I learned today that Seattle's entire Fremont community has put together a fundraiser to purchase Josh (my son)the wheelchair he actually needs, not the one the State of WA thinks it can "afford."

For those not familiar with the details of my son's condition, he suffers from Osteogenesis Imperfecta or brittle bone disease. The state offered to buy him a new wheelchair which he needs desperately. Unfortunately what the state has offered is inadequate. At eighty pounds anyone who has to pick him up is at risk of serious injury to themselves, not to mention the horrific consequences dropping him might have. We say that picking him up might be an awful lot trying to pick up an eighty pound burlap sack full of fine crystal wine glasses, without breaking any stems.

The fundraiser will be held in conjunction with the annual Fremont Solstice Parade, and there's special performers, music and food to entice everyone to share their hard-earned dollars for this (VERY) worthy cause.

Date: Saturday, June 19th

Location: Fremont Detail

Time: 1:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Performers: Ardis, the Spoonman

Raqs Halim (belly dancers)

painters, actors, walking philosphers

music (Josiah, Sweet Jesus, Pipsqueak,

Full Nelson Mandela, etc.)

Website: jammin for josh
(Paypal will be available for donations by Sat.)

The Fremont Rotary Club has already pledged $1,000! They challenge others in the community to match their generous contribution.

Any leftover donations will be directed to the OI Foundation for medical research. OI Foundation . The base price of the wheelchair is $10, 000 so we have a long way to go.....

Your participation is welcomed and sincerely appreciated.

Eric and Josh

Hey H20-
Your son's condition was news to me. There is no way I could attend but I would like to offer help. Is there an address where I could direct a donation?

I hope the fund raiser goes well!

Good luck

His mom made all of the arrangements...I'll try to get back to you asap with that info.

Thanks!

BTW, I forget sometimes that not everyone here has read about Josh...

A Steelhead for Josh, by Dave Vedder (Thanks again Dave! Hard to believe this was eight years ago!!))

I had never read the story Eric. It is a beautiful thing and brought tears to my eyes. It so amazes me that those that have the most right to complain make happiness where they are, and those of us that have so much to be thankful for complain about nonsense.

Eric

does your email work>? I am trying to send you a private message

Thinks this belongs on top

If a PP member wins Parker's generous donation to the board(s), I will pass it along to help with the purchase of the chair!!

I remember when I first read Dave's article so many years ago, it brought tears to my eyes then and today is still as powerful. Please get Paypal up so that I can make a contribution. May God bless you and yours.

Eric, you gonna be at the Solstice Parade? I'll be with my family and dogs in tow. I'll be wearing a black Utilikilt so you can look for me. I want to make a donation while we're there, so let me know where I can do that.

GH-

I'm not sure I can even make it to the benefit tomorrow night, no less the parade next weekend (damn farm animals!)....this kinda hit me at the last minute

More info as it comes to me...thanks every body!

Hey Stldh20,

I'm not much of a computer wiz--but if you or someone out there knows how to ---Please forward this heart touching post and included links to:

peoplehelper @komo4news.com

Thanks--and God bless you and your handsome son!

How could anyone deny a fellow fisherman? Did you forward that story to Washington State? Unbelievable!

Let me know that address and I am in!

i am in address please or paypal

I will do what I can to help. Will try to make it to Fremont this weekend if I'm not fishing. Is your email up to date? I believe you have mine so if you send me and address I will get a check in the mail (electronic or snail) asap.

Keep the faith my brother! By the way if you get the chance, go see the movie "What the #*$! do we know!?" It's playing here In Seattle at the Uptown Theater. I think you will enjoy it.

Josh
The more Salmon and steelhead you eat is better for your health .Please have your dad post an address as to where I can send you my contribution. I have read the story about you and was very proud to have read it . I would like to see you and your mom and dad get the chair you need.
Fishingrod_1@hotmail.com

Eric....$10,000!!! holy cow....That's one classy ride....Anyway you and I have had our discussion offline...keep the faith. Humanity really is kind at times.

Now as for Harley....Utilikilt?....I looked those up on the internet today...Kind of the Mel Gibson Braveheart look. Do you have to sit down to pee in that thing? I can picture you in one of those get ups in Fremont....Not exactly my mental picture of a career soldier....You don't carry one of those huge swords do you?

No, I wasn't blessed with a huge sword. Wait... that didn't sound right.

No need to sit down; just lift and go.

The best part is when women ask what I'm wearing underneath and I reply with, "Why don't you feel for yourself."

Click on the website link http://www.pimentohead.com/jamminforjosh/ to make a donation. Then click on the "make a donation button."

This goes to a good cause, I hope others make a donation.

Eric: Take SCOWAK's suggestion and send KOMO 4 an e-mail. I'd send the web site and "a steelhead for Josh" links with that e-mail. I sure hope you can raise enough money.