• New here? Register here now for access to all the forums, download game torrents, private messages, polls, Sportsbook, etc. Plus, stay connected and follow BP on Instagram @buckeyeplanet and Facebook.

SPRING DRIVE 2006 - Part 1: Announcement

3yardsandacloud

Administrator Emeritus
SPRING DRIVE 2006 - Part 1: Announcement

It’s that time of year again at BuckeyePlanet.

As an online community project, BuckeyePlanet continues to amaze. So many people add to our community in ways large and small - all done for the love of the Buckeyes. Our purpose has nothing to do with commercialism or financial gain of any kind, but simply to serve as a vehicle for Buckeye fans seeking to continually expand the Buckeye experience. Clarity’s vision of a free resource for Buckeye faithful and a place where people come together as a community has come to fruition in ways few imagined would be possible.

This time last year we were making a push to purchase a new server for BuckeyePlanet. In the early stages, the challenge loomed large and daunting, and success was uncertain. In true BuckeyePlanet style, we pulled together for a common and worthy cause, and thanks to each of your contributions, our goal became a reality.

This spring we face a very important issue. A personal issue. An issue facing BuckeyePlanet’s owner, Clarity. After several years of hard work, love, and a good deal of his own money, BuckeyePlanet is finally in a good place. The new server gives us stability and the ability to grow and expand the features that our members request. Clarity, however, is not in a good place.

As many of you know, Clarity has been burdened with a host of medical ailments that remain difficult to diagnose and have become increasingly debilitating to an extent no one should ever have to face. He is almost completely bedridden, and has only had the strength to walk into his own driveway once in the past year. For reasons we will discuss in a separate thread, there have been significant difficulties in obtaining the financial aid needed to address these ailments. Clarity is a proud man who has time and time again resisted sharing his problems with those of us in his online family. The thought of having his private difficulties made public is one he despises. We are sad that we can no longer honor his wish for privacy, but Clarity NEEDS OUR HELP.

In the past a small group of those members who were aware of his health issues would collect some money to help defray some of his expenses. Most recently, when financial issues forced a sale of his Florida home, a small donation was made to help with his move to Ohio and the ambulance service that was required to ensure his safe arrival. Occasional private fund drives and stop-gap measures simply won’t suffice anymore. Clarity is in danger of losing his home (again) in Ohio. He has been delaying even the most basic health care (tooth broken below the gum line) both due to cost and because even the simplest of medical procedures become far more complicated when simply getting to the appointment can set off major heart and respiration problems.

Amazing, isn’t it? Clarity is living this day-to-day type existence of quiet desperation while we go merrily along our way at BuckeyePlanet. Oblivious... happy... content. We miss Clarity’s presence on the boards because he only pops in on occasion to make some improvements to our online home. Clarity has declined offers from others to acquire BuckeyePlanet (most recently this month). He has declined because the new owner would most assuredly depart from Clarity's vision of what BuckeyePlanet could and should be: A free resource for the Ohio State community. Can you imagine? Needing the money badly, yet declining to sell out an online community. It's easy to see why the man engenders so much love and respect and forms such strong friendships.

To repeat a Buckeye phrase, “One Buckeye down, all Buckeyes down.” We need to rally here, folks, and do our best to help another Buckeye... a friend... one of our family. For that reason we want this fundraiser to benefit Clarity in a personal way ... not BuckeyePlanet. If anyone deserves to get back a small fraction of what he has given to BuckeyePlanet, it is Clarity.

So PLEASE donate to this Spring Drive. This is not to better our site directly, but to lend a hand to a friend that needs our help. I hope you find this cause deserving of your consideration. All donations made to BuckeyePlanet from the time of this announcement through the end of the Spring Drive will go directly to Clarity for use in obtaining medical care, paying for past medical care, and making housing payments.

