SanTanValley.com

My name is Deahanna Crowder, resident of San Tan Valley.  I became Dylan's guardian in April 2012.  I run a respite home plus work outside of the home but work is very slow.  My income right now is about $1700.00 a month.  I'm not receiving any assistance aside from Dylan's S.S.I. which is a mere $465.34 a month.   His Pedi-Sure takes up 3/4 of his S.S.I.  I also have 3 other kids living at home.

The following is Dylan's "Cry For Help":

Hi!
My name is Dylan and I'm 3 yrs old. I have Autism and I'm "Failure to Thrive" (Kids who fail to thrive don't receive or are unable to take in, retain, or utilize the calories needed to gain weight and grow as expected.)  I also have ADHD, ODD and OCD.  And, if that's not enough, I have Nystagmus of the eyes. I don't see very well at all.  God made me a special little boy and because he did that I need special thing's to keep me safe. I was given a special guardian who loves me and wants what's best for me. I love to climb and throw things. I have an arm of a professional baseball player. I get into thing's I'm not supposed to and it's very dangerous for me.

These are the things I'm in need of in order to protect me and keep me safe. 

* A special bed which costs approximately $5000.00 (my mom was looking at her insurance to help but because I'm only 3 she was told they can't help)
* The chair I need to eat (so I don't choke due to my Cleft Pallet issue) is $1400.00
* I also need a special car seat so I can't climb out while my mom is driving and that is $700.00.
* Because of my poor vision I need a Helmet and that runs around $500.00.
* Even when I wear a helmet I still run into walls.  My mom found mats that go on the walls and theres another $400.00.
* I also am considered a "flight risk" when in the community so I need a stroller that I can hang out in and that is $1500.00.

I know this a lot but I need all this to stay safe and out of harms way. Please join my family and Community in helping provide a even better environment for me. There is going to be a fundraiser for me to help get me the special equipment I am in need of. There will be lots of family fun, food, games & raffles.  Also we are looking to rent out spaces for vendors, so if you're interested, please let my mom know. We are working on getting more items donated.  From the bottom of my heart and my family's too, thank you all for reading.  We hope to see you at this event!!

**Operation Dylan's Destiny**
Saturday, September 8th, 2012
10AM - 4PM
Walker Butte K-8
29697 N. Desert Willow Blvd.
Queen Creek, AZ

For direct donations:
OPERATION DYLAN'S DESTINY
Wells Fargo
Account Number 8711574346

Donations by PayPal may be sent to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; EIN# is 46-0669263

Feel free to contact Deahanna by phone 480-272-9621 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you have any questions.

Good day, Pinal County!  Are you having trouble figuring out whose name you should put on those infamous petitions going around/  Let me help YOU make your JOB that much EASIER.  Please, read on.

I may be a no body in San Tan Valley and being rather new to the political arena I have come to realize there are pros, cons and various opinions tied to…politics.  However, I am not here to discuss the cons…or opinions   Are there not enough negative taboos and dirty, little secrets flying around this county of Pinal already?  I am not here to judge you nor do you need me to hold your hand as you listen, learn and become more aware.  And, to be honest, I feel this is your duty as a citizen and registered voter to follow it through to the very end.  Otherwise, and no offense but you won't have a "right" to complain if the wrong person is chosen.

I haven’t met many people in my life (let alone in San Tan Valley) that believe in what is most important in this short existence we've been blessed with.  In fact, one of the only ones I have met is Tisha Castillo who is currently running for County Supervisor.  With family values taking precedence, I find Tisha to be the epitome and pure definition of what I think to be a critical thinker; her morals are completely intact; she is tireless (and when I say tireless I mean I swear she never sleeps) in her community efforts.  Her ethics and passionate convictions emanate from her heart, and her soul.

I haven’t known Tisha for very long but in the little time I have been able to spend with her has been quality.  She has her hands in several “cookie jars” yet she continues to set, meet and exceed priorities with her *super natural* abilities.

Tisha’s endless hours (for 6 years I must add) as a “volunteer / public servant” in our community is exemplary.  She is a powerhouse.....an almighty force with such honor and dedication, who has enough charismatic qualities to light up a room with her smile and semi-modest demeanor.  Above and beyond her genuine, generous and legitimate laugh is her knowledge of the system.   It’s not an every day occurrence that you run into someone that can and will WORK FOR YOU, and not against you.  After all, that is Tisha’s motto and hopefully her “claim to fame.”

Ok, enough of the ego boosting (Lol).  In all seriousness, the only way Tisha can move forward in this campaign is for YOU and your friends/family to sign her petition.  Without your signatures her name will not be on the ballot.  This cannot happen.  It would be an absolute shame and dishonor to our community if it does.  However, I'm optimistic.  And, the only “qualifications” that you must have are:

You must reside in District 2
You must be registered as either a Republican or Independent
You must NOT have signed a petition for any other candidate running for County Supervisor
(*Not mandatory but recommended:  Do your homework / research on the other candidates*)

Sounds easy enough, right?!  I am personally ready, willing and able to drive to meet you so that you can…make this happen.  I will even provide a pen.  You know you want to be a part of a this bigger picture.  You know you want your voice to be heard even if you don’t think your voice matters.  Tisha can be your voice.  Tisha WILL be your voice.

