Welcome all Oprah fans. Thank you for visiting our website after reading the wonderful article in this month’s issue of O: The Oprah Magazine or finding us through Peter Walsh’s social media. I love that Jane Hofmann and Christine LeTourneau received this national recognition! These are two women who deserve it, as unselfish and humble as they are. Incredibly, it goes beyond these two, to the masses that helped make the event successful; not just once, but twice.
Oh, how I hope there’s a third time.
[quote align=”center” color=”#999999″]A couple of years ago, Walsh received a remarkable e-mail from Jane Hofmann, 49, of Ashburn, Virginia. On a local blog, Jane had read about a then 21-year-old named Ryan Diviney who was in a coma after being beaten late at night (by Austin Vantrease and Jonathan May) outside a convenience store in Morgantown, West Virginia, where he was attending college. His family lived in Ashburn and was struggling to pay his medical bills. Though she’d never met the Divineys, Hofmann spoke to a friend, Christine LeTourneau, 47, who spoke to a few other friends, and soon they’d organized a massive yard sale of their town’s clutter, from clothing to toys to exercise equipment, furniture, and appliances—all to raise money for Ryan’s treatment.– Oprah Magazine Excerpt [/quote]
Read the De-Clutter Article by clicking the picture!
For all the new readers here that took time to write to me, please know I will respond to each of you. Also know how much I appreciate all the kind words and joining “Team Diviney” because that is key in keeping my son relevant.
The one question that I get most often is “what happened to those men (although, most people use other words to describe them) that attacked Ryan. Well, in the scheme of things, not much as I see it. I suppose this is where I want to make my standard disclaimer that this is my opinion and the truth as I believe it, like no one would know this already.
Jonathan Matthew May (of Newark, Delaware) served just seven months of jail time and is now a free man. Austin Issac Vantrease (also of Newark, Delaware) is currently serving a felony sentence in the West Virginia State’s Huttonsville Correctional Center. Vantrease is expected to be released in around two-and-a-half years from now, serving just five years for a lifetime of harm. This is scary — at least to me — but he could actually be set free as early as this summer! If you want to help over 32,000 other people in keeping his ass in jail, please sign our online anti-parole petition.
Both are on the hook for roughly $100,000 in criminal restitution (jointly and severely). You probably guessed it, they are not stepping-up to this debt like normal, accountable people. Additionally, I filed a civil lawsuit (on behalf of my son) that is scheduled for trial this summer. Unfortunately, it seems a jury might need to impose accountability on them.
Enough about them, for today anyhow.
It is true that Ryan’s devastating injury has cost us so much. Financial hardship is just one of the elements, and it’s a big one. Without the support of caring people we never would be able to keep our head above water. Actually, it’s more like coming up for air when we can because we started gasping for breath years ago. But it’s more than this. It provides the resources to give Ryan comfort and treatment, breathable oxygen be damned! It allows him to keep trying to come back to us. It is a chance… against all odds.
It’s all the fundraisers, like the highly successful “Declutter for Ryan Diviney” event featured in O: The Oprah Magazine, that make the difference. Let’s not be too quick to forget that those accountable (i.e., Vantrease and May) seem noticeably absent from paying their full debt. I suppose if you’re interested enough to find your way to our website, then I can impose on you for one more thing. It’s the “Unstoppable Moms” contest being held by the Live with Kelly and Michael morning show that Team Diviney is promoting on my wife’s behalf. Please take a few minutes to read (and get entry information) here and nominate her.
You can see by now, there are many ways to help keep my son relevant. Many don’t involve money, but some do. The thing is, they are all important (and easy to do)! Please help where ever you can.
Related articles
When will the de-clutter event be this year?
Wonderful coverage! You can’t get any better publicity than Oprah.
I bought the Oprah Magazine yesterday and read the article, told everyone I knew to get the magazine and read the article. I remember this event like it was yesterday, it was a beautiful day weather wise, and lots of people were there. Great pic of the girls with Peter. I remember him auctioning off the dress! How wonderful of him to come to the event.
Jo, I love that quote.
This is great Ken. I’ve always enjoyed Oprah’s magazine. Glad to see The Team getting some exposure for that great event!
I am s touched by your dedication to your son. My prayers are with you and your family.
I’m ready for the next yard sale! I have a lot to donate… again! I hope all of these new readers are able to donate in some way. Praying for you guys, as always.
This is so fricking exciting!! WOW, not only does the article bring thousands of people to Ryan’s Rally, but it brings attention to Jonathan May and Austin Vantrease. Two boys who thought if they would hide behind the dumpsters, slink out of Morgantown, and go back to Delaware no one would find them. Thanks to two brave girls who came forward, these boys and their friends that stood by and watched the attack, were apprehended. Not only does Ryan deserve the publicity, but these convicts do also. The have shown no remorse, and made no attempts to pay restitution. At his last parole hearing it was stated that “Austin refuses to get a job in prison”. Jon May has paid nothing since he has been released. Thank you Oprah for bringing this story to light, and thank you Jane and Christine for making this story even possible.
All were awesome who helped with this wonderful event and thanks Ken for
sharing your thoughts and feelings with us
love Gail
Hi Ken, I’m proud to be on the bus for Ryan!! A big thank you to Jane, Christine, and all the many volunteers who have given so much of themselves to help Ryan on his road to recovery. Thank you to all the members of Team Diviney who continue to help Ryan in so many ways. I would also like to express my gratitude to Peter Walsh, Oprah and all the readers of the wonderful O Magazine. It’s very uplifting to know there are people who are willing to get involved in times of trouble. The fact that Team Diviney continues to expand is a wonderful blessing!!
I am praying Sue wins the “Unstoppable Mom” contest. I know there are many Moms out there who are worthy of this award. But having watched Sue throughout the past few years, I know she is an inspiration to all who know her. She personifies the term Unstoppable Mom!!”
Sending you love, hugs, continuing prayers, and the fresh hope in the Lord, which comes new every morning.
Paula
Those women are awesome. Thanks for noticing, Oprah!
I just came across this quote by Oprah, and it reminds me of Team Diviney:
“Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.”
Team Diviney is with you on the bus!
Oprah Winfrey
Thank you for re-posting and a big thanks to Gail for posting it while you were out of town. Thank you, Superdad, for adding your thoughts here as well. Saving all my clutter for the event, but I must ask, “Got truck?” LOL Watching for the date so we can save it.