Times-Press-Recorder from Arroyo Grande, California • 10

Friday, June 12, 1998-Five Cities Times-Press-Recorder, Arroyo Grande, Calif. Page 10 7-year-old: cancer victim fights People: make wishes come true She found out about Make-a-Wish at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, where she underwent treatment for the leukemia. According to the foundation, a wish is a childs personal, heartfelt answer to the question: if you could have anything in the world, go anywhere, do would you choose? At Make-a-Wish, we believe in the passion and the potential of (Continued from page 1) day and have faith that Erandi will somehow beat the horrible Fieg performed the initial surgery that removed most of Erandi liver but cannot say if all the cancer was found. We arc hoping for the best, praying the cancer doesnt return and its not too late, Luz Maria said quietly. The impact on the family has been horrendous as both parents lost their jobs as they had to make the treks back and forth from Los Angeles.

They have no insurance and medical bills are piling up. Fortunately, Er-andis father, who worked for Talley Farms, will be returning to work this week. I must support my family and keep our apartment, Adrian said. The community has been wonderful with all their help. People have a big heart.

At first we felt so alone but now we know we are not alone. Our neighbors have made Erandi their daughter, too. She is our angel." Erandis two and a half year old brother, Denny, is another handful for Luz and appears to not quite know whats the matter with his I excruciating pain. Its absolutely unbearable to watch a child go through this kind of pain, Rosa said. Its so unfair.

Rosa says that Erandi does have good days when shes able to play with her Barbies and take lessons from a volunteer tutor. Erandi loves to read and looks forward to the beautiful letters that have been arriving to wish her well. If you would like to send a letter of support to Erandi, please address it to Erandi Heredia, PO Box 202, Oceano, CA 93445. A fundraising campaign has also been launched to help the family with medical expenses, rent, and food. The Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Womens Auxiliary 4153 of Oceano recently raised $350 at a benefit dinner.

Donations can be arranged by calling Rosa Saucedo at 805-473-8210 or sending them to 1616 Manhattan Avenue, Grover Beach 93433. As Erandi and her family gathered for a group hug, the little girl looked at her mom and whispered, Why me, mama, why me? Please God, I just want to live. AGHS: graduates share FUN Brandi Dias has fun in Disney World with family and friends. From left are Brandi Dias, Lynsi Dias, Becky Dias, William Hall and Della Dunham. wishes.

We have seen children lifted by the hope of their dreams and energized by their imaginations, officials said. Families tell us that a wish can encourage a child to see a future to fight for, often against tremendous odds, when courage and hope are flagging. When a request is made, foundation volunteers consult with the childs physician to determine whether he or she qualifies medically for the wish and if they are able to participate. Once approved, a two-member wish team is assigned to the case. The fulfillment of a wish creates a moment of joy at a time that can be very difficult for a child and family.

Every effort is made to include the immediate family in the youngsters desire because watching it come true Suggestions sister. Erandi loves her little brother very, very much, Luz said. When she goes to the hospital she takes pictures of him with her and cries for him all the time. She loves people but I think she knows her future is not bright and that she will probably be going to heaven soon. How does a 7-year-old girl deal with such a frightening picture? Shes a very brave little girl, says Rosa Saucedo-Rodriguez, supervisor of Promotoras Communi-tarias, a Latino outreach organization in Grover Beach.

You cant put in words what this family is going through. Its heartbreaking. It has been devastating emotionally, financially, and spiritually." Erandi, whose favorite character is Winnie-the-Pooh, huddled in Rosas arms, shivering under a blanket with Pooh perched on her lap. She looked up and her big pale eyes welled up with tears. She clutched at her stomach and gingerly made her way to the bathroom.

Adrian and Luz looked helplessly at each other, wishing desperately that they could stop their daughters look back and treasure what makes us who we are and binds us together as a generation. We are the children who collected transformers and Garbage Pail kids. With our pink portable radios, we sang along with Vanilla Ice and The New Kids on the Block. One day, we will realize that there is no final destination, that life is a series of memories and bittersweet moments that should be cherished. As Abraham Lincoln said, the best thing about the future is that it only comes one day at a time.

We have all experienced the sufferings of Job, said Patrick Wine-man. As I look out on this class, I cant help but feel assured there is lots of potential an aristocracy of spirit. Now, my fellow marbles, no San Leandro; 15 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren; seven great-greatgrandchildren. Arrangements are under the direction of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel in Grover 1 Bill Junior Lippincott Conrow Bill Junior Lippincott Conrow, 75, of Manhattan, New York died on Wednesday, June 3, 1998 at his residence of lung cancer. Memorial services will be held at a later date in Moorestown, N.J.

