"Aim, hurry! Get up! We've gotta go." At first I was startled and rather confused. Why is my father getting me up at four in the morning? As soon as my bare feet touched the floor, I knew. My mind drifted to the hospital while I quickly pulled my clothes on. Is she going to make it?
Sitting in the car watching the familiar houses and offices go by, to me the short trip seemed like an eternity. I reflected on all the times I should have gone to visit her but had stubbornly refused. Feeling of regret instantly filled my heart. I didn't want to believe the despairing thoughts that were rushing to my mind, but I felt overwhelmed by the cold realization that they could be true.
My father was silent as the heavy metal doors of the elevator slowly closed out the bustling hospital lobby. During the endless ride to her floor, the stillness led me to feel more and more nervous. Mom met us with an exhausted, downcast look on her face.
"Is she going to be all right?" I asked her.
After a long pause, my mother slowly replied, "Honestly....I don't know this time."
I walked down a long hallway and carefully opened her door. The room was small and dimly lit, and as I approached her bed, I noticed how pale and weak she looked.
I will never forget standing beside her thinking how, more than anything, I wanted to see her get up and come home with us. I looked away, trying to collect some optimism, and then turned back and studied the intrusive machines that surrounded her. I held her soft, fail hand in mine and told her that she was going to get better. My eyes welled with tears, which suddenly turned into sobs. "You can't leave me now! Please, you have to get better! I pleaded. As I stood there watching her with tears streaming down my face, my heart knew that what I had been fearing was true. My time with her had come to an end, for she was now read to pass from this world to the next,,,a world where she would suffer no longer.
In loving memory of my sister, Candice 10/23/1994
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Ode to My Sister
Her soft gigglesdrifted through the air
light and cheerful
like water gently flowing
along a babbling brook
Her lighthearted nature
spread joy and happiness to all
like the pure delight
a playful puppy brings
to a small child
Her sunny disposition
was gentle yet isolated
like one fragile daisy
standing proud
in a vast meadow
Her bright smile
was peaceful and refreshing
like the encompassing warmth
and relaxing tranquility
of a carefree summer day
by Aimee Vaniglia '97
My Life and Love will Ripples Make...
Candi's Birthday ~ October 28th, 1981The first page of Candi's baby album has the verse:
Like a single drop of rain
That on still waters fall
My life and love will ripples make
And touch the lives of all.
So read this precious story
As step by step I grow
I am a blessing and a gift
As each page here will show.
Full of love for this new little daughter and dreaming of pink dresses, proms and weddings, I loved this poem. I had no idea that our time with Candice would be so short and that her life, her story, would impact millions around the county. In fact, with the difficult pregnancy and dangerous birth we had already endured, I thought the worst was over. It had to be, it was a miracle she was even here! I feel so very thankful for the gift of this tiny daughter.
But that wasn't all, there was more. Something was wrong. Her pediatrician, Dr. Constance Glasgow and I knew it, but we could not find it. Six months and many, many trips to various specialists, we finally have a diagnosis, Candi has HYDROCEPHALUS. This terrifying news is followed immediately by brain surgery, then another, and another. My tiny baby endured it all with a sweetness that stole the hearts of everyone who cared for her. I am reminded of the poem in the beginning of her baby book, “My life and love will ripples make and touch the lives of all.” Wow, little one, look at the lives you have touched!
Surely, now the worst was over now! We have a diagnosis and a cure - another miracle! Now I can just enjoy my little daughter. Joy and laughter fill our home. We are a happy family with two precious daughters and I feel incredibly blessed and grateful.
Oh how the ripples are spreading… I am invited to become part of a network of mothers called Parent/Friend. As a volunteer member of this organization, I took phone calls from families struggling with the news that their child has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus. I help them process this terrifying news. I listen to their stories, fears and questions, and share with them what it was like for our family, helping to comfort others with our story. I am amazed!
Little Candice – look what a difference you are making in your Mommy’s life and in the lives of so many others. You are “A blessing and a gift to all who know you.”
But the ripple would spread farther that I could ever imagine. Candice was destined for more, much more…
Saturday, October 24, 2009
A Donor Family knows …To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.
Candi’s Gift
To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.
Twenty-six years ago I was given the incredible gift of a daughter, Candice Faye. Everyone loved Candi, she was joy and laughter. It wasn’t until she died, however, that I understood the extent of her love and kindness, and the gift that was her life. The priceless gift she was and is to all who knew her.
Candi was born with hydrocephalus, a condition that causes intense pain and swelling due to fluid build-up inside the skull. A shunt, implanted when she was 10 months old, drained excess fluid down the inside of her neck into her abdomen.
Every so often, the shunt would become clogged or infected, and Candi would go into the hospital to get a new tube and a dose of antibiotics. Such was the case in October, 1994. Same old routine, I thought. But Candi did not bounce back like she usually did, and by the time they discovered the problem—a particularly virulent bacteria resistant to standard drugs—it was too late.
Although I had no idea this was to be Candi’s last week of life, I never left her side. Candi had many friends here, her gentle spirit and infectious laughter charmed all who met her. Having spent numerous nights in this unit over the years, Candi had stolen all of their hearts. She never complained during difficult procedures, always a smile and thank you for anyone who entered her room.
One night, a woman in a nearby room was declared brain dead and her family was asked if they wished to donate her organs. My family listened and watched as they cried, She can’t be dead, She’s still breathing! Get another opinion! No! No! No! they screamed.
You see what this family could not understand was that their loved one was not in a coma, but brain dead, all brain function & oxygen to the brain had ceased. In fact, the ventilator that made it look like she was breathing would not keep her body functioning for long.
