Many of you heard about the story involving James W. Taylor, Jr., who was a 1st Lieutenant, U.S. Army Reservist and RN Flight Nurse, who died of injuries suffered in a two-helicopter crash near Flagstaff, Az. on June 29th. Both helicopters were transporting patients at the time of the collision. Six people died at the scene. James, the sole survivor at the scene, died Friday, July 4th* from his injuries.

He had a dream and made a promise to his three young sons, which was to take them to see the Red Sox play sometime after he turned 37 years old. He did not live to see his 37th birthday, which would have been August 23rd. Besides leaving behind Mason
(10), Weston (9), and Jackson (4), he also leaves behind his wife Traci, sister Laurie, brother Shane and father, James, Sr.

Laurie posted on our forum a plea for help, asking Sox fans for any kind of assistance, as her goal was to try and see her brother's dream fulfilled; get her nephews to Fenway Park. Losing their primary source of income, that dream would be tough to realize, and it is here where Sox fans have stepped up, doing what they can to help make the dream for these kids come true.

So far, we've gotten them fabulous seats at the Sox on deck circle, donations for Sox gear, access to the infield during batting practice, a commitment from a Sox player for a meet and greet, and a pretty special surprise just before game time. Dinner has been donated, as has a photographer who will chronicle the Fenway experience for them. Lot's of people, including the Red Sox are helping make a difference. They will be at Fenway August 29th, six days after James was to turn 37.

In all, eight people (the boys included), will be coming to Fenway from Salt Lake City, Utah. Even though we were able to negotiate a fabulous hotel discount for the whole family, the trip costs is very near $7,000.00.

So, where is the help needed?

What I am asking for is as many people as possible to lend a hand and pitch in to help defray the Tatlor family travel costs. The Red Sox Chick ( www.redsoxchick.com ), has established for us a Paypal account where your gift can be sent. Any and every amount is welcome and will help. Please visit there to see details of how to donate.

While nothing can ever take the place of their dad, perhaps, at least for one day, we can put some serious smiles on their faces! Thanks for lending your support to help make a dream come true for these young Sox fans.

* www.legacy.com/SALTLAKETRIBUNE/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=113009214

TBlu:

I don't want to sound like a total Intro-Net novice here, but it is not allowing me to create an account with PayPal. I keep getting this message: "Some required information is missing or incomplete. Please correct your entries and try again." However, all the boxes are filled out correctly. Do you know if anyone else has had problems signing-up? (I just hope it isn't deducting money from my account every time I hit "Agree and Create Account".)

Harpo, first thanks for willing to make a gift. I don't know what's happening, but don't try again. I'll contact the Red Sox Chick and see if she can look to see what's going on from her side, okay? I'll leave a reply for you here, without compromising your privacy.

Thanks again!

Tom:

Never mind... I think I have it figured out.

That's not necessary. I think I finally got an account set-up. I'll be sending a payment in a bit... hopefully it is just the one-time donation.

Okay, great. Thanks so much, Harpo!

SUCCESS!!!

(I just got a confirmation back from PayPal stating the amount had been deducted ~ and it was for the correct amount and just ONCE.)

I agree with your idea that if there is a lot more donated than needed for the Taylor Family's trip that it be donated to the Jimmy Fund/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. (I have already been donating my money to them for the past few months due to the Jimmy Fund thread on this board.)

I hope the Taylor Family has a great Red Sox Nation experience!

GO RED SOX!!!

Well, I'd better check some limits and see what I can do with my account. Just won an e-bay auction, so it may not be much, but every little bit will help. I'll e-mail you when I get it done Possibly as late as Wednesday, going to be a bit busy and I'm wiped out tonight. Just doing the game before I fall out.

Thanks very much, Geoff. Whatever you can do will be very appreciated.

Sending a check in this week Tru!! ; )

Thanks Loyal so much for helping this family! You're at the game on the 29th, no?

I miss it one day......I'll be there the 30th. ; (

I might try to get a ticket though......we'll see!

Good Samaritan bump (because there's never a good Shechemite to be found when you need one)...

Yeah, come to the game! That would be great. We do have a win streak to defend! :<D

Yes we do! ; )

I'll see what I can do and will let you know!

August 29 you say, eh?

So I go to the redsoxchick site but I don't see a button to click, box to check or any such other device which aids the moronic and gets me through the day. I saw some words that appeared to be instructions but they made my eyes bleed. I'll try again later after the fog clears.

Thanks for posting about this effort. You good people never cease to amaze me.

Vaya con Dios.

You need more Slim Jims in youtr diet. It helps keep the iris and cornea from bleeding too much.

Stycket in 08

Thanks, Toof! This is really great. I cannot wait to see these kids in Fenway. Who knows, maybe one of the boys will really be great at playing ball and someday...