Mr. Conrow was bom Oct. 11, 1922 in Mt. Holly, NJ. He moved to Arroyo Grande in 1944 and began working for his cousins, Clayton and Albert Conrow, at Arroyo Grande Truck which is now know as Certified Freight Lines.

He was with the company for 35 years and was well-known as "Junior. In 1948, he returned to New Jersey and married his childhood sweetheart, Nancy MacGhee on Jan. 15, 1949. On their honeymoon they returned to Arroyo Grande and Mr. Conrow began working once again for Arroyo Trucking.

While living here he had been involved with the Boy Scout program of the South County and was a member of the Oceanos Elks Lodge. In 1980, after the death of his wife, he moved to Manhattan, N.Y. He married Brigitte Gilliois of New York in 1981, with whom he resided until the time of his death. While living in New York, Mr. Conrow was a courier for City Core Bank and he worked for a private limousine company.

He also worked for a coffee company and he did roasting for the tasters of the company. Mr. Conrow had a great love for trains. After his retirement in 1992, he began volunteer work for an organization called The Lighthouse For the Blind. He enjoyed it very much.

Mr. Conrow is survived by his wife of 17 years: Brigitte Lippincott; two sons: Michael Conrow and wife, Ginny, of Arroyo Grande, Zeb Conrow of Arroyo Grande; one daughter: Beckie Gearing and husband, John, of Arroyo Grande; three grandchildren: Beckie Conrow of Manhattan, N.Y.,' Alan and Laura Conrow of Arroyo Grande; one brother: Engle Conrow of New York; one sister Susanne Bingham of Sun City Center, his step-mother: Claudine Conrow of Moorestown, N.J.; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents: Abraham and Anne Conrow of Rancocas, and by his first wife, Nancy Conrow in 1978. The family has asked that in memory of Mr. Conrow memorial contributions can be sent to Lighthouse Attn.

Sirra Chavich, 111E 59th Street, New York, NY 10022. Please note on donation that it is in memory of Bill Lippincott Conrow. memories matter where you roll, remember you came from Arroyo Grande High School. We have all challenged ourselves in one way or another to arrive at this moment, said Esmeralda Mendoza, addressing the crowd in Spanish. She quoted the Mexican poet, Amado Nervo: That I was the architect of my own destiny, that if I reaped honey or bile from life, it was because I planted bile or sweet honey; when I planted rose bushes, I always reaped roses.

I want to wish good luck to the Class of 98. We will be unforgettable. We will be roses. The class has two things it could take with them a diploma and its memories, said Michael Leon. They will remember both good and bad times, including their first kiss, love, dance, and driving experience.

He quoted Robert Frost: two roads diverge in the woods Ill take the one less traveled. Walk your own walk, he said. He also called attention to the schools welcome sign that proclaims the worlds best students walk through its halls. Alluding to his 540 fellow graduates, he challenged the audience to disprove those Class President Allison Enyart recalled good times and events during the year. More than 150 students received recognition, she noted.

Her own difficult times included balancing a job with school; parking in the schools back parking lot when she was late; and figuring out what she wanted to do with the rest of her life. Although the class members will go their separate ways, they will still be united in memories, she said. At that, she set free a beautiful white pigeon from a paper bag. I hope all of you find your best course in life with success and happiness. This is the most successful class weve ever had, said Principal Tim Baird.

Its one that wont be forgotten. Noting many of its achievements from academics to agriculture and sports he said the class has met the challenge. Eighty-six percent of students here will be going onto college thats the best weve seen yet. My hope is you will remember your high school days with pride and a sense of accomplishment. (Those who received honors and awards can be found in this issue.) creates magic for them as well along with special memories that just may have to last forever, officials said.

Any seriously ill child can be referred to Make-a-Wish. Health care providers, parents and even children themselves can call for assistance. According to officials, the agency prefers tp receive a request early, when the young person can truly enjoy it. Eligibility for a wish does not mean all hope is gone. A family also need not be in poverty for a wish to be granted.

Catastrophic illness puts a fantasy beyond the reach of nearly every household, they said. And every youngster, whose childhood has been stolen by life-threatening illness, deserves to see a special dream come true. Make-a-Wish is supported entirely by private donations. Eighty-nine cents of every dollar is used for Program Services. All contributions to the organization are tax deductible.