We watched this family struggling and suffering with the death of their loved one, having no idea that the very next night we would be facing the same agony. When they finally understood their loved was indeed dead, they wanted to donate her organs. Later, in the stillness of the hospital night, I heard the Coordinators say, “They waited too long, it’s too late. We can’t transplant any of her organs.”
Candi and I had not slept in more than 36 hours she had been in such horrific pain. Finally, as Candi began to fall asleep, I whispered, “Good night, I love you. I’ll be right here, I won’t leave you.” In so much pain she couldn’t speak, she smiled weakly and we closed our eyes exhausted. It was midnight.
At 1 AM, I awoke with a start to hear the doctor standing by Candi’s bedside, calling her name and then calling, CODE BLUE. I could hardly breathe as I waited for them to help her. Doctors & nurses arrived from everywhere, white coats flying, doors slamming, as the crash cart appeared. I thought MY heart would stop beating. A nurse drags me from Candi’s side. I refuse to go beyond the door. I promised I would not leave her.
The hospital staff was able to resuscitate her, but somehow I knew these were Candi’s final moments. I turned to the doctor, and thinking of the family earlier in the day that had waited too long, I asked, “If Candi doesn’t get better would it be possible to donate her organs?” Tears sprang to the doctor’s eyes, “I have more tests ordered for the morning,” he stammered, unwilling as all doctors and hospital staff are to surrender their endeavors to save lives.
Now in a coma, I comforted Candi, touching her and telling her, “Candi, Mommy’s here. Everyone is here. Don’t be afraid, You know I won’t leave you.” Tiny tears slipped from the corners of my daughter’s eyes.
Then suddenly, in an unforgetable moment, I felt an unexplainable, overwhelming sense of peace, and I knew my sweet 13 year old daughter was gone. Standing by Candi’s side as I felt her leave us, enveloped in the precious peace of death, I turned to the doctor, and said, “She’s gone isn’t she? Can you call the coordinators now?”
Believe me, the Coordinators that helped us were compassionate, sensitive and kind. They never hurried or rushed us. In gentle tones they answered all our questions. Many people think the process is gruesome, I know I did. However, even after Candi was brain dead, the coordinators talked to her like she was still there. They even kept her stuffed kitty beside her during the surgery to complete her gift of life. My daughter was treated with utmost dignity and respect.
On the day of the funeral we were told that the gift of one of Candi’s kidneys saved the life of a young man who is an artist. The other kidney went to a Daddy with two small children, completely disabled and on dialysis. I learned later that within 6 months he was back working 12 hour shifts and able to play with his children again.
Candi’s liver went to a grandmother who later wrote us, “How can I thank you for the gift of watching my grandchildren grow?” A father of two grown daughters received the gift of her heart. When I met this man 5 years later, I was overwhelmed when he told me that he had prayed for our family everyday. It was so very important to him that we understood he was taking extra good care of the priceless gift of Candi’s heart.
Determined to cherish and remember my daughter, I created a special storybook that celebrated the gift Candi was to us. You see, the worse part of losing someone, is the forgetting. We are the sum of our stories. After completing her storybook, I was surprised by the healing I felt because I didn’t have to struggle to hold on to her anymore. I had written it all down in her keepsake photo storybook. Wanting to help others preserve their special memories and photos, I began holding get-togethers, sharing my story and helping family & friends preserve the gift that is each and every life. I was surprised to realize how powerful sharing our stories can be.
These efforts were preparing me for something I never dreamed capable of, helping others cope with the decision to donate. One day the Center for Donation called and asked if I would be one of the founding members of The MOD Squad - 5 women united by loss—each a survivor of the death of a child. As a “Mother of Donor” volunteer we would share our stories with hospital staff, give interviews to the media, talk to local politicians, anywhere we could, JUST LIKE ALL OF YOU, to spread the message of the incredible healing power to be gained by donating a loved one’s organs, and the new life that can emerge from tragedy.
But the most important role of the MOD Squad—was to support families facing the decision to donate at the time of death. Our role was not to lobby for donation, but to answer questions families often felt uncomfortable asking of others, offering our support, contacting relatives, or whatever the family needed. With the support of a MOD Squad member our organ donation consent rate went from 49% to 91%.
The truth is, losing a child, or any loved one is the very bottom, you can’t get any lower than that. But when organ donation is offered as an option in a caring and compassionate manner, it represents the first step upward.
Sometimes a family chooses no to donation. That’s Okay too. We just want them to have the option. To know they have a choice. No one else’s wishes should come before the families, not ours, not a hospital staffer, not the transplant center. It’s the family that will live with this decision forever, it is theirs to make. From my own experience at the bedside of numerous potential donors, the family members, not knowing what their loved one wanted, find it almost impossible to make a decision.
On the day of Candi’s funeral, when the center called to tell us about the recipients, we were surprised at the comfort we felt at that moment, realizing that in our loss two families received the gift of sight and four families received the gift of life and would not be facing the agony of death at this time. Knowing that lives were saved helped carry us thru that awful day. And now, 13 years later, we still feel comforted at the thought that others are alive because we gave. We have never for a moment regretted our decision. And every donor family I have ever met expresses the same sense of comfort, because we know and understand how very precious the gift of life is.
A Donor Family knows …To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.
Wendy S. Vaniglia, Mother of Donor
3322 Casseekey Island Rd, Southporte 104, Jupiter, FL 33477
561-747-7542 H 518-269-0684 C
cmcwendyv@aol.com
http://www.mycmsite.com/wendyv
Transplant Foundation Leading Ladies Luncheon 5.16.07
To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.
