“This organization was created to assist dog people who are suffering from life threatening or terminal illness. The people need to be members of the fancy to be eligible.”
Mari-Beth O’Neill. I just called to see how Emil was doing.” As I poured out the story, she quietly listened until I was finished. “Sue,” she said, “I’m going to give you a phone number and I want you to call and tell the person who answers just what you told me.” “Who am I calling?” I asked her. “You are going to be talking to Pat Laurans,” she replied. “And why should I do that?” I asked. Mari-Beth answered, “I think you might be a good candidate to get assistance from Take the Lead.” Remember, this was in 1995, and Take the Lead was still pretty new. I had heard of it, but really didn’t know what it was for or what it did. “But, Mari-Beth,” I wondered, “Why would they help us?” “This organization was created to assist dog people who are suffering from life threatening or terminal illness. The people need to be members of the fancy to be eligible.” Then, with her characteristically take charge kind of manner, she said, “Now, hang up so you can make the call. I’ll talk to you later.” I sat looking at the phone for a few long minutes, wondering if I should really call. Then I saw the eviction notice lying on the counter and I thought, “What do I have to lose?” Pat turned out to be one of the nicest, most caring people I had ever encountered. After hearing my story, she told me how to apply for help. I filled out the paperwork and faxed it off to the Take The Lead office, sending copies of the bills as requested. The next day, late morning, I got a call from the office, the mortgage payment was up to date and I would be receiving a receipt from the company in the mail. I couldn’t believe it. In 24 hours, I had been rescued. I hadn’t even had to tell
Emil that we might be living in a cardboard box under the train tracks. He never knew how close we came to disaster. I was also told that, when the time came, I should send the office the bill for the funeral expenses and it would be taken care of. And it was. At a time when the world was falling down around us, Take the Lead stepped in and made a terrible time less painful. It was done anonymously. No one would have ever known that Take the Lead helped us if I hadn’t said anything. I have never kept it a secret. This was certainly one of the kindest things that has ever happened to me and I will shout it from the rooftops if I get the chance. I proudly wear my pin every year and never hesitate to tell people our story. Thank you, again, Take the Lead. You are the best.
Mark Lucas
A
t the age of 39 I was diagnosed with NonHodgkins Lymphoma and was in stage 4. The shock and devastation of finding out I had cancer was overwhelming and then the thought of not being able to work sunk in. At this point, it was suggested by 2 dear friends that I reach out for help from Take the Lead. At which point the relief of knowing my bills for daily living were not going to be a burden on me and I can’t thank Take the Lead enough for the help and assistance they gave me at a time of unexpected need. Cancer free now and the love of pure bred dogs still runs through my blood and I thank everyone for supporting this wonderful organization.
Phyllis Wright
I
n December of 2008 during the ice storm I dialed 911 and told them I was having a heart attack. The ambulance arrived and off I went to the hospital. The local hospital could not help me so I was transferred to a major hospital 25 miles away. Doctors put me into a coma so they could work on me. As it turned out they did not expect me to CONTINUED ON PAGE 254
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