Reality Rally

Reality Rally is filled with many heartwarming stories. Below, told in her own words is the story of Charlene and her wonderful family and how one reality TV star, Denise Stapley impacted their lives. Charlene and Brandon attended Reality Rally in 2014. Check back here for an update on their amazing experience.

At the young age of 27 in 1988 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was single and just started dating a special man. I suggested that we stop dating because it wasn't fair to him to have to go through the ups and downs with me as I didn't know where this disease would take me. He said there was no way he was going to leave my side, and he didn't! It was a long road to recovery as I had a right radical mastectomy with reconstructive surgery, but did not have to go through it alone.

In 1991 I married that man who never left my side as he is the love of my life whose name is John. In 1993 we had a beautiful baby boy named Brandon. At the age of 2-1/2 Brandon was diagnosed as having Autism. John and I became Brandon's educational and life-long advocates and today he is now 20 years old and attending college in a special program.

Brandon started watching Survivor the very first season and never stopped. He recently enrolled on Facebook and liked Denise Stapley's (Winner of Survivor Phillipines) page. Through daily messages on Facebook, Denise has befriended Brandon. Brandon donated to one of Denise's charities and he won a phone call and had a marvelous conversation with her. My husband and I felt that even though we never met Denise, she was definitely a special person.

My husband was diagnosed with Leukemia six months ago and we lost him October 2, 2013 and our hearts are forever broken. Brandon has stepped up to the plate and helped me ever since his father became ill to the point where I am now depending on him. Brandon and I decided we are now a team (knuckle bop)!

Through Denise's Facebook page Brandon learned about Reality Rally and asked if we could go in April. I immediately said no, and he said maybe we could go in 2015 and that he would start saving his money. He just hoped Denise would be there then. I was so proud of him for the way he matured during the last six months and decided that YES, I would take him, and knew his father would agree, because all I wanted to do was once again show his pearly white teeth. I wanted to keep it a secret until Christmas but could not. I contacted Denise and she said she would be honored to be on our team, but we feel it the other way. My niece will be joining us as our third team member and we will give it our all and I hope we make my husband proud and he shines down on us with pride!

Stay tuned...Bloggergal (RRBloggergal@gmail.com)