Abby Milani Update 11/27/06
Caring Bridge Website

Dear 911 CARES,

I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank you and all of the 9-1-1 personell for all of your love and support shown to Shawn and Abby through this terrible ordeal.  Shawn has certainly been blessed by friends and caring individuals through this time, just like your group.  I am his mothers youngest sister and know first hand that the past few months have been very difficult on everyone but especially Shawn.   Losing his mother and then Abby’s tragedy is a lot of grief on Shawn at one time.  Please continue to support him in anyway your group can.  On behalf of Shawn and Abby’s family we thank you.  

Pam Bacon

Previous update:

Abby Milani Update 09/26/06

A note from 911 CARES!

During the week of September 18th, 3 classes were held by PSTC. Funding for the classes come thanks to the state NENA and APCO Chapters in partnership with the local MTU, Mike Norrington and local 9-1-1 authority boards. Over 140 9-1-1 professionals attended these classes!

Each day, students were given the opportunity to make a donation for Abby and get lunch. Lunch on Wednesday was extra special as Abby's Dad and his friends handled the cooking. Students also had the opportunity to but 911 CARES goodies at the class.

We are happy to say that we raised over $1,600 dollars for Abby's fund in these three days including a $500 donation from 911 CARES.

On a side note, Abby turned 3 years old today. Though she is still hospitalized receiving care, she was able to get "sprung" by her parents and family for a quick visit to see Chucky Cheese! Once students in the classes mentioned above learned that it was Abby's birthday week, they were generous enough to buy some gifts that Abby opened on her Birthday!

If you will be attending the Illinois APCO/NENA conference, we will be doing a fund raiser for little Abby there also! Watch for details.

Kevin Willett
PSTC - Public Safety Training Consultants
www.pstc911.com
www.911cares.com
WK: 650-591-7911 x 102 FAX: 650-591-8911
PGR: 800-880-5277
E-mail: kevin@pstc911.com
PO Box 5508 - Redwood City, CA 94063

Previous update:

Abby Milani Update 06/02/06

Dear 911 CARES,

I was contacted by Shawn Milani's Brother John, with an idea that we think is wonderful. As Abby battles her horrible burns, we look to the future. John thought it would be nice to start a memory book to let Abby know about all the good people who have helped her, weather it was monetarily or with words of encouragement and prayer.  Due to Abby's young age, I think this is a FANTASTIC idea.  I hope agencies send both a patch and a picture of their team.  When she becomes a young woman, and even has children of her own, I am sure that she will cherish whatever her Uncle John does for her with these department patches and pictures.  Can you please post this request on the 911 CARES site.  I have included the email I have received from John Milani below.  We also have a benefit planned for September 24th. Details will come soon.

I would also like to convey my thanks to everyone who has responded to the activation.  You have no idea how much it has meant to Shawn.  I have even spoken to some local Dispatchers and TC's where Shawn is staying. They have taken the time to visit him, and offered every comfort of home.

Thanks
Adam

PS

I don't know if you guys have a PSTC Patch, but I am sure you have a little something that would qualify.  You guys have been the best, and a huge part of this.  Please send what you can so that she, and hopefully her children, will know who you are.

Original activation:

Abby Milani
Caring Bridge Website

Note from 911 CARES: We often get 911 CARES “activation” requests and they all take a place in our hearts. This one is a double loss for Shawn in Illinois. Please read the request below and find a way for you or your agency to help.

Shawn Milani is a dispatcher in Williamson County, Illinois. May 23th his mother was laid to rest after losing her battle with Cancer.

At approx. 03:00 hours this morning (May 24th), we received a call from Shawn's father. He advised us that Abby Milani (Shawn’s 2 year old daughter) was in a tent which caught fire. Apparently this was a truly unforeseen accident. A branch fell on a citronella candle in, that in turn started a grassfire that caught Abby’s camping tent on fire.

She has been extensively burned, and flown to St. Louis Children's Hospital where she was treated and transferred to a burn center in Ohio. She has 3rd degree burns on 25% of her body and numerous 2nd degree burns. Abby is only 2 years old. Burns include 2nd and 3rd degree burns on her entire left side, including her face. Emergency surgery has been done to restore the circulation to her left hand. Many more surgeries and battles are to follow.

This 911 CARES activation is for prayers, cards or letters of support and financial assistance. Though insurance will cover standard care, there are huge associated costs of hospital transfers, specialized treatments, co-payments and travel expenses and family lodging costs in Ohio.

For additional information, contact Shawn’s co-worker Adam, his info is listed below. You can donate directly at www.911cares.com   The Williamson County 9-1-1 center appreciates your help and support. We will post updates at www.911cares.com as we get them.

Cards and letters for the dispatch center or family can be sent to Adam and he will personally deliver them.

Adam Compton
Herrin PD
321 North 14th Street
Herrin, IL 62948
My Phone# (618) 925-1028
My Address: 1305 Rae Lane, Carterville, IL 62918

oneadam12@gmail.com