But it’s not only horror conventions that are extending the hand of friendship and support. We have now partnered with Wizard World Comic conventions and the Eastern Shore Fan Convention, and we will be appearing at their shows as well. All in the name of just simply providing some comfort and relief for families struggling every day.

Two days ago, I had the pleasure of speaking to Brandon May, who is the CEO of “Zombie Buffet 5K, (www.zombiebuffet5k.com), a unique and fun 5K race event – where the participants try to avoid becoming infected by zombies…all the while, trying to run the course by obeying instructions of “military personnel.” When I spoke to Brandon, he advised that he was looking to mesh with a charity that fit more into the theme of his event – and our partnership was born. Needless to say, we are absolutely thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful organization that wants to provide a fun, healthy event – that is family oriented and supportive of helping others. Even kids get their own mini-event at Zombie Buffet 5K!  Two of their races, “Scares That Care!” will be the beneficiary of their donation; Columbus, Ohio on October 13, 2012 and Phoenix, Arizona on October 20th, 2012. I would ask the horror community come out and support them – and yes…you can start out as a zombie! www.zombiebuffet5k.com

The sacrifices made by those on behalf of family members who have passed,  has never been lost on me. During a very, very difficult time, many people rededicate themselves to helping others…a temporary solace in a sea of emotions.

Our Colorado State Representative – Darren Walker - just lost his mother. We all tried to provide words of comfort during this difficult period in his life, realizing that nothing but time will help with the loss of this special lady. What makes Darren and his family different, however, is that instead of flowers or other purchased rememberances to honor his mother, Darren has requested that donations be made to “Scares That Care!” in her name. We are priviledged to know Darren, and accept these donations so that they may truly help others.

I never met Darren’s mother, which is a shame. I would have liked to be able to express to her my appreciation for his help with this charity, and how proud she should be as to the kind of man he turned out to be.

But I’m sure she already was.

Thank you to Darren and his family for honoring us with the ability to accept those donations in his mother’s memory.

Joe Ripple, CEO, “Scares That Care!”   

Folks, the third family we are collecting for this year revolves around young Tripp. He and his father were the victims of a serious house fire, which completely destroyed everything that they owned…the house was reduced to nothing but ash. To make matters worse, Tripp and his father Delmer were burned over eighty percent of their bodies. Sadly, Tripp’s father did not survive these terrible injuries. You can read the article that a local radio affiliate wrote here – which was posted just before Delmer’s death;

 http://www.wjbdradio.com/?f=news_single&id=30184

There are very few words left that I can say about this family’s need. Tripp will be the reciepient of our third gift from “Scares That Care!”

She was on 3 weekly treatments and 1 week off a month for 10 months with a bone treatment monthly. She gained 50lbs. She lost most of her hair. Every 3 months she had bone scans and CT scans. She had toxicity issues which caused her to need a break. Her mom and I decided we needed a vacation and to have some time to heal. Beginning during the vacation and the next three months: She had painful stabbing and burning pain in her feet and legs. She had problems with weakness in her thighs, knees, and legs. It was difficult for her to walk, climb stairs, get out of chairs, couches, etc. She would fall and had to be physically picked up, no small feat with the weight gain, and wasn’t able to keep food down. She says this was almost worse than chemo. She lost 30lbs, was on orally dissolving anti-nausea meds, an anti nausea patch, having to go in for IV fluids at least once a week.

In January of 2011 she started another chemo drug. She was on it with no severe side effects until mid-June, though the nerve pain still lingers now, which she’s on medication for. She had another PET scan and they said the cancer was still there, but not active or growing. She then had an MRI of her breast and determined to be a candidate for a lumpectomy. 1/4 of her breast would be taken away. She also began hormone treatments which are a measure to keep any existing cancer cells from being capable of growing. It also means that our plans to have a child are on hold, probably for the next five years, as they said that is how long the hormone treatments need to continue, due to the recurrence rate of breast cancer. Her hair has slowly started growing back, which we’re both happy about. It seems like a small thing, but it’s sort of a morale booster.

She was scheduled for lumpectomy on Aug 8. That surgery seemed to have gone well, though there’s still the lingering question of whether she’ll want or need to have some form of reconstructive surgery. Until the breast has healed more, it’s hard to tell exactly what, if anything, will need to be done.

At the end of August, she was temporarily taken off of the hormone treatment due to side effects from that, she developed a cyst in one of her ovaries. She’s now back on it and they’re keeping an eye on it, but so far she’s not had any other side effects from that, that we’re aware of. At the beginning of October, she began radiation treatments, which are, as with the hormone treatment, supposed to decrease the possibility of the cancer growing or becoming active again. As well, the bone treatment is beginning again this week, due to the last round of scans indicating that the cancer that had spread to her spine might have begun growing again. They’re renewing the bone treatment as a precaution.

