Francoeur's Delta SkyMiles Aide in Young Boy's Transplant
July 1, 2008
In his June 25, 2008 blog, Jeff Francoeur chronicled his philanthropic involvement with Dream House, an Atlanta-area organization that benefits medically fragile children in Georgia. Dream House provides education, skills training, home modifications, equipment and healthcare supplies to families in need. Delta Airlines, an official sponsor of Francoeur, donates 25,000 Delta SkyMiles to Dream House each time Francoeur hits a home run. Jeff’s eight home runs this season have combined for a total sum of 200,000 SkyMiles for Dream House in 2008. Last season, Francoeur’s 19 home runs netted 475,000 sky miles for Dream House.
In recent months, Dream House has put those SkyMiles to good use.
Easton Blanchard of Leesburg, Ga. turns nine years old tomorrow, Jul. 2. When he was three months old, Easton was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. Due to complications from the muscular dystrophy, Easton is in need of a small intestines transplant. Dream House stepped up to the plate in January of this year and utilized the Delta SkyMiles to fly Easton and his family to a state-of-the-art facility in Pittsburgh for a transplant evaluation. Easton has been on the national transplant list ever since.
In early June, Easton was able to fly back to Pittsburgh for treatment via donated SkyMiles when his condition worsened and he became ill. And just yesterday, the Blanchard family received the phone call they have been eagerly awaiting – an organ donor match had been found for Easton. He and his family boarded a plane to Pittsburgh today for Easton’s transplant.
“Easton, although medically fragile and gravely ill, is fortunate,” said Kim Marks, development manager of Dream House. “He has been able to live at home with his family, surrounded by love and hope for a brighter future.”
Because of the generosity of Delta Airlines, children like Easton Blanchard will continue to have the mobility to receive the best possible treatments for their various medical conditions. Francoeur is extremely thankful to be affiliated with both Delta Airlines and Dream House.
Be sure to visit www.dreamhouseforkids.org to find out how you can help, and to learn about Dream House’s upcoming fundraising events, including “Music on Main” on Sept. 6 and “Boot Scootin’ Barn Raiser” on Nov. 22. Autographed souvenir items by Francoeur will be auctioned off at both events.
