September 2002
Front Range Family
By Kimberly Abrams
Joseph's Journey - A Remarkable Story of Strength and Heroism
If you ever thought that $50.25 could never be enough to make a difference, think again. Joseph's Journey, a non-profit organization that fulfills the dreams of terminally ill children, started with just that much. Kim and Vickie Steuart started the organization in memory of their son Joseph Steuart, a young boy growing up in Lakewood, Colorado who loved the great outdoors.
Joseph had plans of growing up to become a ranger or have a career working in the wilderness. He loved life's most simplistic pleasures, like watching a leaf drift down from its branch until it finally landed on the ground below. He could never imagine a "bad" fishing day even if the fish forgot to show up for him. Fishing, hiking, camping, hunting and everything else the outdoors had to offer, Joseph adored it all. Unfortunately for the rest of us, Joseph never got the chance to become one of our great rangers.
At 13 years of age, Joseph was diagnosed with leukemia. Not only did Joseph bravely accept the news; he fought the disease with a never ending smile and a positive strength most adults could no have mustered up. Shortly after learning of the leukemia, Joseph underwent a bone marrow transplant. Sadly, complications set in and Joseph passed away within seven months of the original diagnosis. Once his parents found the strength to clean his room, they noticed a shoebox with exactly $50.25 in change which included a note that said "Caribou Trip". Kim and Vickie realized their son must have been saving all of his change for quite awhile. The life savings of their precious little boy laid before them in pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters.
Remembering everything his son had endured since his diagnosis, and picturing the faces of the many other children at Children's Hospital still working through their ordeal, Kim Steuart had a powerful thought come to him. After convincing his wife Vickie that his plan could work, Joseph's Journey was born. Kim believes that children should be adventurous and carefree with time to explore and discover.
But for some children life is a struggle. Instead of playing make-believe on the playground many children are working through painful medical procedures. Their young lives filled with hospitals and doctors. Each year, cancer and other life-threatening or terminal illnesses, interrupt the fun explorations of thousands of children. Their days are filled with fear and uncertainty, taking the place of laughter and stability.
Joseph's Journey is dedicated to fulfilling the dreams of children with terminal or life-threatening illnesses. By providing Rocky Mountain outdoor and wilderness adventures for these children, Kim and Vickie have brought smiles to young people who most people would feel have no reason to smile. The children get a break from the routines of the hospital. They fish our beautiful lakes and streams, camp beside a bonfire, hike, hunt, climb and most importantly, get away from it all and become everyday kids again. Two of the children who had enjoyed one of Joseph's Journeys, went into relapse with their illnesses and have since passed away. Another passed away just days before having the chance to fulfill a dream. Having to wait for donations to come in means having to ask these children to wait for their journey. Many of them just don't have the time to wait.
With the help of our communities, Joseph's Journey can continue to help brighten these children's lives. If just briefly, by providing a journey, a chance to be adventurous and explore. Joseph's Journey always welcomes volunteers experienced with the outdoors. Also needed are donations of outdoor gear, monetary contributions, or if you own a cabin or lodge, Joseph's Journey is always grateful for housing donations for each journey. Joseph never lived to experience the many wilderness journeys he dreamt about. But today other children like Joseph can, thanks to a little boys life savings of $50.25 that was left in a shoebox.
Kim Steuart received the Channel 7 "Everyday Hero Award" in
June 2002 for his selfless contribution to the children of Children's
Hospital while working a full-time job. Vickie Steuart runs a daycare
in their home while helping run the organization. If you would like to
make a donation or refer a child to Joseph's Journey, please contact Kim
or Vickie at 303-989-5710 or email: josephsjourney@aol.com.
