2009 Recipients
Chris Baty, Pictura Graphics, Inc.
Chris has served as the Client Services Manager at Pictura Graphics for the past 3 years. Last year Chris was diagnosed with an aggressive form of colon cancer that has spread to his liver. Following surgery to remove a large part of his colon, Chris has been preparing for major liver surgery with a steady regimen of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.
As a result of his illness, Chris is unable to work a full
schedule due to his treatment schedule and fatigue. With
insurance only covering a portion on the medical bills, Chris
finds himself in a significant financial bind. In
addition, Chris' wife, Karen, is employed by a company going
through bankruptcy, and it is uncertain how much longer she
will be employed. Through all of their struggles, Chris
and Karen do their best to make the most of their time with
their two young boys, Brenden (age 6) and Jaxson (age
4).
Lee Jacobia, Hamilton Exhibits
Lee is an Account Manager with Hamitlon Exhibits where he has worked since 1994. He was diagnosed last October with acute transverse myelitis, a neurological disorder involving the spinal cord that results in paralysis of an undetermined period. Lee is undergoing treatments which include physical therapy and must utilize a wheelchair for mobility.
Lee's therapy and related equipment needs is only
partially covered by insurance. In addition, Lee'
wife, Kelly, has lost income while on leave to tend to
Lee's needs.
Mark Linser, Downing Displays
Mark had been the Art Director for Downing Displays since 1995.
After a two-year fight with cancer, Mark
lost his life on April 17, 2009 at the age of 51. He
leaves behind his wife, Karen, and two children, Hannah (18)
and Paul (15). Hannah is a freshman at Northern
Kentucky University and Paul is a sophomore in high
school.
With the loss of Mark's income, Karen is experiencing severe
financial pressures to take care of the medical bills and the
needs of college bound teenagers.
Vickie Sams, wife of Steve Sams, Phoenix
FORMations
Steve Sams has been in the exhibition industry for more than 30 years, and is currently a Project Manager at Phoenix FORMations. Steve's wife, Vickie, age 47, has experienced an overwhelming number of medical tragedies over the past 7 years including a heart attack (2002), vascular bypass surgeries on her left leg (2006), the severing and lengthening of her Achilles tendon (2006), the amputation of her left leg (2007), the development and production of a custom prosthetic leg (2007), and quadruple by-pass surgery (2009).
Vickie suffered a stroke after the open heart surgery during her first night of recovery and must now rely on a ventilator and routine dialysis. Steve is struggling mightily to keep on top of the growing pile of bills and has even had to put his house on the market to manage their financial burden. He and Vickie would appreciate any and all support they could receive to help them save their home.
