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Tempe Explorer Program
Christmas 2008
The Tempe Police Department’s Explorer Program is for young men and women ages 14-21 who are interested in law enforcement as a possible career. Among other respectable tasks the Explorer Program is involved in community service projects. We strive for an inclusive group of young men & women who not only believe in themselves but also in giving back to their community.
At the command of Sergeant Kat herine Click, the Explorer’s awarded our family their community service project. These kids “raided” the local Target and bought Christmas presents for our entire family. This group of explorers were so kind as to ask for Drake, Broc and Trey’s Christmas list and then beyond our imagination the kids were showered with a truck load of presents! Mike and I were also graced with their kindness!
Not to have to worry about the money and the shopping at a time when we were traveling back and forth to Minnesota in the midst of Trey’s misdiagnosis…this was a gift we will never forget and one you can’t put a price tag on. Thank you for your generosity, for your kindness, for the love you bestowed upon us at such a wearisome time…thank you just doesn’t seem like enough for all you did for us.
As told by Kathie;
Cami,
I hope all of the presents work out OK and that your family has a great holiday. I am attaching a photo of the Explorers on their big shopping trip. As you can see they had a great time! I don't think this Target will ever be the same.
Take care, Kathie Click
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Cortez High Swim Team Fundraiser- October 2008
The swim coach of Cortez High School , Mr. Ben Hazelton reached out to us through the article printed in the Arizona Republic . Lucky for us, Ben said Trey reminded him of his young son, Kyle and in turn was moved to help. A complete stranger willing to put in so much time and effort towards our angel was utterly humbling. I was in awe with Ben’s determination and drive to turn his ideas of earning money into successful fundraisers for Trey. After countless rejections from the district and the city, Mr. Hazelton was still able to produce two very victorious fundraisers. Although on a much smaller scale than Ben had originally envisioned, we were so impressed with the coach and his team’s efforts.
Ben writes, “We had our Swim-A-Thon for Trey today and by the # of laps done, you would be proud. Adding together all the laps done by the swimmers, a total of 2,198 laps were done. This is equal to 54,950 meters or in laymen's terms over 36 miles in the water! I jumped in myself for 104 laps and our farthest swimmer was logged in at 226 total laps!”
To add to their accomplishments, these kids swam in a cold pool on October 3rd! Can you say dedication by these remarkable kids?
During the car wash, 55 vehicles were washed, only 3 of them being car’s with the rest being minivans,SUV’s and trucks! The team washed for an arduous 4 ½ hours!!! Another successful event entirely fashioned by coach Hazelton.
Our family was invited to the Cortez Swim Teams end of the year banquet to be presented with the proceeds and to have the honor of meeting Mr. Hazelton and his team. The team too was so very excited to meet Trey and to be able to put a face with the name of the baby they swam and washed cars for…as you can imagine, the girls loved Trey and his blonde curls. We in turn were so privileged to meet the man himself, Mr. Hazelton as well as all his incredible team members. We were so impressed with every one of the high schoolers we met that night. Thank you for the opportunity to be in your graces Ben and the Cortez Swim Team.
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Emily’s Birthday Wish – October 2008
In lieu of presents for herself, this was what Emily asked for…
What 9 year old’s have hearts this big??? How lucky are we to have friends like the Giarrizzo’s to raise a daughter like Emily.
I added a few of the photos taken of Emily and her a her party as well as when she so sweetly gave Trey the poster and “Treasures” they raised at her Birthday party and on Halloween night.
As written by Emily’s Mom;
What a wonderful opportunity it was for Emily to do this, and it was truly heartwarming to see all the kids so fired up to help Trey. They all signed a poster for him and while trick-or-treating, they asked every house if they would donate towards Trey’s fight. It was heart warming, and the response was great. At the house the kids signed the poster & ate, next they went to a “haunted house” here in the community, then they piled into 4 SUVs to trick-or-treat in the neighborhood (it was a caravan from house to house). We returned back to the clubhouse for a costume contest, snacks, cider & cocoa. The kids that came up from the Valley (11 out of 21) spent the night.
Much love,
Kris
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