Helping Hands for a Hero
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First my dad battled 2 cancer diagnosis (bladder and lung) in the past 2 years and a near fatal lung infection and possible recurrence of his lung cancer last month. Last week, his retirement home was burned to the ground - a total loss. This is my parents 3-generation home (second home but their only asset) that burned down this week after being hit by lightning (not insured). Total loss including contents which were going to be sold to raise funds. It's been a very challenging year and he could really use our help.
Larry Henderson, is a hero to many, especially to his family. Almost 25 years ago, he started The Love Tree, a tradition which involved him banning giving him Christmas presents and instead asking us to help others who are less fortunate.
Instead of giving him gifts, he asked that we participate in at least one good deed that year. Once our act of kindness was complete, we were to hand-make an ornament representing our good deed. Since then our entire family (children, grandchildren and great grandchildren) and even friends, have fed the homeless, helped victims of natural disasters, worked with local people in our community who were struggling or facing personal challenges, sent soldier's care packages, donated toys to children's homes and much more, all in his honor.
The Love Tree is now filled with HUNDREDS of ornaments representing the countless good deeds my father has inspired. We have also continued to share this story with others and by doing so, this tradition has spread to more than 35 states, 8 countries and 4 continents.
To think he has been the inspiration for so many charitable acts is wonderful, but to know that this tradition is something that will be carried on for generations to come is truly heart-warming. Larry's legacy reminds us that one person can truly make a difference and it can start with each and every one of us.
But sometimes charity starts at home, and now Larry is the one in need. He is completely unaware of this campaign as he himself would never ask for help.
(He was even featured on our local news in the "Making A Difference" segment...see link http://www.wtsp.com/news/local/article/228117/8/Christmas-tradition-of-giving-grows-into-The-Love-Tree)
2 years ago, Larry was diagnosed with bladder cancer. Last year, he was diagnosed with lung cancer and had nearly 1/2 of his right lung removed. This year, he got pneumonia and a near fatal lung infection, having spent the summer in the hospital fighting for his life. As of December, he is now scheduled to meet with the surgeon in January to discuss the recurrance of his lung cancer and likely removal of his remaining right lung.
In spite of his ill health, he maintains a positive attitude and his sense of humor (as evidenced by some of the photos above). But these critical illnesses, combined with his diabetes and COPD, have taken a toll on him physically, and financially struggling living off of a limited fixed income.
Medical bills are mounting, especially given that he needs to see so many specialists due to his many different ailments. His health is suffering and so is his stress, as he now worries about how he will get the treatment he needs, and be able to stay afloat. To complicate matters, his wife, Connie, is suffering with her own health issues and is no longer able to be the effective caregiver he needs so we are trying to work together as a family to get whatever help we can to assist our dad during this critical time, and to help improve the quality of his life.
He is so worried about being able to survive financially, he has asked us to help sell his tools and music equipment to raise money so he can manage. As he was a musician all his life and a mechanical engineer building so many things for our family, it is especially hard to consider selling his prized possessions just to help make ends meet.
Our father is a proud man but with very simple needs. He needs help with some very basic things like medical copays and prescription costs, the garage door fixed, some car repairs, yard work, other home repairs, a wheelchair lift for the car, a wheelchair ramp for the house, and even grocery and utility bills.
For some people, these seem like such basic requests, but for my dad, they would ease his day-to-day burden and improve his quality of life. Not all heroes wear uniforms or capes. He may have never earned a purple heart but he has a heart of gold.
When he was so sick in the hospital recently, I asked him about a bucket list and he couldn't envision one because he couldn't seem to hope much in a future, and knew his finances would not make that possible. But I tried to encourage him to wish for things to give him something to live for and look forward to.
Some of his items included: he'd love to visit the 9/11 memorial, Thomas Edison's lab in NJ, the Smithsonian, visit Utah for its beauty, take a train ride through the countryside, and maybe more one day. Right now, we are just hoping to keep him alive, healthy, and able to care for his basic needs, but hoping and praying one day to be able to make some of his bucket list wishes come true too.
We just want to see The Love Tree come full circle and hope and pray that people find it in their hearts to give back to the man has given so much to so many.
No contribution is too small and every dollar is appreciated. For the price of a cup of coffee or a cocktail, you could make someone's day and make a huge difference in their quality of life. Gift cards and other donations are also welcomed. (Mailing address: Larry Henderson c/o Tracy Hunter, P.O. Box 15351, Clearwater, FL 33766-5351)
Below is an example of a Love Tree project our family did. In honor of his wife Connie who loves teddy bears, Larry spent countless hours building a handmade wooden train called "The Teddy Bear Express". As a family, we collected nearly 80 teddy bears and together with the train, donated them to the local All Childrens Hospital where they were warmly received. They were put on display in the hospital's holiday shop where parents could come pick out (for free) a stuffed animal for their sick child. This was a family favorite project as we did it together and brought joy to many children.
Please feel free to contact us for more information, or just share this story to help The Love Tree continue to grow, whether it inspires a random act of kindness to help my dad or someone else. Every effort to help is appreciated and helps make the world a better place. Challenge yourself to be a part of something bigger than yourself. Help someone in need and help spread the word. #TLTChallenge. For more information about The Love Tree or the #TLTChallenge, please visit www.OurLoveTree.com. Thank you.
To show our deep appreciation and gratitude and to help you start your own Love Tree, every donor will receive a hand-made ornament recognizing their contribution to this special Love Tree project. One of our goals is to ultimately have this reach all 50 states, all continents to share the love worldwide.
