INFORMATION ABOUT OUR 2014 CAUSE AND ITS ACHIEVEMENTS
We are continuing the Christmas tradition of helping others by collecting donations to support a local cause. Thank you to all who contributed in the past years! The light show is played for a 5 week span over the holidays and last year over this time period we were able to collect $2,487 which was donated to Vaughn Schlachter during his battle with AML, a type of Leukemia. The previous year we we donated $1,774.00 to Hope Parente in her battle against brain cancer.
{new this year} This year our thoughts and efforts are directed towards David and Michelle Jackson's family (of Perry County), specifically the oldest son, Deven, who is 11 years old. After complaining about a sore throat the night before, Michelle took Deven to the doctor thinking he possibly had strep throat. By the time they arrived at the doctor's office, Deven had a temperature of 105 degrees and could not walk. He was rushed to Hersey Medical Center where he was diagnosed with a form of Meningitis. His condition continued to spiraled downward and he was not expected to live another 24 hours. His organs began to shut down and he was placed onto many supportive machines and monitors.
As a result of his condition, Deven's hands and feet became black due to gangrene. Over the next couple days, he began to stabilize and improve but had to be transferred to Lebanon Hospital to be treated as a burn patient for his hands and feet. In the end, they had to amputate both legs which would be difficult for anyone, let alone a young boy who loves to play football.
But Deven didn't let this amputation slow him down and quickly became an inspiration to us all. He was featured on Good Morning America (GMA) receiving a visit from Tim Tebow and was fitted with blades for prosthetic feet. These special running blades are required to play football, and he is growing out of his current pair quickly. Each blade costs $9,000 and is not covered by insurance. This year, all of the donations collected from the Kolak Light Show will be donated to Deven in hopes that he will be able to get a new pair of running blades and continue to stay active and play football.
{new this year} This year our thoughts and efforts are directed towards David and Michelle Jackson's family (of Perry County), specifically the oldest son, Deven, who is 11 years old. After complaining about a sore throat the night before, Michelle took Deven to the doctor thinking he possibly had strep throat. By the time they arrived at the doctor's office, Deven had a temperature of 105 degrees and could not walk. He was rushed to Hersey Medical Center where he was diagnosed with a form of Meningitis. His condition continued to spiraled downward and he was not expected to live another 24 hours. His organs began to shut down and he was placed onto many supportive machines and monitors.
As a result of his condition, Deven's hands and feet became black due to gangrene. Over the next couple days, he began to stabilize and improve but had to be transferred to Lebanon Hospital to be treated as a burn patient for his hands and feet. In the end, they had to amputate both legs which would be difficult for anyone, let alone a young boy who loves to play football.
But Deven didn't let this amputation slow him down and quickly became an inspiration to us all. He was featured on Good Morning America (GMA) receiving a visit from Tim Tebow and was fitted with blades for prosthetic feet. These special running blades are required to play football, and he is growing out of his current pair quickly. Each blade costs $9,000 and is not covered by insurance. This year, all of the donations collected from the Kolak Light Show will be donated to Deven in hopes that he will be able to get a new pair of running blades and continue to stay active and play football.
ABC27 coverage of this cause
If you have enjoyed our lights shows, please consider making a contribution towards this cause by placing your donation in the slotted box sitting on top of the lighted "Listen to the Lights" sign.
Or, contributions can be mailed to 1976 Shermans Valley Road, Elliottsburg, PA 17024. Please make any checks payable to Kevin Kolak and put Deven Jackson in the memo line.
Please keep Deven and his family in your prayers this Holiday Season.
**100% of the contributions will go to Deven for new running blades**
Donations made Week 1: $150.00
Donations made Week 2: $891.00
Donations made Week 3: $2,075.00
Donations made Week 4: $2,039.00
Additional Donations made: $1,097.00
Grand Total in Donations: $6,252.00
Thank you all for supporting our cause, and helping a local family during the holiday season!
This light show is our way of wishing you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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