Cars for Kids...Thank you.

[Rachel_B]

Hi -

My name is Rachel Bergman. A good friend of mine recently put up a post on this forum to purchase some model cars for some of the kids in my hopsital ward who are fighting chemo treatments or rehabing with us.

First off - Carl couldn't believe the support some of you have come through with. When he told me people we coming out of the wood work to help with my project of making the rooms a little less white, I though he ment people were willing to sell him some cars. But then he told me "Rachel people are sending cars and refusing money..." I cried. I know what you're thinking "typical female", but really that's not like me.

I see a lot of things I wish I didn't. I see kids battle every day to do things like - walk, eat with silverware, or have the energy to watch a TV show all the way through without falling asleep because of the medications.

I watch parents, good people, struggle with the fact they have to leave the hospital to go back home and work, to support the high medical bills. I see brothers and sisters give up things like new bikes, new shoes, and new clothes, so their parents can afford the gas to get to and from home and the hospital. I see all this and no tears are shed, I have to remain positive, I have to believe tomorrow will be better for all of them.

No, I'm not a "typical female" in regards to crying, but all that said I'm still very much human, and what made me cry was the fact that you don't know any of these kids, you didn't know Carl, and you don't know me. But despite that, you were willing to help with a project that I believe can help these kids. I got into the medical field for the same reasons, I wanted to help. But so many people simply don't care. Everyone has their own problems, all of them great to that person. But how many people have to wonder if they'll ever see "home" again, or if tomorrow they'll have the strength to get out of bed. How many really understand how difficult rehab is for an 11 year old boy who was playing baseball 4 months ago?

I think sometimes it becomes all about everything trival and nothing about what is really important. And to know that some of you are willing to give up something that means something to you, and send it to a total stranger, that's is really special. These may be just model cars, but to the kids who receive them, they represent more than that, they repesent something "normal", something that says, "we - as people - care."

I'd love to share with you some of the stories about some of the kids that these cars will go to. Privacy laws don't allow me to, I hope you guys understand that. But nothing says you can't still let them know you care. To those that send, if you wouldn't mind including something about the car. Maybe why you built it, how long it took, just some information on the car. Many of these kids will be asked about them. Typcially people don't like talking about the disease itself, and they quickly look around the room for something to talk about. It would be great if these kids had a little information to pass on about the model and the person who was kind enough to send it. Also, if you wouldn't mind including a postive note...I think that would go a long way with not just the child but the parents as well.

I believe these cars will do more than many think. I believe they could change prespective for some. Many of them will one day leave and return home, taking that with them will always remind them that people care and they overcame an obstical. Odds are, if history about these type of things proves true, what you're giving this kid will become a family airlume. Something that the child involved will never give up through out his journey through life, along with reminding him that even the little things can make an impact on another person.

Anyway I just had to visit the site at work and say thank you so much myself. I really mean that. I don't know what else to say but that. It's really all I can offer.

With Love.

Rachel Bergman

[evilone]

###### that made me get all fuzzy inside

its not the fact that they are sick that manners to me its the fact that we might get a future builder out of this

i know you cant put any info out on the air

but if you could get me 10 of the kids favorite colors and a nickname i could possably make it personal to them

also tell the little guy who is the sickest i got him covered personally this is one of five that im planning on going all out on

also could you tell me what kind of cultures they like as well

such as lowriders,hotrods,lowrods,ratrods,classics,slassic trucks,ext

and thank you for posting up this idea it pulled me away from my ego and made me "real"

[Tonioseven]

No problem. I'm gonna send a few your way via Carl. I'll have pictures before the end of the weekend.

[m408]

No problem. I'm gonna send a few your way via Carl. I'll have pictures before the end of the weekend.

Antonio,

I've seen some of your work "under glass". The kids are going to love em.

[Raul_Perez]

We're glad to help, Rachel. Between several of the guys here, it looks like we'll be building models over the next several months specifically for the kids. Like Kevin said, we don't need to know their names, but knowing what kind of cars or truck they're interested in will help us get them something that will really be special for them.

No, we don’t need money for any of this. Honestly, it’s more trouble getting to the bank to cash a check than the model and shipping costs us.

Lastly, that you for bringing this opportunity to our attention. You'll find that most of the guys on this forum check their egos at the door and we all collectively do whatever we can to help each other out. To many of us, this is an extension of helping each other.

Regards,

[rollinoldskoo]

i say scam... i dunno, maybe its just me but too many scams on the internets..... anything been verified? they are new people to the forums....

this is too generic and so much like every other scam.... help the kids...... please..... whats the name of the hospital?

[m408]

i say scam... i dunno, maybe its just me but too many scams on the internets..... anything been verified? they are new people to the forums....

this is too generic and so much like every other scam.... help the kids...... please..... whats the name of the hospital?

Hey my "friend"? If you think that it is a scam. Stay the F@#% out of the conversation and go back to polishing puka shells. It started when a guy was willing to BUY models for these kids.

Didn't mean to be so harsh, but it just flat out pi..... me off that there is no longer trust between people. Like I said, if you think that it is a scam, don't participate.

