Francoeur Receives a Big Thank-You from Dream House Family
June 12, 2009
Last year, Jeff Francoeur and Delta Airlines teamed up and donated Delta Sky Miles to Atlanta's Dream House organization for every home-run hit by Jeff. Below is a letter sent to Jeff from a recipient family.
The reason I am writing you, is to request that you pass along my sincere thanks to Jeff Franceour. I have two children who have been stricken with Chiari Malformation-Compression. It is a condition that, in my children's case, causes your brain to be compressed into your brainstem. This condition causes a multitude of symptoms, including headaches, gastro-intestinal issues, failure to thrive, etc.
Last year my infant son Tristan was diagnosed with it, and we had to go to Cincinnati's Children's Hospital for surgery. Angel Flight was there for us, and helped us out by taking Tristan, his mother, and I up for the surgery. His symptoms emerged again, and second surgery had to be performed in March of this year. Angel Flight helped us out again by providing transportation. I cannot thank them enough.
Most recently, my eight year old daughter was diagnosed with the same affliction. Dr. Crone of the Cincinnati's Children's Hospital Pediatric Neurosurgery Unit wanted to consult with us, and examine both kids. So, I contacted Angel Flight again, and learned that most of the small planes which are used by their cadre of volunteer pilots are not big enough to carry two parents and two children. They put me in touch with Dreamhouse for Kids, as a possible avenue of hope.
It seems there was a promotion last year with Delta Airlines and the Atlanta Braves. I was told that whenever Jeff hit a home-run (I believe), Delta Airlines donated sky-miles to a charity of his choosing. Apparently, he chose Dreamhouse for Kids. I, for one, am extremely grateful that he did. Dreamhouse for Kids came through for us, and were a big help. They are a wonderful organization.
Last Sunday, May 31st, Delta took my two children along with my wife and I to Cincinnati to consult with Dr. Crone. Tristan, my youngest, needed another MRI, and was able to get that done. We are so grateful to Jeff, and to Dreamhouse for Kids, for taking us up to Cincinnati, that mere words cannot express. Please pass my gratitude onto Jeff. I do not care if he ever hits or catches another baseball, the Anastasio family are fans, for life!
I have enclosed a picture of some of my kids (there are eight total so I won't send all of them), but in the picture Arizona (age 8) (to the left of the picture) and Tristan (age 1) are there in case Jeff wanted to see the people's lives his choice & actions have affected. He should be proud that he picked such a worthwhile organization to partner with, one that really helps children and families who are stricken with unfortunate illnesses.
In closing, I hope that you are able to pass this letter to him, along with my sincere gratitude. I also hope you print the flyer that I have also enclosed as an attachment. I have come up with a fund-raising event to raise money for Angel Flight who, as I have written, have rescued my son Tristan on more than one occasion. I am trying to re-pay, in some small way, those who have been there for me, and my family. I hope that you might consider posting it on a website, or even forwarding it to folks who might want to come out and join us. It is a motorcycle event up in Roswell, Georgia where I am a police officer. It is on Sunday August 16th, 2009 at 10:00 at Killer Creek Harley Davidson in Roswell, GA.
Sincerely Yours,
Sgt William E. Anastasio, II