Twenty-six years ago I was given the incredible gift of a daughter, Candice Faye. Everyone loved Candi, she was joy and laughter. It wasn’t until she died, however, that I understood the extent of her love and kindness, and the gift that was her life. The priceless gift she was and is to all who knew her.
Candi was born with hydrocephalus, a condition that causes intense pain and swelling due to fluid build-up inside the skull. A shunt, implanted when she was 10 months old, drained excess fluid down the inside of her neck into her abdomen.
Every so often, the shunt would become clogged or infected, and Candi would go into the hospital to get a new tube and a dose of antibiotics. Such was the case in October, 1994. Same old routine, I thought. But Candi did not bounce back like she usually did, and by the time they discovered the problem—a particularly virulent bacteria resistant to standard drugs—it was too late.
Although I had no idea this was to be Candi’s last week of life, I never left her side. Candi had many friends here, her gentle spirit and infectious laughter charmed all who met her. Having spent numerous nights in this unit over the years, Candi had stolen all of their hearts. She never complained during difficult procedures, always a smile and thank you for anyone who entered her room.
One night, a woman in a nearby room was declared brain dead and her family was asked if they wished to donate her organs. My family listened and watched as they cried, She can’t be dead, She’s still breathing! Get another opinion! No! No! No! they screamed.
You see what this family could not understand was that their loved one was not in a coma, but brain dead, all brain function & oxygen to the brain had ceased. In fact, the ventilator that made it look like she was breathing would not keep her body functioning for long.
We watched this family struggling and suffering with the death of their loved one, having no idea that the very next night we would be facing the same agony. When they finally understood their loved was indeed dead, they wanted to donate her organs. Later, in the stillness of the hospital night, I heard the Coordinators say, “They waited too long, it’s too late. We can’t transplant any of her organs.”
Candi and I had not slept in more than 36 hours she had been in such horrific pain. Finally, as Candi began to fall asleep, I whispered, “Good night, I love you. I’ll be right here, I won’t leave you.” In so much pain she couldn’t speak, she smiled weakly and we closed our eyes exhausted. It was midnight.
At 1 AM, I awoke with a start to hear the doctor standing by Candi’s bedside, calling her name and then calling, CODE BLUE. I could hardly breathe as I waited for them to help her. Doctors & nurses arrived from everywhere, white coats flying, doors slamming, as the crash cart appeared. I thought MY heart would stop beating. A nurse drags me from Candi’s side. I refuse to go beyond the door. I promised I would not leave her.
The hospital staff was able to resuscitate her, but somehow I knew these were Candi’s final moments. I turned to the doctor, and thinking of the family earlier in the day that had waited too long, I asked, “If Candi doesn’t get better would it be possible to donate her organs?” Tears sprang to the doctor’s eyes, “I have more tests ordered for the morning,” he stammered, unwilling as all doctors and hospital staff are to surrender their endeavors to save lives.
Now in a coma, I comforted Candi, touching her and telling her, “Candi, Mommy’s here. Everyone is here. Don’t be afraid, You know I won’t leave you.” Tiny tears slipped from the corners of my daughter’s eyes.
Then suddenly, in an unforgetable moment, I felt an unexplainable, overwhelming sense of peace, and I knew my sweet 13 year old daughter was gone. Standing by Candi’s side as I felt her leave us, enveloped in the precious peace of death, I turned to the doctor, and said, “She’s gone isn’t she? Can you call the coordinators now?”
Believe me, the Coordinators that helped us were compassionate, sensitive and kind. They never hurried or rushed us. In gentle tones they answered all our questions. Many people think the process is gruesome, I know I did. However, even after Candi was brain dead, the coordinators talked to her like she was still there. They even kept her stuffed kitty beside her during the surgery to complete her gift of life. My daughter was treated with utmost dignity and respect.
On the day of the funeral we were told that the gift of one of Candi’s kidneys saved the life of a young man who is an artist. The other kidney went to a Daddy with two small children, completely disabled and on dialysis. I learned later that within 6 months he was back working 12 hour shifts and able to play with his children again.
Candi’s liver went to a grandmother who later wrote us, “How can I thank you for the gift of watching my grandchildren grow?” A father of two grown daughters received the gift of her heart. When I met this man 5 years later, I was overwhelmed when he told me that he had prayed for our family everyday. It was so very important to him that we understood he was taking extra good care of the priceless gift of Candi’s heart.
Determined to cherish and remember my daughter, I created a special storybook that celebrated the gift Candi was to us. You see, the worse part of losing someone, is the forgetting. We are the sum of our stories. After completing her storybook, I was surprised by the healing I felt because I didn’t have to struggle to hold on to her anymore. I had written it all down in her keepsake photo storybook. Wanting to help others preserve their special memories and photos, I began holding get-togethers, sharing my story and helping family & friends preserve the gift that is each and every life. I was surprised to realize how powerful sharing our stories can be.
These efforts were preparing me for something I never dreamed capable of, helping others cope with the decision to donate. One day the Center for Donation called and asked if I would be one of the founding members of The MOD Squad - 5 women united by loss—each a survivor of the death of a child. As a “Mother of Donor” volunteer we would share our stories with hospital staff, give interviews to the media, talk to local politicians, anywhere we could, JUST LIKE ALL OF YOU, to spread the message of the incredible healing power to be gained by donating a loved one’s organs, and the new life that can emerge from tragedy.
But the most important role of the MOD Squad—was to support families facing the decision to donate at the time of death. Our role was not to lobby for donation, but to answer questions families often felt uncomfortable asking of others, offering our support, contacting relatives, or whatever the family needed. With the support of a MOD Squad member our organ donation consent rate went from 49% to 91%.
