January 25th, 2011 by Conor

This message was emailed to me earlier today and was addressed to Michelle. Since all the emails come into me I couldn’t help but look it over. I was excited that Michelle got some fan mail and then even more excited when I indirectly got some props. Kim is stoked on a video that I put together of Michelle, Iris, Jackie and Nicki. This post isn’t so much about Danny but kind of ties in some of the players of this blog a little. Check it out…

This is for Michelle….I couldn’t fit it on your blog so I will post it here. 🙂

Thank you so much for the Rubicon Ladies video and the music. It makes me almost wish I were young again. LOVE the music!

Danny spent many of his junior high school days here in our home with my son Miles and his sister Ashley, so this unfortunate accident has really touched my heart as it could have been any one of my adventurous kids.

Danny is so lucky to have you by his side and once he is back on his feet you need to remind him how lucky he is. 🙂 You and Connor have been such an amazing support system for Danny…..simply amazing!

Hugs to you grrl even though we have never met!!!

Any time you need yarn to knit hats give me a shout at www.thewoolenrabbit.com and your yarn is on me. 🙂 ”

Kindest regards

Kim

Just to put some things into context for people, Iris was with us when Danny got hurt and Nicki has been sending in shout outs from the Dew Tour. Michelle and Jackie are the rippin skiers in the video. Hope you enjoy what we all put together.

~Conor

PS. Michelle was looking over the the site while I was typing this post. She bursted out with a random “Oh what! She’s got some pretty sick yarn.” (that’s a good thing if you don’t know skier slang). That made us all laugh over here. I’m sure you will be getting an email soon about the offer. Thanks in advance from the whole DITB crew.

January 25th, 2011 by Conor

I’m Joe Vitka, married to Dan’s mom Ellen Shea, I’d like to thank all of you that have been so supportive of Ellen and Dan through this rough patch; and I’d like to issue a FUNDRAISING CHALLENGE that applies to all those that have previously donated so generously and those that want to help.

UPPING THE ANTE: DOUBLE YOUR DONATION DOLLARS

I will match any and all donations, including those funds previously donated, on a 1-1 basis; example, should there be $12,340. already raised I’ll match that amount upon receipt of the checks to the Danny Toumarkine Assistance Trust up to a total of $25,000.. That means if Dan’s friends and buddies raise $25,000. I will match up to that amount, thus doubling what is raised.

So for those that ask what they can do here’s a chance to DOUBLE YOUR DONATION DOLLARS !!!!! Remember that if you send $100. I’ll match it thus making your $100. a $200. total donation; send $1,000. I’ll match making it your donation worth $2,000. Total limit I’ll match is a cumulative $25,000. Dig deep.

We have set up the Danny Toumarkine Assistance Trust to help Dan out; the bills are going to be massive, beyond what Dan’s health insurance will cover, and the rehab portion of recovery long and arduous. Anything that you can do will be greatly appreciated.

Please send donations to:

Danny Toumarkine Assistance Trust
C/O
John R Deislinger
404 Main Street
Wilmington, Ma. 01887

Thanks

Joe Vitka

January 25th, 2011 by Conor

Unfortunately this is two days old, but we couldn’t let this gem sit around the in the archives forever. Danny having some fun typing his frustrations.

January 25th, 2011 by Conor

Holy crap what great news to hear Danny’s surgery went so well- Everyday he seems to be getting stronger and stronger and stronger which is of course is $%*@$% AWESOME!

I really haven’t seen you guys in a couple years but like most people I’m EAGERLY watching the updates, I’m addicted to reading this webpage multiple times a day and reading just about every post out loud to my husband and mom who are also cheering you on Danny!

I think about you guys daily having to spend hour after hour in that hospital, obviously the last place on earth any of you want to be – the 3 amigos you are… and by the way, Michelle and Conor you should be told- you are pretty much TOP NOTCH on the brother and girlfriend scale! High-five for being kick ass!

Conor, thanks for starting this webpage and for keeping everyone posted on the progress on this obviously much loved kid, stud muffin, kick ass friend, ridiculously talented rider, your baby brother, Danny Boy. The progress he’s making is definitely moving in the right direction and is good news.

I have a baby brother Danny boy too – you guys and us are exactly the same age, obviously you know this, we grew up together -Still to this day just like you guys we consider the mountains our playground. I guess thats what growing up in North Conway instills in you 🙂 When the snow falls we are never pissed like some snow-haters, but the exact opposite and ready and eager to get on the mountains and play. My Danny was just telling me last night word for word that Danny T is “DISGUSTING” on a board! Love the lingo don’t cha? The bond you have with your brother is obviously a strong one and you are both lucky to have such an amazing relationship…(even if he doesn’t want you bed side all the time and wants alone time with the lady!) 🙂

I felt like I just wanted to send more good thoughts from me, Danny and Casey your way from New Hampshire- Wishing you a fast recovery and hoping you’ll be home in no time. Danny- there certainly is a lot of love in this world for you!

