97.1 ZHT's Secret Santa is back to help those in need thanks to Low Book Sales. For many, the holidays are a tough time of year… emotionally and financially. Do you know someone who could use a little holiday cheer? Whether it's presents for someone’s children or paying a past due bill to turn back on the heat, we'd like to help. We hope to fulfill as many wishes as possible.
If you're also someone who would like to help, let us know how or what you'd like to donate. Together, we can make this a Merry Christmas for all.
Secret Santa Sightings:
Andrew: December 17th
I am writing in for my brother in-law and his two beautiful children. Andrew lost his wife yesterday.....She had a blood clot go to her lungs and was on life support. While they were at the first hospital Andrew had to say goodbye to his wife and cope with her loss. The doctors then informed him that he could have her sent to another hospital over the mountain and see what they were able to do for her. She held on another day and was pronounced brain dead and again the family had to say goodbye to her a second time. She was only 22 years old and far too young to die and a great wife and mother. She leaves behind a 3 year old daughter and 6 month old son. I know that Andrew is going to need the help this close to Christmas being a young parent himself and now single father of 2 small children and I'm sure that it would cheer the kids up after the great loss that this small family has endured the past 3 days. I know that I am unable to do much at this time and at
least this will show that my family is thinking of him and his family and that our prayers and thoughts go out to him during his time of need. Thank you!!
Trinity: December 16th | Click Here to see the photos.
I am subbmitting a wish for a very sweet family that has had a very hard year. Trinity Hansen is a great man who lost his 8 year old daughter Grace last march 5th she was born with HLHS she died of a heart attack she would have been 9 in oct sense her death he has had a hard time finding work he works construction and times are tough for everyone he is a single father of two little boys one is 5 and the other is two. I know the pain I felt when Gracie died and I know this christmas will be so hard with out her and that he just wants to give the boys a good christmas. They just lost their big sister and this will be a very hard year for them. I just hope that some how if they can get the help they need for christmas that maybe they can start to rebuild there lives after loosing Gracie
Senor Anderson: December 15th | Click Here to see the photos. | Click Here to listen to the audio.
Senor Anderson is my Spanish teacher at South Jordan Middle school. After a long, emotional birth, his baby son, Anthon, was born on October 9, 2010; 26 weeks premature. Anthon made a home at Primary Children's Hospital, hooked up to many cords and breathing tubes. A little less than 2 months later Anthon passed away due to an infection in his intestine. Senor Anderson spent 42 cherished days with his 2 lb. baby boy. Now he is facing piles of medical bills and funeral payments. With Senor Anderson's wife off work, and his small family living off a teacher's salary, money is super tight for them right now. His family of 3 could use some help providing a Christmas or even help with medical bills.
Us students at South Jordan Middle would like to nominate Senor Anderson for Sub for Santa because he is such a great and fun guy to be around. Not to mention a fantastic Spanish teacher!! He continues to spread joy through his love of teaching others in each of his 7 Spanish classes. We all feel that Senor Anderson and his family really deserve some help after all they have gone through in the past few months. We all love Senor and feel for his loss. Everyone at SOJO would love to see Senor Anderson and his family have a happy moment through this rough patch. We love you Senor!!!
Thank you!
Whitney Morris, Sydney Snelton, and 3rd period Spanish With permission from parents, Hector & Tracy Morris
Brian: December 14th | Click Here to see the photos. | Click Here to listen to the audio.
I am writing you to tell you of a family that is very special and has been through a lot recently. The family consists of Brian, Theresa, Lauren (17), and Ciera(11). In January 2009, Brian was going into the hospital to have a brain tumor removed. He has had this surgery done before and has done well, but this time was different. There were complications and he ended up being in a coma for weeks. His wife and girls were very scared that he wouldn’t wake up. When he did finally wake up, he couldn’t move or even talk. After months of being in the hospital, he wasn’t well enough to go home, so he went into a care facility for a couple more months. There they helped him learn to do things like hold his head up and swallow. The basic functions that we don’t even think about he had to learn all over again. At this time of year, Brian would usually be driving a snow plow, but now they are just hoping that he will walk on his own again. He did have physical therapy that was helping, but the insurance won’t pay for it anymore, so he isn’t going because it is so expensive.
