It is with a heavy heart that I write this letter. Twenty-eight years ago our family moved to 12530 Williams Road. My older sister Annie was welcomed by a blond-headed little boy of two years old, peeking over the fence to see who the new neighbors were. My parents were welcomed by a sheriff and a nurse. Moving from California, they knew they were leaving sunshine behind, but what they didn’t know was that these new neighbors would bring more sunshine to the lives of their children than any place in California. Annie and Daniel became friends for life that day. A path was worn between the houses that to this day still doesn’t grow grass. Hand in hand, Pennie, Daniel, Robert, Colleen, Annie and I spent our summers playing “Snake in the Grass Stop” and “Kick the Can,” building forts, riding big wheels, creating the “Big Rock Club” and Slip ‘n’ Sliding. At the Sargent’s house, Annie and I were allowed to drink Kool-Aid, eat Drumsticks and Push-Ups from the Schwanz man, and play Duck Hunt. All of which were not allowed on the other side of the fence. Over the years, Annie and Daniel have remained friends, even though we moved away. Daniel always came to every important party and event, a "true blue" friend, as our parents called him.
This past Sunday at a birthday BBQ for Annie’s 30th birthday, Daniel took one bite of a chocolate chip cookie that contained peanut butter and immediately went into anaphylactic shock. DeNae Davis (childhood friend of Annie and Dan and Registered Nurse), Adam Peddicord (Certified Medic and husband to Annie), and Dr. John Vandree (Pulmonologist and family friend) administered immediate medical attention. 911 responded and rushed Daniel to Harborview Medical Center. The medical team at Harborview did everything they could for Daniel and the Sargent family. The severity of the reaction proved to be too much for modern medicine. Late Tuesday evening, after all possible options were exhausted, the medical team declared Daniel brain-dead.
Daniel Sargent is a shining example of how to be a friend. He is a loyal friend who would do anything for those around him. He has a huge heart that has touched the lives of many. It is in his death that he will continue to help people and give back. Daniel is an organ donor with very healthy organs to donate that will go to help the lives of over 400 people. We will remember him with fond memories forever. It is my hope that we can all take something away from this tragic story.
I have set up a bank account where donations can be made to support the Sargent family in their time of need. To donate, please go to any Washington Mutual or send me a check directly. Please include the account number with donations.
Lacey Boek - 9731 Mary Ave NW Seattle, WA 98117
Account Name: Lacey Boek (Grievance Fund) Account Number: 3410942028
Through people who loved and cared about Daniel, I hope we will be able to help the Sargent family through this extremely difficult time. We will be celebrating Daniel’s life in a memorial service soon. Details for the service will follow. Thank you for your love and support.
Sincerely,
Lacey
2 comments:
I was also a neighbor to The Sargents. I lived next door to them on Williams Rd. When Daniel was 2 years old I use to babysit him and his sister Penny. I lost contact with The Sargents after my family moved to Lake Stevens when I was a senior in High School. Then through my coaching and playing soccer I reconnected with the family. Dan was an assistant coach to me for a year with Snohomish United. He was great and brought smiles to us all with his character, knowledge, support and total love for the game. When he went away to the UofM we would see him at Christmas and exchange gifts. I still have a tshirt Dan gave me from there and will now treasure it forever. On Wednesday 6/25/2008 Dan left a message on my phone regarding my daughters graduation party and what to give her. I just cannot bring myself to delete his voice from my phone. I do feel lucky however, On Saturday 6/28/2008 when Dan left our party I gave him a big hug and told him I loved him. I am so fortunate that I got to do that. He will always be in my memories forever. Love you Dan!!!
I met Dan in the 8th grade. Over the years we stayed in touch and would hang out from time to time. He always seemed to keep tabs on me no matter where we were. I hadn't seen Dan in a few years, life gets busy I guess, and I wish more than anything that I could just talk to him one more time. He was a great friend and I don't think I truley appreciated just how much until he was gone. He will be missed forever.
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