The truth is, losing a child, or any loved one is the very bottom, you can’t get any lower than that. But when organ donation is offered as an option in a caring and compassionate manner, it represents the first step upward.
Sometimes a family chooses no to donation. That’s Okay too. We just want them to have the option. To know they have a choice. No one else’s wishes should come before the families, not ours, not a hospital staffer, not the transplant center. It’s the family that will live with this decision forever, it is theirs to make. From my own experience at the bedside of numerous potential donors, the family members, not knowing what their loved one wanted, find it almost impossible to make a decision.
On the day of Candi’s funeral, when the center called to tell us about the recipients, we were surprised at the comfort we felt at that moment, realizing that in our loss two families received the gift of sight and four families received the gift of life and would not be facing the agony of death at this time. Knowing that lives were saved helped carry us thru that awful day. And now, 13 years later, we still feel comforted at the thought that others are alive because we gave. We have never for a moment regretted our decision. And every donor family I have ever met expresses the same sense of comfort, because we know and understand how very precious the gift of life is.
A Donor Family knows …To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die.
Wendy S. Vaniglia, Mother of Donor
3322 Casseekey Island Rd, Southporte 104, Jupiter, FL 33477
561-747-7542 H 518-269-0684 C
cmcwendyv@aol.com
http://www.mycmsite.com/wendyv
Transplant Foundation Leading Ladies Luncheon 5.16.07
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Thank you Letter from President Wendy Vaniglia
To all who volunteered or participated in our 1st Annual Gift of Candi 'Ride for Life' Poker Run;
Without you our 'Ride for Life' would not have been such a wonderful success. We are overwhelmed with your generosity of time, resources and friendship.
Without you our 'Ride for Life' would not have been such a wonderful success. We are overwhelmed with your generosity of time, resources and friendship.
We raised over $2100, as well as much need awareness of organ donor familiea nd the mission of The Gift of Candi Foundation.
Your love and generosity gives me hope that the dream of assisting organ donor families in their hour of giving and grieving is finally coming true. We continue to hope that soon we will be able to help connect these donor families with their recipients, thus completing the miracle of the Gift of Life.
You are Priceless!
With heartfelt gratitude and love,
Wendy Vaniglia
President, The Gift of Candi Foundation
PS - To view more photos/album pages from this event, please click on the slideshow top right.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
See us on TV!! Wed, January 14th @ 5 and 10 PM
Just wanted to share the good news!
CBS and FOX News Anchor Suzanne Boyd will feature The Gift of Candi Foundation tomorrow, Wednesday, January 14th on CBS Cares @ 5 PM (CBS12 WPEC on Comcast 9 and HD 433) and again at 10 PM on FOX 29 WFLX (Comcast 11 and HD 434)
Suzanne will emcee our celebration at the end of our 1st Annual 'Ride for Life' Poker Run fundraiser on Saturday, January 17th
NOTE - Just added!! TRIBUTES to Organ Donors and DONATION link on OUR website http://www.thegiftofcandi.blogspot.com/
Thanks so much for helping us show love and gratitude to organ donor families whose priceless gift saves thousands of lives every year.
Please share this announcement.
CBS and FOX News Anchor Suzanne Boyd will feature The Gift of Candi Foundation tomorrow, Wednesday, January 14th on CBS Cares @ 5 PM (CBS12 WPEC on Comcast 9 and HD 433) and again at 10 PM on FOX 29 WFLX (Comcast 11 and HD 434)
Suzanne will emcee our celebration at the end of our 1st Annual 'Ride for Life' Poker Run fundraiser on Saturday, January 17th
NOTE - Just added!! TRIBUTES to Organ Donors and DONATION link on OUR website http://www.thegiftofcandi.
Thanks so much for helping us show love and gratitude to organ donor families whose priceless gift saves thousands of lives every year.
Please share this announcement.
'Ride for Life' Map
A map will be provided at registration, however, if you want a copy now, you may click on the image and print at home.Please feel free to contact me @ (561) 747-7542 or cmcwendyv@aol.com if you have any question. Thanks again for helping us help the precious families whose loved donated his/her organs to give life to others.
Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Just 2 weeks to go!!!
Happy New Year All!
Just 2 weeks from today we will proudly host our 1st Annual 'Ride for Life' Poker Run benefiting The Gift of Candi Foundation for organ donor families. Our goal is two-fold; to assist organ donor families in need after giving the precious Gift of Life and, to create a website where Donor Families and Recipients can connect and thus complete the circle of the Gift of Life. The possibility of human contact lifts the process of donation and transplantation above the mechanics of medicine and surgery and makes it a true sharing of life, gratitude, and love. The Gift of Candi Foundation is the only organization offering this process.
I am so appreciative of all of you who have offered to assist and/or participate. Without you, our 'Ride for Life' would not be a success. I am very excited to announce that Southern Bike Night TV has offered to film our event! http://southernbikenight.com/MAINPAGE.html
We are still in need a few more volunteers to assist with the poker run. Auction items are always appreciated - because our auction is live, you will have the opportunity to submit a paragraph about your donation and/or company. Of course, your charitable contributions to The Gift of Candi Foundation are always appreciated. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me - wendy@thegiftofcandi.com or phone: 561-747-7542
Wishing You Health, Love and Life in 2009.
Fondly,
Wendy Vaniglia,
Founder and Donor Mom
The Gift of Candi Foundation, Inc
Just 2 weeks from today we will proudly host our 1st Annual 'Ride for Life' Poker Run benefiting The Gift of Candi Foundation for organ donor families. Our goal is two-fold; to assist organ donor families in need after giving the precious Gift of Life and, to create a website where Donor Families and Recipients can connect and thus complete the circle of the Gift of Life. The possibility of human contact lifts the process of donation and transplantation above the mechanics of medicine and surgery and makes it a true sharing of life, gratitude, and love. The Gift of Candi Foundation is the only organization offering this process.
