.
Feedback

Beso Family Remembers Late Visitor

Dozens line pier to reflect on young Jacob McConahay's life during sunset candlelight vigil.

Dozens of people lined the pier around sunset at on Nov. 18. They gathered to remember a , who passed away of cancer in August.

His grandparents, Dave and Lynn McConahay, who lease a home in Dunedin, were back in town to on the pier at the resort, where Jake's final wish was to vacation with his family. 

The memorial features a small statuette of a boy fishing, facing the sunset, and a wooden plaque that the family had made for the resort.

"To Our Beso Family In Memory of Jacob McConahay 2011," the plaque reads.

During his diagnosis Jake, 7, initiated a campaign to put Pillow Pets in the hands of sick children to help them feel better.

His goal was to have to the Indiana children's hospital where he received treatment. When he passed in August, 140,000 Pillow Pets had been donated to hospitals nationwide in his name.

Beso Del Sol staff lit the pier with strands of white Christmas lights as the sun began to sink into the horizon. They offered some words of remembrance and released two helium balloons. Visitors stood for some time reflecting as small white candles flickered. Visitors stayed on the pier for about a half hour, remembering, chatting and hugging or sharing stories with his grandparents.

Newsletter & Alerts

Get the best stories each day and important breaking news

Subscribe

Not from Dunedin Patch? Find your Local Patch »

Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
Anita Apley June 14, 2013 at 11:44 am
So proud that I belong to such a fantastic organization that is dedicated to the kids of Dunedin. WeRead More are always looking for new members. Come join us!
Sheryl Avruch May 7, 2013 at 01:13 pm
Please share the need for volunteers with your friends and neighbors in Palm Harbor.
Jayne Krakowiak May 9, 2013 at 04:54 pm
With our nations' urgent need to overhaul the health care system and each persons' need to deal withRead More increasing health care costs/decreasing quality of care, volunteering for SHINE could be part of the answer. The more you know, the better equipped you are to make postive changes for yourself and others. If, like me, you feel frustrated with the FL Legislature which seems to be working against us rather than for us; volunteering with organizations that educate the public in essential areas of concern can be an effective way to create grassroots changes. SHINE offers exceptional training and effectively updates it's volunteers regarding changes in the healthcare system. Sign up for thier training and you're sure to want to pass on what you learn to others.
Sheryl Avruch May 9, 2013 at 05:13 pm
Thanks for your insightful comments, Jayne. The need for volunteers is urgent. And, as you say,Read More instead of feeling frustrated, volunteer and make those grassroots changes!
Sidney Caldwell March 21, 2013 at 04:40 pm
I am looking for the address and/or phone number, so I can respond.
Here We Grow Foundation March 21, 2013 at 04:43 pm
Thank you! I am working on some funding opportunities and may be able to work with your companyRead More once the funding is approved.
Here We Grow Foundation March 21, 2013 at 04:47 pm
Hello! Here is the foundation's Information: Here We Grow Foundation, Inc.; 1171 Martin Luther KingRead More Jr. Avenue, Dunedin, Florida 34698; Phone/Fax: 888.958.2788; email: herewegrowfoundation@ymail.com; website: www.herewegrowfoundation.com