Fundraiser honors woman who sought to help others
Friend recalls struggle Claudia Thomas had after 2004 accident
BY CLARE MARIE CELANO
Staff Writer

In this photo from 2006, Claudia Thomas is seen getting accustomed to her redesigned home in Howell. Thomas was injured in 2004 when she stopped to assist the victims of a motor vehicle accident. Thomas died in December of complications and health issues that arose from her injuries.

Claudia Thomas spent most of her adult life helping others. Now a group of friends is helping to honor and celebrate Thomas' life and keep her spirit alive for everyone who knew her, and for those who did not.

Thomas, 55, of Howell, died in December from complications and health issues that occurred after she was injured in an accident in 2004, according to her friend, Kathee Callan of Howell.

To honor Thomas' memory and her giving spirit, Callan and Michelle Platzer have created the Claudia Lives On Memorial Fund. The fund has been established under the umbrella of the Charitysmith Nonprofit Foundation to provide programs to help support disadvantaged children and families in areas that promote the health and wellness of mind, body and spirit.

The first fundraiser will be held at Stewart's, Route 9 north at Georgia Tavern Road, Howell (just north of Interstate 195), from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 15. The fundraiser will offer participants root beer floats for $3.50, hot dogs for $2 and double-dip ice cream cones for $2.

Stewart's will donate a percentage of the proceeds from the event to the Claudia Lives On Memorial Fund.

"Participation in this fundraiser will help to foster bright and joy-filled futures for those in need and will give witness to the reality that indeed, bountiful blessings prevail and Claudia lives on," Callan said.

In 2004, Thomas stopped at the scene of a motor vehicle accident near her Howell home to assist the victims. While rendering assistance, she was struck by a passing vehicle and sustained injuries that left her paralyzed. Friends, neighbors and businesses rallied for Thomas and redesigned her home to accommodate her after she returned home from a long stay in rehabilitation.

In a letter to the editor of Greater Media Newspapers, Thomas wrote, "When I lay in my new bedroom with the angels surrounding my space, I not only am safe, but also I have realized that I am a miracle and the angels were with me the evening of the accident."

She thanked all those who helped and supported her during her time of need. She ended her letter with a phrase that Callan said was her trademark: "Please know, I love you - more."

Callan said that despite the tremendous physical and emotional challenges she faced, Thomas courageously continued her ministries to those in need until her death.

She said Thomas was in the process of developing a youth mentoring program designed to awaken and nurture self-value and responsible citizenship through identifying and accomplishing positive personal goals.

"It is to honor and encourage the core essence behind this mission that the Claudia Lives On Memorial Fund was established," Callan said, noting that Thomas was involved in community ministries throughout her life.

"Claudia was a dauntless crusader and advocate for the marginal, the meek, the disadvantaged, the poor, in the eyes of the world. That little light of hers brilliantly beamed from the power of pure goodness," Callan said.

Even through pain, Thomas still rejoiced and welcomed each new day with her mantra, "Praise the Lord and Good Morning" or "Praise the Lord and Good Night," according to Callan.

Thomas was the mother of two sons, Billy, 30, and Kevin, 27, who are in wheelchairs because of a genetic disorder known as ataxia.

Donations to the Claudia Lives On Memorial Fund may be sent to Charitysmith Nonprofit Foundation, P.0. Box 3771, Olympic Valley, CA 96146.