By the way- Thank you so much for making the video “how to pick up chicks” It is absolutely HILARIOUS!

Lots of love,
Tori

January 25th, 2011 by Conor

The Catheter is out!

As a man, I thought this was worthy of posting by itself.

~Conor

January 25th, 2011 by Conor

Here is a Song that will hopefully bring a smile to some faces there…

Much Love
Tooch

Check it out!

This song was inspired by a video that Danny and I made with a little help from our friend Fatt Matt

January 25th, 2011 by Conor

Hey Conor,

I was looking through my photos from Demo Tour last winter. After careful perusing my photo catalog, I found a few pictures of Danny. One is from the epic shred day we all had together in Northstar and the rest are from St. Patty’s 2010 aka the “Hawt Suppa” incident. One more photo is when you guys came to SF to party with us. Danny is not in that pic though.

I was super happy to hear Danny’s surgery went well. I know he has a long road ahead of him as I cannot imagine the journey for you and your family too. I think of you both every day as well as everyone who cares about Danny. I look forward to hearing more news every chance I get and hope to pay a visit when you boys return home to Tahoe. I was so stoked to see you both in Breck for Dew Tour this winter.

Take care, and enjoy the photos.

Julia Gulia

January 25th, 2011 by Conor

Hey man!

First and foremost I’m super pumped to hear about the progress and strides Danny is making! Everyone knows you can never count your brother out!

I apologize for not being able to post these pictures up a bit sooner. I was deployed to the Middle East shortly after taking the pictures and never expected the internet to be so damn sloooow here.

Well long story short, this album is obviously dedicated to your brother and entire family. I went on a journey around Okinawa Japan in search of shrines and places of worship used by the locals. I’m hoping my prayers from said locations will have a little more “clout” when they reach their destination (Where ever that may be).

I’m not sure when or if I’ll have the opportunity to post the pictures on your website due to the horrible connection here. You can feel free to post them yourself if you’ve got the time. I know you’re looking for pictures… As long as you and Danny know that we’re thinking about you all here in Oki!

I’ll continue to support and send my love, thoughts and prayers to Danny and your family. Stay strong out there man!

January 25th, 2011 by MIchelle

After Danny had some time to visit with his friends his physical therapist, Scott, showed up to get him moving. Danny was able to stand, with support, on his left leg and then on his right leg individually. Next up was the big first step. Danny got out of bed and walked down the hall! These were his very first steps since January 3rd with Ellen and Scott supporting him on either side. Although it was more of less a shuffle, according to Ellen, we’ll take it. When asked if standing up brought more pain to Danny’s head he replied with a yes and opted to take the wheel chair back. With Danny fast asleep in bed, they have pushed back the swallow test until tomorrow based on his reaction to walking and his level of pain. The swallow test will determine if the tracheostomy can be removed and if Danny can drink. I’m so excited that Danny got to get out of bed! One step at a time he’s getting better!

-Michelle

January 25th, 2011 by Conor

It had been 30 years since I had seen my friends Tommy, Michael and George. I grew up in NY, and the first accountings of 911 found me in North Conway, initially, distantly removed. Later that evening the phone would begin to ring, and I would be catapulted back in time. Back to a place where my friends and their faces were integral pieces to my daily life.

When my grief could not help but be worn on my sleeve, someone asked me, “Well, when was the last time you saw them?” I shared the years in between, and literally had to take a step back when the inquiring party made a blanket statement, “Then it’s not like you were friends anymore.”

As I have made Danny is the Bomb a regular morning practice, I find myself tearful and joyful in reading all the contributions. Friendship is something that does not know time or place. It is an emotion and a dedication of heart. No matter where we may find ourselves in this life, there is a warmth that is felt when we think of people who have entered our path. Some for long distances. Some just for a short time. A comfort comes from inside by the internal slideshow of recollections by imagining these souls thriving somewhere on this earth. And therefore, time is elusive.

Danny, you are blessed with friends. Those from then and now who are all part of your story. Forever intertwined in what has past and what is yet to come. As the first boy my daughter (Nia) ever loved, I smile just knowing that you are on this earth…..thriving.

Many blessings to Danny, Conor, Michelle, David, Ellen and all of those who believe that time has no boundary. It all comes in chapters.

Warmest Regards,
Chrisite Girouard