"Help Caleb Wahl get to a Hog game" and Fundraiser Info

[brwillis11]

Caleb Wahl, a 9 year old Razorback fan living in Alabama, has recently been brought to my attention due to his health condition. He suffers from Tracheomalacia, which is a disease that constricts his airways and has required him to be in and out of hospitals his entire life. One of his dreams is to attend a Razorback football game and some people I know are trying to make this dream a reality. Donation information is located on the Facebook wall and below.

We intitially started this effort to raise $5,000 to bring the family in for a fun filled weekend in Fayetteville. We have met that goal but are going beyond. Our goal now is to raise up to $10,000 to help with other areas and help alleviate some of the medical bills. Since we've had a chance to get to know this family over the last few weeks, we have learned that they are in great need due to lack of resources. Their air conditioning in the home has gone out and needs complete overhaul in order to be fixed. The air conditioning issue causes Caleb to have breathing problems and is a major reason why Caleb spends time in and out of the hospital. Along with his Tracheomalacia, Caleb suffers from asthma. As a seasonal asthma sufferer, I can attest to the difficulties one has during an asthma attack and know that Caleb suffers 10x worse than I do.

He has been on the Make A Wish list and has been chosen twice. Interestingly enough, he has shown great foresight and maturity in turning down Make A Wish to assure that other, possibly more sick children have the chance to fulfill their Make A Wish before they get too sick to do so. To me, that speaks volumes to the type of kid Caleb is and the type of family he has. Even though they have had their chance to have a dream fulfilled, it is my goal, along with several others, to make sure his dream to attend a Razorback football game comes true.
By joining this page, you will be updated on when and how donations will be received. No donation is too large or too small. Thank you for helping me see to it that this young man gets to help us cheer on the Razorbacks at a game this season and calls the Hawgs with us!"

[brwillis11]

Here is the important information again:

We are working to get him to the Alabama game

Paypal: sjejde72@msn.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Help-send-Caleb-Wahl-to-a-Razorback-game/126557720710675?ref=ts

Bama news story:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEmH5Db_wE0&feature=player_embedded

PM me with any questions, ways you can help, or issues with paypal.
or email me at brandonwillis11@gmail.com

Thanks to everyone that has donated. You are the ones making this happen!!! Come on Hogville lets take care of Caleb!!

[I'M EMBARRASSED]

We have already had several from Hogville step up and become involved in this cause.  We hope more are willing to do the same.  I've seen Hogville unite before to help others in need, and this case should be no different.  Help Caleb actualize one of his dreams. :razorback:

[staffhog]

just visited paypal and sent a gift.  hopefully things are going well. 

[pigfeet]

Why won't they sticky this?  :razorback:

[brwillis11]

If it doesn't get stickied I will keep it bumped up.

[I'M EMBARRASSED]

We are working very hard on this project, and it is on the cusp of becoming a national story.  There are people working behind the scenes to try and get Game Day to do a story on this, and it would only add more appeal to the Arkansas vs. Bama game being on Game Day.  Hogville would get some great vicarious marketing if people would show the type of love for this kid like they have others in the past. 

[The Phoenix]

Caleb will be on Ugly Uncle's radio show Thursday at 2:30.

[brwillis11]

Thanks Ugly Uncle!!!

[Hogbody]

good stuff

[brwillis11]

A segment on Shawn and Wally is being set up.

I also have emails in to every major radio show. I will start calling them tomorrow if I haven't heard from them.

Also a News Story is being done.

I will get dates to everyone as I will more info.

[Ugly Uncle]

I set this as a sticky.  Please let everyone know about Caleb.  I've talked with Michelle twice now on the phone.  Great lady and great family.  Caleb's dad is originally from Batesville.  Tomorrow I am going to ask Caleb to be a weekly guest on our show.  I hope he agrees.  I know that there are a lot of people helping to get him here for the Alabama game, and please do all you can.  I would also like to be able to present him with some Razorback stuff also.  If we could get things signed for him and even a letter from some of the coaches or players, that would be amazing.

[brwillis11]

Uncle I know Colby Berna has sent him a Jersey, Mallett has sent a Autograph football as has Darius Winston, a team signed ball should be on its way, and maybe more.

I don't think we can send him too much though!!!

Thanks for the sticky!

[Ugly Uncle]

Uncle I know Colby Berna has sent him a Jersey, Mallett has sent a Autograph football as has Darius Winston, a team signed ball should be on its way, and maybe more.

I don't think we can send him too much though!!!

Thanks for the sticky!

Good point.  I really appreciate all you are doing.  This is a GREAT cause.  Caleb actually works really hard to raise money for OTHER kids and for the Children's hospital.  It doesn't get any better than this.

[Philip Seaton]

As Ched says, It doesn't get any better than this. I am unemployed and I gave so all of you working stiffs out there you can afford to at least give $5 ... Come on! Let's make this weekend for Caleb and his family that they'll never forget!

