I am the proud and humble father of two young adults, one of whom is a very courageous young man who is a twenty – year survivor of a pediatric brain tumor. Neal has defied medical understanding on a number of occasions where he has survived events which have placed him in critical condition. Over the course of these twenty years, he has survived advance cancer which left Neal under hospice care during the Winter of 1991 – 92. Neal has also endured three respiratory illnesses where he has been hospitalized in unstable critical condition. These events have brought me to some very dark places and also to unexpected places of immense joy. Neal has remarkable courage and an internal strength that I continue to witness on a daily basis. He is a gentle soul, close to God who exudes love.Neal has touched the lives of so many people from all walks of life.
To celebrate the twenty year survivorship milestone, I have decided to honor Neal’s spirit by establishing the “Love is Magic Foundation.” This non-profit charitable foundation will allow our family and friends opportunities to help children and families of children facing life threatening illnesses. We all have choices to make in our daily living. Do we curse the darkness or embrace the light. My son shows me the way everyday and that is to be my best,give my best and to love my best. In our humanity we are called to serve others and to help those in need. I speak from personal experience that there truly is a great need to help children and their families as they face the extreme difficulties of life threatening illness. Please consider how you may be able to help those in need.
Peace, Neal Sr.
