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Nicole Jeanne Buchieri The world became a better place on August 15, 1989, for on that day, Birmingham, Alabama, welcomed Nicole Jeanne Buchieri. Her parents, Michael and Nancy knew she would face many challenges, for she was born with spina bifida. Her life was a full one, not limited by disabilities, but rather lived with abilities. Her name translates to “Overcomer” and that is exactly how she lived. Nicole faced many illnesses and difficult circumstances, but always with that beautiful smile…a smile that not only graced her face, but lived in her heart and led to her daddy’s nickname, “Sunshine”. She was a wonderful daughter and sister to her younger brother, Joey. Together they created a bond that reversed their roles. Joey became the “big” brother, always watching over Nicole. She could count on Joey for everything and anything. Raised in a Roman Catholic home and family, Nicole attended Sunday Mass on a regular basis. She loved being in church and especially enjoyed the music. She even recited parts of the Mass reserved for the priest. This always gave her family a chuckle. Though limited to a wheelchair and ventilator, neither stopped Nicole from living a full life. She experienced and enjoyed camping, fishing, boating, swimming, hiking and church retreats. She adored sports: football, basketball, baseball, NASCAR, the Olympics and attending Braves games. You name it; if it involved people running and moving in many directions, it held Nicole’s interest. Traveling was never a limitation but a welcomed challenge. Nicole and her family loved to go to Disney World in Orlando. And Nicole and her family even went on a Disney Cruise. The joy Nicole experienced in this “Happy Place” was worth more than words can say. That joy was just an extension of how she lived her life. The joy others received from Nicole was her gift to the world and to those she met while here. Nicole possessed a determination that carried through all she did – even being a typical teenager. She was a bright and happy child and young lady. She touched each of our lives in a special way. Heaven became a better place on December 29, 2008, for on that day, God decided it was time for Nicole’s smile and bright eyes to be shared there. Nicole, Nancy, Mike and Joey enjoyed Lekotek play sessions for many years. Mike served on the Lekotek board of directors for several years. Both Nancy and Mike were key to the success of early Lekotek runs and silent auctions. Sponsor Highlight: Atlanta Spirit The Atlanta Spirit, parent company of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks and NHL’s Atlanta Thrashers, has generously provided both tickets to games and grants to Lekotek. Basketball players, Al Horford and Josh Smith, have generously donated tickets so Lekotek families can attend games to cheer for their favorite home team. On two occasions grants in the amount of $3,000 have been received from the Atlanta Thrashers Foundation. We appreciate Atlanta Spirit’s great support of Lekotek and all the organization and players give back to the community. Book Review: The Game Of
My Life The Game Of My Life is Jason’s inspiring first person account of the challenges he faced growing up with autism. It is written with New York Times bestselling author, Daniel Paisner, and includes insightful perspectives from J-Mac’s parents, brother and coach. With the love and encouragement of his family and community, Jason overcomes a lifetime of challenges and fulfills his dream. This is Jason’s story from a child diagnosed with autism, unable to speak and interact with his environment, to manager of his high school basketball team. As team manager, Jason does more than pick up towels and hand out water. He is the team’s source of inspiration. His mantra “stay focused” is the rallying cry and force behind the Greece Athena Trojans’ winning season and his own all star court performance. The Game Of My Life can be purchased from Amazon.com and is also available at all Lekotek sites.
Where Should I Start? Where should I start? Our son, Jake, was born at 36 weeks with hydrocephalus, extra fluid surrounding the brain. After the initial shock and fear of the unknown, we began looking for help. My husband, Matt, and I laugh that Jake is the typical “therapy child”. If it’s out there, Jake is in it. One day, several years ago, I was talking to a friend about her child and she mentioned Lekotek. She described Lekotek as a place where families play and learn together. My first response was that the distance to travel was just too far. Jake had toys and was in so many therapies. I was just looking for some “normalcy” in our lives. I pondered the thoughts in my mind for a few days, gave Lekotek a call and scheduled an appointment with Peggy, our Lekotek leader. After driving an hour and a half, I knew it was worth every minute when Peggy greeted us with a smile and open arms. Jake and Peggy “glow” whenever they’re together. Peggy always knows exactly what Jake is working on and always brings out the best in Jake. I’ve come to realize that Lekotek answered our search for “normalcy”. In addition to attending Hillcrest Elementary School in Troop County, Jake has hippo therapy, speech therapy, occupational and physical therapy. Lekotek brings a welcome break from homework and therapy. Originally from LaGrange and married to Matt who is from Ohio, I’ve become a Bucks fan. I work for Verizon Wireless and Matt works for AdaptToSolve, a computer technology company in LaGrange. We enjoy bike rides and family outings with our Italian greyhound, Bo. In addition to play sessions, we enjoy other Lekotek events. Most recently we had the opportunity to attend a Hockey Game. Jake was beaming in an NHL jersey and being on the ice with mascot, Thrash. Thank you Lekotek for all that you do. Promoting community service and leadership development, Key Club is the largest high school service organization in the world. Initiated in 1925, Key Club exists on more than 5,000 high school campuses. Key Clubs are members of Kiwanis International and The Tucker High School Key Club is sponsored by the Northlake Kiwanis Club. What makes Key Club so successful is that it is student led. Every year, members of the Tucker High Key Club volunteer so Lekotek families can enjoy the annual holiday party. With three hundred in attendance and activities that include a sit down luncheon, cookie decorating, arts and crafts, music and face painting the Club volunteers ensure that a “good time is had” by all. These students epitomize the Key Club Motto: Caring – Our Way of Life.
Raising Funds and Fun: CAI Golf Tournament Benefits Lekotek The Georgia Chapter of the Community Associations Institute (CAI) is part of a national nonprofit organization created to educate and represent residential condominium, cooperative and homeowner associations. The Georgia Chapter of CAI advances excellence through educational seminars, networking, workshops, programs and publications. For the past five years, the CAI-Georgia Chapter has donated proceeds from the CAI-Georgia Golf Classic to Lekotek. This year’s event raised nearly $9,000 to expand the technology inventory at the Alpharetta and Duluth satellites housed at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. CAI is proud to help Lekotek make a difference for children with disabilities. Athletic Club NE Hosts Successful Fall Silent Auction In November, Lekotek’s 16th annual silent auction was held at the Athletic Club Northeast. With generous support from the community, club members bid on items that included services, dinners, weekend get-aways, tickets, subscriptions and sports memorabilia. The event was successful in raising $12,500. With these funds, Lekotek will increase staff to meet the needs of families on the waiting list. Upcoming Lekotek Golf Classic May 4th Mark your calendars for the 10th annual Lekotek Golf Classic to be held at Smoke Rise Golf and Country Club, May 4th. Sponsors, volunteers and players are needed to support the event. If you are interested in being a member of the Golf Committee, please contact the Lekotek office at 404.633.3430. |