Friends of Tony UpdateThis page was last updated on September 10, 2006 |
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An Airport HomecomingThe Orange County aviation community will be celebrating the return of Airport Day at Fullerton Municipal Airport on September 16.
Airport Day has traditionally been a daylong celebration of flight, including both model and full-size aviation. With its cancellation last year, and the Ford Tri-Motor plane crash two years ago, the airplanes are not expected to take flight at this year's festival. But that won't stop many enthusiasts, including Tony, from enjoying the spirit of aviation as they look forward to celebrating another Airport Day in September. Tony's expected attendance at this year's festival may also remind everyone of how close the crowd came to the action that was responsible for grounding him. Please help us celebrate the return of a much-missed member of the aviation community on September 16. Fullerton Municipal Airport is the site of the last strictly general aviation airfield still operating in Orange County. Click here for more information about airport day. Tony's Current ConditionEvery Wednesday Tony goes to St. Jude's Medical Center. As an outpatient, they provide him with wheelchair transportation to-and-from the hospital. His doctors are pleased with his progress through this current stage of recovery. Tony no longer requires daily wound care, so he receives it as needed, which is turning out to be on a weekly basis. However, there is always a watchful eye to spot any signs of new pressure ulcers (bed sores) from becoming future complications. Tony will begin physical therapy at St. Jude's after his elbow and shoulder surgery, which is scheduled in the next couple of weeks.
While at St. Jude's recently, Tony was deeply moved when he meet Stacy Neria, a quadriplegic mother of three. A few months ago Stacy was celebrating her 34th birthday as she went jogging with a friend when a hit-and-run driver struck them both. Currently in the same room that Tony was in last year, he couldn't help but feel a connection to what happened to Stacy and her friend. Like a lot of people, Tony followed this heart-breaking story in the news, and he's been able to share his own experiences with his new friend. On a lighter note, Tony was quite pleased that he was able to make Stacy laugh on his recent visit even though her condition is quite serious. Feeling truly saddened by what Stacy and her family must be going through, this has also been a humbling turning point for Tony. To keep up with Tony's latest developments, check out the calendar area at the bottom of this page for weekly updates on his condition. New 'Leash' on LifeIf all goes as planned, the path towards Tony's independence may be coming four feet at a time. Those feet, while not his own, would be attached to the paws of an assistance dog, a specially trained dog put into service, making it possible for someone like Tony to more fully participate in the world.
Most people are familiar with the concept of service dogs, either as a guide dog for the blind or a hearing dog for the deaf. An assistance dog helps out a person with a physical disability that is not related to sight or hearing. The most common recipient of an assistance dog is a person who uses a wheelchair like Tony. To be successful at their job, an assistance dog must go through a very structured training process, preparing them for a life in service. When training is complete for these dogs, they are matched to a suitable recipient.
Training isn't easy for any dog placed into service, and not all dogs make it through training for the same reason not all people make into the Olympics. It takes a very talented dog — at a cost of $15,000 to $25,000 — to successfully graduate from an approved program. 
There are grassroots efforts underway to help Tony raise funds for an assistance dog and a wheelchair van. Friends can help Tony achieve these goals by making a contribution to his fund.
Everyone who donates will have a new leash on life image (as seen in the picture on the right) added to their name on the friends page. Click here for more details on how you can help Tony reach his goals. Acknowledgements to Friends of TonyPower of OneJackie Rossetti is an extraordinary friend to Tony. She is a rare shining star in his life, providing Tony with encouragement, especially through the darkest of times. She is a constant reminder that there are endless possibilities for his life. Jackie has touched Tony's heart and soul in many ways.
Helping to Turn Scars into Stars As a dedicated friend, Jackie is generous with her time, often visiting him for hours on end. When she spends time with Tony, she's a real inspiration by just being the person she is, which is warm, caring and a fellow aviation enthusiast. Jackie works at Fullerton Airport, and has been helping to lay the foundation for his return, starting with the next Airport Day festival in September. Jackie's friendship warms Tony's heart, as she has been instrumental in keeping his potential from going cold. As a spiritual sister, Jackie says, "We cannot yet imagine the great places God will take Tony in the years to come." The physical and emotional scars that Tony has had to endure are being turned into a new purpose in life, according to Jackie. 
She believes that "God turns scars into stars," as she quotes Dr. Robert Schuller, founder of the star-shaped Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove.
With enough encouragement, Jackie feels that Tony will come out of this stronger than ever. "Tony has many scars," says Jackie, "when God is done with him he will glow like..." (the picture on the right)
Other quotes from Dr. Schuller resonate so clearly with Jackie and perhaps with millions of other people from all over the world. We can only wonder if Dr. Schuller's televised messages of encouragement and hope are still traveling through space after all of these years. Has this message reached the distant stars that we see here on Earth today? Tony's Prayer CircleLast month many old and new friends along with their families answered the call to help Tony's healing process through the power of prayer. Since that time, his spirits have been lifted, and remarkably, he no longer requires daily wound care.
Thank you for your prayers and support and for keeping Tony in your thoughts through some of his toughest times. Tony continues to adjust to life at home again, his family and friends are with him every step of the way, as are many members of Yorba Linda Friends Church and Crystal Cathedral Ministries. Tony is truly blessed to have so many people praying for him. If you would like to be part of Tony's Prayer Circle, check out the prayer page for more details. Previous Friends-of-Tony UpdatesYou can read previous FriendsOfTony Updates by clicking on the links below.
More Friends of TonyA few more names have been added to the friends' page and to the Friends-of-Tony Update email list. They are:
Thank you, Steve Albanese FriendsOfTony.com Calendar |
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August 2006
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September 2006
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September 16 (Saturday) 10 A.M. - 4 P.M. 
Fullerton Municipal Airport Airport Day 2006 The Sky's The Limit Fundraiser for Tony Albanese
(click here for more informtion) |
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Whether by Water, Wings or Wheels ... Life Is A Journey, Not A Destination. |
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