Lately, however, I have found myself wondering why? It’s definitely not for the money, as any reporter would know. It’s not for the glamor, as there is none. So, at 37, I have been feeling like I made the wrong career choice and am only a sentence or two away from being right back at Square One.
I have been thinking a lot about why God has put me here, at the Thomasville Times, at this point in my life, wondering if there is a higher calling out there that is directing me in a way that is not so clear right now.
All that changed Wednesday morning. I know now why I am here, at this particular time, and why God has given me the ability to write articles for a newspaper. For the past two years, our paper has published several stories about the struggles of one beautiful little girl named Kate Thornton, who has spent half of her short life battling leukemia.
A couple of months ago, Kate’s diagnosis seemed to be improving, as her brother was a perfect match for a bone marrow transplant. Finally, it appeared little Kate was getting the break she finally needed to live a healthy, happy, normal life that so many of us take for granted every single day. Yesterday, I found out that Kate’s body rejected the bone marrow and her prognosis is not good. Family members told me Kate has weeks left, and she will be receiving hospice care to make whatever time she has comfortable.
The news was devastating. Talking to her family was extremely difficult, and feeling their pain through the telephone struck me right through my heart. I couldn’t help but think of my little girl, Jasper, and how much we all love her so very much. Her smile brightens my every day and just the thought of anything bad happening to her scares me to death. For that reason alone, I have to do something that will help the Thornton family cope with this terrible situation in whatever way possible.
Being in the position to reach so many people, I realize that there is a reason for me being here, now, at the Thomasville Times. I am calling on the entire city of Thomasville to reach out and help this family. In the four years I’ve been here, I have seen this city do great things, and I know its citizens are capable of doing one more. When needed, Chair City citizens have always done the right thing and I know, deep down in my heart, that you all will come through again and help a family that so desperately needs it.
Kate is coming home Friday, but she will not get to be with her immediate family. Her home is too small and ill-equipped to support her many needs. She will be staying at her grandmother’s house with her mother, Susan, for what appears to the be the rest of her days. Kate’s father and siblings will be apart from her during this time, and that just isn’t good enough for me. I’m sure it’s not good enough for all of you.
A group of Kate’s family and friends are frantically trying to get the Thornton family into a new house, and they are running out of time. They need your support in helping this family be together. They need money and they need it now.
I am asking everybody and every organization to help, from local banks to City Hall. Whatever it takes, Thomasville. We need to make this happen. Everyone reading this needs to put themselves in the Thornton family’s shoes and realize this is about being caring, loving neighbors and doing whatever is possible to extend a helping hand.
Kate Thornton didn’t ask to get leukemia. Her family didn’t ask for it, either. I am asking all of you to give, whatever it is. A dollar, $500, it doesn’t matter, just give something. This little girl has been an inspiration to so many like her, and her strength and perseverance is one of the most remarkable things I have ever seen.
Please, Thomasville, please help the Thornton family. Her family is accepting donations at High Point Bank and through the website www.Kisses4Kate.org. Carolina Cancer Services is selling arm bands for $5 to help the family pay for Kate’s medical bills. People are standing by, waiting to put this family under one roof. All they need is a little help. Whether it’s money, furniture, anything, please take a long look at how you can help.
I believe in you, Thomasville. I know you will do the right thing. If Kate has taught me anything, it’s the power of the human spirit. That spirit is alive in the Chair City, and it’s time to show a neighboring family just how strong it truly is.
For the record, I still firmly believe that God has put me here to write about a miracle. I expect to be writing a story very soon about how a 5-year-old girl defied all the odds and beat a disease when no one thought she could. I’m not giving up hope because I know Kate and the rest of her family isn’t either.
Staff Writer Eliot Duke can be reached at 888-3578, or duke@tvilletimes.com.
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