Trying to help my friend David somehow - Please read!

 

Many of you have been following the story of my dear friend David Wilder and his battle with cancer.  My last post about this (Another update on my friend and my mother-in-law ) spurred some of my AR friends to action, and for that I am eternally grateful. 

Several people emailed or commented that they would be willing to give money to assist David and his wife, Jan, with their expenses and debt as a result of David's two cancer treatments in 2007, as well as the surgeries that he has undergone over the past few months. 

To the left, you can see a photo of David and Jan before his illness hit. 

 

 

My friend in Tennessee, Melissa Grant, has taken things a step further, by volunteering her time and money to coordinate a fundraising effort for David by selling "Friendship Pins".  She is willing to purchase all of the materials necessary for this, as well as ship the pins to those who purchase them.  Please see her post about this here for more details on how to donate via this program:

AR Member Jason Crouch...NEEDS OUR HELP for his friend DAVID WILDER - Please feel free to copy her post into your own blog if you like, or link to it as I have done here.  The same goes for this post of mine.  We are really just trying to spread the word as much as possible.

If you are willing to donate ANY AMOUNT of money to help, it would be appreciated.  I have witnessed firsthand how the collective efforts and generosity of ActiveRain members have been instrumental in helping fellow members several times during my seven months here, and I hope that this is no different. 

The photo below was taken before the surgery they performed to remove David's tongue and vocal chords back in November.  According to Jan, he has lost a good deal of weight since then (about 110 pounds total).

David had NO health insurance when this happened, and the mountain of debt is unthinkable at this point.  I am really just trying to help them with their basic expenses (mortgage, utilities, food, gas, etc.).  Jan cannot really work full-time because she needs to be available to care for David at this point, until he can hopefully be back at full strength.  Right now, she works at a small local church near their home. 

When I last visited them, Jan mentioned to me that she was thinking of posting something on her own blog as well, and she said that even $1 per person reading her posts would help right now.  Considering the limited reach of her CarePages blog, this almost brought me to tears in front of her, as it would probably only be $100-200 total.

Frankly, David has been one of my biggest encouragers over the years that I have known him, and I would love to provide a small measure of this help back to him as he goes through this extremely difficult season of his life.  When I was first considering getting my real estate license, I spoke with David (who is a lifelong salesman) and his enthusiasm and his supportive comments in late 1996 helped me to make the final decision to dive in to this business headfirst.

The photo below was taken about a week ago, and Jan shared this on her blog.  She called it his "mad scientist" picture.  You can see the extreme swelling in this neck from the most recent surgery.

 If you are unable to give money right now, but you would like to send a note or card instead, I know that they would be happy to hear that they are in your thoughts and/or prayers.  Any correspondence like this, along with any checks or money orders can be sent to them care of my address, which is below:

Jason Crouch, 20001 Fargo Terrace, Pflugerville, TX  78660

Please make any checks or money orders payable to Jan Wilder.

If you would prefer to send money to them via PayPal, their account is set up under the following email address: jwilder_99@yahoo.com (there is an underscore between "jwilder" and "99"). 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me on my cell phone at 512-796-7653 or email me at jason@austintexashomes.com

Thanks in advance for ANY help that you are able to provide, as I know that many people are going through tough financial times right now.

 
Post is included in group: Realtors®
Post is included in group: Christianity and Real Estate
Post is included in group: Active Rain Addicts
Post is included in group: Family Ties
Post is included in group: BLOG FOR A CAUSE

64 Comments on Trying to help my friend David somehow - Please read!

Hey, I think it's great you're trying to help your buddy, Dave. Count me in. Watch your mailbox. There's no more pony express between Jersey and Texas. Sending some prayers towards Dave and his family!

02/28/2008 01:16 PM by Andrew J. Lenza (ABR*GRI*MBA) Monmouth County NJ Real Estate Broker (Andrew J. Lenza Realty)


ANDREW - I thank you for your support on this.  I don't know how much we might actually raise, but anything will be helpful for them at this point.  Have a terrific day, and thanks for your prayers, too!

02/28/2008 01:28 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


Count me in too Crouch.  My thoughts & prayers are also with your friend.  I gave Jennifer the heads up as well.

02/28/2008 01:37 PM by Jason Sardi, Pennsylvania Mortgage Broker (First Choice Equity Group Inc.)


SARDI - I appreciate that very much.  As I mentioned to Andrew, anything at all would be truly helpful for them.

