Dana Dunne's Thank You Story
05/13/2010 -
My Thank You Story
By Dana Dunne, Site Supervisor at 4Cs WKJ Infant Development Center
This past September 13, my mother died. The following month, on October 13, my daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor - again. The first diagnosis came a few days after my daughter, Noel, turned 21. The first time was bad. The second diagnosis was even worse. The first time, we mistakenly thought it was a one time ordeal but it turned out we were wrong and it may even happen again. Community Child Care Council of Sonoma County (4Cs) was and is a life line for me and my family.
Many 4Cs employees made personal financial contributions, offered emotional support and donated their sick time so that I would not have to worry about a loss of income during my time off of work to care for Noel. Sue Katz, Jim Walters, Lilly Watters and Sharon Caesare burned up the telephone wires and the internet to find information about the tumor, about agencies, and to even make hotel reservations. Daily phone calls from these people eased my heart and mind with their kind words and from some the promise of prayers. Among the phone calls I depended upon came from Anne Brown, former 4Cs Centers Director, whom many of you will remember fondly. She made a deal with me that if I was strong for Noel she would be strong for me.
Many contributions came from people I didn't even know. People talked to their families. Families talked to their friends. My brother and his wife began collecting information and funds almost immediately. Sharon Caesares' dad sent money from his Lodge. Allison Goodwin, the Site Supervisor of the 4Cs center in Healdsburg offered us lodging with her family while we were in Redwood City for the surgery. Allison's mom gave us $50.00.
4Cs William K. Johnson (WKJ) Infant Development Center, located on the campus of Healdsburg High School, is named after a local attorney known for his generosity and care of the less fortunate. While I was caring for Noel, the staff at WKJ held a surprise benefit for us. I love the WKJ staff! Our center is small - only 15 families - but they bought enchiladas like crazy to the tune of 65 dinners at $10.00 each. 4Cs office staff bought enchiladas too. With the money raised, we were given gifts to brighten up our bedrooms and bathrooms along with pre-paid gas cards and a pre-paid restaurant card.
We are long time residents of, Guerneville, a small west county town. Here too a benefit was created for Noel. My friend, Mary Mount a realtor with Prudential Realty, Beth Rudometkin of Community First Credit Union, Richard and Donna Hines of Pats Restaurant and Bar along with Shasta and Jen brought together all through word of mouth- a benefit in a matter of 4 days time. This was a surprise for us, too! Neighbors, friends and family showed up at Pat's on a Monday night bearing homemade food and then they all paid $5.00 per plate to eat each others food. LOCAL BUSINESSES in town and Razorback Construction of Cazadero were involved. Bob Burke of Bob Burkes Cancer Kids and his sister Linda shared the love. Two old friends Gary and George were huge contributors. People from Guerneville Elementary School gave love with their contributions. I heard that Stumptown Brewery showed up with a bucket of cash collected from employees and customers. 4Cs staff attended, too, bringing their collection of money and food to share. These are just a sampling of the generosity of good people wanting "to do something". I was so proud to have my friends, family and co-workers all there offering their love and support.
My husband was a fragile doll that night so in awe was he of all of the support for us and for Noel. His dad told him if you have one true friend you are lucky and here we had ALL OF YOU----about 250 of YOU!!!!
Approximately $5,000 was raised and of that $1,000 was donated to the Dunne Fund at Community First anonymously!
If there is a silver lining it is YOU! All of the employees of 4Cs who have hearts big enough to love and care for children by working at the Community Child Care Council of Sonoma County and supporting a friend in need and to the Guerneville community who have hearts big enough to love and care for one of its own. YOU have honored me and my family and we thank you all.
Sincerely,
Dana, Jonathan and Noel Dunne
Note:
Currently, the tumor has been removed and Noel is receiving chemotherapy. In June, monthly MRIs will begin to watch for any signs of recurrence. The Dunne Fund at Community First Credit Union is still accepting donations.
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