[FaytownHog]

that's exactly right. I don't have much money either, but heck, buy him a soda at the game, give him some money towards some more hog gear, to have fun in fayetteville while he's here while not at the hog game. Let's just make this experience one he and his family will never forget.

As Ched says, It doesn't get any better than this. I am unemployed and I gave so all of you working stiffs out there you can afford to at least give $5 ... Come on! Let's make this weekend for Caleb and his family that they'll never forget!

[I'M EMBARRASSED]

To all who have donated:

I would love to be able to come on here and personally thank people for their contribution, but to be honest, this thing is picking up so much steam that my time is needed elsewhere.  You should, however, receive an email from me thanking you, which will confirm that your money has gone through.

Thank you to all who have or are considering donating to this effort.

Brandon

[I'M EMBARRASSED]

Great job with the interview, Ugly Uncle.  What a great family.

[Ugly Uncle]

Man, how great was that kid.  He almost sounded insulted that Colin didn't know about Hog football.

Super great kid.  I'm looking forward to talking with this kid a lot more.  We want to have him on the show every week to keep his story out there and not let people forget about this kid.

[staffhog]

i sent caleb a message with my paypal present.  are these able to reach caleb??

if not i am sure other hogvillians would like to let him know how we feel about him being such a great razorback fan and great inspiration to us all.

[brwillis11]

Send them email to wahl5@att.net

[floridahog]

Any amount counts I have had Vol fans send me $5 that just bought a kid a hot dog! All is welcome. sjejde72@msn.com   is the paypal you send it too..

[brwillis11]

We just rolled over 600 people on the Facebook page!!

[Jabroni]

The YouTube video will really put a smile on your face. What a brave little man. And I know what it's like to be a Hog fan living in another SEC state. Does your family live in Alabama or Florida? I live just 2 hours south of Winter Garden.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEmH5Db_wE0



*** this also needs to be a video on the front home page, Hogville admins.

[I'M EMBARRASSED]

This thing continues to pick up steam.  Thank you to all involved.

[brwillis11]

There is a lot coming by way of media here soon. There is a news story being done and several radio show appearances to come.

[Ugly Uncle]

There is a lot coming by way of media here soon. There is a news story being done and several radio show appearances to come.

He and Michelle were just on Shawn and Wally.  Amazing story.  I am going to have him back on our show on Thursday.  Lets make this happen.  Go to his facebook page, send some money into paypal.  The money is almost there.

[Porkette]

Thanks to everyone involved for doing all this great work for this young man. This is the Razorback spirit at its best! I'll also be praying for his improved health and more comfortable breathing.

[brwillis11]

I will try and call the Family today or tomorrow and I will post an update after I do.

[Ugly Uncle]

I will try and call the Family today or tomorrow and I will post an update after I do.

He is coming up on my show at 2:30 today.  Talk to his dad this morning.  Mom not feeling well.  Caleb woke with a cough but seems to be doing fine now.

[kimjongsqUeAl]

WOW!!!!!  What an amazing story!!  This is totally awesome... I am blown away by the generosity that the Razorback Nation continues to exhibit.  May Caleb and his family be blessed.

[Ugly Uncle]

Thanks to people on anonymous message boards.  Weird huh?  Thank God for message boards that bring fans together for something like this.

[TheHitman]

Do they have tickets yet for the Bama game?  I have two lower level (home side) 50 yard line tickets that I would give him and his father, if needed.  He could watch his first Hog game from one of the best spots in the house.  Just PM me if they are needed.

And as someone who has a handicapped little brother, it is AWESOME to see what this board and others are doing for Caleb.  Makes me proud to be a Hog fan.

[Ugly Uncle]

Caleb was suppose to be on the show tomorrow, but had to go into the hospital tonight. He wants to still do the show, so we will wait and see if doc thinks he is able.

[brwillis11]

Do they have tickets yet for the Bama game?  I have two lower level (home side) 50 yard line tickets that I would give him and his father, if needed.  He could watch his first Hog game from one of the best spots in the house.  Just PM me if they are needed.

And as someone who has a handicapped little brother, it is AWESOME to see what this board and others are doing for Caleb.  Makes me proud to be a Hog fan.

Hitman. We are set on tickets but thanks for your offer!!!

PM me about those tickets though. I would be happy to buy them from you!!! Seriously

[Ugly Uncle]

Caleb wasn't able to be on the show today, but our prayers are he will be on next week.  Talking with his mom I asked her if he would be interested in being a sports talk guy.  She said they had just talked about that and he asked her if she thought he would be a good one.

Well, I do.  I hope we are just giving him his start on the radio.  This kid is uber smart about sports.

[rogersvillemohog]

I'm trying to work out a deal with our creator, Jeremiah, over at the HogBlog about trying to sponsor the Tailgate for this.