[rollinoldskoo]

Hey my "friend"? If you think that it is a scam. Stay the F@#% out of the conversation and go back to polishing puka shells. It started when a guy was willing to BUY models for these kids.

Didn't mean to be so harsh, but it just flat out pi..... me off that there is no longer trust between people. Like I said, if you think that it is a scam, don't participate.

AND EVERYONE SAID THEY DON'T WANT MONEY..... THEY'LL GIVE THE CARS...... YOU JUST DON'T GET IT..... HAVE YOU CONFIRMED ANYTHING? ITS A GOOD THING YOU ARE TRYING TO DO BUT DON'T LEAD EVERYONE INTO THE FIRE.....

AND AS FAR AS PUKA SHELLS GO..... MIGHT AS WELL THROW SOME RACIAL SLUR IN THERE...... I DON'T APPRECIATE THE COMMENT.....

[mademan]

Hey my "friend"? If you think that it is a scam. Stay the F@#% out of the conversation and go back to polishing puka shells. It started when a guy was willing to BUY models for these kids.

Didn't mean to be so harsh, but it just flat out pi..... me off that there is no longer trust between people. Like I said, if you think that it is a scam, don't participate.

Im gonna throw my hat in with Rollin. Peoples hearts are in the right place, but it sounds a bit too vague for me. We had a member on another forum that Rollin` and I spend most of the time on, who claimed he needed money, and to sell stuff to help a sick daughter out with hospital bills,some people even just sent him/paypalled him money, and this and that, and in the end... it was a scam.

btw ill make it easier, im from canada eh! I live in an igloo and drink beer.

hit me with a cutdown !!!

Edited May 17, 2008 by mademan

[m408]

AND EVERYONE SAID THEY DON'T WANT MONEY..... THEY'LL GIVE THE CARS...... YOU JUST DON'T GET IT..... HAVE YOU CONFIRMED ANYTHING? ITS A GOOD THING YOU ARE TRYING TO DO BUT DON'T LEAD EVERYONE INTO THE FIRE.....

AND AS FAR AS PUKA SHELLS GO..... MIGHT AS WELL THROW SOME RACIAL SLUR IN THERE...... I DON'T APPRECIATE THE COMMENT.....

Didn't mean it as a racial slur. If you took it that way, I'm sorry. Just meant that you might find something else to do besides rain on a parade.

[rollinoldskoo]

Didn't mean it as a racial slur. If you took it that way, I'm sorry. Just meant that you might find something else to do besides rain on a parade.

well can you answer any of the questions? is anything confirmed? do you get my point? i'm no grinch.... i just don;t like good people getting burned

[m408]

Im gonna throw my hat in with Rollin. Peoples hearts are in the right place, but it sounds a bit too vague for me. We had a member on another forum that Rollin` and I spend most of the time on, who claimed he needed money, and to sell stuff to help a sick daughter out with hospital bills, and this and that, and in the end... it was a scam.

btw ill make it easier, im from canada eh! I live in an igloo and drink beer.

hit me with a cutdown !!!

O.K. Mike, at least you have a name.

Maybe scam, maybe not, I don't think so but we will see. At least for now I and several others think that we are doing a good thing. Canada eh? I have never been in an igloo, but, I too drink beer and would be glad to share a few with you. At least you identified your concerns instead of just "bah humbug".

[rollinoldskoo]

O.K. Mike, at least you have a name.

Maybe scam, maybe not, I don't think so but we will see. At least for now I and several others think that we are doing a good thing. Canada eh? I have never been in an igloo, but, I too drink beer and would be glad to share a few with you. At least you identified your concerns instead of just "bah humbug".

so you admit you know nothing about this thing and are just rallying people to support this "cause"

[m408]

so you admit you know nothing about this thing and are just rallying people to support this "cause"

Yep.

Maybe I'm dumb, stupid, and/or naive, but I take people at their word at least once. I may be wrong and if my friends are scammed into parting with some models because of my enthusiasm, I will beg their forgiveness.

Your right. I didn't check it out.

[Carl_M]

Fellas,

Wow, I did not intend to cause a fight. I did post a reply on the scam theory in the other topic but I really was not going for the fight.

I guess the bottom line is I can't prove it's not a scam. All I can tell you is that I would be more than happy to pay you for some built models. This is not complicated to me, I am trying to help a friend who I see almost every day or so. I understand where you are coming from I really do, but at the same time my goal is only to get her some built cars and help her out. Some wanted to donate and that is their choice, but if others want to sell that would be great to.

Again I'm not asking for charity. Please understand that. I can prove that, send me a PM with the intention of selling me a car, you'll find Im serious about that.

Sorry again for causing some fire within the community. But I'm no charity case trying to scam anyone, don't mix it up.

