I will not give in and I hope you won't either

[Kevin Anderson]

Hello Eveyone,
Well I haven't really seen the response I was hoping for on this sight yet, but I think it is because of my lack of understanding how everything works here.
I am trying out the blog posts for the first time and Erin thanks for your response.
I have been sharing my ideas about The Touch A Life Mission with my co-workers and have gotten much praise for my efforts. In our discussions I am confronted also with comments like "you are fighting a losing battle", "you are totally out numbered" and "people just don't have the time to concern themselves". This is part of why the world is the way it is. Giving in is the easy way out. If people are willing to try so hard to gain all the materialistic possessions, why can't we spin that energy and drive into things of a different sort. Please don't mis-understand. I certainly think that people are entitled to the fruits of their labor, but something is just seriuosly lacking.
I have overcome many obstacles in my life,and many due to poor decisions on my part. It took me a long time to grow up.My decisions thankfully had no affect on anyone other than myself.
Right now I am dealing with father who is dying from mesothelioma. My dad has always been a pillar of strength and to watch what this disease has and is doing to him is extremely painful on my entire family. I have identical twin sisters who are 3 years older than me and one of them last year went through major brain surgery.
The reason why I am stating these things is not for sympathy but to say that what has gotten and is getting all of us through these battles is our strength,love and bond as family.
So with this said, Daryn thank for creating this sight and for allowing people like myself to put ourselves out there and allowing us to share and vent.
I look forward to knowing many of you here and getting the chance to talk and share.

Repectfully,
Kevin Anderson

[Rose Caplan]

Funny, you should mention extreme makeover...there is a little boy named Austin who has a wish to be able to have a sink so he can help his mom wash dishes. He is in a wheelchair and can't reach the sink they have...here it is...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRlQ5WVMT5o maybe you can help somehow.

[Kevin Anderson]

Hi Rose,

The Touch A life Mission is something I've wanted to do for a long time. I have livedon Long Island my entire life. I think that living here has really created quite a perspective of many of the things I see as negatives going on in this world.
It is a wonderful place to live with all that it has to offer in all facets, but it is extremely expensive as well. The thing that I have done though, is kept my focus on my strong morals I was raised with.
Growing up here was always fun, but I guess that was really more about being a kid than anything else. As we become adults and responsibilities start to grow you begin to look at life differently. I got married at a young age and had two children,had a bumpy marriage, got really sick in 1999 and when I recovered, my wife at the time and I divorced.
I am remarried now with my third child and doing all it takes to survive and be here for my kids.
Now about the Mission! I have always been a very caring and giving person with no hidden agenda. I was a self employed general contractor for 13 years and when I first watched the television show "Extreme Home Makeover" I was and still am very touched on how they change peoples lives. I am very envious of Ty and his role on that show. To be a part of something like that would be such a rewarding career to me .
My Dad is dying from mesothelioma and my folks need a new roof on their house. I have reached out to local contractors, suppliers, family and friends to do my own version of what the show does obviously on a much smaller scale.
I don't want to stop there. I remembered the movie Pay It Forward and thought you know what a wonderful concept and why don't we hear abouth this in the real world. So this is my first of three promises to do something to help someone with wanting nothing in return except for them to do the same.
I am working on a web-site so that people who take part will be able to write and tell about what they are doing.
I would like to extend my gratitude again to Daryn Kagan for being who she is and doing what she does.

Sincerely,
Kevin Anderson

[Rose Caplan]

Hi Kevin! Hang tough and keep the faith! If you have a message then do everything you know to get it out there. We can make a difference one person at a time. I would like to hear more about your mission if you'd like to share. Thanks, Rose