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?

From the “Shriekfest” website;

Shriekfest is an international festival and screenplay competition that receives submissions from all over the world. We are a festival dedicated to getting horror/thriller/sci-fi/fantasy filmmakers and screenwriters the recognition they deserve.

“I am absolutely delighted that we have the help and support from “Shriekfest,” and founder Denise Gossett.” States “Scares That Care!” founder Joe Ripple. “Denise was instantly willing and excited to help “Scares That Care!” We appreciate her support and kindness in our fight against the REAL monsters of childhood disease, illness, and our battle against Breast Cancer.

“When Joe approached me about getting involved, I thought it was an awesome idea! I’ve always been a fan of helping out and giving back and this is a wonderful way to do it!” States “Shriekfest” founder, Denise Gossett.

LA Weekly recently cited “Shriekfest” as “LA’s most successful and entertaining horror film festival.”

Be sure to join “Shriekfest” on Facebook, and tell them that “Scares That Care!” sent you!

We will be organizing this very soon. If anyone would like to drop us a line and express interest, please tell us why you would make a great department head, and for which of the following departments; “Conventions” (To include Trade Shows)…; “Haunted Houses” (To include paranormal); “Horror Film Festivals;” “Breast Cancer Program;” ” Burn Fund Program;” “General Events” and “Internet Networking.”

I don’t need formal resumes, just your thoughts (including your skills) on why you would be the best at helping us out. Since the kids always come first, this will be a volunteer job initially. I want to be clear about that. You have to love this for what it is. There will be an interview process with the Board of Directors.

Integrity is an absolute must. Email questions or comments/information to scares_that_care@yahoo.com

~Joe~

“The entire team at Applehead Factory are excited to play a role in this great cause”, comments Phil Nannay, President of Applehead Factory.

Ripple continues – “I knew it was something that this charity needed to partner with.” Offering the “Teddy Scares” bears at conventions, trade shows and through the “Scares That Care!” online store, retail proceeds from each sale will be donated to “Scares That Care!”, to then be distributed out to families or organizations who need help. “We are grateful and thankful that Applehead Factory Studios has chosen to partner with us in helping sick children,” states Ripple. “We are hoping that by joining forces, that smiles and help from the horror community exceeds all of our expectations.”