Credit Union’s Charitable Arm Gave the Gift of Freedom and Mobility to 16-year old Chesapeake Boy

During this time of year when it’s all-too-easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, one local credit union took the time to give the holiday gift of a lifetime to a special young teen – the “Miracle Boy” whose heart stopped after lightning struck him on the left side of his head in 2007. Following an extraordinary recovery that has required years of aggressive medical treatments and therapy, the We Promise Foundation – the charitable arm of Virginia Beach-based Chartway Federal Credit Union – surprised 16-year old Noah with the one gift he and his family had dreamed of since that fateful day in his backyard: a specially-designed wheelchair van.

“The moment we learned about Noah’s miraculous story of courage and survival, we knew we had to do something,” said John Blum, Chairman of the We Promise Foundation. “For this young champion who has defied the odds, we are honored to be able to give this special gift – the gift of freedom for which he has so courageously fought.”

The credit union and its charitable foundation invited the family to its Corporate Center to surprise them with “Noah’s Wheels.” As the family arrived, they were greeted by over 100 employees and supporters, enthusiastically welcoming Noah with warm applause and vibrant signs stating, “We Promised. We Delivered!” “Chartway’s We Promise Foundation is proud to make your dream come true!” and “Honored to bring a smile to your face today!”

Following a brief introduction, Chartway’s staff unveiled the van as they cheered in unison, “Happy Holidays, Noah!”

Describing the life-changing moment, Noah’s mother, Lisa Addesa, exclaimed, “Thank you to Chartway, the We Promise Foundation and all who made this gift happen, we are so incredibly thankful – beyond words. You have given us back a part of life that was lost to Noah and our family four years ago.”

Having been struck by lightning in 2007, Noah suffered series injuries. He was in a coma for more than two weeks, CHKD for several months, and at a rehabilitation facility for an additional six weeks. As a result of the rare accident, Noah lost the ability to walk, to talk, to fully control movement and to enjoy every day activities like visiting his area family members during the holiday season.

At more than 6’ tall and 160+ pounds, and with his wheelchair weighing an additional 105 pounds, transferring Noah to a vehicle was extremely difficult and dangerous for everyone involved. The family struggled to take Noah to therapy treatments, doctor’s appointments, church, and other off-site activities. Given the sheer strength and effort transportation required, the family was predominantly confined to their home.

In addition to the wheelchair accessible van, the We Promise Foundation also gave the family passes to area attractions, including the Virginia Zoo and Holidays Lights at the Beach, so they could enjoy all the holiday happenings in Noah’s new wheels.

In a season known for its magic, what could be merrier than that?

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A brief video that documents the heartwarming event that took place at Chartway FCU’s Corporate Center

The We Promise and Roc Solid Foundations surprised Virginia Beach boy battling the most advanced stage of bilateral Retinoblastoma with his own backyard playground

During a season characterized by gestures of generosity, the We Promise and Roc Solid Foundations delivered a very special surprise to a little boy facing big odds: a backyard playground designed to bring the gift of play to children with pediatric cancer.

For Maddox and his family, this dream come true could not have come at a more perfect time. Following months of aggressive treatment to combat several tumors – six in his left eye and two larger ones in his right that limit his vision – the local foundations back brought the magic of childhood
during a pivotal moment in Maddox’s journey. We Promise donated the funds for the play set, a total of $10,000 to Roc Solid in 2011, while Roc Solid and their crew of volunteers built the playground.

“Children like Maddox are unable to enjoy public playgrounds because of suppressed immune systems,” said John Blum, Chairman of the We Promise Foundation. “That is why, after months of indoor treatment and rounds of painful pricks, we were honored to give Maddox a place to play and the chance to see life a little differently – through the healing lens of hope.”

Since 1999, the We Promise Foundation has donated more than $3 million to make dreams come true for children facing life-threatening illnesses.

HeritageWest Credit Union’s Charitable Arm, the We Promise Foundation, donated $12,183 to build new Hope Garden at Primary Children’s Medical Center for children and their families to enjoy during treatment

Following months of construction and planning, young patients at Primary Children’s Medical Center are now benefiting from the gift of play, relaxation and sunshine thanks to a new outdoor Hope Garden donated by the We Promise Foundation, the charitable arm of HeritageWest Credit Union.

Featuring growing boxes that children helped plant, an area for arts and crafts, colorful play equipment and electrical outlets for children who rely on IV’s and pumps around-the-clock, the Hope Garden provides a place where all young patients can benefit from therapeutic play.

“Primary Children’s Medical Center is deeply grateful for the generous support of the We Promise Foundation,” said Foundation Director Sharon Goodrich. “The Hope Garden not only provides a sanctuary for hospitalized children to discover nature steps away from their hospital room, but it also provides a healing atmosphere of hope. This garden will serve as a reminder that sometimes the best medicine doesn’t come from a bottle. Rather, it can come from running your hands through soil, listening to the breeze, and feeling the sun on your face.”

The $12,183 donation from the We Promise Foundation was presented during the 27th Annual Primary Children’s Miracle Network Telethon. In addition to their donation, HeritageWest Credit Union employees manned telephone lines while viewers phoned-in pledges from across the area as they watched live entertainment and heard inspiring stories of young patients whose lives had been changed because of the pediatric children’s hospital.