02/28/2008 01:40 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


What a great ActiveRain effort. Bless you and Jan and Melissa and expecially Dave. Our thoughts and prayers are with you a as well as a few bucks coming thru Paypal.

02/28/2008 01:47 PM by Gene Wunderlich - Selling Southwest California Homes / Temecula & Murrieta (Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)


Believe In a Miracle for David! I was given less then a year to live having being diagnosed with tangerine sized throat cancer Feb 26,2007, and I AM STILL HERE!

MY DEEPEST FAITH AND PRAYER SHALL BE WITH DAVID!!!

Steve Harless

02/28/2008 01:49 PM by Steve Harless (REALTY WORLD LUXURY HOMES -702.217.1680)


Your friend is blessed to have you!  He and  his family will  be in my thoughts and prayers! Count me in to help too!

02/28/2008 01:55 PM by Krista Fuchs Pennsylvania, Chester County Realtor (Prudential Fox & Roach)


Jason...I have a feeling you are going to be amazed by how many of your Raindrops will respond.  Hopefully you have received my e-mail.

Take care,

Kathleen

02/28/2008 02:01 PM by KATHLEEN ELIM, Lake Anna Real Estate (RE/MAX Lake & Country)


Jason, you are the true measure of friend. We all need to BE friends like you not to mentioin be blessed enough to have them. I admire your tenacity in trying to help your friend and mentor. I have made a donation to them via their paypal account. It isnt much as I myself am a single mother and just found out that my company is closing their doors and I now am out of a job.

I too, much like you, are making the decision to dive in head first and become a Realtor. So my future is very scary. Not to mention that I am a Colon Cancewr Survivor. So I can relate on a number of levels.

Thanks for being such a great friend to your friends.

To his health and happiness!

Susan

02/28/2008 02:08 PM by Susan Davis, Van Buren ~ Fort Smith ~ Real Estate (Exit Realty Fort Smith)


GENE - It looks like the fundraising response will be even quicker than I anticipated.  Thank you for your prayers, too!

02/28/2008 02:27 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


Jason... Buddy, this is a wonderful thing you're doing for David and Jan.  We're happy to help them out.  Our prayers are with both Jan and David and your family as well.

02/28/2008 02:37 PM by Fairbanks Real Estate Broker Jesse Clifton (Jesse & Kathy Clifton, REALTORS - 907.699.6024 - )


Jason, I sit here looking at these pictures, reading your blog and reading the comments on both your blog and mine I am sobbing. I remember not long ago when a fire left us living in a hotel over Christmas and I thought it was so bad...nearly having a nervous breakdown everyone on AR stepped up and helped me and my family in more ways than one could ever imagine. Everyone here is doing it again and I am so GRATEFUL to see the love and such acts of grace...I am truly speechless once again...

02/28/2008 02:45 PM by Crossville TN Real Estate Melissa Grant Cumberland County and Surrounding area's (Third Tennessee Realty and Associates)


STEVE - That is actually very similar to what David experienced with the first round of cancer, and the same month as yours.  He had some issues that came up in October, which led to the November surgery and a long hospital stay.  He developed a staph infection both times, which slowed down the healing process.  Thanks for your encouraging words - I hope to see my friend back on his feet sometime in the near future!

02/28/2008 03:19 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


I will keep your friend in my thoughts.  I hope his recovery goes well.

02/28/2008 03:49 PM by Sandra Carlisle, Realtor - Newport Beach - Corona del Mar (First Team Estates)


KRISTA - Thanks so much!  I hope we get a good response to our efforts!

02/28/2008 04:17 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


Jason

You are truly a great friend, and I am sure David feels your strength and knows of the blessings that are being given to him. I will continue to pray for him.

02/28/2008 04:43 PM by Gary J Rocks (Sussex County Real Estate)


KATHLEEN - I did receive your email, and I thank you for that.  I am anxious to see what kind of response we can generate here on AR. 

02/28/2008 05:20 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


I will be talking to the "Giving to Those in Need" group about this...there are so many needs out there......

I'll be in touch.....

=-0

02/28/2008 05:22 PM by Central Florida real estate - Alexander Harb PSEM®, E-Agent® (Beach and Luxury Realty Inc.)


Jason, Thanks for keeping us up to date on your friends progress.

02/28/2008 05:23 PM by Kay Perry (Classic Realty/GMAC)


Jason- As I said earlier, you are a blessing as friend I am sure. Look at whats happening now, in just a couple of hours from then? Have faith He will lead us to the miracles...All the faith I have is being sent their way.

