Talk Radio- David Boze show today on 770am

We don't know what time we'll be on, but perhaps around 4:30pm. We are excited to be on his show and look forward to telling more people about James story today.

Katie on KIRO talk radio- Ron & Don Show today 4:30 pst

The Ron & Don show has invited me to be a guest on their talk show today around 4:30 pst. They said they really like to highlight efforts such as this, so I am really honored to be on their show.
You can listen online today or to prior shows here.

Kirkland Reporter tells our story!

Kirkland Reporter picked up the Bothell story in their paper today. I just love how he is inspiring so many people with his story of courage, faith and strength. Way to go!

Seattle Times Spreads the Word

The Seattle Times published our story today, front page of the local news section.

$115,851 and climbing!

We are so grateful to all those who are supporting James. Many of you have asked about passing out his flier to spread the word. We offer our sincerest thanks. Thanks to Jack for posting the flier on the blog, and thanks to my good friend Marlene for taking over printing fliers.

Dr. Neligan Donates His Services!

James received a call today from his surgeon, Peter Neligan, who said that he wanted to donate his services to James. This is something we really hoped for. I about burst into tears.

James surgery is scheduled for November 6th at the University of Washington.

Check out Dr Neligan's webpage to learn more about this fantastuc surgeon.

Flier for Donation Drives

Many have been asking for a flier or something they can hand out to spread the word about James. Here is the flyer we've been using around town. Click here to get the full size image of the flyer. And here is a pdf with 2 copies of the flyer on one 8 1/2 by 11 page.
And here it is as the same thing in a word doc. 

Thank you for all the donations, love, and support you have all shown James!

Surgery Scheduled for November 2008!

The chief of Plastic Surgery at University of Washington evaluated James this week and confirmed that he was a good candidate for the procedure. He is scheduled for November. The surgery will last 10-12 hours! There will be a couple follow up procedures and then in two years they will reevaluate and perhaps fine tune some things.

UPDATE: Here's a link to the KOMO TV report on James' doctor appointment.

KOMO Report on Woodmoor 6th Graders

Komo just posted the video on the Woodmoor Elementary 6th Graders donation to James. It's great seeing James interact with the kids. My kids love seeing "pirate" James - it's so wonderful to be around James and his attitude.

Woodmoor 6th Graders Legacy Gift Recipient

The 6th Graders at Woodmoor elementary have chosen James as the beneficiary of their legacy gift. Every year they raise money to do something special to say 'we were here'. This year they will donate it to James at a ceremony during their graduation party at High Woodlands Park. When I know the time I'll let you know.

Komo news did another great story last night. They showed several of his childhood pictures. He was such a cute kid! It think he is still such a handsome man but the tumors steal his thunder. You can really see how much of a sports fan he is on the video. They filmed it at his house and everything is Seahawks! Check out the story.
More than $100,000 collect for James 'Mr Hollywood' O'Neal

$91,778

Incredible! Thank you to everyone who has donated and helped with this amazing campaign. KOMO news filmed James at his house and will high light his sports collection on the news today at 4 or 5pm on KOMO 4. I'm working on getting the flier linked, it's been a busy week with school nearly out.

AlaskaUSA Credit Union Accepting Donations

AlaskaUSA credit union is accepting donations into a fund for James. They are located inside the grocery stores which makes stopping in easy and quick. Thanks for the account AlaskaUSA.

James says his dad is so excited about the campaign. He wants some fliers to pass out around his home. I can't keep fliers in stock! Everyone wants them.

Great Work Everyone Involved!

James is the talk of the town and is the buzz around Safeway!  I was up there shopping today and every register was excited to be involved and to be a part of helping James. Thank You Safeway! Fundraising is really going great. Let's keep up our efforts and keep spreading the word. This is a worthwhile effort and I feel blessed to be a part of these wonderful people in this community and around the community around the World! Way to go Friends of James!

$71,215

Absolutely Amazing! We are so humbled by everyone's generosity. If you have wondered why we are still collecting donations despite being past our goal, I'd like to fill you in. We don't know exactly what to expect from James' procedures or insurance company. There will likely be many surgeries over the coming years and we have been told that the costs could easily exceed or double our initial goal. I would feel more comfortable with a cushion, then having to scramble for more later. We thank you for every penny, it really will change someone's life.

KOMO Gives Excellent Coverage

KOMO has done an excellent job covering James' story. We are very pleased with the heart in their coverage. Watch their stories of James through the links below.

Young Boy, Old Friend Eagerly Help Out- June 4, 2008
Hundreds Reach Out to James O'Neal -June 2, 2008
He is An Amazing Man - May 29, 2008

Thanks Logan!

Logan donated all his birthday money to James' fund! Then his parents and grandparents matched it. Thank you Logan, that was a truly gracious thing to do.

KOMO Updating Story again, 4:30 pst sharp

KOMO is broadcasting a new update today at 4:30pm PST sharp! I thought last nights broadcast was really good. We are enjoying the coverage. Different companies here and abroad are inquiring about covering James story. He really is touching everyone's life. It will be exciting to see how it all works out.

$67118

Thank you! What else can we say our hearts are truly full!! I'm Aubrey by the way, one of  the behind the scene people working to make this dream a reality. We thank you for being a part of our dream and supporting James. Check out the updated report on Komonews.com they ran a new story tonight and told how much they've raised. They'll be at James first Dr.'s appointment this month and will let us know how things went. Thank you all for your continued support and love. Aubrey

Wow , what a great experience! Thanks to all!

This has been AWEsome, humbling and at times really teary. This project is a wonderful testament to the natural goodness in all of us. The sweet words and messages that came with the donations didn't change with a $2 donation or a large dollar amount. Those words have inspired James and us all. Keep spreading the word and sending messages. As James gets closer to his life changing surgery those words will help in ways untold. Thanks to all!!

$42,515 and climbing!

Today the Seattle Times is meeting me and James at Safeway. I'll let you know when the story will print. Keep telling us places and countries where you heard James' story so we can keep track for him. I am so thrilled to see everyone pulling together for a stranger. It makes me think about what we could do for the world if we tried. Everyone has something to give- time, money or talents. There's enough to go around. THANK YOU!

James in Belguim!

James continues to make news around the world for his bravery, this time in Belgium! Anyone read Dutch? Google Translate shows the title as "Customers collect money for 'olifantenman' behind the cash register".

Facebook Group

For any of you that are on Facebook, I've created a Facebook group called "Friends of James O'Neal". We appreciate all you are doing for James! He should be hearing back tomorrow with a timeline on Doctor visits. We are expecting that he can begin his visits sometime in the 3rd week of June but we'll know more tomorrow. Stay tuned!

And by way of introduction, I'm Jack Richins, Aubrey Richins' husband and a friend of Katie's if you've seen the Komo4 video. I'll just be posting here some to help out Katie. Thanks!

$37,612.00

This is the total as of right now. We still don't know how much has come in from Safeway and KOMO news but hope to find out this week.