“Helping these young heroes who have endured more than we could ever imagine is what our We Promise Foundation is all about,” asserted Bruce Bryan, Regional President of HeritageWest Credit Union. “Their stories of hope are an example to us all, and we hope their future will be made brighter because of this special healing place.”

Local charity launches new micro-donation campaign, “Quarters for Kids,” to illustrate the big difference small change can make

Reach into your pocket or check inside your purse. Chances are, you’ll find a quarter or two. Although most people may not think much of that small, seemingly insignificant silver coin, the We Promise Foundation is encouraging its supporters to see the big difference that small change can make in the life of a child battling a life-threatening illness.

Called “Quarters for Kids,” the We Promise Foundation hopes to raise $1 million each year through monthly contributions of just twenty-five cents from each of its donors. Donation amounts of $1 per month and $5 per month are also available for those who would like to give a little more.

“During a time when many are feeling the pinch in the pocketbook, we recognize that people are really looking for a way to give back without breaking their budget,” said John Blum, Chairman of the We Promise Foundation. “Quarters for Kids provides donors an opportunity to do just that – donate their small change, which will add up to make a big difference. With donation amounts starting at just a quarter per month, this micro-donation campaign is a great way for anyone to make a difference.”

As the charitable arm of Chartway Federal Credit Union, HeritageWest, SouthWest Community and Utah Central Credit Unions, the We Promise Foundation is dedicated to making dreams come true for children facing life-threatening illnesses. Since January, the foundation has raised more than $700,000 to give children the chance to experience the whimsy of Walt Disney, enjoy lift-off of a lifetime with a space-filled adventure to NASA and become the race car driver they’ve always wanted to be.

To learn more about “Quarters for Kids” or to view the campaign video, simply click here. You may also visit the We Promise Foundation’s page on Facebook, or stop by their YouTube Channel.

The We Promise Foundation held its 3rd Annual Beach Century Bike Tour to make dreams come true for children facing life-threatening illnesses.

Over hills, across smooth seaside surfaces and against a light headwind, 134 riders went the distance to make a difference during the We Promise Foundation’s 3rd Annual Beach Century Bike Tour on Saturday—raising over $23,000. For 100 challenging but rewarding miles, participants pedaled to make dreams come true for children battling life-threatening illnesses.

Though most registrants completed the classic century, the tour also offered 33- and 50-mile routes, which carried participants through scenic, southern Virginia Beach and the marshlan ds of Chesapeake.

“We are indescribably grateful to this year’s participants for clipping in and strapping on their helmets for this endurance challenge,” said John Blum, Chairman of the We Promise Foundation. “By giving it their all, they gave hope to courageous child champions.”

All three-ride distances started and finished at the Virginia Beach Municipal Center. For more photographs of the ride, please visit www.facebook.com/WePromise.

Actress Teri Polo, LPGA Player and Model Anna Rawson, Legendary Musicians Poco & Firefall, Washington Redskins Hall of Famers & current Redskins cheerleaders helped the We Promise Foundation raise $700,000.

From the big screen, the country stage, the fairways and the gridiron to the sandy shores of Virginia Beach, celebrities rocked out and tee’d up September 14th and 15th to make dreams come true for children battling life-threatening illnesses. Having raised $700,000, the We Promise Foundation will be able to continue restoring the gift of childhood to little hearts facing adult pain because of its 6th Annual Diamonds in the Sky Gala and 13th Annual Charity Golf Classic.

Joining the foundation for the two-day benefit was actress Teri Polo, Ben Stiller’s wife in the Meet the Parents film franchise; LPGA player and model Anna Rawson; legendary music sensations Poco & Firefall; Washington Redskins Hall of Famers; Redskins cheerleaders and more than a dozen We Promise children whose stories of heartbreak, healing and hope inspired supporters.

“We were honored to welcome these generous and talented individuals to the Beach,” said John Blum, Chairman of the We Promise Foundation. “Thanks to their support and the generosity of our sponsors, we will be able to give courageous children the gift of a dream come true. From a dizzying moment in the Mad Hatter teacups, to a comforting hug from their fairy godmother or the chance to meet their idol, we look forward to delivering unforgettable moments to children fighting for their lives because of these events.”

Emceed by Teri Polo, the gala consisted of silent and live auctions featuring one-of-a-kind items including a soccer jersey personally signed by soccer star David Beckham; autographed, game-worn cleats by Landon Donavan; luxury trips to Europe; an autographed Paul McCartney guitar and much more.

The gala’s sister event – the Charity Golf Classic – was held the following day at the Signature at West Neck. At 3:45 p.m., 20 We Promise heroes arrived by limousine and buzzed about the course in golf carts where they had the chance to hold an iron and learn how to putt from the players. In fact, one of the teams – after teaching We Promise child champions how to drive—shot a hole-in-one on a Par 4!

Since Chartway Federal Credit Union’s charitable arm first began raising money to provide moments of magic to children battling hardship, they have successfully raised close to $4 million.