VOLUME 8: ISSUE 1
- Colton Hammett: Mar. 23, 2006 - Dec. 23, 2008
Colton knew a parent’s love. He lived at home, as part of a family. His adoptive parents felt it an honor and privilege to care for this helpless toddler whose prognosis was grim indeed.
Instead of dying alone, in a cold and sterile hospital environment, Colton passed from this world cradled in his mother’s loving arms. Colton "traded his wheelchair for angel's wings," said Mom Judy, "and, we are so proud that he will be helping the Dream House to help other children like him."
Please help other children like Colton find their forever family, as he did with the Hammetts. The cause is worth it.
Heroic efforts, via medical technology, save sick and injured children at any cost, even if it means they have been saved for a life void of a home, a family or a future. Their circumstances will not change in the current economic climate, nor in the future, unless they have a champion.
Dream House is the answer for these kids and their families. Our wrap-around, hospital to home Transition Care Program has set the standard for home health care of medically fragile children. Your ongoing commitment is critical for these kids and their families.
- L-R: Shawnee, Kenya and Kimberley
ProcareRX associate Marilyn met Colton, his siblings and their parents Ken and Judy, when she delivered Christmas presents to the Hammett family on behalf of her co-workers. This recent holiday season, Dream House connected ProcareRX with the Hammetts, along with two other Dream House families. ProCareRX embraced the cause of medically fragile children many years ago, and has since advanced the Dream House mission in varied and meaningful ways as one of our most significant corporate sponsors. Following is an excerpt from Marilyn's note to fellow co-workers that recapped her visit...just days prior to Colton's death...
December 11, 2008 I had the pleasure of delivering our gifts of diapers, wipes, and clothes to the family with four adopted children/one foster child, who each have health challenges. Mr. and Mrs. Hammett are retirees with hearts of gold. Their home is filled with all things Disney to make the children feel happy and loved.
- Shawnee swinging with help from dad, Ken.
I was greeted at the door by 12-year-old Shawnee who is in a wheelchair. He is learning social skills at school so he greeted me many times saying, "Thanks." Little Colton had just returned home from an emergency trip to a local children's hospital and he was having difficulty with his oxygen intake. We bought him outfits large enough to fit over his equipment and tubes. Their 3-month-old foster baby was resting after a long afternoon of doctor visits.
- Kimberley celebrating "Prom" at her school.
The girls, Kenya and Kimberley, were in their rooms in bed. Kimberley cannot turn over by herself, but she looked up and said, "Thanks." She was not expected to live to see her first birthday. Under the care and love of the Hammetts, she is now 11.
- Judy feeding Kenya.
Kenya also cannot move very much, but she loves attention and really likes her special school. We bought sweat outfits and pretty tops for the girls...a boombox for Shawnee, and soothing lullabies on CDs for Colton. The baby is learning to reach, so we bought a little play gym.
Tomorrow, the Hammetts are going to load all the kids into their aging motor home and take a road trip to Disney World. Our gifts of diapers, wipes and baby food, as well as gift cards, will help them on their way. On behalf of the Hammett family and Dream House, I would like to thank you for your outpouring of support... you have made a difference. Next week, we will help two more families with our gifts of diapers and clothes...
Throughout the 2008 Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, Dream House connected businesses, groups and individuals with 12 families caring for their medically fragile children at home. Dream House distributed to other families diapers and gift cards donated by several organizations. This Christmas, two young boys received hospital beds for their rooms at home, and we extend a special thanks to the Dream House volunteers who helped us deliver them.
We are so very appreciative for this support, and so is each and every person touched by this generosity. Learn the many ways you can help Dream House help others.