Those interested in obtaining more information or making a donation should call the foundation office at 805-681-1644. wanted win-win solution. More than 50 supporters were on hand during Thursdays press conference. They say that if General Hospital closes, a large population of county patients will not get the health care they need and rely on. Gloria Wiggins, 73, said that a lot of the people who go to General Hospital are not indigent but working people who dont have enough money at the end of the month after bills to afford insurance.

My husband and I owned and operated a business in Morro Bay for 50 years and we just couldnt afford the insurance once everything had been paid off at the end of the month, Wiggins said, who works at Family Care Center and now has insurance. She blames the system for the death of her husband, a World War II veteran who was refused treatment 14 years ago at French Hospital after suffering a heart attack because he lacked coverage. Im afraid that if they close this hospital, many other people will be turned away and find out they have no place to go for treatment, she said. I dont anyone to have to go through what I did." Dusty is a 2-year-old neutered male labradorqueensland. He is now available for adoption at Woods Humane Society.

Call the Woods Humane Society at 543-9524 for information. (Continued from page 1) Wish. Locally, the Tri-Counties Make-a-Wish Foundation has granted many wishes to children in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties since 1984. The non-profit agency is dedicated to helping children with life-threatening illnesses fulfill a long-standing hope or dream. Its an organization about hope, said Shanna Taylor, executive director.

Its hard sometimes, occasionally, we lose kids, but theyre so resilient. Indicating her job is quite rewarding, she said, I cant think of anything Id rather do. Its absolutely fulfilling. I come home, and know what I did (that day) mattered. Not everyone is so lucky.

As of September, the foundation had helped 318 local children, she said. Last year, it increased its wishes by 30 percent and is now averaging between 40 and 60 each year. The average dream value is and average cash cost, $2,465. The agency has 60 volunteers and covers a population totaling 1.3 million. In April, the foundation sent Brandi Dias, 15, of Arroyo Grande to Disney World in Florida.

She had a fantastic time visiting the Magic Kingdom, Animal Kingdom, Epcot Center, MGM Studios and three water parks. It was really fun, she said. Her favorite show was The Lion King, which featured costumed characters from the popular movie along with entertaining musicals. Dias who is in remission from leukemia traveled with her mother Becky; sister, Lynsi; best friend, William Hall; and his mother, Della Dunham. The foundation paid for all of them to have a five-day stay at the Disney Institute Hotel and even included spending money.

We got in free everywhere, Dias said, adding the donated funds covered food costs. -The foundation made all their arrangements, she said. We were pampered to the hilt. Before the trip, Dias had a difficult time choosing her wish. The agency gave her a list of different activities and places to pick from.

I could go anywhere in the United States, she said. She also had the option to meet a celebrity such as a sports or movie star. She finally chose Disney World -because it was something her whole family could do together. They deserved it just as much as I did. Dias was diagnosed May 8, 1997, she said.

Group: tries (Continued from page 1) fiscal year. County staff has also presented its own outpatient expansion models, none of which supported, the continued operation of General Hospital. It is the countys intention to close General Hospital after 119 years of service, said Paul Roller, general manager of the San Luis Obispo County Employees Association. This one action will severely limit health care to county patients and violate Measure H. Measure was passed by 73 percent of the electorate in November 1996 allowing voters to have the final say on the fate of General Hospital by ballot.

Subsequent legal action was filed last week to order the county to put the issue on the Novemeber ballot. On Thursday, a judge ruled that a have Filed a claim with the city regarding the matter, Rupp explained. First, you send the money back (to the city) then make a claim against it. Cities can only act in accordance with the law, he said. The company, however, has no intention of returning the money to Grover Beach.

We did the work, we got paid, case closed, Tangeman said. If they can show that they paid what they owe, then we will refund the money. But as of right now their claim totally lacks merit and is a waste of the taxpayers money. Grover Beach filed its lawsuit in San Luis Obispo County Superior Court against Alex Madonnas company a few weeks ago. Several months earlier, it sent the company at least two letters and made several telephone calls demanding return of the funds, Rupp said.

For now, the city will let a judge decide the matter, he said, adding it may take up to a year to see the case go to trial. TPR staff writer Cindy Utter contributed to this article. The Five Cities Times-Press-Recorder wants your suggestions on people who have unusual careers. They may be featured in our Off the Beaten Path series. Call 489-4206 with your ideas or drop a line to Five Cities Times-Press-Recorder, P.O.

Box 460, Arroyo Grande, CA 93421-0460. to keep General Hospital (Continued from page 1) you may never see again. For advice, Barulich quoted Winnie-the-Pooh: you cant stay in your comer of the forest waiting for experiences to come to you. Most of the time, you have to go to them. Referring to their four years at Arroyo Grande, she said, she hopes it will symbolize a time in their lives when they had the opportunity to stretch their minds, spread their wings and discover their futures.