You can call this my personal mission if you’d like.  In the short time I’ve been here I’ve seen and heard many corrupt, twisted and unfathomable stories of what's REALLY going on here.  Something MORE needs to happen in this community and it’s up to YOU to not only sign the petition, but come Election Day I urge you to VOTE for TISHA CASTILLO!  The time for change is now.

Please note: Speaking of time, TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE.  WE, the people of District 2 have less than a WEEK to get these signatures.  I am providing you with links to a few of Tisha’s pages and I can be reached via email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Thank you for listening.  I have high hopes and an overwhelming sense of pride.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Lynn Keefe

ON THE WEB:  www.TishaCastillo.com
FACEBOOK:  www.facebook.com/followtisha
TWITTER:  www.twitter.com/tishacastillo
EMAIL:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Gosh,

I wrote the following in October of 2011.  Almost to the day of my year anniversary.....of becoming a Step Mother to 4 young children.  A set of triplets, now age 10.  And a (now age) 12 year old.  I think my reasoning behind posting this on this particular day is in honor of all of you Mother's out there.  Just remember that anyone can be a mom, but it takes a certain someone special to be a Mother.  I hope you'll take note in all the energy I put into this.  I'd really be curious to hear your take on such...energy.  I'll give you a hint.  I'm trying to "draw" from a child. A letter which I never presented to them.

May your children bless you daily and may you embrace selfless laughter at their silliest stories.  Happy Mother's Day. 

Lessons If You Listen

The decision to surrender the rest of my body, mind and spirit unto this day was deliberate.  To sacrifice myself, in order to redeem someone else’s worth, will in the end prove healthy and hopefully we’ll soon see some changes in gratitude for my efforts.

I rarely ask from anyone anything in return.  However, this time I believe it would benefit both that are involved.  Give unto me as I’ve given unto you.  Present to me your awareness but no need to ask for my forgiveness.  Respect me even though you are a child.  Growing up in such a complex world even I can’t explain to you, nor understand.  But, that doesn’t justify unwarranted or unacceptable behavior.

Open up to me while continuing to be your self.  There is no need to hide behind walls or be the tough kid on the block.  Value yourself and really get to know your abilities and capabilities.  Take responsibility for your actions and feel good about it.  There should be no humiliation in digging deep.  So please do not try and take the easy way out for there is no easy way.  Trust in these words for I’ve lived them.  I’ve tried them.

The only reason I am writing to you this eve is because I genuinely care.  I am willing to be taken by the wind and be struck by the bolts of lightening that taunt me.  I have no problem with the mist cascading over my tired being and the thunder rolling loudly in my consumed mind if it gets us to where I wish we could be.  Some day.

The time is now if you wish for it.  Take control of your destiny.  Stop and think about what you are most likely taking for granted.  I have no problem explaining to you what I mean by that statement.  Please ask if you do not understand.  Finding the light in such dark circumstances has proof of challenges but if it were easy, everyone would do it.  Never give up on yourself.  Meet and greet your desires with a strong heart and structured mind.  Embrace each day and look at it as a blessing, not a right.  It’s a reward earned, it is not an award.  You are only deserving if you can thankfully and graciously receive constructive criticism, for it honestly is in your best interest.

Look, listen and feel.  Don’t continue to strive for mediocre.  You can be the best of the best and I know you feel this.  You simply don’t know how to achieve this, or most importantly convey it.  I’ll offer you this hint of advice.  It’s called work.  Everyday we are alive we are met with obstacles.  Everyday more from us is required.  Are you up for it?

The books, The Hunger Games (as well as Catching Fire & The Mockingjay) made me think that it’s not so far fetched that we aren’t living, fighting and playing these games ourselves.

Every day life presents us with feast or famine, obstacles and hurdles, mazes or miles and miles of clear, straight paths.  Whichever we decide to take will lead us into our destination.  Our fate of where we believe we belong.  A place we call home.  How, given the “Games” will we continue to manage our homes, furnishing them with all life’s necessities, especially the fuel for our bodies and minds in order to stay healthy and sane?

“Honesty, is such a lonely word
Everyone is so untrue” ~ Billy Joel

It has come to my awareness that this day is National Honesty Day.  First and foremost, as much as I dig Billy Joel I cannot accept, believe or even become a participant to and of those lyrics. 

I wrote this piece several years ago when I was working with alcoholics and drug addicts.  I read it at an open forum and received many tears and praise.  After reading it again years later I still believe in The Power.  You need not be suffering from an addiction or mental illness to get and feel my words.  I hope to reach the readers on many different levels and wish to release The Power within yourselves.  

I was having a random conversation this morning with my step daughter, Samantha Keefe. Because she is the only girl of 10 year old triplets amongst three brothers (two are her triplets and one is age 12), the thought of asking her, “How can you possibly focus at school or in life in general when you are amidst constant distractions?” This is what she said:

Have you ever gone in search of something but you don’t know exactly what that something is?  We do this commonly at home or otherwise, however this little game will provide us with subtle, encrypted codes and GPS coordinates.  Would you like to play a little game, people?

WARNING:  THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION MAY CAUSE PANIC, ANXIETY, CURIOUSITY, HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE and COULD LEAD TO POSSIBLE OBSESSION, ADDICTION OR….BOTH.