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In memory of
Joseph "Chicken" Spottswood Geer
In lieu of flowers
Please consider a contribution to Raise Funds for Memorial Bench Seating Area.
$6,500
goal
Show your support:
Contribute
Background
Thank you so much for everyone's support as we honor the memory of Joseph Geer.
Joseph was born into this world as one of a set of twins. I think he was born with a smile on his face, because despite all the obstacles he would face, beginning before he ever took his first breath, he made a point to always be gracious, thankful, and happy. While he could have been upset for never having the ability to walk or having to overcome constant challenges brought on by his cerebral palsy, he always worked hard to make others around him cheerful as him. He wanted to be recognized at the boy who kept up with the crowd despite setbacks and disadvantages. And when it wasn't possible for him to join in, his siblings would work together to make him feel there was nothing he could not do too.
In later years, he moved to Illinois where he enjoyed the company of others, being the "cool kid" with video games, movies, and even a lounge chair at one point. I think he could have opened up his own Blockbuster he had so many! He picked up new interests , like wrestling, but never forgot the old ones, like Power Rangers.
But well before moving to be around a community where he felt he belonged, he longed to make friends, since making buddies at school was, well, complicated. He did so by doing what every kid does over the summer - go to camp! Joseph asked all year when it was time to go to Camp Burnt Gin he would get so excited. It was the first place, other than later arriving at Beverly Farm, that he could be with others that also had disabilities and didn't feel like the only one struggling. Camp gave him a lot of firsts in life and was one of his all time favorite places to grow up. He made memories that lasted his whole lifetime - people still at Camp Burnt Gin remember Joseph. Many thought that Joseph went to camp for a chance to play in the light, but really Joseph brought the light to camp.
To honor him, we want to create a space where visitors, family, and camp goers can relax outside in that light together, sharing their memories and creating moments that they too won't forget their entire lives. The funds raised will go towards a beautiful outdoor seating area for just this, and a purple (yeah, his favorite color) memorial bench so that he will always have a place at camp, one of the places that he loved most. We hope you will donate in his memory so that we can share a part of him with others, so that they feel his love as much as we felt we did during his short, but impactful, life. Thank you so much in advance for your contributions. Contribute
Joseph was born into this world as one of a set of twins. I think he was born with a smile on his face, because despite all the obstacles he would face, beginning before he ever took his first breath, he made a point to always be gracious, thankful, and happy. While he could have been upset for never having the ability to walk or having to overcome constant challenges brought on by his cerebral palsy, he always worked hard to make others around him cheerful as him. He wanted to be recognized at the boy who kept up with the crowd despite setbacks and disadvantages. And when it wasn't possible for him to join in, his siblings would work together to make him feel there was nothing he could not do too.
In later years, he moved to Illinois where he enjoyed the company of others, being the "cool kid" with video games, movies, and even a lounge chair at one point. I think he could have opened up his own Blockbuster he had so many! He picked up new interests , like wrestling, but never forgot the old ones, like Power Rangers.
But well before moving to be around a community where he felt he belonged, he longed to make friends, since making buddies at school was, well, complicated. He did so by doing what every kid does over the summer - go to camp! Joseph asked all year when it was time to go to Camp Burnt Gin he would get so excited. It was the first place, other than later arriving at Beverly Farm, that he could be with others that also had disabilities and didn't feel like the only one struggling. Camp gave him a lot of firsts in life and was one of his all time favorite places to grow up. He made memories that lasted his whole lifetime - people still at Camp Burnt Gin remember Joseph. Many thought that Joseph went to camp for a chance to play in the light, but really Joseph brought the light to camp.
To honor him, we want to create a space where visitors, family, and camp goers can relax outside in that light together, sharing their memories and creating moments that they too won't forget their entire lives. The funds raised will go towards a beautiful outdoor seating area for just this, and a purple (yeah, his favorite color) memorial bench so that he will always have a place at camp, one of the places that he loved most. We hope you will donate in his memory so that we can share a part of him with others, so that they feel his love as much as we felt we did during his short, but impactful, life. Thank you so much in advance for your contributions. Contribute
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In lieu of flowers
Please consider a contribution to Raise Funds for Memorial Bench Seating Area.
$6,500
goal
Show your support:
Contribute
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Created with love by
Ellen Geer (Joseph's sister).
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