Thanks to everyone that helped fulfill Christmas wishes this year on and off-air. We appreciate you all! Read some of the stories from our recent Secret Santa visits below.
2018 VISITS
Dec. 14th, 2018
Adrian
I'd like to Nominate my oldest daughter Adrian. She's a single mother of 2 children 1 girl age 7 and 1 boy age 6. She works her butt off every day to provide for them. I'm so proud of the Mom she's become. My daughter makes sure her bills are paid every month. She goes without so much, she doesn't even have a bed for herself to sleep on. She made sure her kids had one before her. If it's not possible, maybe a couch for her to sleep on would be great. She goes at times without food for herself just to make sure her kids have enough. She is very selfless. She takes time off work to take me to my doctor's appointments when need. I just think she really needs some help this year. Her daughter needs a new coat the one she has is getting to small on her. Her son don't need a coat this year the school gave him a brand new one. My daughter hates asking for any help this is why I'm asking for her. She love to listen to Frankie & Jess every morning on her way to work. They love to go to movies when she has extra money. I'd like to see her also get a good pair of work shoes, she always waits until they start getting holes before she’ll buy some for herself. I really would love to see you help her!! This would mean the world to her and me. Thank you so very much for this opportunity. She lives for her kids.
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Dec. 13th, 2018
The Burwell family
Hello my name is Brett Evans. My best friend David Burwell was taken from us on September 15th of this year. He was murdered by two men and he was only 25 years old. He has a son that is 3 years old and the child’s mother Isabella is now taking care of the baby all by herself. After all the funeral costs and the heartache, I want to help them out and Make sure they have a good Christmas this year without another financial burden. A little bit about their family: My best friend was a really good man, a good father and a good boyfriend. He was hard working he was always there for people. I have known David Burwell since we were 8 years old. It’s still hard at times for us all to understand this is what we have to deal with and not being able to talk to him. So I can’t even imagine what his baby and girlfriend are going through. It’s sad to know they haven’t got any closure to the death as the men who did this have not been found. So In a time like this I’m just trying to help ease their stress as much as I can and finally give them some good news. Anything is appreciated!
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Dec. 12th, 2018
Alejandra
I am submitting this request for my sister and her 3 kids. She is a single mother of 2 girls and 1 boy who lost her job at the beginning of the year. After losing her job, my sister was forced to move out of her apartment and is now living with our mom. For a while my sister made a little bit of money by driving for Uber until her car was crashed on her way home from picking her kids up at school. She finally got her car running but it is still wrecked and she can't afford to pay the $500 deductible. I am requesting that her kids get some Christmas gifts such as clothes, sock, shoes, these items have been hard for her to provide since she is struggling to get by. My sister is a very strong woman and I know she would not ask for help on her own. That's why me and my sister are submitting this entry and hoping she will be able to give her kids the bare essentials this Christmas. Thank You.
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Dec. 11th, 2018
Deaundra, Brendan, and their baby Delilah
I'd like to nominate Deaundra, Brendan, and their baby Delilah. Brendan was laid off from his job just before Thanksgiving and Deaundra was only beginning her second week at her job when it happened she had moved to a sub-company were Brendan worked so they could drive together since the car he had purchased and only had for 2 months completely died beyond repair so getting to their jobs was extremely difficult while also getting the baby to be babysat. It was a very unexpected pregnancy but these two young adults have worked so hard to support their daughter, Delilah is turning 1 on December 16th and I know they are trying so hard to stay positive for the future but getting the phone call from Deaundra sobbing and in tears the day Brendan was laid off was torture. They don't want to burden anyone especially with the holidays they're so strong and independent but I know any help would be a miracle for them. We've tried to help with food as much as we can but we're not financially able to do anything else apart from sharing what was here. I'd be so grateful for any help for them so that this desire they have doesn't disappear at just 19 and 21 years old they have a lifetime to stay hopeful. They are both so willing to help others all the time I know they are stressed about this birthday and the holidays in top of everyday rent and bills I'd love for them to get a little help. Thank you so much for helping anyone out life's so hard and it's truly amazing for families to get this miracle.
