OZ SPECIAL PROJECT: OPERATION KIRKLAND
Send cards & letters to help lift the spirits of the Kirkland family

Hello faithful OZers …and all the friendly little lurkers out there. :)

By now most of you know who Cody Kirkland is. He’s the 14-year-old son of Apolo’s massage therapist, Kim Kirkland. Last year, Cody underwent a needed heart transplant. It goes without saying that this is a very serious medical situation and one that Cody will be dealing with for the rest of his life. Of course, it’s not just medically challenging, but emotionally as well, and it impacts the whole family.

Apolo with Cody Joe and Kim Kirkland - August 2003

courtesy Ruthie

Cody and his family: Cody has experienced some setbacks during his new life as a transplant recipient; thus far he has had to deal with at least six bouts of organ rejection, requiring a variety of medical interventions -- from the ever-present immuno-suppressant drugs, to steroid therapy and radiation treatments. Each time Cody endures another medical crisis, so do his mother and 16-year old brother Kyle.

Since Kim is self-employed, her income has fluctuated between little and none at times, depending on the need for trips to the hospital and time spent monitoring Cody's condition until each crisis is over. Through all of this, Kim has tried to remain in control. But sometimes all the responsibility can be overwhelming; being a single mother takes its toll now and then. Nevertheless, Kim has great resolve, and always manages to bounce back from the setbacks she's had to endure.

Kyle has his own challenges in holding on to some semblance of normal life. In addition to maintaining his grades at school, he is a great soccer player and plays on an elite team in Colorado. When possible, he also holds down a part-time job to help with his own expenses.

How you can help: Needless to say, Kim and the boys could certainly use an emotional boost from time to time… and that’s where we all can help. A card or letter of support can work wonders!* By the way, Kim’s birthday is August 16th. What better time to drop her a note? :) Cody himself is especially excited about the idea of receiving cards and letters from all over the country (hey, how ‘bout the whole world?) from Ohnozone fans. It would be great if Kyle could hear from some of the high school soccer teams, too.

Thank you all for your interest and involvement in this campaign!

Please send your cards and letters to the Kirkland family:
PO Box 5692
Colorado Springs, CO. 80931 (corrected zip)

* This article demonstrates the power of offering emotional support:
A Transplant Patient's Experiences with Support from Family & Friends
by Jim Gleason, a recovering heart transplant patient
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UPDATE: On a side note, two special “coming soon” announcements:

- The Pediatric Heart Transplant Foundation is a new non-profit organization in the final stages of completion. Its purpose is to assist kids just like Cody. In fact, Cody Kirkland is set to be the Foundation’s first Youth Ambassador, and he can't wait to participate! More information to follow when it becomes available… :)
- Stay tuned for a raffle coming soon to benefit the Kirkland family. More information to follow when it becomes available… :)

Another pic, courtesy Ruthie

Apolo, Ruthie, Cody at the Rocky Mountain State Games

Here's the latest installment of the Baltimore interview clips. This one is #7. Enjoy!

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Brought to you by Linda M, Sonia and Maggie!

Hey everyone - Melinda has posted her report from Fanda over on her web site. She also sent some pics to share, so I'm posting a couple of them here. Looks like everyone had an awesome time!!

Read Melinda's Fanda Report

The Fanda Crew with skaters

Skating at Fanda - Derek, Jondon, Caroline

In case anyone missed it, Yuki's Corner on AAO.com has been updated. (I've heard from a couple of people already that they spotted the gifts they gave Apolo or sent to Yuki in the pics!)