In November 2010, I had posted an article about a child who received two liver transplants by age three. I am happy to announce that I have recently been in contact wtih the child's mother, Janet Wimberg, regarding her now nine year old son, Kyle Wimberg, who was the child in the story. In the last few days I have learned that Kyle is happy and healthy, playing sports like basketball and baseball and is just simply a normal 9 year old kid who is full of energy. Following my communication with Janet, I have decided to dedicate the upcoming race to Kyle, as he is truly an inspiration to me beyond words. Below are some of the emails between Janet and I, that I would like to share with my all supporters.
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from:janet wimberg
toerykahcastillo@gmail.com
dateFri, Jan 14, 2011 at 11:50 AM
subjectChild's story on your web page
Hi Erica
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| Kyle Wimberg |
I want to say from the bottom of my heart thank you so much for what you are doing. I know first hand how important this endeavor is. My son is Kyle Wimberg whose story you have on your web page. SInce the story was published in 2004 a lot has happened but I want you to know that he is doing very well. We still have our bumps along the way but they are coming further apart and easier to manage. He will be turning ten in February and is in the third grade. I have attached a recent picture of him. Good luck in your marathon and let me know if I can help in any way.
Thanks
Janet Wimberg
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Hi Janet,
First I just want to thank you soooo much for emailing me and taking the time to read my website. When I read your email this morning I was so incredibly thrilled to hear that your son is doing so well, and how he looks so happy and handsome in fact! I was so touched by the story of your son and your family when I read the article months ago that I could not help but share it on my website and with all the supporters. I want you to know that I feel so honored to be working hard at fundraising to help support families like yours, to give people with liver disease a second or even a first chance at life. I admire your courage and strength in dealing with the challenges of the disease, I think so many people are not half as brave when faced with such adversity.
With that said, I would really like to say that your email has immensely motivated me with my fundraising and the race coming up. I would like to share the update of your son you gave me in your email along with the photograph that you attached..I wanted to know if you are OK with me posting the update of your son on my website. However, If you are uncomfortable with that, I completely understand and will refrain from posting so I will leave that up to you.
Also, I am not sure if you had a chance to read my recent postings on my website, but there is an entry from this week where I asked my supporters to email me their song requests for my race playlist. If you and/or your son have a song that has really inspired you, I would love to know what songs they are so I can add it to my race playlist to inspire me while I run the marathon!
I would love it if we could stay in touch as I plan to do additional fundraising events after my race in affiliation with the American Liver Foundation. If you could give your son Kyle a big high five for me also, that would make my day! He's such a champ and my new hero. I will officially be dedicating this race to your son as he is just a superstar in my eyes!
Thanks again so much for all your kind words and again, it is an honor to be working for such an amazing cause!
Sincerely,
Erica Castillo
erykahcastillo@gmail.com
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Hi Erica
Yes you are more than welcome to share his picture and the story update. It is a strange feeling to think that my family's story has been such an inspiration to you. When I interviewed for the story I wanted to let people know how truly blessed we have been. I wanted people to know that it is because of people like you that I am able to hold and kiss my son today. People who have worked hard at fundraising and learning all they can about liver disease to make a difference. A difference that has allowed me to have my son in my life. Kyle plays basketball, soccer and baseball and everytime he goes out on the court or field I am reminded about the miracle that I have been given. The picture I sent you was from his First Communion. That day I was reminded again the blessings I have been given because of wonderful people like you and the people that will be donating to your cause. So I guess what I am saying is that I am just as much inspired by you as you are by me and Kyle.
Kyle is a very humble kid and when I told him that you are running this race because of him he blushed and smiled and said a typical ten year old boy thing "cool". I asked him about his favorite song and he said it is by Neon Trees called "animal". I would definitely like to keep in touch and I will be keeping you in my prayers for a successful, safe race and fundraiser.
Thanks Again for all you do
Janet and Kyle Wimberg
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To read the whole story about Kyle's rare liver condition, click here :
KYLE WIMBERG STORY - CLICK HERE
A special thank you to my donors who are making stories like the one above so very possible. I am so honored to share this story with all of you and cannot wait to run the race next Sunday in honor of such an amazing family like the Wimbergs, in affiliation with a wonderful organization like the American Liver Foundation.
Thank you so much with all my heart,
Erica Castillo
American Liver Foundation Running Team Member- Carlsbad Marathon
