|
|
|
Wii...What A Time in San Antonio 
What happens when you are sick and stuck in bed? Do you get cranky? Do you get restless?
Now, imagine yourself being stuck in bed for months at a time. What would you do then?
Due to their treatments, the children in this department are often confined to their room, and not allowed to "wander the halls", "get some air", or even talk to anyone other than their doctors and family due to the treatments they are going through.
When Variety found out about this, one thing came to mind. Portable gaming systems. That's right...video games that could go from room to room. It is less expensive than purchasing systems for each individual room, yet provides hours of enjoyment to the patients in the wing.
With Variety partners Rico's Products Company, Inc. and AVAC,  Variety provided a Wii gaming system (complete with: seven games, extra controllers, batteries and a steering wheel) and a XBox 360 (with: six games, extra controllers and batteries). But, in typical Variety fashion, we didn't stop there. The systems also included televisions and self-contained rolling carts that would allow the systems to be easily transported from room to room.
Patients like 7-year-old Hiromi loved it. In fact, she taught Rico's representatives a thing or two about Mario Cart.
|
|
Variety on the Air Again!!! 
Garrett Shackelford has quickly become a star. We mentioned Garrett in last months newsletter as his story appeared on Fox 4 in the Dallas market.
Well, Garrett and Variety were on the air again this month. See, Garrett's family found out about Variety through his teacher. Who found about Variety through another teacher. Who found out about Variety by listening to Jody Dean & The Morning Team back in October after Jody emceed Variety's 62nd Annual Golf Tournament.
Hear what he had to say this time after finding out that he played a major part in making Garrett's chair possible.
|
|
How You Helped
In this section, you get to hear directly from the parent of a child that Variety has supported. They will tell you about their child, his/her condition and about how Variety's (i.e. YOUR) support has helped their family. While generally in a Q&A format, this months is in the form of a letter.
So, for now...sit back, relax and enjoy hearing How You Helped Lilah and her mom, Angelina. |
|
"Pink Tears" & "Silly Juice" 
Name: Lilah
Condition: Traumatic Brain Injury
Location: Lewisville
Supported In: Jan '10
Age at the Time: 3
Assistance: Strabismus & Amblyopia
Letter From: Angelina - Mom
In a world of imperfect places, imperfect people, and dim situations I am happy to know there are organizations like Variety the Children's Charity of Texas in place. My daughter is Lilah. Your organization granted my daughter the opportunity to live a life she possibly could not have otherwise lived...
...As a mom, I have learned that the fear I have for my daughter is not truly fear, but more the LOVE I have for her. She is my heart, the reason I get up every morning and go to work, and most of all, the one person who has shown me to live and love for others.
I want to thank Variety the Children's Charity of Texas for giving Lilah the grant for this surgery. Being a single mom, working part-time but living in an income bracket that does not allow for wiggle room makes surgery untouchable.
Sometimes I wish the English language had a stronger word than Thank You, because every time I look into my daughter's eyes, I am reminded of you and the wonderful opportunity that Variety has given to my Lilah.
To read the rest of Angelina's letter, and to learn what "Pink Tears" & "Silly Juice" are, click here. | |
|
|
|
|
|
Help Us Shape
Young Variety
In Texas
If you are between the ages of 21 and...let's say...40, Variety of Texas is looking for your input to help us shape our Young Variety program.
While we are currently focusing on the DFW area, all comments are welcome at this time.
The survey will only take a few minutes, and can be done by simply
|
A Special Thanks
Variety would like to thank the following for making Variety's work possible:
- Jody Dean and 98.7 KLUV - for once again talking about Variety. Over 6 minutes worth of air time.
- Laura Harris Photography - for taking some amazing photos in San Antonio in connection with Variety's and Rico's presentation mentioned in this newsletter.
- Rave Motion Pictures - who has raised more than $130,000 nationwide as part of their Gold Hearts campaign, and they are not done yet. |
| Support Variety
 | |
