***FEDERAL EMPLOYEES- PLEASE DONATE LEAVE TO RYAN HESS***

My name is Margie Hess, my husband Ryan was diagnosed on June 12, 2009 with a rare and aggressive form of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.  Since this is an aggressive form of T-Cell Lymphoma, his doctor has put him on an aggressive chemo regimen that will result in him being unable to work for the next 4-6 months and possibly longer.  At the time of diagnosis he was finishing up his 1^st year as a Podiatry Resident at the V.A. in Tucson, AZ.  Ryan is a devoted husband and father of two children, Hallie (5) and Max (2).  By the end of this month (June 2009), Ryan will use up the last of his vacation and sick leave and will have to go on unpaid leave.  Ryan is the sole provider for our family; I stay at home with both the kids.  Without him working we have no income.  I need to stay home to help care for him, so I cannot get a job right now, either.  As difficult as it is for our family to have to ask for help, we have realized that we must do so at this time.  We were told that any federal employee (ie: military, Border Patrol, DEA, FB I, Dept of Justice, EPA etc.  EXCEPT Post Office employees) can donate vacation time to be used as sick leave for another Federal employee.  We would be so thankful for any number of extra paid days we can accumulate.  Thank you so much.

How can you help if you ARE a Federal Employee?

Go to your HR department and request to donate leave to Ryan Hess who works for the VA.  (Your HR person will know the form that needs to be filled out- each Federal agency has their own form to donate leave) 

Once filled out and signed, the HR person will then need to fax or e-mail the form to:

OLIVIA McCLURE – Benefits Specialist (TUCSON V.A.)

Phone #: (520) 792-1450 x 6076

Fax #     :  (520) 629-1849

E-Mail   :  olivia.mcclure@va.gov

ALSO, for those who are federal employees, please print out this message and post it in break/lunch rooms to help get the word out as well as emailing it to co-workers!

How to help if you are NOT a Federal Employee:

PASS this along to ANYONE and EVERYONE that you know and then ask them to pass the message along.  Post it on blogs, Facebook…whatever you can think of.   

Thanks again everyone- this will help SO much!

GO TEAM RYAN HESS!

(E-mail teamryanhess@gmail.com to receive updates or to send a message!)

Tucson Veteran Home Buyer/Seller Specialist

Kathy Vallee, CRS, GRI – RE/MAX Veteran Relocation Specialist

Tucson, AZ  (February 24, 2009) –Kathy Vallee has joined the www.VeteranRelocators.com a “Veterans Serving Veterans (VSV) benefit program. Kathy Vallee a Certified Residential Specialist and Certified New Homes Specialist offers unmatched aisstance for the veteran buyer and seller. “This program has been customized for our military clients and Veterans to save them thousands of dollars! ” Real Estate agents and other professional involved in the transaction will give a portion of their earnings to the veteran at close of escrow.

“I am honest and sincere about my quest to help veterans and it is important to me that I earn your trust and confidence in handling your real estate matter”.

Whether you are first time home buyer or looking for a second home in Tucson-start your search here www.VeteranRelocators.com from the comfort of your home. Our territory covers the Davis Monthan Air Force Base Installation.