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Dec. 10th, 2018
Alyssa
I want to submit my cousin Alyssa who has been going through a really hard time. A few months ago she lost her boyfriend, the love of her life to addiction. I want to give this to her because she also has a young son who is 2. And I see how hard it is for my cousin to lose him and seeing her son not understand why he can't see his dad. I also see how it effects them not just emotionally but physically too. They're both really struggling with his loss and all the change along with it. Alysaa is also having a really hard time financially. And on top of that she had to struggle to figure out how to get a car to be able to work and now support her son alone on a low salary. As a single mom myself I understand the struggle but losing him right before her son's 2nd birthday and Christmas. I just want them to have a good Christmas to lighten my cousins burden and help ease their pain.
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Dec. 7th, 2018
Desarae & Tavara
Desarae and her husband Tavaras have four children. The youngest, Micah, has been diagnosed with a rare disease called cloves syndrome. Two years ago he was also diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Within the last 3 months he has also been diagnosed with another rare disease called insulin auto antibody syndrome and also nephrotic syndrome. This little boy has spent many weeks in and out of the hospital and had many surgeries. With his Mom always by his side caring for him and his Dad constantly working just trying to make ends meet his sisters always seem to feel forgotten about. Desarae has been one of my best friends since 4th grade and these days she just can’t seem to get a break. Her mother was recently put on hospice care and has been given days to live. Desarae is her main care giver and has spent many nights at the nursing home with her mother since that is the only time she can get time to go see her. Between caring for Micah and her mother and the rest of her family Desarae struggles to find any time for herself. Her and her husband work so hard just to be able to put food on the table and get basic needs for their children. Receiving a gift like this for Christmas would mean the world to them and their children. Especially little Micah who has had so much going on these past few months.
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Dec. 6th, 2018
Westerman Family
My name is Aunna, I am 21 years old and I would like to submit my mom for the chance to win a little help this holiday season. My mom is the ultimate super-mom. Growing up with a young single mother comes with financial difficulties, and my mom never showed that. I grew up with everything I've ever needed no matter the hard times, and she continues to do that for my 16 yr old sister Maddison and my 11 yr old brother Ashton. My mom struggles with a handful of medical issues including Diabetes type 1, but she always keeps going. She works long overtime hours and never stops being the best mom we could ask for. After working the hours she does, she still manages to makes sure there is a homemade dinner on the table every night and a smile on her face. I hope one day I am at least half the mother she is to us. My mom hasn't been able to fully enjoy a Christmas holiday is years, it always tends to bring her more stress. And my one wish for her this year is to be able to enjoy the holidays with her family- that would be the best Christmas gift to me.
I don't know what my chances are with this message getting read, but I sincerely thank you for taking your time to read it and I wish you a great holiday season.
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Dec. 5th, 2018
Strong Family
Candace is a single mom with two amazing special needs boys Joe age 18 and Daniel age 15. She works very hard to support her family and provide all the extras that come with raising special needs children. When she isn't taking her boys to therapy appointments, or helping them with other tasks, she is giving of her time to help other special needs parents navigate the system of insurance and state services. In October her son Joe was scheduled for a serious spinal/neck surgery to repair a genetic disorder at Primary Children's Hospital. It was supposed to be short surgery with 3-4 days of inpatient care, followed by a month of in home recovery. Unfortunately the surgery was more complicated than expected and Joe required over 2 weeks in ICU when his airway became compromised due to swelling. He also sustained an injury to his dominate arm, which is currently paralyzed, and is facing the possibility that he might not recover the use of his arm. After over a week in an induced coma, it was decided that Joe would need a trach to help him breath and begin to recover. Joe has now been inpatient at Primary Children's for a month, and hopefully will be transferring to a Skilled nursing facility to continue his recovery soon. Candace has been a trooper through the whole ordeal, trying to balance the needs of one child in the hospital and another child that needs constant care due to low-functioning autism. Living over and hour from the hospital, and needing to work has taken a toll on her. It would be a huge blessing to this mom to not have the worry of providing Christmas this year. With the mounting hospital bills, and the commute and extra day care expenses for Daniel, there won't be much left this year. Please consider this much deserving family for your Secret Santa.
