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Back in June of 2008 my wife and I were at the Philadelphia International Championship bicycle race talking to people about Carpe Diem USA. Many people felt that it was a great idea and were very supportive. One gentleman in particular had a lot of questions. After talking with him for several minutes he paused and said “you know, this is a fantastic idea, because adults have wishes too”.
Thanks to this anonymous stranger I was able to find the words that would sum up what we are trying to do here. Sure, we had a mission statement and some specific short and long term goals, but I had been agonizing for months on how to say in 5 words or less who we are and what we do. So now when you hear about Carpe Diem USA or see anything related to our organization, you will also see our new motto...
“Because adults have wishes too”
This is why we do what we do. Many adults who have a life-threatening illness do not have the time, resources and energy to seize the day…and that’s where Carpe Diem USA comes in. We exist to help adults experience some joy, fun and excitement by arranging an adventure or experience that they pick and we provide. The only criteria we use to grant “adventures” are: 1) the applicant must be a resident in our service area; 2) the applicant must have a life-threatening medical condition that has been diagnosed and verified by a licensed medical professional; and 3) Carpe Diem USA must have enough funds to cover the cost of the adventure. It’s that simple. So take a look at our web site and let us know if we can help. Is there something that you’ve always wanted to do, someone you’ve wanted to be or someone you’ve wanted to meet? The only limit to your adventure or experience should be your imagination.
July 2011 Update - Good News, Sad News
First the good news. I am excited to announce that Carpe Diem USA has established a new fund that will serve adults nationwide! Just like the fund that we now use for adults in SE Pennsylvania, this fund will be administered by the Berks County Community Foundation and will allow us to reach more adults who are battling life-threatening illnesses. The name of the fund is the "Ann Maree Memorial Carpe Diem Fund." Which brings me to the sad news. On July 1, 2011 my wife and the co-founder of Carpe Diem USA passed away after a 7 1/2 year battle with breast cancer. She was a true warrior, fighting the dreaded disease right up to the end. As I work through the pain of losing Ann, I will continue to honor her wishes and do everything I can to aid in the fight against all cancers through the LAF, to build on her legacy of love and caring through Carpe Diem USA and to partner with local and national organizations which provide services to adults battling life threatening illnesses. If you would like to be involved in our organization check out the "Ways to Help" page on this web site. And don't forget to check out the links on the "Join Team Carpe Diem" page of this web site. If you can join us in Davis, Philadelphia or Austin for the LIVESTRONG Challenge there are links to take you to our team page. If you can't join us but would like to make a donation you can do that on our team pages as well. All funds go the the LAF, as team members pay for their own transportation, lodging and food during these events. Finally let me thank all of you who have reached out to me since Ann's passing. Your kind words, thoughts and prayers have been a great source of comfort to me and my family. I don't talk about it much, but my faith and your support have sustained me through this difficult time. Al Maree |
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