While all of this was going on, Theresa held her full-time job, took care of their girls, and still managed to spend hours with Brian every night. This was their life. Since then, Brian has gone home, which would not have been possible without the family pulling together. Their oldest daughter, Lauren, started going to night high school so that she could take care of her dad during the day. Getting around, for Lauren, has been difficult because she has a car that doesn’t run and there is no money to fix it. When her younger sister, Ciera gets home from school, Lauren leaves to go to school and Ciera takes care of Brian until Theresa gets home. They have learned to be care givers as well as daughters, and do it without complaining. There is so much more to their story but I will stop there. They are a great family and I am blessed to know them.
I am writing you to see if you would be able to help them. Money is tight and if you could help in anyway I know that they would appreciate it. Theresa is so strong and anything that can make her life a little easier would be great. Thank you very much and Merry Christmas!
Julie: December 13th | Click Here to see the photos. | Click Here to listen to the audio.
I would like to submit my friend Julie's family. Julie has
just passed away from complications of surgery last week. She had been
ill for a little while before her passing due to a growth on her liver.
Her passing was unexpected.
She has left behind 3 children,her loving husband and nephew. Her
children are 12, 4 and 18 months. Two daughters and a son. It is hard to
express all the reasons why I feel this family deserves a good
Christmas.
Johnny and Julie have helped others when they could. They live pay check
to pay check and do not have alot of extra. They have done what they can
for their friends and family in times of need.
They have opened their home for my family allowing us a place to stay
while we were purchasing our home. They have also opened their home for
their nephew and have been raising him as their own. They have not asked
for anything in return and I would like to repay them somehow.
I know many people have experienced the sad and unfortunate loss of a
loved one before Christmas and understand you may receive many requests
this year for help. Thank you for reviewing my request.
I would love to provide this family Christmas on my own. However; I'm
unable to do so as my hsband has lost his job. It will be especially
hard financially for this father to provide a Christmas to his children
and the extended family will not be able to help much due to funeral and
burial costs.
It will be the first Christmas he and his children will have to spend
without their mother. Their loss is great as Julie has been the rock to
this family.
I would like to show this family that through their hard time they have
people who care and love them. I know this famaily as well as I will
apprecaite anything you can do for them. Again I thank you for
reviewing my request
Alicia: December 10th | Click Here to see the photos. | Click Here to listen to the audio.
My name is Jana, I am asking that you help my sister Alicia this Christmas with her 2 boys Trevor and Kyle. In August of this year Trevor was hit by a box truck walking to school. He suffered some brain trama, broken jaw and broken clavical. The person who had hit him is refusing to help with any medical bills or prescriptions. He doesn't feel he is liable. When Trevor was hit by this truck the only thing that really saved his life was his precious love of his life, his french horn. Kyle his little brother was there at the scene when he was being treated and has kinda been off to the side since the accident. My sister after not having a job for about a year was supposed to have started her new job at Target the Monday following his accident. (He was hit on Friday). Because Trevor was in the hospital for a while they couldn't hold her position. Which now leaves her jobless AGAIN. Due to the fact that Medicaid will not cover any of the expenses because it was an auto accident my sister has been struggling on a weekly basis to get the medications Trevor is needing. She needs any help she can get possible to give her boys the Christmas they deserve. Please ZHT help my sister this Christmas. Even if you don't get her anything, just the boys would be the greatest blessing this holiday season! My nephews are amazing boys, both getting straight A's in school. When Trevor was in the hospital he did nothing but stress over the fact that he is missing school, so we made it a joke "Most kids would rather get hit by a truck then go to school, but Trevor even before would rather go to school then get hit by a truck". So Please please help us! -Thank You- Jana
Trudy: December 9th | Click Here to see the photos. | Click Here to listen to the audio.
