I'd like to take the time to make everywhere aware of a situation involving one of our fireman at Bowling Green Volunteer Fire Department. His name is Alec Oughton and he's been a member for almost a year now. Unfortunately, his life has been turned upside down. His 19 month old daughter, Grace, has been diagnosed with a form of cancer called Neuroblastoma. The cancer is currently stage 4.
She was originally diagnosed at UVA, and the family considered treating her there or at John's Hopkins Hospital. Instead they decided to take her to the world's leading hospital in this form of cancer, Children's Hospital - Boston, where her chances of survival jumped from 25% - 60%. At this time, the insurance company is refusing to cover the treatment since they've gone out of network. Just to give you an idea of figures, the chemotherapy alone will cost nearly 2 million dollars. As if finances weren't enough to worry about, the hospital is requiring them to live within an hour of the hospital. This means that they are also attempting to secure temporary housing in the area.
They've setup a website here which contains information on the cancer, a means by which to donate to her cause, and a daily journal updated by the family.
Bowling Green Volunteer Fire Department is organizing various fund drives including Basket Bingos, Boot Drives, and Dinners to raise money for the family. We will be contacting other departments within the county for logistical support if they choose to help. If you have any ideas or suggestions feel free to contact myself, Jason, or Jenni.
David
P.S. I know the public reads this forum just as much as the Fire/Rescue Community. If you would like to help you are welcome to contact me at Station 1 (804-633-6011) on Wednesdays or Thursdays between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m, send me a PM, or email me (BGCapt10__at__gmail__dot__com). I apologize for displaying my email address so strangely but any fellow geeks (I hope there's atleast one) will understand why I wrote it that way
Yes, BGCapt10 this is taking a toll on all of Alec co-workers. I would like to thank all of the brothers and sisters in Boston and Virginia who have going out of there way to help his family. And to Alec and his wife, you are in our thoughts and prayers and your brothers and sisters and extended family wish you the very best.
__________________ The opinions written or expressed in this forum are those of my own. These opinions do not represent any agency. Any reproduction of these opinions without my consent is strictly prohibited.
For those people interested there is a link to the Grace Oughton Cancer Foundation. Please if you can find some extra money laying around please make a donation to the nobel cause. The Link is: www.graceoughtoncancerfoundation.org/
__________________ The opinions written or expressed in this forum are those of my own. These opinions do not represent any agency. Any reproduction of these opinions without my consent is strictly prohibited.
From Linda Harris at the REMS Council. . . on behalf of SVRS,
"Also there has been a local P. O. Box set up for donations:
Check should be Made out to: Grace Oughton Cancer Foundation
and Mailed to: Grace Oughton Cancer Foundation
P. O. Box 1603
Spotsylvania, VA 22553
Also Ribbons have been made and are on sale for $2.00 each. There were 205 made last night and currently we have 165 left and will be making an additional 400. I will be picking up more material with plans to make as many as possible. We ask that you buy, sell and wear them daily to support Grace. So far we have made $84.00 within a couple of hours."
In public response to several PM's, I believe Linda Harris can arrange obtaining the ribbons. She can be reached at 540-373-0249 at the REMS Council. Visiting the website for Grace is an inspiration...to anyone. Especially the pics and the daily journal updates.
BGCapt10, let me know if I can help with any of your events. On behalf of myself...
Hey Guys and Gals thought I would like let you know that a bake sale in Spotsylvania raised $6000.00. WOW!!! Thats one hell of a bake sale.
__________________ The opinions written or expressed in this forum are those of my own. These opinions do not represent any agency. Any reproduction of these opinions without my consent is strictly prohibited.
I know it's short notice, but myself, Jason, and our "better halves" will be making a day trip to visit the Oughton's on Saturday. We will be traveling light (not checking any baggage); however, if you have any small (and legal for flight) items such as cards you would like delivered feel free to get intouch with myself or Jason. We will both be at the station between 1800-2200 today and tommorow (804-633-6011).
-David
P.S. I see the "gods" have shined on us again. Thanks for making this thread a sticky.