I am so appreciative of all of you who have offered to assist and/or participate. Without you, our 'Ride for Life' would not be a success. I am very excited to announce that Southern Bike Night TV has offered to film our event! http://southernbikenight.com/MAINPAGE.html
We are still in need a few more volunteers to assist with the poker run. Auction items are always appreciated - because our auction is live, you will have the opportunity to submit a paragraph about your donation and/or company. Of course, your charitable contributions to The Gift of Candi Foundation are always appreciated. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me - wendy@thegiftofcandi.com or phone: 561-747-7542
Wishing You Health, Love and Life in 2009.
Fondly,
Wendy Vaniglia,
Founder and Donor Mom
The Gift of Candi Foundation, Inc
Monday, December 8, 2008
Run List - Choose North or South Start - Saturday Jan. 17th, 2009 'Ride for Life' Poker Run
NORTH START/REGISTRATION (11 AM - 1 PM)
Treasure Coast Harley-Davidson - 4967 SE Federal Hwy, Stuart 772-287-3871
POKER STOPS:
Horsefeather's Sports & Spokes - 10314 SE Federal Hwy, Hobe Sound 772-546-4445
Ralph's Stand UP Bar - 113 Center St, Jupiter 561-746-6812
Oasis (formerly Blondie's Bar & Grill) - 10160 W. Indiantown Rd, Jupiter 561-743-3300
Island Jack's Patio Bar & Grill - 4449 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach 561-687-2122
Tiki Waterfront Sea Grill - 200 East 13th St, Riviera Beach 561-845-5532
Last Bike in @ 4 PM - Live Auction / Prizes / Music / Food / Fun
SOUTH START/REGISTRATION (11 AM - 1 PM)
Harley-Davidson of Palm Beach - 2955 45th St, West Palm Beach *561) 659-4131
POKER STOPS:
Island Jack's Patio Bar & Grill - 4449 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach (561) 687-2122
Oasis (formerly Blondie's Bar & Grill) - 10160 W. Indiantown Rd, Jupiter (561) 743-3300
Horsefeather's Sports & Spokes - 10314 SE Federal Hwy, Hobe Sound (772) 546-4445
Ralph's Stand UP Bar - 113 Center St, Jupiter (561) 746-6812
TIKI Waterfront Sea Grill - 200 East 13th St, Riviera Beach (561) 845-5532
Last Bike in at 4 PM - Live Auction / Prizes / Music / Food / Fun
Race Day Contact - Ed Peters 561-512-1087
Treasure Coast Harley-Davidson - 4967 SE Federal Hwy, Stuart 772-287-3871
POKER STOPS:
Horsefeather's Sports & Spokes - 10314 SE Federal Hwy, Hobe Sound 772-546-4445
Ralph's Stand UP Bar - 113 Center St, Jupiter 561-746-6812
Oasis (formerly Blondie's Bar & Grill) - 10160 W. Indiantown Rd, Jupiter 561-743-3300
Island Jack's Patio Bar & Grill - 4449 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach 561-687-2122
Tiki Waterfront Sea Grill - 200 East 13th St, Riviera Beach 561-845-5532
Last Bike in @ 4 PM - Live Auction / Prizes / Music / Food / Fun
SOUTH START/REGISTRATION (11 AM - 1 PM)
Harley-Davidson of Palm Beach - 2955 45th St, West Palm Beach *561) 659-4131
POKER STOPS:
Island Jack's Patio Bar & Grill - 4449 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach (561) 687-2122
Oasis (formerly Blondie's Bar & Grill) - 10160 W. Indiantown Rd, Jupiter (561) 743-3300
Horsefeather's Sports & Spokes - 10314 SE Federal Hwy, Hobe Sound (772) 546-4445
Ralph's Stand UP Bar - 113 Center St, Jupiter (561) 746-6812
TIKI Waterfront Sea Grill - 200 East 13th St, Riviera Beach (561) 845-5532
Last Bike in at 4 PM - Live Auction / Prizes / Music / Food / Fun
Race Day Contact - Ed Peters 561-512-1087
Saturday, November 1, 2008
"Ride for Life" Poker Run - January 17th, 2009
Announcing the First Annual "Ride for Life" Poker Run!
Organ Donors give the greatest gift of all, The Gift of Life. Your participation in this "Ride for Life " will help us show gratitude to the altruistic families who, in their own time of tragedy and grief, think of others and give the most priceless gift of all, the Gift of Life.
Our ride will have a north and south start/registration point. The north start begins at Treasure Coast Harley-Davidson and our south start will begin at Harley-Davidson of Palm Beach. The ride begins with registration at your choice of Harley-Davidson location, then you will pick your cards at Island Jack's, Blondie's, Ralph's Stand Up Bar, Horsefeather's Sports and Spokes and finishes at the Tiki Waterfront Sea Grill, Riviera Beach. All Bikes and Cars Welcome
We will have Cash Prizes for Best and Worst Hands, a 50/50 Raffle, Live Music and an exciting Live Auction! Suzanne Boyd, Anchor for CBS and FOX News (Donor Family-her brother died at age 9) will be our Celebrity MC and Glenn Steurerman (Double Lung Recipient) of Strathmore Bagels will be our Celebrity Auctioneer.
Please join us on Saturday, January 17th to help raise money for
Families of Organ Donors.
Families of Organ Donors.
Organ Donors give the greatest gift of all, The Gift of Life. Your participation in this "Ride for Life " will help us show gratitude to the altruistic families who, in their own time of tragedy and grief, think of others and give the most priceless gift of all, the Gift of Life.