02/28/2008 06:01 PM by Brentwood TN Real Estate - Vanessa Stalets (RE/MAX Elite)


Wow Jason, I am thankful to God for you.  You are a true blessing to Jan and David.  I am definitely sending up prayers so the angels can come down and do some miraculous healing.  I am believing for the best.  I will definitely support financially but I know my prayers are going to be most powerful.  Stay encouraged as the AR community continues to pray.  God Bless

02/28/2008 06:13 PM by Sonya Rosser (ERA Buckhead Realty)


Dear Jason, I am so sorry to hear of the difficulties they are having. No health insurance. Where have we heard that before? Gee, dunno. I will keep them in my prayers. They are very lucky to have such a wonderful friend such as yourself. Melissa is going to be there I know. You two have big beautiful hearts. Later in the rain~Deb

02/28/2008 06:30 PM by Brooks Prime Properties


SUSAN - I really enjoyed talking on the phone with you earlier.  God bless you for sending a donation.  Let's talk again sometime!  Take care and have a great weekend - it sounds like you have made the right decision with your new path.

02/28/2008 07:31 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


Jason, God bless you for continuing to lift David up. As someone with excellent health and insurance, I can't fully imagine being without either. I'm off to Paypal to make a donation. David, you are in my thoughts and prayers!

02/28/2008 07:50 PM by Debbie Malone, Lynchburg, Smith Mountain Lake, Real Estate Agent (RE/MAX 1st Olympic, ABR, e-PRO, ASP)


Count me in too--- and I will definately keep their family in my prayers.

02/28/2008 08:15 PM by Debra Gambill Realtor, N.C. / S.C (Weichert Realtor's Southern Coast)


Jason....  in regards to our conversation, not only will I send something, but help spread the word in a blog this weekend....  As mentioned before, my prayers and thoughts are with David and his wife Jan.  thanks

jeff belonger

02/28/2008 09:33 PM by Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- New Jersey mortgage -- FHA mortgages (Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc)


I wish I could help more, but all I can offer right now is my prayers. But God is able to do "exceedingly, abundantly, above all we ask or even think". Of that much I am confident. And He will provide.

02/28/2008 10:19 PM by Lisa Hill (Daytona Beach REALTOR®) (Adams Cameron and Company)


Jason, Sending a check to you tomorrow and praying for your friend and his family.

02/28/2008 10:55 PM by Cameron Wilson: Murrieta/Temecula/ Menifee California Real Estate (Century 21 Tri Valley Realty)


Jason,

I don't know how I missed this whole story until now, but you can certainly count on our prayers and support for this great need!!! Thanks,   Fran

02/28/2008 10:58 PM by Fran 'The Title Man' Gaspari Title Insurance-PA & NJ (Patriot Land Transfer, Inc.)


MISSY - Thanks!  I truly appreciate that -

JESSE - You are a good guy, and I thank you for your prayers and support!  I hope we can talk again sometime soon -

 

02/29/2008 12:36 AM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


Jason,

This is so sad! Recently I found out someone I consider a very close friend has had their cancer come back and it is sad to watch and hear the pain in the voice of him and his wife as he goes through the chemo. I would mention him as he is a fellow rainer, but he has asked me not to and out of respect for him and his family I have to respect his wishes.

It is hard to watch someone you have so much respect for suffer in such a way, like you are with your friend. You just wish their was more you could do for them, besides pray and give moral and financial support.

I will add your friend David to my prayers tonight!

02/29/2008 02:18 AM by Todd Clark (Realtor), GRI (Washington Co, Beaverton, Oregon) (Kastings & Associates, Oregon)


Jason...thanks for doing this and including us in the prayers/gifts. Keep us posted. I'm expecting a wellspring of paypal bucks to head David's way.

02/29/2008 04:12 AM by Hemet Home Loan Guy, Joey Aszterbaum (Patrion Mortgage)


Thank you to all of you who have stopped by and read either my blog or Jason's blog and for all of your contributions! AR is such a wonderful, giving and caring network !

02/29/2008 05:48 AM by Crossville TN Real Estate Melissa Grant Cumberland County and Surrounding area's (Third Tennessee Realty and Associates)


MELISSA - I can't thank you enough for your efforts to help with this "project" of mine.  I will talk to you sometime soon -

SANDRA - Thank you for that.  I appreciate it -

GARY - Thanks for your prayers.  That is the most helpful thing of all for David and Jan right now.

02/29/2008 08:20 AM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


Last night I was surprised with two overnight guests; ages 7 and 8.  Sisters and friends of my daughters.  Their mom is a very dear friend to me and has always extended herself to help those in need.  It is our time to help her.  Her mom was diagnosed with Colon Cancer months ago after visiting with her doctor about a cold that would not go away. 