My closest and dearest friends were in a car accident on Thanksgiving. Their Dad and Husband Stuart passed away along with their Daughter and sister Karalee. In this sad time we can be thankful that we still have Trudy(mom/wife), Maylynn(sis/daughter), James(son/brother) and Abby(sis/daughter) in our lives. I wanted to make a wish for them this season that they might find joy in a present that they would never have unless you a Secert Santa brought it to them. They all have a long road of finding peace and beginning to heal. All any of us can do is be there for them, a shoudler to cry, a ear to listen and a heart to help warm theirs, I know I will be there for them always. Their family is my family by choice not blood and I find that to be my present this year. The greatest gift you can give some is love and friendship anytime of the year.I could never express in words how much all of the Lewis family has touched my life and heart, I would like to give them something to brighten their day and put a smile on their faces. Let your memories grow stronger and stronger, Families are Forever!
http://supportthelewisfamily.blogspot.com
Kaitlyn: December 8th | Click Here to see the photos. | Click Here to listen to the audio.
The family I would like to tell you about is the Dye family. Back in about May, the band director at Kearns high school had taken his oldest daughter to primary childrens hospital, where him and his wife (who was expecting their 4th at the time) were given the news that 12 year old Kaitlyn was going through kidney failure. She has been in and out of the hospital several times, and most visits lasting almost 3 weeks. She cannot attend school and is on dialysis twice a week. The dad not just being the dad of his family of 6 now, also has over 50 students that rely on him as well. He is an amazing marching band director and even while his daughter was in the hopsital he kept doing his job at the high school during the summer, working hard keeping his students active in the program. The family now with a newborn at home, has a lot that has come about and definatly could use a miracle. Mr. Dye himself is trying to be the kidney donor for his daughter but may not h ave any luck, and they cannot afford the procedure where Kaitlyn while stuck in the hopsital or during dialysis she has worked on making tutus for infants and is selling those and cute headbands to help her parents pay for the kidney transplant. This family has been through a lot and I as well as many others would love to see a miracle for this family!
Emma: December 7th | Click Here to see the photos. | Click Here to listen to the audio.
Emma was 3 and was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease and needed chemo which destroyed her liver. In September she received part of her dad's liver while waiting for her full liver transplant. While her dad was in surgery his arm was under his body causing nerve damage to his arm. He was a bus driver and he can no longer drive the bus. Her mom was nurse and had to quit her job in order to take care of Emma and her other 2 children. Emma received her full liver transplant in the end of September, and has had 17 surgeries in 3 months. Emma is still in the hospital and her mom rarely leaves her side. We are submitting them because they have been through so much and they need something to look forward to during the holidays.
Skyler: December 6th | Click Here to see the photos. | Click Here to listen to the audio.
My sister Crystal and my four year old nephew Skyler are the two most amazing people I know. About two years ago Crystals husband and Skylers dad was tragically taken away from them by an Unexpected heart tumor. About a year in a half ago the doctors found a growth on Skylers chin and within the next couple of months he was in and out of the hospital having major surgeries to remove the growth. On top of all that physical and emotional pain, in august of this year Skyler was diagnosed with Leukemia and has been fighting it ever since. With Leukemia the majority of the patients are out of the hospital within a couple of weeks of being diagnosed, but in Skylers case he developed a rare fungal infection that has taken over his body and forced him to live in the PICU at primary childrens for the last 5 months. Many times during Skylers recovery the Dr's have been stumped and not sure about what to do next to treat Skyler, but every time Skyler shows his strength and determination and pulls through with a smile on his face. Both Skyler and Crystal have gone through more these past two years then most will go through in a lifetime. Crystal is Skylers Rock, and has been by his side every step of the way. Being a father myself, i cant imagine what she has gone through. The strength and love she shows for her family is inspiring. You can follow their story at www.crystalandskyler.blogspot.com
Tara: December 3rd | Click Here to listen to the audio.
My brother's house just burned down on November 17th, 2010. He, his wife and step daughter lost everything, including 2 pets. They live in a rural area (Mt. Pleasant, UT) and there are not alot of resources available to help them. In addition, he has been unemployed for several months and they were at rock bottom when their trailer burned down--with no renter's insurance. Getting them some help would be a miracle.
Rachel: December 2nd | Click Here to listen to the audio.
