helping raise and we bought a home in Bakersfield California. We also have in addition to our family 2 cats, Stinkers and Willy. Stinkers "My Favorite" was adopted at 5 weeks and is crazy and Willy is going on 12 years old this November. "Teresa's favorite"... I am also a proud Vietnam Vet and 100% Retired/ Disabled US Army. I want a kidney so I can be around to watch my daughter Lilarose grow up and graduate and go to college and be there for Teresa. I also love my grand kids and daughter Kristina and hope some day to see more of them.
The reason we are having this fundraiser is that the cost of us traveling and staying in Iowa 3 weeks+ for rent a car, food etc., and Mom "Lila" also coming form OC to take care of our home, daughter and cats and missing work as well will be a financial burden. Teresa will also be out of work all 4 visits and family leave only covers partial time off and only about 1/3 of you income if approved. We have to continue paying home expenses as well. Then we were informed also that we have to return to Iowa at 90 days, 6 months and 1 year from transplant time for follow-ups. Teresa being my wife and caregiver is obligated to be there as well and take off work. Then once a year for the rest of my life they said we have to return.
The reason we have to travel and do the transplant in Iowa is, the VA only has 4 transplant centers in the US and that is the one that picked me. Out of Vermont, S Carolina, Oregon and Iowa VA Centers. We feel so blessed to be chosen by them because they are the only VA center in the US that counted my dialysis time of 5 years as waiting time. If not I would be on bottom of list with a average of 5 year wait. So this brings me to the top of the list.
Donna Hermann, Organizer
A new kidney for a new life
By John Fitzpatrick
I found out in 2002 one night when I got sick and my legs swelled that I had end stage Kidney failure. I had no symptoms. They think it was caused by Hypertension which I also did not know I had. I was put on dialysis immediately.
I was staying at my best friend David's home from about 2001 then until 2005 when I married Teresa whom now is not only my wife but registered Caregiver with VA. David also was my caregiver at the VA. After our wedding 11/5/5 we bought our home together.
We have been married now almost 2 years and been on Dialysis almost 5. Teresa has two kids. One lives with us — Lilarose, age 8. Joe lives with her Mom, Lila in Orange County and he is 19 with a baby named Kathryn. Teresa now is a Grandma as of Oct 25, 2006. I became a Grandpa 3rd time by my daughter Kristina the same month.
I am now a Step Father to an 8 year old daughter I am helping raise and we bought a home in Bakersfield California. We also have in addition to our family 2 cats, Stinkers and Willy. Stinkers "My Favorite" was adopted at 5 weeks and is crazy and Willy is going on 12 years old this November. "Teresa's favorite"... I am also a proud Vietnam Vet and 100% Retired/ Disabled US Army. I want a kidney so I can be around to watch my daughter Lilarose grow up and graduate and go to college and be there for Teresa. I also love my grand kids and daughter Kristina and hope some day to see more of them.
The reason we are having this fundraiser is that the cost of us traveling and staying in Iowa 3 weeks+ for rent a car, food etc., and Mom "Lila" also coming form OC to take care of our home, daughter and cats and missing work as well will be a financial burden. Teresa will also be out of work all 4 visits and family leave only covers partial time off and only about 1/3 of you income if approved. We have to continue paying home expenses as well. Then we were informed also that we have to return to Iowa at 90 days, 6 months and 1 year from transplant time for follow-ups. Teresa being my wife and caregiver is obligated to be there as well and take off work. Then once a year for the rest of my life they said we have to return.
The reason we have to travel and do the transplant in Iowa is, the VA only has 4 transplant centers in the US and that is the one that picked me. Out of Vermont, S Carolina, Oregon and Iowa VA Centers. We feel so blessed to be chosen by them because they are the only VA center in the US that counted my dialysis time of 5 years as waiting time. If not I would be on bottom of list with a average of 5 year wait. So this brings me to the top of the list.
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