Congratulations to Maddison and Preston on their recent adoptions.... to date CPK Rescuers has rescued 282 CPK's and re-adopted 164 YAAAY!!!!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Rita's Story

There is only one thing that is more fulfilling to Rescuers Jen & Peter than finding, saving and giving love to an abandoned CPK....it's finding the perfect match for each CPK, and seeing them go to loving homes where they are needed.  And last weekend, this match was made!
Peter's mom, Rita was diagnosed with terminal bone cancer in 2009, and has been fighting it with a smile.  She's an amazing woman with such a positive attitude, you would never know she was ill if you met her.  She is always more concerned with others' well-being, and being a best friend to her husband, Graham.

  Together, they are an unstoppable force of love, respect and affection.  The two of them are extremely affectionate, respectful, generous and have a great sense of humor.  Graham continues to say, "My sweetheart took care of me for 40 years.  Now it's my turn."  Rita enjoys peaceful naps, nightly foot rubs, movie date nights at home and now Graham is even cooking for the two of them!  To the average bystander, Rita & Graham would appear to be a newlywed couple.  In reality, they met 40 years ago when a tall, dapper British man walked into a coy and beautiful Danish girl's place of work.  And the rest was history....
After long days of traveling for radiation in Victoria, B.C. (about 3 hours from their home in Courtenay, on Vancouver Island), constant chemotherapy, MRIs, bone scans and medication reviews, Rita finds herself worn down more and more often....but her spirits are never broken.  
When Jen & Peter started the CPK Rescuers, they decided that Rita was a perfect candidate for one of the CPKs they had rescued.  She needed something to hold at night while she sleeps, and comfort her in a way another human cannot.  Jen & Peter Skype with Rita & Graham at least once a week to keep in touch, and decided to present Rita with news of her CPK gift one night (Peter had grown attached to one CPK in particular - Malia - and decided she would be a perfect match).  
Rita was overwhelmed with excitement when she learned she'd been gifted Malia!!  She couldn't wait to hold her, and Malia was quite excited, too!   A couple of weeks later,  Jen & Peter traveled over to Vancouver Island with Malia, to present her to Rita.  Before meeting Malia, Rita had chosen to change her name....to Nuller (pronounced New-Lah).  This is a Danish name for "precious," and the name Rita's mother called her when she was a child.  
Tears filled Rita's eyes when she first held Nuller, and Graham looked on with a huge smile.  Nuller had definitely found the perfect home...and Rita hasn't let go of Nuller for a second since they met.  
Graham sends Jen & Peter snapshots of Nuller and Rita now....
This is a success story for the CPK Rescuer's, and a very special event for Jen, Peter, Rita and Graham.  Nuller now has a very loving home where she is held when she sleeps, watches tv and is read to.  And Rita now has the magical gift that CPKs hold.

CPKs aren't just for kids, and they are not "just" dolls.  And this story proves that.  
We will continue to update you all on Rita, Graham and Nuller, because we feel that their story is especially amazing (not just because they are Peter's parents!)

Radiation, chemotherapy, medication and travel expenses aren't covered by Rita's medical insurance, and being on a fixed income, times are even harder for Rita and Graham.  The CPK Rescuers, in conjunction with Shake It Up Jewelry is currently working on a fundraising website for this incredible couple.  Amanda Rieken, owner of Shake It Up Jewelry, has generously donated jewelry to this cause.  ALL proceeds made from the jewelry sales will be donated to Rita and Graham each month, to help cover the extra expenses that cancer has wedged into their lives.   Please keep checking back for more information!

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