| Author | Message | ||
     U.S.S.A. Guest |
 Over a thousand of you in America heard me tell this story but for those of you who haven’t this is what started USSA. In the summer of 2000 Danny Schumann who owned a deer preserve here in WI called me. He was looking for someone terminal to give a free deer hunt too. I suggested we contact “Make a Wish.” Danny and I were in awe when Make a Wish told us they didn’t offer any hunting wishes anymore. At the time I didn’t hunt or fish and really had no interest in it, but yet, I didn’t think it was very nice to take away someone else’s dream. I then started calling cancer centers and hospitals etc., but still no luck finding someone special. Then one night five months later [I hadn’t given up] at about 2:00 in the morning I came across a website in Texas that look really interesting. I emailed them and left my contact information, and the following day I got a call back and learned about Michael. Michael was a father of two children who was very terminal with cancer and his life expectancy was six months. His best friend Mike Arena had sent an email hoping to get his last wish granted. Michael wanted to harvest a whitetail deer and one thing lead to another and Michael and Mike Arena flew to WI. I was very hesitant about attending the hunt because I wasn’t sure what I should say to Michael. Shortly after I got there I sat on a couch next to Michael and he told me how grateful he was for his hunt. He started talking about his children and how much he loved them and then he stopped talking and fell asleep. Next thing you know his head was lying on my shoulder. Michael has just recently gone to Heaven. His son is only 11 years old and just stated learning how to hunt from his father’s best friend. We set up an exotic hunt for this young man and his new hunting partner Mike Arena for fall 2005 and we will keep you posted on its outcome. Brigid O’Donoghue | ||
| USSA Guest Posted From: 12.213.112.38 |
Dear Chase, It was so nice to finally talk with you today. You are indeed a very special young man. Five years ago when I met your dad he changed my life and thousand of others across the country. He was a wonderful person and his Wisconsin deer hunt was the very first wish granted by USSA. I could tell by what your dad said to me and the sparkle in his eye how much his family meant to him! Even though he is in "Heaven" now, he will be with you in spirit during your hunt. God bless you darling and I will see you in two weeks. Brigid O’Donoghue | ||
| Chase Griffey Guest Posted From: 71.52.72.31 |
hey, It was nice to talk with you too this is so wonderful what your doing i cant wait to meet you when we go hunting in 2 weeks it will be so much fun.My father would be so proud of you for what all your doing for all of these kids with sickneses. Chase Griffey | ||
| USSA Guest Posted From: 12.213.112.39 |
 Chase Griffey | ||
| USSA Guest Posted From: 12.213.112.37 |
Dear Chase, Only a few days until your hunt; are you getting a little nervous?? The first hunt I went on was a coon hunt here in Wisconsin. I didn't want to go hunting and had no interest and Pete talked me into it, and I have been hunting ever since. I was looking through a file the other day and came across some pictures of your dad’s hunt and I will bring them for you. Take care and I will see you soon. God bless you! Brigid O’Donoghue | ||
| Ussa Member Username: Ussa Post Number: 6 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 70.41.45.58 |
 A little warm up for Chase before the big hunt!  Chase and his guide, Mark Mullin | ||
| Ussa Member Username: Ussa Post Number: 7 Registered: 03-2006 Posted From: 70.41.45.58 |
 Chase with his father's best friend, Mike Arena.  Chase and Carroll Porter owner of Porters Exotics in Flynn,TX. |