© 2014 Microsoft Terms Privacy & cookies Developers English (United States)
© 2014 Microsoft Terms Privacy & cookies Developers English (United States)
Multiple Meetings
Singular Service. The richest benefits. Learn about the Starwood Convention Collection.
AdChoices
Larry Henderson, is a hero to many, especially to his family. Almost 25 years ago, he started The Love Tree, a tradition which involved him banning giving him Christmas presents and instead asking us to help others who are less fortunate.
Instead of giving him gifts, he asked that we participate in at least one good deed that year. Once our act of kindness was complete, we were to hand-make an ornament representing our good deed. Since then our entire family (children, grandchildren and great grandchildren) and even friends, have fed the homeless, helped victims of natural disasters, worked with local people in our community who were struggling or facing personal challenges, sent soldier's care packages, donated toys to children's homes and much more, all in his honor.
The Love Tree is now filled with HUNDREDS of ornaments representing the countless good deeds my father has inspired. We have also continued to share this story with others and by doing so, this tradition has spread to more than 35 states, 8 countries and 4 continents.
To think he has been the inspiration for so many charitable acts is wonderful, but to know that this tradition is something that will be carried on for generations to come is truly heart-warming. Larry's legacy reminds us that one person can truly make a difference and it can start with each and every one of us.
But sometimes charity starts at home, and now Larry is the one in need. He is completely unaware of this campaign as he himself would never ask for help.
(He was even featured on our local news in the "Making A Difference" segment...see link http://www.wtsp.com/news/local/article/228117/8/Christmas-tradition-of-giving-grows-into-The-Love-Tree)
2 years ago, Larry was diagnosed with bladder cancer. Last year, he was diagnosed with lung cancer and had nearly 1/2 of his right lung removed. This year, he got pneumonia and a near fatal lung infection, having spent the summer in the hospital fighting for his life. As of December, he is now scheduled to meet with the surgeon in January to discuss the recurrance of his lung cancer and likely removal of his remaining right lung.
In spite of his ill health, he maintains a positive attitude and his sense of humor (as evidenced by some of the photos above). But these critical illnesses, combined with his diabetes and COPD, have taken a toll on him physically, and financially struggling living off of a limited fixed income.
Medical bills are mounting, especially given that he needs to see so many specialists due to his many different ailments. His health is suffering and so is his stress, as he now worries about how he will get the treatment he needs, and be able to stay afloat. To complicate matters, his wife, Connie, is suffering with her own health issues and is no longer able to be the effective caregiver he needs so we are trying to work together as a family to get whatever help we can to assist our dad during this critical time, and to help improve the quality of his life.
He is so worried about being able to survive financially, he has asked us to help sell his tools and music equipment to raise money so he can manage. As he was a musician all his life and a mechanical engineer building so many things for our family, it is especially hard to consider selling his prized possessions just to help make ends meet.
Our father is a proud man but with very simple needs. He needs help with some very basic things like medical copays and prescription costs, the garage door fixed, some car repairs, yard work, other home repairs, a wheelchair lift for the car, a wheelchair ramp for the house, and even grocery and utility bills.
For some people, these seem like such basic requests, but for my dad, they would ease his day-to-day burden and improve his quality of life. Not all heroes wear uniforms or capes. He may have never earned a purple heart but he has a heart of gold.
When he was so sick in the hospital recently, I asked him about a bucket list and he couldn't envision one because he couldn't seem to hope much in a future, and knew his finances would not make that possible. But I tried to encourage him to wish for things to give him something to live for and look forward to.
Some of his items included: he'd love to visit the 9/11 memorial, Thomas Edison's lab in NJ, the Smithsonian, visit Utah for its beauty, take a train ride through the countryside, and maybe more one day. Right now, we are just hoping to keep him alive, healthy, and able to care for his basic needs, but hoping and praying one day to be able to make some of his bucket list wishes come true too.
We just want to see The Love Tree come full circle and hope and pray that people find it in their hearts to give back to the man has given so much to so many.
No contribution is too small and every dollar is appreciated. For the price of a cup of coffee or a cocktail, you could make someone's day and make a huge difference in their quality of life. Gift cards and other donations are also welcomed. (Mailing address: Larry Henderson c/o Tracy Hunter, P.O. Box 15351, Clearwater, FL 33766-5351)
Below is an example of a Love Tree project our family did. In honor of his wife Connie who loves teddy bears, Larry spent countless hours building a handmade wooden train called "The Teddy Bear Express". As a family, we collected nearly 80 teddy bears and together with the train, donated them to the local All Childrens Hospital where they were warmly received. They were put on display in the hospital's holiday shop where parents could come pick out (for free) a stuffed animal for their sick child. This was a family favorite project as we did it together and brought joy to many children.
Please feel free to contact us for more information, or just share this story to help The Love Tree continue to grow, whether it inspires a random act of kindness to help my dad or someone else. Every effort to help is appreciated and helps make the world a better place. Challenge yourself to be a part of something bigger than yourself. Help someone in need and help spread the word. #TLTChallenge. For more information about The Love Tree or the #TLTChallenge, please visit www.OurLoveTree.com. Thank you.
To show our deep appreciation and gratitude and to help you start your own Love Tree, every donor will receive a hand-made ornament recognizing their contribution to this special Love Tree project. One of our goals is to ultimately have this reach all 50 states, all continents to share the love worldwide.
© 2014 Microsoft Terms Privacy & cookies Developers English (United States)
© 2014 Microsoft Terms Privacy & cookies Developers English (United States)
Multiple Meetings
Singular Service. The richest benefits. Learn about the Starwood Convention Collection.
AdChoices
Organizer
Tracy Hunter
Organizer
Clearwater, FL