Thank You From Danielle Davenport

daniroyer

Member
Joined
Nov 30, 2007
Messages
267
Words cannot express how grateful I am for what y’all have done. People say that a lot, but it’s really true in this case. The rEVOLution gave my husband hope and motivated him to do something rather than just play armchair quarterback. It was Eric who first introduced me to Ron Paul. He did the research online, he called me into the room to see RP on TV, and it was him that suggested we start getting active with the meetup. From there, it blossomed into a true family affair.

We attended our first meetup, then the rallies during the Univision debate. From there we both were regulars at the Ron Paul campaign office in Miami, along with our oldest son Dante. Our youngest son Christian wasn’t too into heading to the office, but Dante thought it was the most awesome thing ever. We started walking our precinct and we got Ron Paul up to 9% (he only got 3% in the whole state). I did the “smart” work at the house (preparing the info and setting up routes), while my husband walked the neighborhood each afternoon. After we put the kids to bed, he’d load up our radio flyer wagon with signs and walk the neighborhood again. My husband literally walked his ass off (he ended up 20 lbs lighter by the primary).

After the primary, I started my run for state house. I sucked out loud, but my husband still walked the neighborhoods and got me close to 250 signatures by himself. Between lack of funds and the entire family getting the flu that would not die, I finally had to drop out about two months ago. I started helping Dean Santoro with his state senate campaign and my husband was preparing to walk neighborhoods for Dean when the time came. Eric also had signed up to be a campaign volunteer for Libertarian candidate Bob Barr the week of the car crash.

On Sunday, June 8, 2008 my husband was hit by a drunk driver a mile from our house while coming home from a 16-hour shift as a waiter. The drunk driver blew through a red light at about 50 mph (in a 30) and stuck our car directly in the driver side door. A witness to the crash, a nurse, immediately attended to my husband. After 911 was called, my husband gave the nurse my name and phone number. She called me and I was at the scene within minutes. I got there just as fire rescue was preparing the jaws of life. The police kept me across the street, but I did see that Eric was awake and talking to the paramedics. The other driver was stumbling around screaming racial slurs and cursing. All while my husband could hear him.

My husband was taken by helicopter to Ryder Trauma Center in Miami. His heart stopped during the flight, but the brought him back long enough to make it to the hospital. Immediately, his heart stopped again and despite doing the whole nine yards, they could not revive my husband.

The drunk driver was never arrested despite refusing a sobriety test and initially giving a false name. One police officer even told me the man was drunk. He was only ticketed with reckless driving, failure to obey a traffic signal, driving without proof of insurance, and driving without a license. The homicide detective hasn’t returned my calls so I don’t know any updates. Florida City police will only refer me to the officer investigating the homicide. My lawyer has had no luck either. So we’re spinning our wheels trying to figure out what to do.

Thank you all so much for helping us out. Between my husband employer (Applebee’s has been AMAZING) and y’all, me and the boys should be just fine. Once I get all my husband’s affairs settled, I’ll be heading back to work.

Again, thank you, thank you, thank you!
 
Bump. Thanks for relaying this.

As for the human debris who hit Eric Davenport, words fail me. I'll get banned if I say honestly what I would do to that scumbag if I ever encounter him.
 
It sounds to me like the campaign brought a change in you all that allowed some sort of completion in passing for your husband. I grieve for your loss; and celebrate what you all have gained. I have utmost gratitude for your families efforts, and admiration for your attitude.

We love you too, Danielle!
 
Thanks for updating us. I'm trying to think of something substantial that we could send to Danielle to represent us here at the forums--I'm willing to pay for it, I just need a great idea.
 
Thanks you for sharing, I am very sorry to hear about this. It is a blessing that the rEVOLution can make a difference for you and your family.

I am with Amy on her idea and would like to chip-in.
 
With misty eyes; I can only express my condolances, and thanks for the time he gave us all.

We are a big family, and share a small part of your pain.

:(

m
 
I'm so sorry, Danielle. I truly admire your attitude, all you have done, and your ability to focus right now. My heart goes out to you and your family. May Eric rest in peace and may karma find the callous asshole who took so much from the world.
 
Danielle, I have 2 boys. I can't even imagine what it's like to be in your shoes.

Don't forget that we'll be here for a long time. Come back and let us know how it's going from time to time, because we'll be thinking of you always.
 
We have all become a large family. We all morn your loss together. Know that you, and your blood family are in our thoughts. Truly one of the things I have gained most from this campaign is new family and friends. I hope that you can find solace in the fact that many people are thankful for all your husband had done for the cause, and you as well. Our blessings are with you always.
 
Proof you can't depend on the government:

After Eric died, I applied for emergency foodstamps because THIS is the situation this program was created for -- not long term. They processed my application fast I got the card the day before I left to bury my husband in PA. I activated it then because even though I wasn't going to use it for a week, I wanted everything to be set when I got back. The letter I got said we were getting a little over $400.

I went grocery shopping today. I tried to use my card, but my balance was $0. Had y'all not sent money, I'd have been screwed. I started calling their "ACCESS Florida" hotline as soon as I got home and all I keep getting is that all their agents are busy. Private charity trumps government "help" yet again.

Again, thank y'all for helping. I'm still in a daze over all this; both his death and everyone helping out.

Edited To Add: I also spoke with my bank about setting up college savings accounts for the boys. After the dust has settled, any remaining money will go into these accounts.
 
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Proof you can't depend on the government:

After Eric died, I applied for emergency foodstamps because THIS is the situation this program was created for -- not long term. They processed my application fast I got the card the day before I left to bury my husband in PA. I activated it then because even though I wasn't going to use it for a week, I wanted everything to be set when I got back. The letter I got said we were getting a little over $400.

I went grocery shopping today. I tried to use my card, but my balance was $0. Had y'all not sent money, I'd have been screwed. I started calling their "ACCESS Florida" hotline as soon as I got home and all I keep getting is that all their agents are busy. Private charity trumps government "help" yet again.

Again, thank y'all for helping. I'm still in a daze over all this; both his death and everyone helping out.

Edited To Add: I also spoke with my bank about setting up college savings accounts for the boys. After the dust has settled, any remaining money will go into these accounts.

Check your hotmail account, Dani and let me know if the donations came through allright.

I'm still keeping the chip-in open, but given the circumstances, I'll send as received.

All my best.
 
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