So as these beautiful girls are busy in my basement playing "house", their very dear grandmother is losing her extremely brave fight.  They know that grandma is really sick, but they don't know that this afternoon they will be saying goodbye.

Cancer has touched my life in too many ways.  It claimed the life of my dad and my mom is a long term survivor.  What I can do to ease the pain it causes to others, is a way to ease my own pain as well.  

A check will be on the way to your dear friend Jason and my thoughts are with them as well!

02/29/2008 08:37 AM by Jennifer Hartwick (Coldwell Banker Tatie Payne, Inc.)


My prayers are with you David and Jennifer.  My husband had vocal chord cancer in 1996 and he is still here too!  God bless you!  Watch the mail.:)

02/29/2008 09:22 AM by Ricki Eichler, your Texas Hill Country connection (Coldwell Banker Heart of the Hills, Realtors)


Hello Jason - Count us in, and I will email you specifics on another idea I have that may be to lengthy to go into here.

Sincerely,

Grace & Jeff

02/29/2008 01:54 PM by Jeff & Grace Safrin-SpousesSellingHouses REALTORS, F.C.Tucker Company, Indiana (F.C.Tucker/Advantage Realty)


Hi Jason,

Sorry to catch you post this afternoon, and I had seen and read briefly the email that you sent to the Family Ties Group.  I am heading over to paypal now, thanks for letting the A/R community know how they can help.  God Bless.

02/29/2008 02:41 PM by Rebecca Levinson-R.E. Blogger/Connect2Agent (Connect2Agent)


Jason:

Very good post on David and the circumstances. We will certainly pray and if we can do more we will. Thanks for sharing with the entire AR community. See you soon.

02/29/2008 05:07 PM by Alan Kirkpatrick Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes)


Jason - my thoughts and prayers for your friend and his family.  I'm sure you, and they, will be overwhelmed by the response from AR members.  I've sent checks to members here who've needed help in the past, and if I can for your friend, I'll be sure to do so.

Ann

02/29/2008 06:18 PM by Portsmouth NH Real Estate ~ Ann Cummings (RE/MAX Coast to Coast - Portsmouth New Hampshire)


Jason, so sorry to get to this post so late.  As you know, I'm in Georgia visiting my sister this weekend, but wanted to pop in briefly to applaud your efforts on David's behalf.  You are an amazing friend to rally the troops like this on he nd his family's behalf.  You know you have my support and will assist in any manner you see fit.  Talk to you soon and best wishes to your friend!

02/29/2008 06:22 PM by Paul Slaybaugh, Scottsdale AZ Real Estate (Realty Executives)


Jason,

Does your friend go to church? I would be willing to make a check out to his church and they in turn give it to him! If so, name and address of the church? 

02/29/2008 06:27 PM by Mike Frazier, Dyersburg Tn Real Estate (Carousel Realty of Dyer County)


Since you are a supporter of Jason you are a supporter of mine.  I'll see what I can do for your friend. Sardi & Jennifer suggested I help.

02/29/2008 07:26 PM by Tracy Santrock - Cary NC Real Estate (Fonville Morisey)


You always have my support Jason.  A check is on it's way. -g

02/29/2008 11:21 PM by Ginger Wilcox, Marin County Realtor (Pacific Union, Marin Real Estate)


ALEX - Thanks very much for that. I realize that there are many, many needs out there. Anything you are able to do to help would be appreciated, even if it is prayer alone.

KAY - You're welcome.

JACKIE - THANK YOU for your prayers and support. They are both greatly appreciated.

03/01/2008 09:37 AM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


Jason

Both  my Mom and Dad have cancer right now .. They are doing really well.  Your friend has that  " I won't give up sparkle look" in his eye...we will pray.

03/01/2008 09:47 AM by Trey Thurmond, College Station , Texas Homes (Classic Realty Inc./GMAC Real Estate)


Jason - I just wanted to pop in and say hello and let you know my thoughts and prayers are with you as well as David and Jan. It was a long night for me last night, didnt get much sleep at all. I kept counting points left, making pins and answering emails that came through...the response is overwhelming. There is a check on it's way to me from Nashville in the amount of $300.00 I will talk to you about that soon. I have the picture from my daughter that I told you about  and my check that I will be getting out very soon. Jason, If there is anything else I can do please let me know. This is hitting closer to home for me as I approach the anniversary of my Grandfather's death taken by cancer. I am sad and very tired..in the perfect place to give it all to God and let his will be done.