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Dec. 4th, 2018
Stone Family
On the night of November 19th a fire erupted at the apartment complex on Chateau Dr in Roy. The entire apartment owned by Lori Stone was destroyed. Her daughter, son in law and granddaughter were all in home. Luckily they all got out safely but they lost everything. Their clothes, electronics, money were all gone. Christmas gifts for her granddaughter Aura were already purchased and now they're gone. Lori has been an amazing friend to my mother since high school so I have known her all my life. She is a wonderful person who has been through a terrible ordeal. Anything that could be done to help this family would be a blessing.
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Dec. 3rd, 2018
Niki
I met Niki the summer of 2017. I was going with my daughter while she was going through chemo. Niki had advanced breast cancer and finished chemo the same day as my daughter. They both went on to do radiation and we kept in contact through FB. Her cancer has spread to her hips and skull. She is on oral chemo now but I'm not sure what the future holds. She has 3 young boys Riley 9 turning 10 Dec. 5th, Reese 9 turning 10 Dec 5th and Ryker 4. I know this family has been through so much financially and emotionally and could use help this holiday season. Please help me to help this deserving family!! Thank you so much!
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2017 VISITS
Dec. 12th, 2017
Nikaedynn Finau
She is the second oldest in her family of six children. Currently she is in Primary Children's Hospital battling leukemia for the second time. She had a successful bone marrow transplant when she was two and was considered cured when we received the devastating news her cancer came back this summer. She had just received her drivers license and had made Keeper for the Varsity soccer team for Salem Hills High School. She is the strongest girl I have ever met. I wish for this Christmas to be extra special for her brothers and sisters at home. She has two sisters - 15 and 13, and two brothers 10 and 7. A special visit from Santa would be so special to them this year. Nikaedynn has been an amazing example, in grade school she helped grant wishes through fundraising for two classmates at Taylor Elementary who were fighting cancer at the time. This was featured in the Deseret News and on other news stations. She helped raise money for American Cancer society by performing in their Dance for a Cure fundraiser for many years as well as being part of our relay team the Purple Heroes. She is amazing and such a fighter. Her family could really use an extra special Christmas this year to cheer them up during this time. - Yvonne
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Dec. 11th, 2017
Amanda Wilcock
This family is the most deserving of this then anything. My best friend Rachel Shire passed away Tuesday November 14th of this year, due to heart conditions and left a small 8 year old child. 2 years prior Gabe also lost his father, and has now become an orphan. Cindy Rachel's mother and mike and amanda Rachel's brother and sister in law have taken Gabe in and are going to take care of him for Rachel. Cindy Rachels mother is currently fighting for her life with Thyroid cancer, and is still putting Gave ahead of everything and making sure he has the fullest life possible. This family is financial not set to take on this responsiblity but will do whatever they can to keep Gabe and everyone going. Please 97.1 help this family enjoy christmas a little bit more this year after this very hard passing of an 8 year olds mother. I walked Gabe to the casket and he noticed his mom had her christmas nails on already and he says Auntie Jess why does jesus have to take my mommy before christmas. Please show him that during his heartache mommy and the spirit of giving is till alive. Help me help this family. She was my best friend, and i feel like it is the least i can do for this amazing family. - Jessyka
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Dec. 7th, 2017
Heather Strickland
In June of this year my brother Tyler Strickland was tragically killed in a car accident leaving behind a wife (Heather), daughter (Payton 9), and Son (Ryker 6). Tyler was not only their rock he was their everything. Payton who used to be this shy curly haired blue eyed girl,is now this not so shy, sassy loving little princess as Tyler called her. Ryker is definitely a force to be reckoned with. This little guy always has a smile on his face, he definitely tests his parents patience, and then turn around and say (I love you) with those bright blue eyes and his crooked smile. What this young family has endured these last few month is more than anyone should in a life time. Heather has shown so much strength and determination during this rough time, I admire her for this, and want her to know I love her and she is doing an amazing job, considering the circumstances.
