My Life and Love will Ripples Make...

Candi's Birthday ~ October 28th, 1981

The 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…

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:

http://surgery.med.miami.edu/x274.xml

http://www.donatelife.net/

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.

Miracle Gift - Book of Organ Donor Stories

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.

The poet, Thomas Campbell wrote, "TO LIVE IN TH HEARTS WE LEAVE BEHIND IS NOT TO DIE." My life's work is helping others record and share the stories, the celebrations, the loves, and the lives of each and every person, especially those we've lost. It has been my deepest desire to preserve the memory and stories of cherished loved ones who have given or received the Gift of Life. In an effort to give back to a world that has given so much to me, I am CREATING A PHOTO STORY BOOK honoring those special people who have given the gift of life. Because these stories have affected me so deeply, I know others will be captivated by them as well. Together we will REMEMBER, CELEBRATE and CHERISH the gift of life and help raise awareness for the hope and blessing of organ donation.

IF YOU HAVE A STORY TO SHARE, please send along with 1-6 of your favorite photos and I will add them to my book, The Miracle Gift. When I have completed this book of Miracle Gifts, I will share it with you. You will be able to preview this book and forward the link to others. All the proceeds from this book will go to help raise awareness of the hope and blessing of the Gift of Life. I am hoping to complete this book soon so we can have it ready for holiday gift giving.

In humble gratitude for the gift of your story,
I remain sincerely, WendyV ~ Candi's Mom