The process of all of this has been pretty draining emotionally and financially for both of us. We’ve had issues making mortgage payments and other bills, and have had utilities turned off a few times due to the extra medical expenses and the fact that she hasn’t been able to work since the diagnosis. My sister had tried to do her own fundraising, and some kind of benefit for us to help out with the financial issues a few months ago, but couldn’t find a venue that would work with us because we’re not a non-profit organization.

Through all of this, my wife and I have tried our best to keep our sense of humour, and keep in good spirits. We don’t always succeed, but the last few years have shown me just how strong she is, and really, how strong I am, too.

The family is completely financially drained. When Draven suffered heart failure, his mother had most of their belongings in storage – which they subsequently lost. The mother is trying to put herself through college by taking online courses, as she needs to stay with Draven 24 hours a day.

Draven needs your help. He is the first child selected in the 2012 “Scares That Care!” Giving campaign. It would mean a lot to Draven and his family if we can come together and raise $10,000 to help them out. Are you with us?

~ Joe

Well, it’s been a long time coming. We have obtained our 501 (c)(3) status with the IRS. What this means, is that our charity has been scrutinized by the Internal Revenue Service, to ensure compliance on all levels as a legitimate charity to which people can donate – and receive tax deductions for those donations.

Over the years, we have collected for organizations such as The Johns Hopkins Children’s Cancer Center; The Kennedy-Krieger Institute; and The Make A Wish Foundation. All of these organizations are, in and of themselves, 501(c)(3) organizations…just like we are. While giving to these organizations is a respected and legitimate reason for folks to donate, we are going to be changing things up just a bit for 2012. I would like to take this opportunity to explain what we are trying to accomplish.

What I am challenging the horror community to do, is to help me raise $30,000 for 2012. (Normally, we only try to raise $10,000 each year.) With our three programs that we run – “Scares That Care!” and its subsidiaries “Scares For Pairs” and “I Helped Kane” – it makes little sense to me to raise this money as a 501(c)(3) organization and then turn right around and give these donations to ANOTHER 501(c)(3) charity for THEM to distribute.

For 2012 – I want to find three families that are going through an extremely difficult time due to the illness or the injuries that they are facing. Emotionally, physically and more importantly – financially. These three families will consist of the following;

- One family who has a child with a very serious or terminal illness (“Scares That Care!”)

- One family who has a lady who is battling breast cancer (“Scares For Pairs!”)

- One family who has a child that has suffered an extremely serious burn injury (“I Helped Kane!”)

This is where the $30,000 comes in. I want to be able to walk up to the family, without them knowing of our intent. I want to put a check in each of their hands for $10,000. And then, I want to turn around and walk away. I want them to know that those who like “the things that go bump in the night,” are there to show some compassion and support.

It’s time that “Scares That Care!” Scared the hell out of fincial burdens that worry those who are sick. While we can’t help every single person that we would like, at least this is the start of something new. A launching point for what I want this charity to become.

Thanks for your time. Please help us if you can.

Joe Ripple

Founder

“Scares That Care!”

Ever wonder what it would be like to sit with a known horror film star and have dinner with him or her? Now is your chance!

“Scares That Care!” will be hosting a benefit dinner and dance, complete with a few celebrities from the horror film genre. The dinner will be a buffet style dinner, and a cash bar will be available. The location of the Benefit Dinner and Dance will be the Wyndham Hotel in Gettysburg, so plenty of opportunity for sight-seeing and tours during the day before the dinner. We even have a special group rate for rooms, so make sure you tell them that you are with the “Scares That Care!” group to receive the special rate!

http://www.wyndham.com/hotels/MDTGE/main.wnt

The best part is that the proceeds from the Dinner and Dance will benefit all three branches of “Scares That Care!”

The cost per each ticket is $60.00, and the dress for the event is however you want to come dressed! Costumes, Black Tie, Ball or evening gown, or even jeans or pajamas…I don’t care, because this is all about raising money for those who really need it!

Folks, if you want to come to the Benefit Dinner and Dance, You can make payments for your tickets! In today’s economy, I know it’s tough to come up with a lump sum. Just want to let you know what is available to you! $5.00 reserves your ticket! Please send via paypal to scares_that_care@yahoo.com. Put in the comment section “Dinner Ticket” and for how many tickets you are requesting. $5.00 per ticket requested, and since this is for charity…respectfully, no refunds.

So come rock out, enjoy this party, and if you know me, some surprises will be in store for the attendees of this event!

More info to come soon! The Creatures East will be there…will you?