On March 25th the Richmond Riverdogs Hockey team will be donating some of there gate to the foundation and to The Rev (Richmond F.F diagnosed also)$2 of each ticket will go to the Grace found. and $2 to The Rev. Tickets are $10 and my be purchased from station 13,10 and 1 in the city starting next week.
Thanks for the information regarding the hockey game. I hope we can use this thread as another place to coordinate information. I've passed the link to this thread along with the information Rescue4 just posted to the webmaster of Grace's webpage.
We returned from our trip at about 10pm on Saturday. The family is doing fairly well considering the situation. It's amazing to see what a trooper Grace has been throughout the process. She enjoyed throwing and kicking a balloon with us, and even gave us "hugs" before we left.
Keep praying, it's working.
-David
In addition, our department has a few other family members dealing with cancer. I'd explain further, but I'm trying to respect the privacy of the families. I'm sure if you listen to the "BG Chatter" it won't be hard to figure out, so I'd ask that you also pray for them also.
Bowling Green Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting a Longaberger Basket Bingo on Sunday February 26, 2006. It will be held at the station. Doors will open at 2 p.m. and bingo begins at 3 p.m.
Bingo will include 12 regular games, 3 special games, 1 raffle and various door prizes. Light refreshments will be available.
Tickets are $10.00 in advance or $12.00 at the door. ALL proceeds will be donated to Grace Oughton. For ticket info or directions please contact Cindy Tate at 804-448-5142.
From the Caroline Junior Woman's Club of Caroline County,
The Caroline Junior Woman's Club of Caroline County in conjunction with the Bowling Green Volunteer Fire Department will be holding their "4th Annual Charity Dance", Saturday, 1 April from 8pm - 12am at Town Hall in Bowling Green, VA. This year this partnership with the Bowling Green Volunteer Fire Department will raise money for a wonderful local charity, The Grace Oughton Cancer Foundation. Grace's Dad is a professional firefighter for Henrico County, VA as well as a volunteer at Bowling Green Volunteer Fire Department.
Music will be provided by the Commonwealth's premier 50 & 60's band, Cyrus McCormick and the Reapers, come prepared to "rock around the clock"!! The dance will be casual attire with 50s attire encouraged, so girls find a poodle skirt!! Tickets can be obtained by calling 804-241-5990 or by visiting the Bowling Green Volunteer Fire Station.
Bowling Green Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting a Longaberger Basket Bingo on Sunday February 26, 2006. It will be held at the station. Doors will open at 2 p.m. and bingo begins at 3 p.m.
Bingo will include 12 regular games, 3 special games, 1 raffle and various door prizes. Light refreshments will be available.
Tickets are $10.00 in advance or $12.00 at the door. ALL proceeds will be donated to Grace Oughton. For ticket info or directions please contact Cindy Tate at 804-448-5142.
-David
Thanks to everyone that helped and came out to BGVFD Sunday for the Basket Bingo. We were able to raise a good portion of money for Grace. I just want to remind everyone of the next fundraiser BGVFD will be hosting on April 1st. I've copied the information from a previous post below:
The Caroline Junior Woman's Club of Caroline County in conjunction with the Bowling Green Volunteer Fire Department will be holding their "4th Annual Charity Dance", Saturday, 1 April from 8pm - 12am at Town Hall in Bowling Green, VA. This year this partnership with the Bowling Green Volunteer Fire Department will raise money for a wonderful local charity, The Grace Oughton Cancer Foundation. Grace's Dad is a professional firefighter for Henrico County, VA as well as a volunteer at Bowling Green Volunteer Fire Department.
Music will be provided by the Commonwealth's premier 50 & 60's band, Cyrus McCormick and the Reapers, come prepared to "rock around the clock"!! The dance will be casual attire with 50s attire encouraged, so girls find a poodle skirt!! Tickets can be obtained by calling 804-241-5990 or by visiting the Bowling Green Volunteer Fire Station.
Don't forget to keep checking Grace's website for fundraisers outside of the County.
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