Family Stories
The Gorney Family Pays-it-forward
By Dawn Carroll
Three staff members and I are standing in the pediatric unit in the Portsmouth, Va. Naval Medical Center. Child Life Specialist Chris Brogan speaks elatedly about a patient’s interest in Believe In Tomorrow’s newest property, the Believe In Tomorrow House at Pinnacle Falls. Chris says he pointed out the Believe In Tomorrow web site to the 4-year-old boy and clicked to view the inviting log cabin illustration on the Pinnacle Falls page. The boy told Chris: “You know what? I want to be the first to go there.”
Walker Gorney was receiving treatment for a Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor – a tumor of the central nervous system that usually afflicts children under 10-years-old – when his application came into the Believe In Tomorrow office. Walker’s mom, Laura, and I talked extensively over the phone about the construction of the Pinnacle Falls property. I could hear the excitement in her voice when she learned of the possibility of a future visit. How was I to know the Gorney’s would be so special? All of our families are wonderful.
We visited Portsmouth on April 11. Just after Chris told us of Walker’s desire, the hospital went into Code Blue. Chris returned with an ashen face; Walker Gorney lost his battle with cancer that day. We were heartbroken.
David Amick, owner of Pinnacle Falls and BIT Board Member, heard of Walker’s battle and his enthusiasm for the new Believe In Tomorrow property. The decision to honor the family’s request was instantaneous. The respite house was not yet ready for occupants, but David helped set the Gorney’s up in a guest house several yards away from the new BIT House at Pinnacle Falls.
The Gorney’s made the most of their July vacation to North Carolina. They spent the days floating on a pontoon boat on Lake Lure, browsing the little shops in Hendersonville, and casting fishing lines into Pinnacle Falls pond. The trip proved therapeutic for the whole family.
As the week wound down, the Gorney’s decided to walk over to the construction site at night and tour the half-built log cabin home. Something about the visit ignited a spark in Laura. She knew at that moment the family would find a way to give back to Believe In Tomorrow. Maybe, she thought, it was Walker sending them a message.
Shortly after the family returned from North Carolina, Laura threw a Pampered Chef kitchen supplies party. Laura and her husband Charlie both love to cook, so they emphasized to their children the importance of gathering each night at the family dinner table. Why not carry that sense of family tradition to Pinnacle Falls? If the kitchen had a stock of staple cooking items it would be easier for families to join each other around the dining room table each evening and bond.
Laura contacted Pampered Chef. Two hours later she had set up a registry for Believe In Tomorrow House at Pinnacle Falls. Using Walker’s Memorial Fund, the family bought $500 worth of items to kick off the fundraiser. The registry has a value of $2,864. To date $1,901 worth of merchandise has been purchased.
To our Foundation, the Gorney’s are extraordinary. We showed them a little kindness when they needed it most and they’ve given it back tenfold. What’s more amazing: Laura will tell you she’s not ready for her involvement to end!