My Father last year underwent two open heart surgeries and almost didnt make it. During the time he was in the hospital the manager of his gas staion embezzled 10k from him and caused him to loose his store and thier only income. During that same time my parents where left with 4 grandchildren to raise. They hardly are making it. My mom and dads biggest concern is having Christmas for the kids. They lost thier transportation and everything! Please help make my parents and nieces and nephews Christmas special!With the economy so bad my husbands business has suffered and we are trying to figure out how to get our 5 small children presents.. Otherwise I would help. Thank you so very much for considering to be a secret Santa they truley are deserving wonderful people!!
Camryn: December 1st | Click Here to see the photos. | Click Here to listen to the audio.
Although my true wish this year would be to cure my little 5 year old hero Camryn Carver of her cancer (along with her new friends she has met during treatment) I would be forever grateful if her, along with her family could receive some help with all of their medical bills this Christmas. This family has been through hell and back all while watching their savings dwindle while the medical bills keep coming in. Cami is in the most critial stage of her treatment and the next 2 months will be the toughest on her and her family. Let me just say that not only is Cami a loving, giving, and remarkable little girl but her entire family is the same way. When friends held a fundraisher for her back in October, her family shared the donations with others in their "cancer family" to help others in need. Please help. You can read all about her on her blog www.kissesforcami.com Thank you, God Bless, and Merry Christmas.
Tiara: November 30th | Click Here to see the photos. | Click Here to listen to the audio.
Hello I'm referring my sister Tiara and her kids Alexus, Alejandro, Cesar! My sister has had a very bad year!! she lost her job due to her daughter's Alexus illness!! Alexus has SLE,and due to that she has kidney failure, chronic angio adema which leads to her airway closing, corea and grandmal seizures along with many other things that come with the lupus!! The doctors have stated that this is the worse case they have seen and they have never been able to control her lupus. She was diagnose when she was 6 and she has been to the hospital every month since then it seems! Recently she was discharged from Primary Childrens in september, they thought we were gonna lose her a few times. She spent three months there from june to september! She missed out on her whole summer and pretty much most of her childhood. We would like to give them a good Christmas if not I'm sure they will not have anything this year because she had to use all there money they had saved for the hospital stay as well as for all her appointments she has to go to in salt lake - she goes about three times a week! Anything will help to make there Christmas better and hopefully a good one if it is there last together!! Thanks for your time in reading this.
Christy: November 29th | Click Here to see the photos. | Click Here to listen to the audio.
Christy, I want to bring you Christmas this year with some help from my friends at 97.1 ZHT. When you suffered your traumatic accient on Aug. 28th I was in shock and my heart sank when I found out how severe and life threatening it was. hearing that you had tripped over the baby gate and tumbled all the way down the stairs hitting you head and having to be rushed to the hospital I was very worried. some were affraid that you might not pull through. my family was hoping and praying that everything would be okay. Seeing you in the hospital was heart breaking to me. Not being able to talk, walk or eat. The only thing that came to me was to talk about all the good times we've had together. I could see how much pain you were in and i wished I could take that pain away. I can't believe what you've gone through! more than15 ct scans and 5 brain surgeries. You are such a strong woman. Every day I would find out how things were going and how you were beginning to improve little by little and it brought such happiness to me. After 68 long days in the hospital you were finally able to go home. What a great experience it was for me to attend your son Ryker's belated 1st birthday party. seeing you home for the first time in month's. seeing you smile and wave to me when I got to the party brought a smile to my face. Even more exciting was to hear you being able to speak again. I could hardly believe it. It was also inspiring to see all your friends and family there to support you and to see how much your husband, Dustin, takes care of you and loves you so much. I also wanted to tell you how much you mean to me. you have always been a great friend to me and my family. You have always brightened my day everytime I see you. I love you with all my heart and I know you will continue to get better. The hardest part is over and you've made it this far. Although the road has been a long one you have continued to keep fighting and keep moving forward! You have such a strong will and detemination. You are an inspration to me and many other! I am greatful to have you as a friend and I want you and your family to have a great christmas this year.
