Love on Ottomatic

Sharon Held is a beautiful spirit who became part of Otto’s life many years ago on one of those random Gabe, Dex and Otto nights. She was an instant addition to the family even though she moved to NYC shortly after meeting. She is pictured here making Otto some art in the Central Park a short time ago (Her son Vandon is hiding behind it). Diagnosed with cancer (Leukemia) 6 months ago, she was inspirational and inspired by Otto in their joint battle. Sadly we lost her this week and she will be deeply missed. Sharon always emanted positive energy and constant smiles as she moved through life. She handled her disease with dignity and grace and we are sad at how quickly it took her.

” Sharon meant a lot to me not only as a friend, but as a mom and a woman that embraced life, family & career”. – Sue Igoe.

Remembrance Gathering for Sharon Held

Saturday, August 9, 2008

3pm to 5pm

St. Mark’s Church in the Bowery

131 E. 10th St.

New York, NY 10003

(2nd Ave and 10th Street)

Kenny Ray Scallon

kennyray1@earthlink.net

212 729 3528

Please come together to remember and celebrate the life of Sharon Held with her Family and Friends.

This week gave us a chance to GIVE THANKS as well. I visited a friend Katrina Veerman on Monday. She had emergency surgery to remove cancer that was attacking her colon. I was a bit overwhelmed being back in the hospital under all too familure circumstances. Her infectious smile put me at ease as I presented her with a FUCK CANCER hat. I got a chance to visit with her mom and hang out for a bit but I really had trouble seeing her as having cancer. I jumped up and down and screamed GIVE THANKS when Pathology came back later in the day declaring her CANCER FREE! I am so thankful that the cancer chapter is behind her and she can go back to demonstrating how to live a dynamic and meaningful life. She starts her new job in renewable energy as soon as she heals. Give Thanks! BTW, I want the hat back!

Dear Friends & Family of Otto,

Derrick Tabish was more son to Otto than Nephew. Give Thanks that Derrick is filling the spot that would have been Otto’s on this trip. The big guy would want this trip to fill Derrick’s spirit with memories and laughs that will follow him for the rest of his days. Here is more info on Derrick…yes ladies, he’s single!

I fully intend to show Derrick how to Rock It! as only Otto would…well the best I can, I’m no Otto. Your support is tax deductible and all of the dollars you donate go to cancer treatment and screening. Derrick and I are responsible for all of the travel expenses ourselves. Please donate now!

Go Team Otto!!!

I noticed something while reading Lee’s message, and Otto’s email (which made my eyes teary as well).  The words GIVE THANKS LIFE,  YOU ROCK IT!  were bold, and it struck me that gratitude was very very Otto.  he was always giving thanks and I loved that about him.  it’s something we can all use a little more of in out intention.

And so I am offering 2 limited edition bumper stickers, (see the attached document) for $5, with all proceeds to go to brother Lee’s effort to reach Macchu Picchu.  I hope to raise $500.00.  SO please spread the word, and send me an email if you’d like one (or 2 or 3), indicating if you want version #1 or #2.

amy8lam @ hotmail dot com

With love and thanks for all of you,
Amy

We have raised $2,556 so far for Peru!  Thank you so much to the people who have donated.  If you would like to make a tax deductible donation to help complete Otto’s journey CLICK HERE.

I still have a ways to go but am confident we will hit the target and Derrick and I will carry Otto to Machu Picchu!

Much Love,

Lee

Most of you have seen the video of Otto’s Husky performance from the 2005 CFDC show: http://youtube.com/watch?v=MAHrPq9JVd4 – and several of you were there to see Otto’s fabulous runway debut in person.

Otto wore his Husky shirt A LOT since then, even when he was no longer quite husky-size on the outside.  He left me a voicemail many months ago, saying “even though I’ve lost some weight, I want you to know that I’m still feelin’ Husky, I’m still livin’ Husky, and that’s important.”  With that, Husky really started taking on a new meaning:  it’s about living out loud, with conviction, strength, and love.

Otto’s passing instilled in many of us a desire to keep his spirit alive by reaching out and helping others.  Since Husky had come to mean so much to us, we decided to have a batch of shirts printed up, and to donate the proceeds to the American Cancer Society.  Paul had the great idea to make these a special Limited Edition by adding Otto’s “Husky Love & Respect” signature to the back.

We think they came out pretty great, and we are happy to announce that they are now available at http://huskyapparel.com.  For a $30 donation, you get your own little slice of Husky love, and support the American Cancer Society as well!  As Paul said the other day, “It’s like wearing a hug from Otto all day long.”

Oh and don’t think these are just for the XXL’s out there – we’ve got all sizes in ladies and men’s. When it comes to Husky, it’s the size of your heart that counts!

Husky Love,
Paul & Stefbot
http://huskyapparel.com

As some of you know Otto had planned to beat this cancer thing and make a victory lap around Machu Picchu in Peru. We agreed he was going even if I had to carry him. This was something he could look forward to while staring out his hospital room window waiting for another surgery on his liver (the 3rd or 4th). Below is from the last email he ever wrote me.

I want to be diligent about protecting the original vision and intention of this journey. For me that is to GIVE THANKS for all that have helped me along this path so far, to increase my own sense of what is possible to accomplish regardless of where/when you are in LIFE and to walk with trail with YOU…so far this journey has had so much metaphor…it’s time we sweat it out and make the journey with our flesh and bones, blood and sweat, I want to reach the top of that rock with YOU and then fuggin’ ROCK IT!

Guess I shouldn’t have added that because now the tears in my eyes aren’t helping me type this. I am keeping my promise and making that journey with Otto. My flesh and bones, blood, and sweat will be carrying Otto’s ashes along with his nephew Derrick. We are linked up with an amazing organization called Love Hope Strength whose mission is to help with cancer screening and treatment in 3rd world countries. To join this team of Rockers and Survivors I must raise $10,000. Your donation is Tax Deductible and all of it goes to support the foundation. I am responsible for the $3,500 in travel cost on my own.

I cannot do this without your help and am humbly grateful for all who can contribute (if not financially, please support me in your thoughts). Otto and I spent a lot of time thanking people who didn’t even know him who send well wishes and money in his time of need. I will never stop being amazed by the community of which we are all a part. Give Thanks! Please forward to others who may like to help.

Click Here for more details on how you can help. http://www.perurocks.org/trekkers/lee-williams/

Thank you for making this possible.

Much Love,
Lee

Give Thanks #35 from Tanja B. on Vimeo.

Give Thanks #34 from Tanja B. on Vimeo.

Give Thanks #33 from Tanja B. on Vimeo.