An Open Letter From Jeanee James
March 8, 2006
I had the privilege of meeting Connie at my daughters' elementary
school. She was doing an art show and motivational speech. I was
anxious to meet this incredible woman who paints with her mouth.
I was amazed at the beautiful spirit that was encased in her motionless
body. She reached every life in the room with her presence, her
words, and her talent. I didn't know how she would touch my life.
Connie has a beautiful smile, part angelic, with hint of humor and
a kick of sass. She is tender and a tough cookie all rolled together,
that's what has helped her survive.
Connie has lived an amazing life and is a prime example of faith,
courage, dignity, grace and strength. In the short time that we
have been friends she has taught me many life lessons and has touched
the lives of all those who meet her.
When she did the art show at the school, sadly that was her last
one. A few years ago she was blessed with a new wheelchair. This
wheelchair doesn't fit in her old 1978 Dodge van. In order for her
to go anywhere, she has to be lifted up and transfered to an old
chair that doesn't work properly. If she tries to lean back a few
inches because her neck gets tired, the chair will lay all the way
back and get stuck there. The process takes 35-45 min and is exhausting
and dangerous for her. The van is also on it's last leg.
When she came to our school she had a room of 300 elementary kids
so spell bound you could hear a pin drop. She had an impact on them
and taught them lessons they will never forget. It breaks my heart
that she is no longer able to do art shows, visit elementary schools
or even go to church. Connies faith is what gets her through the
rough times and this situation with the van has even prevented her
from going to church and receive communion, which she loves.
What she needs more than anything is a van, new or used, that will
fit her large wheelchair.
If you want to help, which would be so appreciated, you
can donate $ to the Special Needs Fund listed on this web site.
All donations will go toward getting her a van. If there is anyone
out there that has a van that they might be able to donate for a
tax write off, that would be unbelievably fabulous!! You would be
doing something on a grand scale, by helping Connie, you are also
helping the children hear her message and changing their lives,
just by getting her a van!! We can all help in some small way. Anything
will be appreciated. Please tell your friends about Connie.
Connie is a priceless gift to us all, lets help her share her art
and her message of hope and faith. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Jeanee James
Click here for instructions for how
to donate to the Connie Laboda Special Needs Trust |
