Big Dave's Big Gift
David Turner Lymphoma Foundation

perseverance - character - hope

Welcome to the website of the non-profit organization founded by twenty-five-year old David Christopher Turner. Big Dave's desire was that everyone would live happier, healthier lives, lives that overflow in love to others in gifts of the heart.
 


The painting, "David's Legacy," by Beth Palmer, was inspired by the courageous spirit of twenty-five-year-old David Christopher Turner as he battled cancer. Throughout the sixteen-month struggle, David's concern was always for others. He counseled with wisdom, added laughter with abandon, and prayed with devotion, giving what was needed to everyone who crossed his path. Within this one year, the giants David faced fell at his feet - fear, uncertainty, the power of disease to destroy the body. David's spirit remained strong. From a big heart of love and selflessness, "Big Dave" shared a great legacy with the world, one that will not soon be forgotten.

Each element of the painting has special meaning. The circular African designs in the heart signify life. Around the periphery of the heart, flames of love and passion burn. Curved lines extending outward represent growth and the beautiful response to that growth by everyone. Ribbons encircle the heart gift. Through it all, the river of life flows eternally.


On June 6, 2009, the hope David experienced on earth was fulfilled in heaven.


Letter from Big Dave


May 2009

Hello Everyone,

   First of all, I would like to thank you for taking the time to visit my website. My name is David Christopher Turner. For those who have been following my story, you know this website was originally created to raise funds for me to obtain a stem cell transplant. Unfortunately, for those same people, you also know that a stem cell transplant is out of the realm of possibilities for my treatment now.

   If I was unable to obtain a stem cell tranplant, it was my goal to start a non-profit organization, the David Turner Lymphoma Foundation, but I have put a lot of thought into it and have come up with another idea. I am still going to have the business account set up and raise money, but I am going to be working to form a program in my honor that will raise enough money to allow for one or two (or hopefully more depending on your help!) people to receive stem cell transplants on behalf of the David Turner Lymphoma Foundation, Inc..

   As of now, we are only able to accept check donations on behalf of the David Turner Lymphoma Foundation because we are still working on setting up everything the proper way. This should be finished within the next week, and the online store should be starting up around the same time.

   I have asked my friends and family to be part of this process because of my current health condition and what it entails. This foundation's goals include raising funds, promoting cancer awareness, and helping with the foundation's responsibilities. I thank you for your time and would greatly appreciate you joining this group and following the success of the legacy I hope to leave behind.


Sincerely,

David Christopher Turner       


ROMANS 5:3-5

"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."


The verse above has given me an unbelievable strength throughout my battle with cancer and I truly hope it gives you the strength it has given me.   
                                                                                                                               ~ David


(If you would like to read more of David's story, please visit his original website, raisefordave.nexo.com.)



Visits of faithful friends Brittany, Steve, Jade, Chad, Alyssa and others eased David's loneliness and assuaged  some of his pain. Rose and Donna provided wonderful companionship and frequent homemade meals. Encouraging words and actions of Easley Elementary School's parents, staff, and students created a supportive safety net. Those providing his medical care also nourished David's spirit. Counselors made a critical difference. Family members offered needed reinforcement. People prayed fervently. Many gave financially. Others helped to both open the relational circle and, paradoxically then, so sweetly complete it. Angels/strangers took integral places of the beautiful Circle of Love which enveloped Big Dave during the last year of his life. For each one of you who stood in the gap, please know that we are forever grateful. Thank you.