Health

Beanie Babies Billionaire Touched by Woman’s Story While Asking for Directions Donates $20K for Her Treatment

Beanie Babies Billionaire Ty Warner Gives Woman $20,000 Check for Stem Cell Treatment After She Gave Him Directions

Jennifer Vasilakos (Photo via YouCaring.com)

Here’s a lesson in not putting off those asking for directions. Jennifer Vasilakos was at an intersection in Santa Barbara, Calif., when a man pulled up asking her for driving directions.

Little did Vasilakos know, but the man was billionaire Ty Warner, who is most well known for starting the Beanie Babies sensation in the 1990s. These simple directions would end up earning her a $20,000 check for a treatment she believes will save her life.

Vasilakos, who was passing out fliers to raise money for a stem cell treatment that would restore function to her kidneys and allow her to go off dialysis, gave Warner a flier and explained her situation, according to Yahoo! News. At the time, Warner made a $50 donation.

On her blog, Vasilakos explains what happened afterward:

He was lost and needed directions.  I often get asked by random strangers for directions.  Not one to miss an opportunity, I handed him my flyer and he made a fifty dollar donation.  As he drove off, I thought that was the end of our encounter.  One of my girlfriends with me that Saturday morning noticed his return before I did.  Again he stopped at my table near the entry to the parking lot.  He’d returned after an hour or so.  Rolling down his window, he reached out his hand and introduced himself.  I immediately recognized his name.  He was kind and sincere as he looked directly into my eyes, and the woman with him smiled at me.  They’d read my flyer.  I listened as he repeated over and over that he was going to help me.  That my fundraising was done.  That I didn’t need to worry any longer.  He said he would send a check after he returned to his offices during the week.

“After I serendipitously met Jennifer, I further educated myself on her stem cell needs. I was shocked that this particular type of treatment wasn’t available to her in the U.S.,” Warner, Chairman and CEO of Ty Inc, said in a statement. “My hope is that we can bring this lifesaving treatment to the forefront so that it can become more readily available and provide alternatives for people like Jennifer.”

Vasilakos left for an international hospital, which has not been disclosed, last week. According to the release, Vasilakos’ Hematopoietic stem cell treatment does not use embryonic stem cells. The hospital where she will receive the treatment has been approved by the International Cellular Medicine Society.

Vasilakos was ineligible for a kidney transplant due to melanoma she had on her back last year. She states on her fundraising website that she believes this treatment will last the rest of her life, as opposed to a transplant, which could last up to 10 years.

“My deepest gratitude goes out to Ty Warner, and I don’t have enough words to express the “thank you” from my heart and Spirit,”  Vasilakos wrote on her blog.

Comments (59)

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  • OniKaze
    Posted on August 27, 2012 at 1:01pm

    I hope that this overly generous offer from Mr. Warner pays off for this lady, and I hope that she gets all the help and treatment she needs to get back to a normal life…

    And for those of you who don’t like Tattoos, your just being prejudiced fools… MAYBE that tattoo means something to her… Maybe it doesn’t… Either way, its not your place to judge, and if you feel the need to do so, keep your opinions of it to yourself…

    Its funny how most of the people on here (mainly all of the people who “claim” to be upstanding Christians) always rush to harsh judgement and criticism of others (which goes against the tenants of Christianity) about things like this…

    Part and parcel as to why most people that are not Christian (and some that are), think that Christians are a bunch of hypocrites and liars…. To those of you who do not rush to judge, you do your faith proud… To those who do… Enjoy living your lie, and sleep well knowing that you are just as bad, if not worse than the “heathens” you talk bad about..