Our ride will have a north and south start/registration point. The north start begins at Treasure Coast Harley-Davidson and our south start will begin at Harley-Davidson of Palm Beach. The ride begins with registration at your choice of Harley-Davidson location, then you will pick your cards at Island Jack's, Blondie's, Ralph's Stand Up Bar, Horsefeather's Sports and Spokes and finishes at the Tiki Waterfront Sea Grill, Riviera Beach. All Bikes and Cars Welcome
We will have Cash Prizes for Best and Worst Hands, a 50/50 Raffle, Live Music and an exciting Live Auction! Suzanne Boyd, Anchor for CBS and FOX News (Donor Family-her brother died at age 9) will be our Celebrity MC and Glenn Steurerman (Double Lung Recipient) of Strathmore Bagels will be our Celebrity Auctioneer.
We have invited each stop on our Poker Run to participate in a Battle of the Bars! Look for Free Food, Awesome Specials, Live Music and Lots of Surprises! Voting for The Best Bar Award will be held at the end of the ride.
For more information; fliers or post cards for your club or location, or to donate raffle or auction gifts, please email me @ wendy@thegiftofcandi.com or call 561-747-7542
Looking forward to seeing you as we Celebrate the Gift of Life on January 17th!
In Grateful Appreciation for your support,
Wendy Vaniglia, Donor Mom & Founder
The Gift of Candi Foundation
A Precious Gift
Jungle George from Texas notices I am stopping at every airbrush stand. “Are you going to get your body painted he asks?” Oh No, I exclaim! I've looked at hundreds of samples during Daytona Beach Bike Week, but I’m unable find the perfect butterfly for the back of my leather vest. I can't quite describe what I would like, but my heart is searching for a very special one. Jungle George knows the perfect man for the job and introduces me to Todd. I want this butterfly to cover the back of my vest, my favorite color is purple; the rest I'll leave up to Todd. I don't mention why I want this butterfly.
As I turn away, I noticed the helmets and bikes Todd has at his stand; skulls and crossbones, demons and scary images and I wonder “What have I done?” Oh well, I can always purchase another vest. We head off to listen to a band and await my butterfly. Half an hour later, we return to see what Todd has created. As soon as I see my vest I burst into tears. All the tough bikers around me disappear, and Todd stammers, "I'm sorry…. I didn't bring the right paints for something like this."
“Oh no, these are happy tears!” I felt as though Todd had looked into my soul and painted an artist's rendering of my heart. The reason for my tears was that Todd had added tiny pink hearts and shining stars on the soft purple butterfly he had created. The instant I saw the hearts I thought of the sweet Irish man I met who had received the gift of my daughter Candi's heart when she died at age 13. Todd did not know that pink was Candi's favorite color. The sparkling stars reminded me of a saying I carry in my heart, "Perhaps they are not stars in the sky but rather openings where our loved ones shine down on us."
Todd won't accept any money for painting this beautiful, perfect butterfly. Later in the week he tells me that he and his family of 6 were homeless when they arrived in Daytona, but yesterday someone had come along and given him a place to live. Todd tells me, “It’s because of the butterfly.”
The butterfly symbolizes to me new life for the four people who received Candi’s heart, liver and kidneys and the comfort and healing I feel knowing her short life is still helping others.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Ride for Life Poker Run - January 17, 2009
We are so excited to announce our first annual "Ride for Life" Poker Run to be held in West Palm Beach on Saturday, January 17th, 2009. Hope you will join us! Details to follow soon!
Friday, August 15, 2008
My life and love will ripples make...
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Candi's Birthday ~ October 28th, 1981The first page of Candi's baby album has the verse:
Like a single drop of rain
That on still waters fall
My life and love will ripples make
And touch the lives of all.
So read this precious story
As step by step I grow
I am a blessing and a gift
As each page here will show.
Full of love for this new little daughter and dreaming of pink dresses, proms and weddings, I loved this poem. I had no idea that our time with Candice would be so short and that her life, her story, would impact millions around the county. In fact, with the difficult pregnancy and dangerous birth we had already endured, I thought the worst was over. It had to be, it was a miracle she was even here! I feel so very thankful for the gift of this tiny daughter.
But that wasn't all, there was more. Something was wrong. Her pediatrician, Dr. Constance Glasgow and I knew it, but we could not find it. Six months and many, many trips to various specialists, we finally have a diagnosis, Candi has HYDROCEPHALUS. This terrifying news is followed immediately by brain surgery, then another, and another. My tiny baby endured it all with a sweetness that stole the hearts of everyone who cared for her. I am reminded of the poem in the beginning of her baby book, “My life and love will ripples make and touch the lives of all.” Wow, little one, look at the lives you have touched!
Surely, now the worst was over now! We have a diagnosis and a cure - another miracle! Now I can just enjoy my little daughter. Joy and laughter fill our home. We are a happy family with two precious daughters and I feel incredibly blessed and grateful.
Oh how the ripples are spreading… I am invited to become part of a network of mothers called Parent/Friend. As a volunteer member of this organization, I took phone calls from families struggling with the news that their child has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus. I help them process this terrifying news. I listen to their stories, fears and questions, and share with them what it was like for our family, helping to comfort others with our story. I am amazed!
Little Candice – look what a difference you are making in your Mommy’s life and in the lives of so many others. You are “A blessing and a gift to all who know you.”
But the ripple would spread farther that I could ever imagine. Candice was destined for more, much more…
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Mother's Day Gift to Donor Families
It is my honor and privilege to announce to you this Mother's Day 2008, the official birth of The Gift of Candi Foundation, giving gifts to those who gave the Gift of Life.