We are in a position to help only because Clarity’s vision has led to this extraordinary community of people who care about the site and each other enough to come together for important projects such as last year’s server drive. This time our project is not merely important – it’s vital. It isn’t “just a messageboard,” it’s the well-being of a family member. And we are going to make the difference.​



INCENTIVES AND DRIVE DISCUSSION
Our purpose is very serious, but we’re still a community that enjoys having, oh, maybe just a little fun from time to time, and this fundraiser is no different than any other in that regard. We have goodies for gamblers, items to satisfy the fashionista in all of us (cue Thump), and some spiffy spiffy vFlair. Check it out!

Spring Drive 2: Incentives and Spring Drive Discussion



CLARITY’S INFORMATION
Because the money in this drive is going directly to Clarity, it is necessary that an explanation of his medical and financial situation be made plain. Please understand, as we are sure you will, that Clarity is horribly uncomfortable with the idea of taking money from members of this community, and the information we have asked him to share is extremely private and personal. This is a drive that should have happened long ago, but Clarity’s desire for privacy and his independent brand of pride made us slow to recognize the severity of the situation. Once details started to come to light, the staff forced the discussion to a level to which Clarity would never have taken it on his own. We would like to respect his privacy as much as possible under the circumstances. This thread will remain open for discussion but we ask that you treat the situation with utmost respect and thoughtfulness.

Spring Drive 3: Clarity’s Information



CONNECTIONS THREAD
Clarity requires medical attention, tests and more tests, and, we fervently hope, a long-awaited diagnosis of the underlying cause of his medical problems. Given the complexities of his case, he also needs an advocate positioned to help him navigate the bureaucracies of those social institutions which were intended to provide assistance in precisely this sort of situation but have failed to do so. If you have potentially helpful skills or connections, please add your thoughts in the thread linked below. Identifying information is not necessary; the staff will contact people as the conversation requires for further information.

Spring Drive 4: Connections Discussion




ALL donations made to BuckeyePlanet from the time of this post until the end of the Spring Drive is announced will go directly to Clarity for use in obtaining medical care, paying for past medical care, and making housing payments.

Donations can be made via:

MAIL:
BuckeyePlanet
5794 Gradey Pass
Galloway, OH 43119-8598

PayPal:
Link found on the front page of BuckeyePlanet, or in the black navigation bar at the top of most pages.
PayPal Donation Link

NOTE: Checks should be made payable to: Jo Bryant (NOT BuckeyePlanet). Please be sure to include your BuckeyePlanet username with any donation so we can credit your account with the appropriate reward or medal. Additionally, the memo/note area (where you would include your username) is limited to 250 characters. You'll have to be brief.​
 
Last edited:
ALL donations made to BuckeyePlanet from the time of this post until the end of the Spring Drive is announced will go directly to Clarity for use in obtaining medical care, paying for past medical care, and making housing payments.

Donations can be made via:
MAIL:
BuckeyePlanet
5794 Gradey Pass
Galloway, OH 43119-8598

PayPal:
Link found on the front page of BuckeyePlanet, or in the black navigation bar at the top of most pages.
PayPal Donation Link

NOTE: Please be sure to include your BuckeyePlanet username with any donation so we can credit your account with the appropriate reward or medal.​

Make checks payable to...?
 
Upvote 0
I'm just totally shocked to hear this bad news.:sad2:

I really can't think of anyone else on Earth who's hard work and charity I've more enjoyed. Websites like this are not easy or inexpensive to build and maintain. Clarity's contribution to completely anonymous strangers is the exception - not the rule.

I would urge anyone like me who enjoys free and frequent use of this site to make a donation - even if you can only afford to give a little.

My medical bit -
I was born with Pectus Excavatum and recently had a corrective surgical procedure for it performed by Dr. Leonard in Minneapolis. Pectus is really a birth defect that reaches it's worst point at age 18, so I really don't understand how you could develop later in life. If you have any questions about my experiences with it or the corrective procedure, feel free to PM or call me.

