Request for Help through N-Scale Magazine

[Pamela Clapp]

Today, Walt Huston and I received this letter and I am hoping there is someone out there that can help. There is a fellow model railroader in need of our help and I wanted to share this letter with you in hopes someone is close and can help him complete his layout. So many of you are always there to help and support us at N-Scale Magazine, and I hope you can help Doug with his request. Below is the letter I received from Doug's co-worker and friend Travis.

"I understand this is a huge request and if not possible I completely understand. My name is Travis Mays and I work for a county office of education in California. Recently one of our coworkers had to take some emergency leave to take care of her son who is battling cancer. He is 30 years old , a father and husband. He is a structural engineer at AECOM. He is sadly after 4 years losing his battle with Colon cancer. He is currently under Hospice care in his home in Parker Colorado . Through reading their Gofundme page I discovered that he is avid N-Scale modeler. I will put a quote from the page. “Doug has had a steady stream of visitors this weekend. His N Scale Train friends are there now to help him finish as much of his model train layout as possible. Doug would be thrilled to see a train run on the layout, but there is a bit of work left.” . As I stated earlier I understand how far of a stretch this request is ,but I wanted to try anyways. Is there any way your organization may be able to spread the word and find a way to help him finish his model before he is unable to. If there is anything you can do at all ,our appreciation and gratitude would be infinite. Thank you very much for your time and I look forward to hearing back from you. If you have any questions at all please give me a call at (530) 822-2903 or email me back at this address.
 
 
Below I attached link to their page if you’d to read.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/financial-fund-for-doug-amp-kerrie-midkiff
 
 
Travis A. Mays
Human Resource Clerk
Phone: 530-822-2903

[GaryHinshaw]

Tragic news. 

Doug is a well-known member here (@dmidkiff).  I'm sure many here will do whatever they can to support him and his family.  Beyond that, words fail me.

[DeltaBravo]

Thanks for posting. I contributed to the cause.

[GaryHinshaw]

Doug passed away peacefully last night. RIP.

[MK]

Ugh! 

[Dave V]

Oh no!  I just saw this.  I'm only about 40 minutes down the road from Parker, CO.  I'm sorry that it's too late to help.  30 is far, far too young to go.

F**k cancer.

[RBrodzinsky]

Very very sad news

[ednadolski]

Very sad to hear this!

[DeltaBravo]

 

[mark dance]

So so sad.

Please Rest In Peace Doug and peace be with your family.

Mark

[Pamela Clapp]

I am so sorry to hear this. I only heard about Doug and his family a few days ago and I was truly hoping we could make his wish come true and he could see a train run on his layout.  He is gone from this world way too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

[Cajonpassfan]

Oh no!  I just saw this.  I'm only about 40 minutes down the road from Parker, CO.  I'm sorry that it's too late to help.  30 is far, far too young to go.

F**k cancer.

Indeed. Truly sad. RIP Doug.
But it’s not too late to help Kerrie, his  wife and very young daughter who are left behind with bills and no job at this point.
Just click on the Gofundme link in Pamelas first post.
Otto K.

[Rivet Miscounter]

Man, this is tough.   I'm with Otto, if you have a few bucks I'm sure Doug would smile down on a few  's pitching in to help ease the pain for his wife and daughter.

And, I'm with Dave...F**k cancer.

[mark dance]

A message this morning from the GoFundMe organizer.  Thank you to any of "Doug's train friends", should you be on this forum...

"Morning, everyone. Just checked in with Kerrie. As I am sure you can imagine, the grief and reality of the situation are incredibly difficult. Kerrie, Vivi, and the fam are taking this moment by moment, day by day.

Some highlights I wanted to share... in a previous update, I had mentioned that some of Doug's train friends went to his house to try to get his model train to run (he has been building the layout for years). After about 2 hours, in one of the most amazing, special moments that the group could ask for, they handed the control to Doug, and he was able to run the train up and down the track. He was elated. This was a very special moment.

Another special update, Doug's co-workers have built a beautiful memorial on his desk which is now being flooded with flowers and cards. A very special thank you to the AECOM family for your generosity to this campaign and the memorial on his desk.

There is also a very special woman who has single-handedly called and emailed over 200 people asking for their support for this campaign. You are an angel and the family is so grateful.

The family is beyond touched by everyone's beautiful contributions both financially and in your actions. Thank you all for your overwhelming support.

Many of you have asked me.... but the family has not released any details for a memorial or funeral at this time. When those details become available, I will ask Kerrie how she wants those shared. Thank you for your patience and for all your love and support.

- Mary Grothe"

[glakedylan]

peace be his and all those who grieve this loss.


sincerely
Gary