03/01/2008 10:25 AM by Crossville TN Real Estate Melissa Grant Cumberland County and Surrounding area's (Third Tennessee Realty and Associates)


I think this is an amazing thing you are doing for your friend.  This just goes to show how good people really are.  Far too often we hear in the news about all of the bad that is happening in our society.  I wish I could help right now, but just can't.  However, you will be in my thoughts everyday.

03/01/2008 10:41 AM by Bill Somerset, Realtor, Your Dover NH Real estate agent (Century21 Central Falls Realty)


You are a great friend ~ my thoughts and prayers goes out to your friend.

03/01/2008 10:43 AM by Tina Farinas, REALTOR®, e-PRO / Serving Placer & Sacramento Counties (Magnum One Realty)


Jason ~  Good friends are hard to come by!  You are both blessed to have the other in your lives.  I will be holding him in prayer as I deal with similar things right here in my neighborhood and circle of friends.  God Bless......

03/01/2008 03:27 PM by Sarah Eubanks ~ Preferred Oregon Loan Consultant & Notary Public (Hill Valley Financial Services)


Jason..I am working with a family now for nearly 2 years. We finally have fixed the credit, changed the spending habits, and along the way they decided to forgo the heath insurance on the wife to save extra money toward the down payment...Five months ago we found out she has liver cancer, and has to go in weekly for blood filtering and treatment until she can get a liver transplant...And with no insurance, ....My only goal is for her to see her family finally get the home she has been dreaming of...We did a lease option so she could actually move into to her dream home....

Its everywhere, there is no end in sight for the folks without insurance... A few months ago it hit me at my home....My wife and I have been dealing with a bad diagnosis for nearly three months after a yearly physical came back with some not perfect readings...After a weird few months of testings and specialist after specialist, we are now finally sure she only has to do a minor surgery on her thyroid...The bills for all of this, based on a bad diagnosis, is over 50 thousand...we do have insurance...but mentally, we have been on edge with all the doctors...Now we finally have verification that my wife is not going to need chemo..just a minor outpatient surgery and a little white pill every day for life...

So we now feel good that we now have a future into our 80s again, it was only a bad scare..It gives me a little taste of what these other families are going thru for real...But for a while, it was real to us....My prayers are with them, your friend is lucky to have his family, his church, and people like you behind him...I wish all of you the best...

God Bless us all...

03/01/2008 09:34 PM by Mike Norvell Sr., Developers Capital Realty (Developers Capital Realty, LLC)


Jason, It is great that you are helping David.  I sent my contribution through Paypal.  I hope it helps!  I will also say a prayer for him.

03/02/2008 12:58 AM by Roberta LaRocca - REALTOR® Las Vegas (Keller Williams Realty The Marketplace)


Jason- There are so many posts out there about this. I just wanted to check in and see how it is going. Have you heard anything more from the hospital? You should get my check today or tomorrow. My wish would be for anything that can help. At the very least my prayers are sent daily.

03/03/2008 06:50 AM by Brentwood TN Real Estate - Vanessa Stalets (RE/MAX Elite)


TO ALL WHO HAVE COMMENTED: I would like to offer my sincerest thanks to you.  David's condition has taken a strong turn for the worse, but Jan will still need financial assistance from whomever is interested in helping.  Here is an update post that I wrote last night:

This is the hardest post that I have ever written - An Update on my friend David

03/03/2008 05:15 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


UPDATE: I went to see David today with my wife.  It was far harder than I even anticipated.  I may write more later about it.  To date, we have raised almost $1100 for them.

03/06/2008 12:43 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


We have now raised over $2500 for the Wilders, but I know that they could certainly use more.  I spent about three or four hours there today with them.

03/11/2008 11:18 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


Hey Jason - My heart goes out to Jan and David - I sent in $100 via Paypal for some of Melissa's points - I wish I could do more.

03/18/2008 05:19 PM by Courtney Cooper, Owner/Broker, Realtor- Seattle WA & Seattle Suburbs Real Estate (Cooper Jacobs Real Estate Services )


COURTNEY - THANK YOU for this.  Everything helps right now.

03/18/2008 05:54 PM by Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)


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Real Estate Agent: Jason Crouch, Broker -  Austin Texas Real Estate (Austin Texas Homes, LLC)
Jason Crouch, Broker - Austin Texas Real Estate
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I write about humorous stories, family, things that are interesting to me, and the Austin real estate market.

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