I'll have to agree with Thump on the broken tooth. You would be amazed by how many serious/deadly complications a broken tooth can have like heart disease, eye infections, stomach ulcers, bladder stones and kidney disease.

Take care of yourself! (and Go Bucks! :wink2:)
 
Upvote 0
I read Clarity's story with a heavy heart. I had no idea he is going through all of that. At first, I thought that the little amount that I could give ceratinly wouldn't make a difference. Then I thought again. I realized that if a bunch of us give just a little, maybe 2 of us pay the electric bill for the month. Maybe another 2 people pay for a months worth of medicine that he needs, etc...

I guess what I'm saying is, not matter how little you can afford, every single dollar is a dollar they didn't have before.

God bless Clarity and his family.
 
Upvote 0
I read Clarity's story with a heavy heart. I had no idea he is going through all of that. At first, I thought that the little amount that I could give ceratinly wouldn't make a difference. Then I thought again. I realized that if a bunch of us give just a little, maybe 2 of us pay the electric bill for the month. Maybe another 2 people pay for a months worth of medicine that he needs, etc...

I guess what I'm saying is, not matter how little you can afford, every single dollar is a dollar they didn't have before.

God bless Clarity and his family.

I had those very same thoughts when I was reading what Clarity wrote. People like me who feel that they have problems should read that. The minor problems I have pale greatly in comparison. I can only hope that the pittance I sent today can help him and his family even in the smallest way. God bless you Clarity and your entire family as well.
 
Upvote 0
I changed/added the goal.

Actually the whole donation reporting system is a bit messed up. In my rush to get the ball rolling I simply changed the description on the "Goal" that was currently in the system. That "Goal" was from the past Fall Fundraiser. Sooooo, now the system is reporting totals from the past fundraiser in addition to the new one. In my defense I claim stupidity. :)

Anyway the goal was set at 5,000, but I figured 10,000 or 100,000 or 1,000,000 might be a better target. Seriously, anyone have a good idea for the goal? It really doesn't matter. Whatever we raise is what we raise to help Clarity.

The real pain is that old donations (fall 05) are totaling with new donations (spring 06), so the "leaderboard" (or whatever that screen is called) is not at all accurate. If you donated in fall of 05 AND spring of 06, the system reports your total.

Anyway, the short story is ... give what you can to help Clarity. There really isn't a "goal" other than to help Clarity. 1,000 great ... 2,000 super ... 5,000 excellent ... etc. The only way I can quantify this whole drive is by a number I've overheard from Clarity. That number is what he would expect to get from disability ... $1000 per month to live on. So If we raise 2,000, we've 'bought" him 2 months of time ... 5,000 is roughly 5 months ... etc. Keep in mind that those figures simply prevent homelessness.
 
Upvote 0
The Spring Drive 2006 is 'officially' over. My sincere thanks to ALL who participated with contributions of time, money and expertise. The response and concern for Clarity was overwhelming and humbling.

While the 'official' drive is over there is still much to do. I personally plan to continue sending money each month to help Will and Jo. I really can't ask for more than what everyone has done this far, but I'm hoping a few of us can continue to easy their burden.

More importantly is the issue of connections. I haven't received a report from Will or Jo in the past week or so, but they have some interesting leads. What we need is more leads and connections to folks that can help. This is vitally important. Keep the ideas coming.

Lastly, I still have the t-shirts (40) and wrist bands (50) that the folks from m2columbus (coachtressel.com) donated for Clarity. I'm open to suggestions, but I think we can run a raffle to raise money with this merchandise.

Thanks again to everyone involved ... It's great to be a Buckeye!
 
Upvote 0
Just wanted to give everyone a quick recap. I'm sure Clarity will do that in full at some point as his time permits. We raised almost $5,500 to help Will and Jo ... cheers to everyone that contributed in any way ... you are the BEST.

19 People sent donations via the mail, and 59 people send donations via PayPal. There was also a lump sum donation sent in from the folks at the Poker Tournament. In addition to the cash raised, many folks have contributed with knowledge, expertise and connections. Again, we can't thank you enough.

