Happy Birthday Dr. Richardson- And Thank You, Kennett Florists

Today is Dr. Dean Richardson's birthday. NBC gave him a surprise party!. Here is a special thanks from NBC to everyone who has contributed cards, love, support and prayers.


From Tim Woolley's site this afternoon:

Update 532: Dr. Richardson posted a thank you note to everyone (timestamp: 7:55pm):

Kathy Freeborn at the admissions desk here at NBC told me that this website was the best place to respond to the truly extraordinary birthday that I was given today at noon! To all of you who gave to the Barbaro fund and to me personally, I am deeply grateful. I don't claim to be a humble person (no one will argue that one too much!) but it is profoundly humbling and intimidating to be responsible for a patient that has this much love going his way. I am very grateful that there is so much concern out there for Barbaro (sorry, I cannot bring myself to call him Bobby......)and I assure you all that we all will continue to do our best for him. As you all know, he is a very special horse.

THANK YOU ALL.

Update 531: Kennett Florist have just returned from NBC with this birthday report:

OK Gang, take a breath... We're back from NBC!!

The "party" was a huge success! Dr R was very surprised to which he stated "it's not my birthday". We told him "today it is!" He was overwhelmed with the gifts, cards, flowers and all that had been sent. I am forwarding the pictures to Alex and he can hopefully post a couple.

We got there just before 11:30 to set everything up. We were in a more secluded area. We had the gifts and flowers laid out over two tables with the cakes and ice cream. The carrot cake from Bobby had two big carrots on the top, and the choc/vanilla cake had a picture of Bobby (from one of his first times out grazing) with green and blue trim on the white frosting.

Dr Sweeney had told Dr Richardson that they were going to have a meeting at 12:00 and she made sure we were ready when she went to meet him. She had notified a bunch of people so there would be plenty there to yell surprise. (Unfortunately, Mr and Mrs Jackson were unable to attend.) Dr Sweeney told us when she was going to get him and we lit the candles... He was very surprised. He blew out his candles and started to cut the cakes (the one thing he said he knew how to do). Dr Sweeney and Alie took over on cake duty and I dished out the ice cream so the man of honor could enjoy his cake and open some presents. He was overwhelmed by the gifts. Because of your contributions, we were able to get substantial gift certificates to two very nice restaurants here in town, theater tickets (gift certificate), three different golf course gift certificates that he can use either for greens times, the pro shop, or the restaurants, a packet of golf cart tickets for the golf course he belongs to, as well as a gift certificate to the pro shop at that same course. We also made up a very large gourmet basket of goodies; swiss chocolates, pastas and gourmet sauces, plates, glasses, napkins... the works. It even had a special box of note cards with a big brown bay on the front. We decked the place out with baloons (including one that sang Happy Birthday)! The triple crown arrangement was a huge hit... he really liked the idea of that. All in all it was absolutely wonderful. Thank you so much for letting us be a part of this, you all have been so generous and sweet to talk to, email, etc.

And of course, Bobby had some baskets of carrots and his favorite treats! They called us this morning asking if we were bringing carrots, so we loaded the big guy up good!

Also, almost forgot... We made up a big "publisher's clearinghouse" type check from the Barbaromaniacs, made out to UPenn Barbaro Fund in honor of Dr Richardson. Dr Sweeney presented him with the check that was made out for $3,851.00 to date. We let him know that others are donating on or closer to his birthday! You all are amazing!!!!

WE BELIEVE!!!

Alie, Rachel and the gang at Kennett Florist

Congratulations to everyone who contributed, amazing.

The AOL Barbaro Love Vigil sent a gift to Dr. Richardson: Here are the pictures:


Plaque from Barbaro Love Vigil

Dr. Richardson enjoying carrot cake and displaying our gift


We wish to thank Kennett Florist   Kennett Florist Inc -- Kennett Square, PA : www.kennettflorist.net  for their incredible service several times during this very difficult time for Barbaro. They really are  genuinely warm and caring folks who take the time to be of service to so many. So, if you need a florist in that area, please do contact them. We love them!!