A couple of months ago the kids told their mom "mom if you ever feel like crying, just put your sunglasses on that's what we do".
So in ending I just want Heather and the kids to know I love them with all of my heart and I hope they have a wonderful Christmas. - Angie
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Dec. 6th, 2017
Julian Larsen
I am hoping you can help my daughter and her family this holiday season. I have been going through cancer as an old lady and my daughter and her family took me in, seen to all my needs and more. Now I want to give back but do not have the means to do so. My daughter has suddenly gone blind and cannot work, her spouse was just diagnosed with MS and other health problems, my granddaughter is autistic and has recent swelling on the brain unsure where this is going. Just want to bring even an hour of joy and happiness in their lives with the magic of Christmas. To take away reality with your help would be a blessing. I am hoping they get picked as they are most deserving!!! Help with groceries, a bed mattress, gift card or a Christmas favorite of candy is on my wish list for them. - LaRue
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Dec. 5th, 2017
Mindy Sipes
Hi, I would like to Nominate my best/friend Co Worker She has been through a lot this year with her father almost dying and being in and out of the hospital this past Monday 11/13 she got a call from her mother that her brother who lived in corona California Passed away in a car accident
http://www.pe.com/2017/11/13/fatal-crash-on-15-freeway-in-corona-shuts-down-northbound-lane/
It has been hard they set up a go fund me to try to get there but she is worried how are they going to afford christmas for her kids with this unexpected death in the family as well as needing to get to California for his funeral my friend is very selfless and the most amazing person who deserves some cheer in this horrific death and with how her year has gone this would make her year she hasn't even put up anything for Christmas because she was really close to her brother. i know with this would make her year better as well as give her children a great Christmas they deserve as well. - Lindsey
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Dec. 1st, 2017
Robert Ranck
Robert is a Purple Heart recipient veteran. He served 8 years in the Army. He did 2 tours in Korea and one in Afghanistan. He was discharged last year. He has not had any of his assistance go through, and doesn't have insurance. He has 4 kids. A daughter age 13, a son age 10, a daughter age 5, and another daughter age 3. Robert was in a motorcycle accident in July and due to not having insurance, has been paying his medical bills off. This has left him with little money to purchase Christmas gifts. He could really use some help getting his kids Christmas! He would be ever so grateful! - Alissa
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Nov. 30th, 2017
Louis Frese
Louis Frese is my brother, in Sept. of 2016 he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and was given a year to live and he has bypassed that and is being as strong as he can be. He has very kind heart, and high spirited person and always wants to help others and make sure everyone is happy. As sick as he is he still wants to make sure everyone else is doing good, wanting to help fix things for people even know he doesn't have the strength. He is the most unselfish person there is. because of his cancer he had to take disability and quit his job that he loved. so, with all the medical bills and other bills piling up his family doesn't have the money to do much, with him and his wife they have 9 kids and he is feeling really bad not being able to get them something for Christmas. - Maggie
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Nov. 28th, 2017
Don and Lisa Drury
I am nominating my brother, his wife and 11 year old son..Lisa is disabled, a diabetic and received a new kidney in 2011..my brother lost his job in August of this year and they couldn't afford her medications (now they can) so her she is having problems with her kidney but the last 2 months she has had 3 surgeries on her foot, the last one one week ago removing half of her foot. My brother also is a diabetic and has health issues, he is working with unemployment and hasn't been able to find a job yet, at the end of this month he will have no medical insurance because the state says he makes too much with unemployment (so not true, people have to live)- these are hard times for them! Not sure how long they will be able to live where they are, if they can't afford it they will have to move in with my family & no one likes to do that because everyone likes there own space but if it happens then it will be OK. I hope you can help these deserving people & bring some joy into there lives at this challenging time in there lives. - Anna