Today cannot be denied its significance, for today, the Class of 98 is ready to make the transition to adulthood," said Eugenie Mason, salutatorian. Life has often been called a journey one in which we are in search of who we are, she said. We see ourselves traveling towards success, fulfillment and happiness. As we look forward to what the future holds, it is just as important to OBITUARIES Jessie Emeline Frisbey Jessie Emeline Frisbey, 98, of Oceano died on Tuesday, June 9, 1998 at an Arroyo Grande hospital. Services will be held on Tuesday, June 16, 1998 at 2 p.m.

at Fullerton Seventh-day Adventist Church in Fullerton. There will be visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor Don Spaulding will officiate. Burial will be at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier. Mrs.

Frisbey was bom July 10, 1899 in Wildomar. She moved to the Central Coast three years ago from Fullerton, where she had lived since 1931. While living in Fullerton she had been a member of Fullerton Sevenlh-dDay Adventist Church. Mrs. Frisbey loved to garden, travel, and sew and was an avid reader.

She also loved to spend time with her children. Driving her 1953 Willys Car gave her great enjoyment. She had bought the car new and had driven it for over 40 years. Mrs. Frisbey is survived by one son: George W.

Frisbey, Jr. and wife, Twila, of Missouri; three daughters: Marjorie Porter and husband, Chet, of Washington, Norma J. Smith of Texas, and Doris E. Austin and husband, David, of Oceano; one sister: Thelma Supemeau of San Diego; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two great-greatgrandchildren. Mrs.

Frisbey was preceded in death by her husband, George Wallace Frisbey, on Oct. 26, 1963. Rowers may be sent or memorials may be made in her honor to Worthy Student Fund, CO Fullerton Seventh-day Adventist Churh, 2355 West Valencia Drive, Fullerton, CA 92833. Arrangements are under the direction of Marshall-Spoo Sunset Funeral Chapel in Grover Beach. Irene Frances Brooks Irene Frances Brooks, 86, of Grover leach died on Wednesday, June 10, 998 at her residence.

A graveside service will take place at 1 a.m. on Monday, June 15 at the irToyo Grande Cemetery. Pastor Mike )ennis of Landmark Missionary Baptist hurch in Arroyo Grande will be offi-ialing. Mrs. Brooks was bom Sept 12, 1911 Mountain Home, Idaho.

She loved pending time with her family. She is survived by three daughters: larbara Allison and husband, Charles, Grover Beach, Doris Whitney and usband, of Chula Vista, and rita McNeilage of Loma Linda; one rather: Ray White and wife, Marie, of decision to do so would be premature at this time since the county had scheduled a hearing for public discussion. Still, the judge left the door wide open for it to come back, said Shane Kramer, the attorney for the coalition. We hope that further legal action, however, will not be needed, he said. Roller said a copy of the new proposal was on its way to the Board of Supervisors.

The coalitions 10-page plan includes: Appoint an experienced hospital administrator who will oversee continued operation of the hospital and expanded clinics; Lift hiring freeze permanently; Negotiate insurance and managed care contracts; Advertise and promote county medical services; Approve purchase of more equipment; and Upgrade and maintain the hospital physical plant. We have presented a viable alternative plan that will keep this facility open while expanding outpatient clinics," Roller said. We hope the supervisors will look at our Grover: city sues Madonna Pets of the Week (Continued from page 1) company did in 1995, Tangeman said. Grover Beach contends the company has no justification for keeping the $18,440.97 because a previous lawsuit forced Alex Madonnas company to sign away claim to further payments from the city, according to City Attorney James Rupp. The 1995 road project led to a lawsuit from a third party who claimed Madonna Construction Company had damaged their property.

In the settlement agreement. Madonna waived all its rights against any other party with regard to that project, Rupp said. The city should never have been in the lawsuit, he said. But the citv attorney at that time drafted a global agreement for the case. Hypothetically speaking, Rupp said, if a bank inadvertently posts a customers $250 check for $250,000 that does not mean they get to spend the money.

He indicated the same principle applies to the Madonna situation. If the city did indeed owe Madonna money, the company should Found injured and terrified, this 3-month-old is on his way to healing and learning to trust. Can you open your home to him? For more information call the Animal News Network at Information in obituaries is supplied by the mortuaries handling arrangements and by members of the families. The Five Cities Times-Press-Recorder is not responsible for errors or omissions made by either source..