Circle of Love

  




Beth Palmer's original painting above the framed legacy poster (with the letter from Dr. Harris and  Mark Dolejs' picture of David), along with other of her inspiring works were on loan Sept.- Nov. 2009 to Mad Hatter's Bake Shop and Cafe, on the corner of Broad Street and Main in Durham, NC.

Kathryn Lassiter contacted the appropriate personnel who could assure a smooth transition for these strangers She provided contact information for those who could help in any capacity. Kat accompanied Suzanne to an educational program about lymphoma at Cornucopia House and also to daunting meetings designed to address  what became urgent financial needs. Kat listened with ears informed through her own perspective as a caregiver and member of a cancer support group. Her countless gifts to the Turner family were seemingly ordinary ones, given without fail, with extraordinary grace.

Filled with concern, David's cousin, Ann Thompson, a pediatric oncology nurse, traveled from northern Virginia, to spend several days and countless hours assisting in the compilation of a notebook chronicling David's medical journey. Ann's expertise and practiced guidance were fundamental to efforts to locate appropriate help for this family in crisis.  Through Ann's understanding of the enormity of the need, requests for help were also sent to area churches. Ann's selfless contribution altered the course of David's life. As a result of her timely intervention, David was given a strong and true voice, one that would never again go unheard.

In December 2008, artist Beth Palmer read David's original writings and responded to his mother's plea to her church for assistance with care for her son. After receiving permission, Beth, a cancer survivor herself, came to David’s hospital bedside for three consecutive days. During these visits, a bond of friendship was established. Beth offered to create and donate a painting to help raise funds needed for David’s stem cell transplant. Through an act of compassion by a complete stranger, “David’s Legacy” was born.

Amazingly, the legacy painting was selected as the focus of a poster that Durham Public Schools presented to all educators for Teacher Appreciation Week. Superintendent Carl Harris shared the story of the caring community of teachers at Easley Elementary School who responded with kindness and generosity, providing tremendous support for David and his family, including and especially his mother, Suzanne, a fifth-grade teacher there.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The news of a battered young man, a bruised family, a willing and "good Samaritan," and the power of love to transform hearts spread.

Beth proved herself as David's "assistant mom." When help was needed, she contacted the local newspaper. As a result, an inspiring series of front-page articles and columns was penned by Dawn Vaughan, who deftly captured David's experiences along with his effusive personality. Photojournalist Mark Dolejs, too, traced David’s progress through the daily challenges of his uphill battle.

When remission seemed imminent, from the hearts of fifth-grade students at Easley Elementary School, their parents, and the school faculty and staff flowed a compassionate desire to help in the fight of Big Dave to become financially prepared to fund a transplant.  Parent Troy Thompson conceived of and provided means for an effective campaign. Giving freely of her time and talents, Parent Juliana West took on the role of manager and cheerleader for the newly formed "Team Turner."

"Banding" together in solidarity for the cause, displaying their support by purchasing and wearing purple and yellow wristbands - Easley School colors - student support grew. Andrew and Paul held a bake sale and contributed over $30. Ryan held a concert in his family's garage. Josh, Alex, Taylor, and many many other concerned students emptied their piggy banks, arriving at Team Turner Headquarters with pennies, nickels, dimes, and dollars clutched in their diminutive hands. Juliana and Troy came to David's aid and, all the while, shared the invaluable gift of their loyal support with his hurting family.

Third grade teachers brought in a band and brought down the house! They held a family night of fun, food, photos, and financial support for David's transplant. Donations of parents and teachers added in to the already amazing efforts revealed the beautiful hearts of the school family that Easley Elementary School truly represents. The exceeding generosity of Easley’s faculty was also seen in their donation of personal sick days, making it possible for Suzanne to receive full pay despite missing many days of school in caring for her son. Through this indescribable outpouring of love and support, David and his mother were sweetly held through their most difficult days.

 

 

 

 

 

 

When David's story had been told in the Herald-Sun and his assignment was complete, Mark dedicated his energy and talent and untold hours of time compiling a slide show of David's story, taking care to synchronize audio and visual elements perfectly. Mark, a gifted and giving man who shared many poignant moments with David and his family, developed an irreplaceable friendship with David, to the end, a strong and present father figure to him.

As David returned to Hospice at the close of the school year, fifth grade parents and students, including horticulturist Lydia Krause, and son, Josh, designed and planted a beautiful memorial garden at the entrance of the school, adding a plaque of tribute. The plaque is inscribed in memory of David Turner. The tribute we share among all those who formed an invincible circle of love around David, showing him their loving hearts so fully, so generously, and so, so well.