Page 2 - Florida Sentinel 11-18-16 Online Edition

Features
Second Annual Community Food Giveaway Planned
Third Annual ALS Awareness Eric Chapman Day Planned
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
Five years ago, Eric Chapman was diagnosed with a debilitating disease that could eventually take his life. But, instead of suffering in si- lence, he and his wife set about educating the community about the disease and its ef- fects.
On Saturday, November 19th, Eric and Margarita Chapman will celebrate the “Third Annual ALS Awareness Eric Chapman Day.” The cele- bration will take place from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at 1000 Springhill Park, in Sulphur Springs.
Mrs. Chapman said, “This year we celebrate with a purpose. Eric will celebrate his 50th birthday six days after marking his 5th year living with ALS – we savor the "Sweet and Sour" of our past five years. November 8, 2011, two weeks shy of our first wed- ding anniversary we were given what I considered as the
ERIC CHAPMAN Celebrated his 50th birthday on November 14th
end/beginning of our life diag- nosis.
“ALS kicked in our door and hijacked our home, forc- ing us to re-arrange our lives to accommodate this intruder. We turned our 3-bedroom home into a one bedroom bun- galow so that Eric would be able to maneuver his wheel- chair freely.”
During that time, they have confronted the disease head on. And now, even though Eric is totally paralyzed, they
continue to celebrate his life. He recently surpassed the five- year span doctors give patients stricken with the disease to live.
Although he eats through a feeding tube and has a whisper for a voice, he does not com- plain, Mrs. Chapman said.
“His smile is contagious and his will to live, gives all who know him inspiration to Never Give Up – Never Give In.”
Mrs. Chapman is invit- ing the community to come out and join them in the cele- bration. The walkers will be es- corted by the Tampa Police Department as they walk around the park.
Several weeks ago, the spe- cial van that Mrs. Chapman uses to transport her husband was stolen. Police quickly re- covered it and members of the community made donations for the repairs.
ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), is a non-discrimina- tory illness that can strike any- one at any time in his or her life. There is no known cure and the estimated life span for its victims is two to five years after diagnosis.
Often referred to as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease,” it is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that progressively paralyzes its victims, attacking nerve cells and pathways in the brain or spinal cord.
The disease eventually robs its victims of the ability to walk, eat, speak, and eventu- ally breathe.
BY IRIS B. HOLTON Sentinel City Editor
On Saturday, November 19th, the Second Annual Com- munity Food Giveaway will take place. It will be held at Ex- citing Faith Alive Church, 5705 E. 32nd Avenue, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
The event is sponsored by Miracles Outreach Community Development Center, Inc., a non-profit organization with more than 15 years of helping at-risk youth. Their goal this year is to feed 400 families for the holiday. Each family will receive a holiday food basket, complete with a turkey.
Michael Brown, Re- source Director for the organi- zation said, “Last year, we fed 300 families and ran out of food. And the people who came were senior citizens on fixed incomes or who were raising
grandchildren, people with dis- abilities, and others. You could tell they really needed it.
“Some of them, especially the seniors, especially in East Tampa, can’t stand in long lines for hours. In some in- stances, we had to carry the boxes back to the cars for them. And they were really apprecia- tive and really thankful.
“So we felt compelled to do this again this year. This year, we increased it by 100 people. Hopefully, there will come a time when people have food. But until that happens, we are going to continue to do what we can.
“We know that there are others doing the same thing, but they can’t cover everyone,” Brown said.
Anyone interested in obtaining a food basket is asked to pre-register by calling (813) 374-2184.
The Sentinel Office Will Be Closed Thanksgiving Day & Friday, November 25th.
SENTINEL THANKSGIVING EDITIONS:
• Sunday, November 20th for the Tuesday, November 22nd Edition
• Tuesday, November 22nd for the Friday, November 25th Edition
PAGE 2-A FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2016