This is Why I Give: Episode #2

Today is #GiveBig and no one gives bigger than our board member TJ Martin. Here is why I give in her honor. 
​By Wendy Peloquin, DAHLIA Board President

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Yesterday, I posted about why I have supported DAHLIA for more than 30 years - and showed you the reasons why. Today, I'm giving you episode #2 of "This is why I give." If you've ever been to a DAHLIA Living auction, you've probably met TJ Martin, husband Dave & her son Drake (he probably charmed you into buying a raffle ticket or 10). Please read their story (you might want to grab a tissue) and I hope you'll grab your credit card.

Four weeks ago to this day, Drake started having seizures in Yakima. Two days later he was airlifted to Seattle Children's with an infection on his brain. Two surgeries and 56 staples in his head (now removed) later, they are headed back to Yakima on Friday. Doctors are saying his recovery is a miracle - he still has a lot of various kinds of therapies ahead - but his prognosis is very good. For One month TJ & Dave rarely left Drake's side - they slept every night at the hospital with him.

TJ is DAHLIA board member and Auction Co-Chair this year (along with the fabulous Laura Jordan). With everything going on, her son fighting for his life, living on no sleep and constant worry, Cheryl Varner Jordan and I thought we should ask her if she wanted someone else to take over for her. Her response: "Hell No!" I can tell you, knowing what she has planned, I was relieved that I don't have to try to fill her shoes. Under her direction this auction (save the date, October 22!) is going to be EPIC. You will not want to miss it.

TJ and Dave are truly some of the most kind-hearted people in the world. It's evidenced by the army of people who have surrounded them with love and support. I was honored to do my part - doing what I love - bringing them a weekly dose of non-hospital food. The top pic ( God willing) is of my final drop off this afternoon.

Fitting that it is on #GiveBig because TJ gives big to everyone, all the time. She travels from Yakima to do in-services with staff, she volunteers for anything we need done. In a world gone completely mad (and just keeps getting crazier), TJ, Dave and their miracle son give me peace and hope that better angels are out there and if we all do good together, we can make it through these trying times.

I know we have been bombarding you all with posts the past 2 days. Please forgive me, but know that every dollar you donate goes to something, some people, that really matter.

So here's one last (ok, maybe not last...no guarantees) plea: please give what you can. For me, for TJ, for all the amazing differently-abled people in the world like Drake and our DAHLIA residents.

Thank you for your support in helping us meet our #GiveBig goal!
#TogetherWeGive #DAHLIALiving

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