D
donna
Guest
My son Darren, who is now 24 years old, has lived a life of pain with very little hope. He was born with Spina Bifida, which made it impossible for him to ever walk. As a result of the condition, he has very little function below his waist. In addition to this, Darren suffered a respiratory arrest and 2 heart attacks around his 18th birthday. Darren is my hero, through all of this, (including approx. 30 other operations since birth), he has developed a sense of humour second to none and he is fiercely loyal and devoted to his family. Family is basically all Darren has and now we (as his family) can barely give him that. As a result of living in a small city, Cornwall, Ontario, Canada, we do not have all the medical facilities other larger centers, (such as Ottawa, Toronto, etc.,), are fortunate enough to have. Darren has lived at home with his family taking care of him until only two years ago when we could no longer realistically take proper care of him. At that time Darren was transferred to Ottawa, our nation's capital, approximately one and a half hours away from Cornwall. At St. Vincent's in Ottawa, Darren is receiving excellent care and there are numerous activities for Darren to participate in. However, even with all that St. Vincent's has to offer, (including an amazingly caring and supportive staff), Darren continually asks when he is coming home. Darren was promised a bed in a youth wing presently being erected in a new facility in our city, however, we have been recently informed that because of Darren's costly medical condition, there is no funding for equipment, staffing, etc. This means that Darren remains in Ottawa for his care. Our local Member of Provincial Parliament, Jim Brownell has taken up Darren's cause and we appreciate the efforts he has provided. We as a family are devastated. We want our son home, and more importantly Darren wants to be home. On a visit just a few nights ago, my son said to me, "Mom, I don't think I'll ever have any children and so it is important to me that I at least watch my nieces grow up, and being up here now I'm not even able to do that." Darren's older brother Philip and wife Tanya are the proud parents of two year old Emily, and twin daughters, Haley and Kali. My heart broken, I called our Cornwall medical team the next day, only to be told the horrible news that Darren can never come home because there isn't enough money to pay for the equipment and staff, etc., needed for him. Darren is not only a strong family member, but he is an important member of our community as well. Darren represented the Easter Seals Society twice as "Timmy." He did so with pride and distinction. Darren was awarded the coveted "Terry Fox Award" in 1997, from the Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Public School Board. "It is testament to Darren's commitment to life that he is always cheerful, positive and displaying of a great disposition. All those associated with Darren have never observed him in a position or a mood where he wasn't willing to help others, to encourage them on and to put their interests first. Darren Marleau, the Terry Fox Award recipient, 1997, is an outstanding young man who serves as a fine example for all associated with him as he demonstrates his courage and his spirit and lives with a willingness to give. It has taken, and Darren has displayed, an insatiable amount of strength in facing various diversities through his young life time. In the field of education, we recognize, humbly and with appreciation, the many things Darren has taught to us and all those in our community through his commitment, his good will and, most certainly through his strength and leadership." It is Darren's wish to continue to be a part of his community and to share his many talents. Darren was also responsible for bringing "Challenger Baseball" to our city. One year when he was asked what he wanted for Christmas, Darren replied, "A ball and glove so I can play baseball." (His older brother, Phil is a great athlete and played baseball and hockey throughout his and Darren's life). Darren often became the "unofficial cheerleader" of many of Philip's hockey and baseball teams. My husband Jim, Darren's Dad, Richard and myself then began a campaign to bring "Challenger Baseball" to Cornwall. Darren's story was featured in our local newspaper, The Standard Freeholder, and his story was picked up nationally by CBC radio. It was with tears flowing that I watched my wheelchair bound son take his first pitch as a baseball player. When we can occasionally bring Darren to Cornwall from Ottawa, Darren continues to play baseball to this day. I love my son with all my heart and I again state that he is my hero. My prayer to all of you is to pray for my son to come home, and if it happens that he is unable to come home, please pray for him and us to understand the reasons and to accept them with the same strength and fortitude, which has been the mainstay of his life. Please help my family to become whole again, and pray to bring Darren home. Thank you for your prayers.
Mom (Donna Caldwell)
November 29, 2008
Mom (Donna Caldwell)
November 29, 2008