    I am a man with tattoos, but I only like “nice” (well done) tattoos. Would I approve of the tattoo on this lady’s arm…. NO.. But I won’t judge her based on my taste not aligning with hers… Tattoos CAN be beautiful works of art, but most people are not willing to fork over the money for high-quality work… I have over $3000 in my left arm, and it looks great… But I will admit, MOST tattoos are junk, and look like crap no matter

    Report Post » OniKaze  
  • SocialistSlayer
    Posted on August 27, 2012 at 12:42pm

    Yes , I agree. Why does such a beautiful women defile her body with gross tattoos. Tattoos make people look like trash.

    Report Post » SocialistSlayer  
  • watashbuddyfriend
    Posted on August 27, 2012 at 12:03pm

    Tattoo Dummies! Why is Hollywood promoting this?

    Report Post »  
  • HuskerDave
    Posted on August 27, 2012 at 9:19am

    A story of generosity is wonderful – but;

    There is a reason this ‘treatment’ is not performed in the United States. It’s bogus. Ty Warner‘s comments suggest he is more impressed with the myth of stem cell treatments than with the woman’s fundraising needs.

    There is currently no treatment – for any ailment or disease – that requires stem cells. None. Yes there has been a political movement trying to gain acceptance for the research, including an impassioned plea for a few celebrities; but so far, stem cell research has developed no cures, no treatments of any promise.

    Stem cell research is about two things: 1) validation of use of the body tissue of aborted babies for medical research; 2) government research grants to support the bloated budgets of universities.

    Report Post »  
    • I am 'We the People
      Posted on August 27, 2012 at 11:35am

      I think you need to do some research on adult (yes I said ADULT) stem cell treatments. Every last living human being has a plethora of different kinds of stem cells and now we can treat even skin cells to revert to the stem cell form. This skin stem cell has been used to produce heart muscle cells to treat heart issues including dead areas from heart attack.

      Just keep in minds that blanket statements are almost never true. While I agree that fetal stem cell research should be discontinued (with very narrow exceptions, placental or similar research, i.e. no harm to the baby), stem cell research and treatment has very viable uses already and will pave the way for the stimulation and regrowth of organs and even limbs. (They have already grown a mouse heart from the mouse’ own tissues.)

      Report Post » I am 'We the People  
    • bloomytoad
      Posted on August 27, 2012 at 11:43am

      You are almost as right as you are wrong. There are many stem cell treatments that have proven to be effective. They have all used adult stem cells. This is why they are not used in the United States, because it is a political issue. It has become all about fetal stem cells here, which do not work. Adult stem cells do, but as soon as anyone, including too many researchers, hears “stem cells” they associate it with aborted babies.
      Go Big Red

      Report Post »  
    • Styx
      Posted on August 27, 2012 at 11:46am

      Beat to the punch by I am We the People. It’s true: adult stem cell research is returning some pretty amazing results. Embryonic stem cell research has produced nothing except a convenient excuse to continue killing the unborn.

      Report Post » Styx  
    • haveimissedsomething
      Posted on August 27, 2012 at 4:11pm

      WRONG! There have been a great number of stem cell therapies that have shown great results. The most commonly used type of stem cell used is taken from the patients own fat tissues. Interestingly, not one successful therapy has been developed using embryonic cells.

      Report Post »  
  • Mikev5
    Posted on August 27, 2012 at 4:53am

    To this day I can understand why people liked or even wanted a Beanie Babie they were so ugly and cheaply made just garbage.

    Hysteria and mass marketing is all that made them so popular shows how gullible people were and still are.

    Report Post » Mikev5  
    • DJR
      Posted on August 27, 2012 at 7:57am

      MIKEV5 thanks for your opinion on Beanie Babies, but what does that have to do with the story? I think you missed the point.

      Report Post »  
  • WINNEBAGOMAN
    Posted on August 26, 2012 at 11:39pm

    [sarchasim alert]

    Here’s another example of what happens when you let those evil 1%-ers to their own devices. Who does Ty Warner think he is spreading his wealth around, without first allowing the government getting their hands on the cash and making the “proper” appropriations?! Capitalist pig!

