Here is the link for the video I used to "audition" to be a performer at the Transplant Games. The man at the Kidney Foundation asked if it was really me singing, which made me laugh. The song is the last one I sang to Jake before sending him on his final journey. I learned recently that this song was already special to Beckham and Kim - she often sang it to him after his surgery when he was battling the many repercussions of his surgery. It perfectly sums up how I feel about everything we've been through. Jake changed our lives for good, and Beckham (and his family) has most certainly changed our lives for good.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxULKbEN62M
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
2010 Kidney Foundation Transplant Games
Last fall Andy and I started planning to attend the 2010 Transplant Games in Madison, Wisconsin. With the help of our Donor Family Network, we have registered to attend the games as a donor family and have our plane tickets all paid for! We owe a huge thank you to the Odessa-Montour High School Interact club. The students heard about our trip and asked the adviser if they could help us do some fund raising. They students raised about $500 this spring to help us cover the cost of our tickets and hotel. Andy and I never cease to be impressed by the initiative and compassion of our students.
In April I received information about auditions for anyone who planned on attending the games and interested in performing at either the opening or closing ceremonies. I enlisted the help of my friend David, who did a recording of me singing "For Good," the last song I sang to Jake before he gave his gift of life. Then David took the song and set it to video with an explanation of the song choice and Jake and Beckham's story at the beginning. I uploaded the video to youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxULKbEN62M) and emailed it per audition instructions to the public relations manager at the Kidney Foundation, which puts on the games, and waited to hear. After about a month of waiting I got impatient, and emailed the gentleman at the Kidney Foundation. He told me that they hadn't finalized things yet, but that I was the "overwhelming favorite" and they definitely wanted me to sing at the games! I spoke with him yesterday and he told me they still weren't certain on all the arrangements, but they were leaning heavily toward having me sing at the opening ceremonies. I told him more about Jake and Beckham's story, and when I mentioned that the Scadlocks would like to attend if Beckham is given the okay by his doctors, but that it might be a hardship financially, Bryan indicated that he'd like to talk to Kim and see what it would take to get them to the games. Not only do they want to help ensure that we are able to meet Beckham & Co., but he even mentioned having Beckham on stage while I perform! I cannot even tell people about this development without getting choked up -- not so sure how I'll manage it when the time comes!!!
So last night I called Kim for the first time ever. We've corresponded through Facebook and text messaging, but had never actually spoken. We talked for a couple of minutes and Kim said, "Beckham, can you say 'Hi Holly?'" So Beck got on the phone and said, "Hi Holly" (and later "Hi Handy" - he couldn't quite pronounce "Andy!"). When I said, "Hi Beckham" I could hardly contain the emotion. Kim and I spoke for about an hour and it was simply amazing. There was so much to say. Andy and I are so thankful for this amazing family, and I am so thrilled that we may be able to meet them in less than two months, AND spend Beckham's third birthday with them! Jake has given us such an amazing gift. I feel it's so important to honor him by promoting organ and tissue donation, and this is just another way to get the word out.
I cannot wait to give Beckham a hug and feel that remarkable heart that binds us beating in his chest.
In April I received information about auditions for anyone who planned on attending the games and interested in performing at either the opening or closing ceremonies. I enlisted the help of my friend David, who did a recording of me singing "For Good," the last song I sang to Jake before he gave his gift of life. Then David took the song and set it to video with an explanation of the song choice and Jake and Beckham's story at the beginning. I uploaded the video to youtube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxULKbEN62M) and emailed it per audition instructions to the public relations manager at the Kidney Foundation, which puts on the games, and waited to hear. After about a month of waiting I got impatient, and emailed the gentleman at the Kidney Foundation. He told me that they hadn't finalized things yet, but that I was the "overwhelming favorite" and they definitely wanted me to sing at the games! I spoke with him yesterday and he told me they still weren't certain on all the arrangements, but they were leaning heavily toward having me sing at the opening ceremonies. I told him more about Jake and Beckham's story, and when I mentioned that the Scadlocks would like to attend if Beckham is given the okay by his doctors, but that it might be a hardship financially, Bryan indicated that he'd like to talk to Kim and see what it would take to get them to the games. Not only do they want to help ensure that we are able to meet Beckham & Co., but he even mentioned having Beckham on stage while I perform! I cannot even tell people about this development without getting choked up -- not so sure how I'll manage it when the time comes!!!
So last night I called Kim for the first time ever. We've corresponded through Facebook and text messaging, but had never actually spoken. We talked for a couple of minutes and Kim said, "Beckham, can you say 'Hi Holly?'" So Beck got on the phone and said, "Hi Holly" (and later "Hi Handy" - he couldn't quite pronounce "Andy!"). When I said, "Hi Beckham" I could hardly contain the emotion. Kim and I spoke for about an hour and it was simply amazing. There was so much to say. Andy and I are so thankful for this amazing family, and I am so thrilled that we may be able to meet them in less than two months, AND spend Beckham's third birthday with them! Jake has given us such an amazing gift. I feel it's so important to honor him by promoting organ and tissue donation, and this is just another way to get the word out.
I cannot wait to give Beckham a hug and feel that remarkable heart that binds us beating in his chest.
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