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October 21, 2005

meet Daniel Forziati & Victor Haeffner

Audubon Merchants' Katrina Fund
Eight decorated coffee cans have been placed in eight stores on Merchant Street in Audubon with "Katrina Fund" boldly displayed. The story seems rather simplistic until it begins to unfold into a very inspiring tale of friendship, determination, support and love. Daniel Forziati, a 16-year-old Audubon resident, suffers from a neuromuscular disease called Werdnig-Hoffman Disease (spinal muscular atrophy type 1), a form of muscular dystrophy. "We told Daniel that he is normal in his own way, and that his muscles just don't work," said his mother, Carol.
Although Daniel has full hearing, he is only able to communicate by raising his eyes for yes, approval or happy and shutting his eyes for a negative response. He uses a respirator and needs special medical treatments every six hours around the clock. He eats intravenously and breathes through a tracheostomy.
Although Daniel is limited physically, his courage and strength combined with his sense of humor and loving heart have led him to want to help others in need.
Enter Victor Haeffner, a junior at Audubon High School. He is a member of the junior honor society and has given Daniel ongoing friendship and an opportunity to help others while earning school credit for math.
"We saw the flooding on television and felt sorry for them and we wanted to help," noted Victor. "I try to socialize with Daniel. We play video games, and we dyed Easter eggs together."
"You can imagine how wonderful I felt when Ann (Daniel's tutor) said Victor wanted Daniel to help him with this project," said Carol. "I just felt so wonderful for him. Here is this little boy lying in bed and yes, he is helping."
Having that teenage spirit to share with another teenager is sometimes the best medicine. "I've known Victor for a couple of years," Carol continued. "He has always been very well-mannered, respectful and polite, and he has a lot of heart. When Victor visits, it makes Daniel belong. Just being housebound, it keeps



HELPING OTHERS: Audubon teens Daniel Forziati and Victor Haeffner are raising funds for Hurricane Katrina victims. With them are Ann Haeffner, John and Carol Forziati and Lora Carberry.

Daniel out of society. He loves it when I tell him Victor is coming over; he raises his eyes and is very happy."
Ann Haeffner, Victor's mother, has been Daniel's home school tutor for the past six years. Because he does have some use of his fingers, she and her son came up with a plan to collect for the Katrina victims while using Daniel's abilities to "tap out" or count the funds coming in as part of his math courses.
"Right now he has four major classes, and some art," Ann explained. "He does well in history and is taking earth science this year. He can tap his finger to count the monies. Coin identification is part of his high school program to work with figures."
Although "American Chopper" was Daniel's favorite show, the news of Katrina touched something in Daniel's heart, and it bothered him, according to his mom, that people weren't safe in their homes like he was.
His daily nurse and buddy, Lora Carberry, credits his keen sense of hearing and big heart to his growing interest in the Katrina situation. "I think he is very intelligent," Lora said. "In being there in bed, his hearing is so acute. His is sharp. When anything about Katrina comes on, he is really watching it. It touches him and he knows what is going on. I'll talk to him about it and he'll always respond. He feels that he is really happy that he can help."
With the assistance of fellow students Joshua Kane, John DiPrinzio and Kyle Busby, Victor makes weekly collections from the Speedy Mart, Angelo's Pizza, Antonino's Pizza, Ice Cream Shack, La Bella gifts, Penny Press printing, Watchdog Videos and Splitting Hairs. He then brings the collection over to Daniel's for the tally.
Thus far, the teens have collected almost $500 and are still looking for donations, which will be directly forwarded to the Salvation Army for the victims of Katrina.

with Lisa Gray
In addition to the collections at the Audubon merchants, Victor and Daniel would like to mention the generosity from the Graisbury Avenue neighbors, as well as the Brothers in Harmony Chorus, of which Daniel's father, John is a lead baritone.
"It's nice for Daniel to be around a kid his own age," John said. "It makes him feel more accepted. Daniel and I watch Friday night fights together and wrestle around. After Victor comes over, Daniel's in a really good mood. I was amazed that they came up with this idea to begin with. Daniel know what his limitations are, but it doesn't seem to affect him at all. The fact that he's willing to do something for other people is inspiring."
The effect that Daniel has on the people around him is nothing short of uplifting.
"He is my hope, my strength, my everything," shared Carol. "When my hands kill me and my back hurts, I see that little boy and what he goes through just to breathe, just to live. You don't even think about yourself. You can only see him and his strength."
"He's got a special power for bringing us all together," said Lora. "He's an inspiration. We take a look at ourselves a little closer. Seeing or being with Daniel, you feel better."
Daniel, who has been known to play a few tricks on people with the television remote, was able to graduate with his eigth grade class a few years ago, and received an award for courage. Another highlight for the family was Daniel's First Holy Communion and Confirmation.
"Here's a little boy that needs help himself, and here he is giving. He is always generous," noted Carol.
"He has an incredible spirit," said Ann.
Why not stop by one of the previously mentioned stores and give your contribution for the Katrina fund? Not only will you be helping the victims of the hurricane, but you will be enhancing the feeling of accomplishment for a disabled teen and his friend, while making your own heart feel warm.