Carl

[george 53]

Carl,It is a shame when folks think that they may be played for fools,when just a helping hand is aked for.But there are unscrouplous people who will do just that,and there are good hearted people who have been played.Could we send said models directly to the hospital in care of Rebbeca?I'm sure if it's a scam ,some one in the mail dept. will notice it and alert the people in charge.After all, boxes of models take up ALOT of room!You have come across a forum where members have big hearts,and most are more than willing to go the extra mile to help out a worthy cause such as this.We've got a pretty good mix of guys(and girls),some who have stuff to send out of years of building,and some who are just getting started, who can't give anything but their best wishes.But their hearts are just as big.If this is something not right, a punishment will be meeted out by the Almighty in His time,and if it's on the up an up, a good deed will have been done for a bunch of children(and HE LOVES kids) So, If you could post the hospitals address,and let their P/R people know what your doing(so they don't say anything,and know whats going on when the models start coming)That might go far in alleviating some suspision,and get this whole idea on the right track.I'd personally like to see this thing fly,Being that it is such a worthy cause.(plus it seems to be alot of trouble to go thru for some model cars!)

[crispy]

In this day and age and unfortunately our society this is what happens. I'm not for either side but I do believe that questions asked are pertinent.

I was even questioning it myself. If you have never been taken then you'll not understand the apprehension some folks have. The good intentions are there, but they want to make sure it is legitimate.

I felt better when Rachel came on as it somewhat validated it for me. So much so I looked through what I have and came up with three cars I could live without.

I agree with the questions, you don't have too, but if we knew the name of the hospital and other particulars I think you would see a much bigger flood of approval. It's not a slam against anything or anyone, it's just the way our society is today.

I'm surprised that Milt took it the wrong way. I read it without any mean undertones at all. Gotta keep an open mind when reading message boards.

Anyway, Thanks Rachel and Carl. I look forward to being able to help.

Chris

[mademan]

In this day and age and unfortunately our society this is what happens. I'm not for either side but I do believe that questions asked are pertinent.

I was even questioning it myself. If you have never been taken then you'll not understand the apprehension some folks have. The good intentions are there, but they want to make sure it is legitimate.

^thats exactly where im comming from. I have no problem whatsoever, grabbing a model off the shelf to make a youngster feel better! I just need to know that it is 100% legit, as ive had too many bad experiences in the past.

[RJWood]

I can understand the concern people are having, I too have questions about this. But also I'm torn between wanting to help and not knowing if it is legitimate. One question I have is, are the patients all boys, are there any girls? These diseases don't discriminate. I would be happy to donate some of the stuffed animals around the house for the girls and cars or Transformers toys for the boys, why did he only want Model cars?

Yes, he is willing to buy the models, so that makes me think it is on the up and up.

But I know most kids that age are not into model cars or Kits. If you ask 20 kids in that age group what things they like, I'm not sure there would be many or any that would want model cars. I'm not trying to rain on any parade, Its just my curiosity.

also the fact that models are not ment to be played with, they fall apart with rough treatment. not too many youngsters want to put something on a shelf and leave it alone.

I want to believe this is a worthy cause, I just need some kind of confirmation.

Ron

Edited May 17, 2008 by RJWood

[evilone]

PUKA SHELLS

call me retarded wut what the hell are puka shells

[lordairgtar]

call me retarded wut what the hell are puka shells

Puka shells are Cone Snail shells found in the world's oceans. Puka means small hole in Hawaiian. They have naturally formed holes in them from wave and sand action, so they are great for stringing together. Used for jewelry, they are polished and popular wear for surfers on the west coast, Hawaii, and Australia. I have a Puka necklace left over from my California days where I "attempted" surfing. Sand does not taste good.

http://www.pukahawaii.com/shop/index.php?cat_id=1

Edited May 18, 2008 by lordairgtar

[george 53]

Gregg, Are they the small shells that look like sea shell macaroni?(kinda?)

[Gregg]

not really, they are round, about 4-5 mm, have hole (puka) in middle, slightly concaved.

And as kids, we never polished them.

Dad would drive us up to Sunset beach, early a.m., pick them, or gather them, come home, and make a few sets.

Wish I still had some we made.

The ones nowadays are so fake.

Probably made in China....

[Kenny]

Hey my "friend"? If you think that it is a scam. Stay the F@#% out of the conversation and go back to polishing puka shells. It started when a guy was willing to BUY models for these kids.

Didn't mean to be so harsh, but it just flat out pi..... me off that there is no longer trust between people. Like I said, if you think that it is a scam, don't participate.

Hey Milt,

If you are so fired up to help worthy causes that you haven't verified, there is a dude named Brandon Brown in St. Paul Park, Mn that needs your help. I'm sure that his cause is on the up and up since he is not asking for a handout. All he wants to do is sell some of his models cheap to help pay for his daughter's medical bills. She is in an unspecified hospital with an unspecified rare blood disease. Come on!! It's for the KIDS! I'm getting choked up just thinking about it. It's not fair that these kids have to go through this. Guys get behind me on this. It's a GREAT cause. Dig deep! Let's all show our support!!

Disclaimer: Please do a simple internet search on the above "worthy cause" scam and research on any other "worthy causes" you choose to support. And KINDLY refrain from attacking others* who may offer a word of caution to others about vague "worthy causes" that tug at your heartstrings "to help the kids".

* It's in the forum rules that you agreed to when you signed up. Link: http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?act=boardrules

[Roadkill2525]

Rollin or Mademan posted something about this guy from what took place on the LayItLow.com forums.