For most of these 13 years since my sweet daughter Candi died, I have had a burden for how we show our compassion and respect to those brave families, who in their time a great tragedy and loss, looked outside themselves and thinking of others who may be dying that day, gave the greatest gift of all, the gift of life.
As I volunteered with a group called MOD Squad , sitting with families in the hospital trying to cope with the terrible news that a loved one died, I wanted to do more for them. Although I knew that their decision would ultimately help soothe the terrible ache and loss. I also knew they would have other needs; the need to hold on to the memory of a life ended too soon, the need to receive a letter of gratitude, and often times, a deep desire to meet the recipients. Many of our donor families are in desparate need of financial assistance, but to date, no one is there to care for them.
It seems to us that offering acts of kindness toward families who give so unselfishly must be made available. After all, without them thousands more will die. Right now, today @ 2:23, there are 99,258 people on the wait list waiting for organs. 18 die every day, never receiving the gift of life. In 2007 8,091 donors saved the lives of 28,355. We don't need money for research, we don't have to wait years for a cure, it's here, however half of the cure is being thrown away because families are saying no to donation. At Candi's Gift we believe that when we begin offering better aftercare to our donor families, more families will respond positively to the option to Give the Gift of Life.
If you would like to help, please contact us at:
The Gift of Candi Foundation
Email: wendy@thegiftofcandi.com
Friday, May 2, 2008
You Can Help
Letter to Donor Families from: Yilian Fraga, MSW
Community & Donor Family Services Supervisor
University of Miami Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency
Feel free to forward this note to others who can help us ensure these bills are signed.
Dear Donor Families:
Senator Oelrich's and Representative Hays' bills to improve Florida's donor registry have passed in both chambers of the legislature. They now are making their way to Governor Crist's office for his signature.
SB 2630 is the registry improvement bill. It will allow the overburdened AHCA to contract with an outside entity (through an open and impartial process) to not only create a new and improved registry, but also to run it.
SB 2610 is the exemption bill, which will make the registry information exempt from the Sunshine Laws.
It is imperative that the governor sign these bills, so we can get on our way to improving the donor registry in Florida and give more hope to the thousands of patients in need of a life-saving organ transplant and life-enhancing tissue and corneal transplants.
Your help is needed! Please send Governor Crist POSITIVE letters ofencouragement. No need to remind him of last year's veto. That road has been well-traveled. I've listed several points below that you may wish to include in your letters. You don't have to use them all.
A few key points:
● Both bills have passed in the House and Senate. A similar registry bill passed unanimously in 2007, and all of the governor’s concerns with that bill have been addressed in the 2008 bills.
● AHCA is overwhelmed with other healthcare issues and doesn’t have the resources to adequately run the registry. Outsourcing it to an able entity will improve the system.
● The registry desperately needs to be updated. Improving the registry will make it easier for millions of Floridians to join the registry and ultimate save lives.
● Hundreds of patients in Florida are dying each year because there are not enough donor organs for them. Fixing the registry and allowing Floridians easy access to designate their donation decisions will help save lives.
● Signing these bills will help improve Florida’s donor registry and ultimately save lives. When Florida improves its donor registry, it can once again become a national leader among states with effective registries.
It's best to e-mail or fax him, as U.S. mail takes much longer to reach his desk. Hearing from the individuals who have been personally touched by donation and transplantation and who want (and need) these bills to be signed will matter to him. Feel free to forward this note to others who can help us ensure these bills are signed.
Office of the Governor
The Capitol
400 S. Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
Phone: (850) 488-7146 or (850) 488-4441
Fax: (850) 487-0801
E-mail: charlie.crist@myflorida.com
I thank you in advance for your time and attention.
Sincerely,Yilian Fraga, MSW
Community & Donor Family Services Supervisor
University of Miami Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency
1801 NW 9th Avenue Suite 150A
Miami, FL 33136
305-243-7344
Community & Donor Family Services Supervisor
University of Miami Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency
Feel free to forward this note to others who can help us ensure these bills are signed.
Dear Donor Families:
Senator Oelrich's and Representative Hays' bills to improve Florida's donor registry have passed in both chambers of the legislature. They now are making their way to Governor Crist's office for his signature.
SB 2630 is the registry improvement bill. It will allow the overburdened AHCA to contract with an outside entity (through an open and impartial process) to not only create a new and improved registry, but also to run it.
SB 2610 is the exemption bill, which will make the registry information exempt from the Sunshine Laws.
It is imperative that the governor sign these bills, so we can get on our way to improving the donor registry in Florida and give more hope to the thousands of patients in need of a life-saving organ transplant and life-enhancing tissue and corneal transplants.
Your help is needed! Please send Governor Crist POSITIVE letters ofencouragement. No need to remind him of last year's veto. That road has been well-traveled. I've listed several points below that you may wish to include in your letters. You don't have to use them all.
A few key points:
● Both bills have passed in the House and Senate. A similar registry bill passed unanimously in 2007, and all of the governor’s concerns with that bill have been addressed in the 2008 bills.
● AHCA is overwhelmed with other healthcare issues and doesn’t have the resources to adequately run the registry. Outsourcing it to an able entity will improve the system.
● The registry desperately needs to be updated. Improving the registry will make it easier for millions of Floridians to join the registry and ultimate save lives.
● Hundreds of patients in Florida are dying each year because there are not enough donor organs for them. Fixing the registry and allowing Floridians easy access to designate their donation decisions will help save lives.
● Signing these bills will help improve Florida’s donor registry and ultimately save lives. When Florida improves its donor registry, it can once again become a national leader among states with effective registries.
