Riding into the Sunset...

It's been awhile since my last post. Too long. But I left the last post up for over a month so that folks could not only get easy step-by-step directions on how to vote for Blake Edward Thomas to have his car made over by Patty Peck Honda, but to tell why he deserved it. I believed from the day I first heard the commercial on the radio that Blake could, and should, win. He has a 1994 Honda that has seen better days, and he drives Nicole around in it, day after day, to the doctor, to therapy, to wherever she needs to go.

The exciting news is that **BLAKE WON**!! (That's a link, by the way, to their winning video!) Ahhh...the power of the internet! I must have sent out a bazillion emails, made an obnoxious number of Facebook and Twitter posts, and asked everyone I know to vote for him. Blake and Nic made daily videos that kept everyone who saw them entertained for a month. Thanks to all who responded. Now Blake's Honda is getting a full-out redo by the incredible folks at Patty Peck Honda! It's there now getting a fabulous "Pimp My Ride" experience, which will be unveiled Labor Day weekend. In the meantime, he's driving a loaner car they provided for him.

I wanted the car makeover for for Blake, but I really wanted it for Nicole, too, because she can't drive, and she is forced to depend on others to get where she needs to go. Luckily, she is approved by the Dept. of Rehab to have an assistant, and for several months now, Blake has been the one to help her do the things she is unable to do on her own. But all good things have to come to an end, and Blake is moving on to a higher paying job--one that is more in line with what he wants to do with his life. I can't blame him, but it's sad none-the-less. He's been very intuitive about Nicole's needs, and he has encouraged her and pushed her and she is in better shape now than she was when he started working with her. He's been a great friend to Nicole, and Larry and I have enjoyed getting to know him. He's a fine young man.

Blake is now training a few hours a week for his new job, and will start full time the first of November. At least Nicole will be able to enjoy his fabulous new ride for a couple of months. In the meantime, she will once again be looking for the person who will spend eight hours a day, five days a week with her. Know anyone? And if so, will they have a ride as cool as the one Blake will soon have?

Blessings to all who read this!
Susan

Help Blake's Honda!!!!

Every now and then, life hands you an opportunity that you simply can't let pass. Right now, that opportunity is for Blake Edward Thomas to have his 1994 Honda Civic CX made over by the good folks at Patty Peck Honda if he wins the their "Help My Honda" contest.

Blake is Nicole's Personal Care Assistant. It's his full-time job, eight hours a day, five days a week. He helps Nicole with the things she's unable to do for herself. One of the main things he does is drive her. Everywhere. He drives her to physical therapy. He drives her to doctor's appointments. He drives her to the pharmacy. And he drives her everywhere else she needs to go day in and day out, because she is unable to drive herself--yet.

And Blake does all that driving in a car that has issues. BIG issues. Not long ago, the air conditioner went out, and we went in halves with him to have it repaired--over $800. It wasn't just so they could be comfortable. You see, with a spinal cord injury like Nicole's, the body has a difficult time adjusting its internal thermostat. Once she gets too hot, it's very hard for her to cool down again, and that can lead to a terrible (and fatal) condition known as autonomic dysreflexia. So having the a/c repaired was a medical necessity.

Blake is a hard-working, compassionate and reliable guy who has helped Nicole move to the next level in her rehabilitation. He encourages her, cares for her, and makes it possible for her to live an independent lifestyle. In addition to caring for Nicole, he is a talented musician and gifted artist. He plays in a band called Storage 24.

                                  Storage 24. That's Blake, second from the left.

                                He also plays acoustic sets at restaurants around town.

Currently, he has an art exhibit at Cups in Brandon. (Go by, have a cup of coffee, and if you see something you like, BUY IT!)

Which brings me back to the "Help My Honda" Contest, sponsored by Patty Peck Honda and Clear Channel Radio. So, how can you help Blake get Patty Peck Honda to help his Honda????

Follow these easy steps. It's a one-time deal...

1. Log on to facebook

2. Type in "Patty Peck Honda" in the search bar (or click here)

3. "LIKE" the Patty Peck Honda page

4. Click on the "Help My Honda" contest link on the left

5. You will be asked to accept the App. PLEASE say yes. They will NOT share your info.

6. Click "VOTE"

7. You may have to scroll down a bit (DO NOT VOTE for Brittany, or whatever video may pop up). Look up Blake's name (you may have to type it in: Blake Edward Thomas).

8. When you see the video with Blake and Nicole, "LIKE" it.

That's it! You're done!

Blake needs to get as many "LIKES" as possible by July 25, so you can help by sharing the link to this blog with everyone you can. It will help Blake as he helps Nicole. And we will appreciate it oh, so much!!!

By the way, they had so much fun making their video (and Blake and Nicole want this makeover SOOOO bad) that they've made other videos that are posted on Nicole's facebook page. Be sure to check them out!

Do a good deed today. Please "LIKE" Blake and Nicole's video. And please share this blog post with your friends so they can LIKE it too. Remember. Blake Edward Thomas. Help him get Patty Peck to help his Honda. It's fun. It's fast. It's easy. And it will make your heart happy, I promise!

Blessings to all who read this!

Susan