Last week, Clarity met with the oral surgeon/dentist and treatment began on his dental issues. The first order was to knock out some serious infections. Once those are handled, work on 2 root canals (at the very least) will begin. Ouch, not only the pain, but the expense. In any event, it was extremely important that Clarity got to the oral surgeon/dentist when he did. It would have been VERY serious had the infections been allowed to worsen. I know Clarity looks forward to eating a meal without enduring the constant pain.

This week Clarity will meet with a doctor (or a team/group of doctors ... I'm a little unclear on this point) at OSU hospitals to begin a round of preliminary tests. These won't really give them much diagnostic information, but will serve as a baseline for any future testing. I'm a bit uncertain how things will proceed from there (and so is Clarity), but it is a beginning and serves to offer up some hope for future progress.

I ask that you keep Will and Jo in your thoughts, prayers and well-wishes. No one knows where the next few weeks will lead, but they are going to be pivotal for the Bryants.

Here is a link to Clarity's most recent update and a more detailed account of his progress to date:
http://www.buckeyeplanet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=24570
 
Upvote 0
I’ve needed to do this for a week or so. The PayPal donation list at BP is a bit messed up. Some folks show up on the list while others don’t. Some show totals from both this drive and the one from Fall of 2005. Mailed donations don’t list at all. I certainly don’t want anyone to feel slighted because their name doesn’t appear on the BP list of Donors, so here’s the full list (in no intentional order) of donors for the Spring Drive 2006:



MAIL
11bravoBuck
3yardsandacloud
808 Buck
UNKNOWN GUEST
buckeyeskins
HineyBuck
jcfiesta
lightningrod
NFBuck
Padraig
SanClementeBuck
UNKNOWN GUEST
Bucklion
humason
BB73
UNKNOWN GUEST
Piney
Gbearbuck
ScarletnGray



PAYPAL
BuckeyeRyn
NJ-Buckeye
osugrad21
Taosman
R0CK3TM4NN
OSUsushichic
timBUCK2
BuckyKatt
Bucknut319
Buckiprof
UNKNOWN GUEST
2002AGAIN
biobuck
Trslfan
Underdogg44
Gregorylee
SATXBuck
Buck Nasty
Swigs
ShakerBuck
Oh8ch
buck1973
Folanator
PrincessPeach
Basebuck
JCOSU86
CleveBucks
methomps
Thump
TheMile
matz2
exhawg
BrutusMaximus
sandgk
Zurp
briegg
Deety
LoKyBuckeye
UNKNOWN GUEST
BuckinMichigan
Jagdaddy
OilerBuck
Cincinnatibuck
Waller
lane
redskinbucksfan
UNKNOWN GUEST
UNKNOWN GUEST
UNKNOWN GUEST
Yertle
PickeringtonDad
pjdmb
BuckPshrink
cafrush
BuckeyeTillEYEDie
BuckeyeNation27
LordJeffBuck



POKER TOURNEY
Anyone involved donated either directly or indirectly, but these 3 (and ScarletInMyVeins, who planned the event) were the winners and donated their winnings to Clarity:

PrincessPeach
BuckeyeRyn
TimBUCK2
ScarletInMyVeins - Planned Event

Additionally, Buckeyeskickbuttocks & BuckeyeRyn donated the food for the tourney and the proceeds from its’ sale to Clarity



GOLF OUTING
Anyone involved donated either directly or indirectly, but DA-Bucks planned the event and donated proceeds to Clarity. I know of at least 2 of the winners that donated their cash. If there was anyone else, please send me a PM.

Golferdow01
strohs
DA-Bucks - Planned Event



If you donated, but are not on this list please contact me so I may rectify the error. Thanks so much everyone. I know several folks intend to continue our donations and planning of events and I certainly encourage that. The support you’ve shown Will and Jo has been unbelievable to say the least.
 
Last edited:
Upvote 0
Back
Top