Friends of Tony UpdateThis page was last updated on November 23, 2006September/October 2006 |
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Under Blue Skies AgainThe sky was the limit for Airport Day 2006, and Tony's public return to Fullerton Airport on September 16 was "like coming home again" according to Tony. It was a warm and beautiful day, perfect for celebrating his homecoming.
For those around Tony that day, it was more like being transported to his eighth birthday party all over again. The excitement in his voice as he described many of the details about the planes taking flight was so contagious that it was hard to imagine how after surviving a plane crash that left him paraplegic and with the loss of four fingers, his spirit and love for flying have not been diminished. The funny thing is that Tony actually did celebrate a birthday at Fullerton Airport a little over 40 years ago. 
Surrounded by family and friends then, as on September 16, Tony was clearly in his element and loving every minute of it. Lifelong friend Kevin Davis was on hand to help Tony cut the cake for his eighth birthday at the airport, and he was there again in 2006. Kevin's sister Lori Davis Arneal also came by to show her support, as did several co-workers from Toyota Racing Development, Tony's former employer before the plane crash two years ago. Other people who followed his story in the news also stopped by to talk to Tony, meeting him for the first time. His spirits have been high these past few months, and he's been an inspiration to many people. Tony is no longer fighting himself; he is fighting for himself.
On September 16 airplanes weren't the only attraction at Airport Day, click here for some picture highlights. Tony Albanese FundA very BIG thank you goes to Jackie Rossetti who made sure every effort was made to help raise funds to help Tony purchase an assistance dog and a wheelchair van during Airport Day 2006.
She was responsible for bringing a greater awareness to his cause and for getting other people to volunteer their time and talents to help Tony.
Another BIG thank you goes to Jackie DeCosta and Chuck Davis who worked tirelessly running an open cockpit photo studio with their "Fly Baby." They photographed well over a hundred kids. All of the proceeds went to Tony's fund. Last but not least, Kaylin Guerrero and Stephen Hartley of KSH Pet Photography (www.KSHPetPhotography.com) set up a pet portrait studio on the tarmac and donated a share from their portrait sales to the Tony Albanese Fund. KSH Pet Photography will continue to donate proceeds to the fund. Anyone who mentions Tony when they book a pet photography session, purchase photos or a gift certificate from KSH can be sure a substantial portion of the proceeds will be donated to Tony's fund. New Leash on Life
Kaylin and Jackie's (Rossetti) efforts have not stopped at Airport Day. They've been on the trail for some time now to help find Tony an assistance dog, and they have tracked down several positive leads. Both Kayln and Jackie feel that their greatest reward is simply knowing that they've helped their good friend Tony.
These and other grassroots efforts to help Tony are off to a good start. So far, family and friends have collected a little over $2,000. We are still far short of the thousands of dollars necessary to reach our goals. Tony's family has recently acquired a wheelchair van which has made getting around a lot easier for Tony, but it has also put a strain on finances. A barbeque fundraiser is currently being planned for sometime in November to help with the shortfall. Details will follow soon. Friends can help Tony achieve his goals by making a contribution to the Tony Albanese Fund. Tony's Current Condition
If you haven't read the recent feature article about Tony in the Orange County Register (from September 16), click here to read Seeing blue skies again online.
In the story, you'll learn about Tony's two-year rehabilitation and how he's been moving forward with his life. In addition, find out what challenges he still faces as a paraplegic. Tony is scheduled for his 12th major surgery since the plane crash on October 9th. Doctors will chip away bone that has grown over his elbow joint. There was extensive nerve damage to his right elbow, which has immobilized the joint, and it's a constant source of pain. The operation should provide Tony with more mobility in his right arm, but it will require extensive occupational therapy. Tony as quoted as having said in the Orange Country Register article, "I've got some more healing to do, but I'm working on getting back into life." 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. Tony BaloneyThere is a new section to this website; It's called Tony Baloney, and it includes personal stories about Tony as told by those of us who know him best, his friends and family. Marilyn Rich, an old friend who has known Tony for over twenty-five years, recently submitted the first story.Marilyn Rich (AKA Mrs. Rich) "I haven't been in touch with Tony for so many years and I was quite shocked and saddened to hear what happened on the terrible day. 
I have many old memories of Tony being at our home and spending time at the boat races with my family. I remember making him a birthday cake and celebrating his birthday probably 21 or 22 years ago. Tony used to tell our boy, "No-No" and waive his finger and he would repeat it. This was very cute because my son called him "no-no" instead of Tony. My older son, Todd, was a baby then, and he is now 23 years old! I also have another son, Gary and he is 18 years old and lives in Whittier.
I also remember Tony's cat (I think it was called "Anthony") and the road trip that his Dad took him on when the cat was in the car and his Dad drove far away to work. Unfortunately, when his dad realized that the cat was there in the car, the cat would not wait another minute and his Dad had to let it out several miles away from home. Amazingly, the cat returned home a couple of years later. I liked that story! Another story that I remember about Tony and his cat, Anthony, is that he used to eat spaghetti and bring the meatball home to the cat. :)" Marilyn currently resides in Cypress, which is 30 minutes from Brea. She remarried about 11 years ago and she's a Realtor (14 years) in the Orange County area. Marilyn plans to visit Tony soon. Visit her website: www.MrsRich.com. Send in your Tony Baloney story along with a picture to:  so that it can also be published on Tony's website.
Tony's Prayer Circle
Charles Hughes, a very special eight-year-old gave Tony's mom and dad (Mary and Sam Albanese) a prayer book that he made for his First Communion project last May.
The Hughes family lives near Tony's parents in Nevada and they had invited them to attend their son's First Communion. According to Cathy Hughes, Charles' mother, "I remember letting Sam and Mary know about the date months in advance, but something came up with Tony and his dad stayed in California. Mary was home in Nevada and we were going to pick her up and take her to church...but she had no energy that day." Cathy remembers Mary saying, "Charles won't even know we are missing." Cathy replied, "You have no idea how much you will be missed." When Charles gave Tony's parents the prayer book, "it was even more special," said Cathy. Mary and Sam are considered to be as close as family to the Hughes'. They continue to be involved in the lives of Charles and his younger brother Carson when at home in Nevada. 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 lot more names have been added to the friends' page and to the Friends-of-Tony Update email list. These new and old friends are:
Thank you, Steve Albanese FriendsOfTony.com Calendar |
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October 2006
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November 2006
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October 1 (Sunday)
October 9 (Monday) Tony's elbow surgery has to be rescheduled. He wasn't feeing well these past couple of days. A new date will be announced for his medical procedure. October 23 (Monday) Tony's elbow surgery has been rescheduled to Monday, October 23. October 24 (Tuesday) Tony's arm is now in a cast after undergoing surgery. He's back at home and resting. |
Future Barbeque Fundraiser Planned Spring 2007 Date and Details to Follow November 23 (Thursday) Thanksgiving |
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Whether by Water, Wings or Wheels ... Life Is A Journey, Not A Destination. |
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