The Case of the Missing Flamingos - in Stowe, Vermont
For the past two years, a flock of pink flamingos has been seen about the Town of Stowe. Now flamingos are about as indigenous to Stowe as polar bears are to Florida. The flamingos could be seen hanging out at Ye Olde England Inne, the Stowe Reporter, the Ski Patrol hut, the Stowe Community Church, Frida's, Blue Moon, FixPC, Commodores Inn and the Stowe Police Department. The first time I saw them was when they had congregated in front of the Stowe Reporter. I thought - what in the world? A few weeks later, they showed up at another business. I had no idea what they were doing around town.
It wasn't until they were reported stolen that the story of The
Flamingos was made public.
Nancy Stead, a writer for the Stowe Reporter, wrote an article about "the story". Apparently, the flamingos are a symbol of support for Christopher Grimes, age 6, and for all children afflicted with this childhood desease. In September 2009, Christopher was dianosed with stage-four neuroblastoma - a rare form of cancer with a bleak prognosis. Chris has a 3 year old sister named Gillian and a 2 year old brother named Daniel. While Chris was away for a several-month stay in Boston for inital tumor surgery, someone placed the flock of flamingos on the lawn at Chris' home. Since that time, they have been passed from one place to another. They serve as a visual reminder of Chris' disease and to possibly encouage folks to contribute to the fight by contributing to the Christophergrimes site at CaringBridge.org. He has undergone multiple surgeries, chemotherapy and two stem transplants. Apparently, there is no cure and best that can be hoped for is "no evidence of disease".
Chris' mom is hopeful that the flock will be returned. She said she would go and buy a new set of flamingos and hopes the flock will continue to circulate around town as a reminder. If the old set is returned, she will join the newer, pinker ones with the older, faded ones.
The "old" flock of Pink Flamingos were returned via Stowe Animal Control who delivered them back to Chris' home. They now join the new, pinker flock. What a great reminder of Chris' situation and how to help. They currently recide at Ye Olde England Inn and appear to be happy perching above the Mountain Road. Everytime I see them, I will think of Chris and his fight against neuroblastoma.
Here's a photo of both flocks together. Here's to you Chris!
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