It's best to e-mail or fax him, as U.S. mail takes much longer to reach his desk. Hearing from the individuals who have been personally touched by donation and transplantation and who want (and need) these bills to be signed will matter to him. Feel free to forward this note to others who can help us ensure these bills are signed.
Office of the Governor
The Capitol
400 S. Monroe St.
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0001
Phone: (850) 488-7146 or (850) 488-4441
Fax: (850) 487-0801
E-mail: charlie.crist@myflorida.com
I thank you in advance for your time and attention.
Sincerely,Yilian Fraga, MSW
Community & Donor Family Services Supervisor
University of Miami Life Alliance Organ Recovery Agency
1801 NW 9th Avenue Suite 150A
Miami, FL 33136
305-243-7344
Thursday, May 1, 2008
On the Radio!
We have had the awesome opportunity of talking live on the air with Beverly Kennedy of The Beverly Kennedy Show and sharing our passion for Organ Donors and their Families. Together we are separating Fact from Fiction in the silent world of organ donors, their families and the greatest gift of all, The Gift of Life. Join us Tuesday - Friday from 5 - 6 PM @ WBZT 1230 AM South Florida or on the web @ http://www.wbzt.com/
Helping You to Celebrate the Gift of Life!
Wendy Vaniglia, Donor Mom,
Blessed mother of Candice Faye.
10/28/81 - 10/24/94
For more information on Organ Donation go to:
THE BEVERLY KENENDY SHOW
Live Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays!Drive time!!! 5-6 PM, (Eastern Standard Time).
The Beverly Kennedy ShowA 5 Star rated program on "FACTS FROM FICTION"© of the political, financial, and health world. On STARTLING CURRENT EVENTS that affect your quality of life. Hear the most valuable information to inform you with important facts that will help you solve problems and give you hope. Co-hosts include South Florida political and civic leaders the Honorable Ed Kennedy, with Broadcast Journalist, Award-winning Financial Adviser, Bev Kennedy, and Inger García
On the World Wide Web WBZT 1230AMSouth Florida. Heard live drive time(Eastern Standard Time). 5-6 PM, Tues. Weds.Thurs. Fri. and Mon. at 1-2pm, recorded. On radio station WBZT AM 1230, South Florida drivers, Palm Beach, Broward residents & Businesses can listen live or world wide on http://www.wbzt.com/ Schedule for repeat shows listed on BeverlyKennedy.com and WBZT.com. Call 800-696-6566 for more information.
Diversity Planning Institute, Inc.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Meet my favorite Leading Ladies...
I would like to introduce you to my favorite Leading Ladies, they are Leading Ladies, Inc. an auxiliary organization of Transplant Foundation of Miami. Since they incorporated in 1995, this amazing group has raised almost $1 million dollars through various projects and events such as shows, luncheons and raffles for Transplant Foundation's Patient Services Fund. Leading Ladies, Inc. is an exciting organization comprised of show business people and those with affection for show business. http://www.transplantfoundation.org/
For seven months of the year, these lovely ladies host fantastic fundraising events held at top notch venues in Dade and Broward counties with amazing entertainers and musicians, which dazzle and please the crowd.
The Transplant Foundation asked me to create a photo story book honoring these wonderful Ladies as a gift for each of the board members. You can see this book by clicking the link below,
http://www.cmphotocenter.com/sbpreview/StorybookPreview.aspx?StorybookID=118291&CustomerID=2195
Not only do these Ladies work tirelessly to raise money, the work they do to spread the message of organ donation can not be measured. Thank you Leading Ladies!
If you are ever in the Miami area, please join us at one of their incredible luncheons. For information on events or for membership information, you may call Nancy at 305.937.2433.
Friday, December 28, 2007
A Christmas Prayer
Christmas Picture Frame
My sweet daughter Candice Faye died October 24, 1994, four days before her 13th birthday. We were devastated. In between Aimee and Robbie, she was the glue, the laughter, the love.
As the holidays approached the next year, we were all wondering how to cope, when my youngest sister wrote this poem.
A CHRISTMAS PRAYER
This is the time of year
When we give to each other
The greatest gifts of all;
Our time together,
Our memories.
For us there will always be, at Christmas,
An empty chair, an unbought gift
A smile not shared
For someone is missing ~
Whose caring and love
Created joy in abundance
For all blessed enough
To have known her.
It is my prayer
That I may be
Thankful
To have been included
In the parenthesis in time
That was her life
And for my memories of her.
With love for Candi, Aunt Patti 11/97
This loving tribute was and is a tender reminder, that, although we miss her terribly still, we will always have our memories of The Gift of Candi in our lives. Wendy Vaniglia, Mom
For more information on CUSTOM DESIGNED FRAMES click here: http://www.mycmsite.com/sites/wendyv
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Even Tradition Has Become Unfamiliar
We are taking the familiar hour long trip to our grandparents' house for Thanksgiving. It is a tradition, but things are very different for my family this year. My mom is in the front seat with tears running down her tired face, and she lets out an occasional sniffle. The car is quiet, almost too quiet. If you listen closely you can hear the breaking of a mother's relentlessly hurting heart. We finally get to Grandma's. The usual hugs and kisses. "The family is fine," my Dad tells everyone. Turkey, potatoes, rolls. Everything tastes the same as every year. Grandpa and Dad are talking about family and years past. Mom is unusually quiet, she is still upset. We used to look forward to Holidays, but not anymore. Even Tradition Has Become Unfamiliar.
~ Aimee Vaniglia, Thanksgiving Day - 1 month after her sister Candi died.
~ Aimee Vaniglia, Thanksgiving Day - 1 month after her sister Candi died.
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