Results still to come.....
:razorback:

[Ugly Uncle]

I'm trying to work out a deal with our creator, Jeremiah, over at the HogBlog about trying to sponsor the Tailgate for this.


Results still to come.....
:razorback:

Our Creator's name is Jeremiah?  Cool.

[Ugly Uncle]

Caleb will be on our show today at 3:15

[brwillis11]

This is from HeavenHawg on the Rivals board who recently visited the Wahl family.

As a member of the "C-Team", I recently had the distinct pleasure of spending some time with Caleb and his family at their home near Northport Alabama. I was welcomed with open arms and smiling faces. Even old FatHead, err...I mean Caleb, greeted me with a huge smile and a firm handshake. (His family very affectionately call him FatHead sometimes cause he was born with a "Fat Head"...get it?) Anyway...in the short time I was there I learned much about each of the family members and would like to share a little about them.

Bobby Wahl - Father...Bobby is a very humble, loving, caring Man that loves his family and provides for them as best he can. Due to circumstances beyond his control, he has been unemployed since last August. He is certified in Asbestos Removal and Industrial Insulation (insulating high pressure, high temperature water and steam lines in large industrial type settings such as Paper Mills) of which there is very little demand for currently. He and his oldest son have been hauling hay recently to try to help make ends meet. His unemployment ran out last week and he is uncertain as what he can do until the next call comes through for his assistance. At times, the mental strain that has been placed upon this very unselfish man is evident in his face, but most of the time he hides it pretty well. I guess the thing that impressed me the most about Bobby is that due to Caleb's condition they can not go to Church, so Bobby gathers his family on many Sunday mornings and they have a devotion time where they read the Bible and pray together as a family.

Michelle Wahl - Mother...I don't know where to start? Perhaps with this comment she made when I asked them about going to Church, "Yes, Bobby could take the other two kids or I could and go to Church, but we are a Family and we will do things, all things, together as a Family." This wonderful young lady is all about her Family. Ever since Caleb was born and she new that he was a special child, she committed herself to taking care of him and her husband and her other two children. She does without most material things that others have, but is very content with and thankful for what she does have. She says that when Caleb is healed, and he will be healed, she will go to school to become a respiratory specialist. I think anyone whom has talked to her about Caleb's illness will attest to the fact she could probably pass the test for a respiratory specialist today. She knows what she is talking about when it comes to Caleb's illnesses. The thing that impressed me most about Michelle is her obvious LOVE for her family and her unyielding compassion towards caring for them.

Christian - older Brother...Buddy, as his Dad calls him, is my HERO! This twelve year old young man does not think of himself at all. He has to be one of the most courteous, well-mannered young guys I have ever met. Because of Caleb's illness, he just doesn't get a lot of attention. But that's okay with him, he understands. His only downfall...he is a blamed old bama fan and he can't help it...we are working on him though trying to bring him to his senses and call them hogs.

Raelyn - younger Sister...an eight year old little darling. Just cute and happy go lucky as she can be, doesn't seem to have a care in the world. She is a cheerleader at her school, very bright and outgoing. She, too, amazingly is not concerned by the attention that Caleb requires...she understands and helps as she is needed without fail. Oh and BTW...she is now a Hog Fan!!!!!

And finally Caleb - a ten year old little boy, that if you didn't know, you would not suspect anything to be wrong with him. Not a shy bone in his body. Charismatic, intelligent beyond his age, just a little ball of fire that enjoys life to it's absolute fullness. Unbelievable to me how a little man so full of life can be abruptly stopped in his tracks by one of the most horrific coughs imaginable. Now, that is all I am going to say about his illness, because he, they, do not dwell on it, they just deal with it and so shall I. Caleb Wahl, by my own attestation, is without a doubt the "YOUNGEST GREATEST RAZORBACK FAN" there is. He loves his HOGS and just giggled with excitement when we would talk about his upcoming trip to the Hill.

I, Steve Jacks, am a better man for having had the opportunity to meet this family. I can assure you that every prayer, every penny, every deed sent for this family is greatly needed and appreciated by them. As Michelle says over and over and over..."words just cannot describe how much we appreciate what has been done and what is being done for our family."

I will end with this...their needs are many, too many to list. Please help us help this family get back on their feet if you can.

God bless you all,

HH

[Ugly Uncle]

This is such a great kid and a great family.  Just talk to any member of this family and you will fall in love with them.

[Tax Hog]

Hitman. We are set on tickets but thanks for your offer!!!

PM me about those tickets though. I would be happy to buy them from you!!! Seriously

Do you still need help the price of the Hotel or other expenses?

[brwillis11]

Yes we still need donations of any amount. The trip is pretty well taken care of but this family is in need of way more than a trip to a football game. We are working to cover soe medical expenses and get there Heating/Air situation taken care of.

Paypal info is listed up top. Shoot me a PM if you need help.