    Report Post » WINNEBAGOMAN  
    • SgtB
      Posted on August 27, 2012 at 3:57am

      Funny thing is that this guy just threw away 20k. Stem cells are highly unlikely to be effective at curing a kidney disease. First off, there is the risk of rejection if they use stem cells from another person, child, umbilical cord, or I severely hope not a murdered child that some would simply call a fetus. If such rejection occurs, she can expect that her body will destroy the invading cells in hours. If her immune system is weak however, the stem cells may latch on and start dividing and making themselves into the wrong type of tissue possibly causing tumors or even cancerous growth.

      All in all, I’d say the possibilities she gets well from this “treatment” are slim to none.

      Report Post » SgtB  
    • fatpatriot
      Posted on August 27, 2012 at 7:21am

      sgtb,
      Geez ….Miss the point much. The story is not about the treatment. It’s a story about compassion of one human being for the needs of another human being. But you couldn‘t resist showing off your your supposed superior knowledge of a subject that isn’t even relevant. How exactly is Mr Warner wasting his 20K? By offering some measure of hope to a person with out any alternatives? Re-read and try to grasp that she is not a candidate for transplant. Oh and your reference to embyronic stem cells and /or fetal stemcells is moronic. Re-read and learn that the treatment she is seeking DOES NOT use those types of cells. Open mouth, insert foot, chew vigorously. May God Bless Mr. Warner for his generosity!!!!!

      Report Post »  
  • KyleD
    Posted on August 26, 2012 at 11:03pm

    This is one of the reasons I feel it would be nice to be more well-to-do. Giving money to like red cross or salvation army is nice and all but I feel often times my donations are too widespread – it helps a lot of people a very little bit. When you donate to someone personally, and donate a lot, it’s helping one person substantially. It touches you and the person you’re helping in a more personal way whereas donating to some organization is rather impersonal. Granted, I think I’d have been less public with the donation than this man.

    Report Post »  
  • ambrosia
    Posted on August 26, 2012 at 8:28pm

    Great story !
    Best of luck to all involved.

    These are the sort of stories that go on every day,
    one seldom hears of them because they are quietly done behind the scenes
    with no need to make public.
    However, “Feel-Good” stories do need to get press, every now & then
    to ensure our faith in basic humanity.

    I remember hearing the story from a soldier
    who was in NYC during “Fleet” week, years back.
    He & a bunch of his fellow soldiers were about
    to cross the street when a car pulled up,
    a man got out to thank them for their service & welcome them to NYC.

    He then told them to treat themselves to the best evening, dining & entertainment
    anywhere, at his expense.
    The soldier said, the man got back in his car & left,
    an assistant stayed to handle the followup details.

    When questioned about the man, he said, something to the effect,
    “Oh, that’s Mr. Trump & he takes great pleasure in making these
    kind overtures, especially to servicemen.”

    Trump & others do these kind of things daily-
    they never ask for fanfare, they just do what moves them.

    Do you think, for one moment that Oblameo, cheapskate Biden
    or a Lib would ever do such a thing ?
    They spit & cuss at our police & military, they crap on police cars.

    This country is in dire need of a reboot,
    back to civility & respect of others.
    It all starts with this reelection-
    we know who the GOOD people are & what makes America great-
    OUT with the GOONS & in with the GODLY !

    Report Post »  
  • Vic Tory
    Posted on August 26, 2012 at 7:26pm

    She’s AWESOME!
    He’s AWESOME!
    I pray she has a full recovery and that there are more out there like him.
    And thanks Ty Warner. I will remember this every time I see a Beanie Baby.

    Report Post » Vic Tory  
    • Link8on
      Posted on August 27, 2012 at 8:14am

      Good neighborly people connecting in meaningful ways.

      My pastor’s message this week was from Luke 10:25-37.

      “Go and do likewise.”

      Report Post » Link8on  
  • Bluesurf
    Posted on August 26, 2012 at 6:29pm

    A beautiful story, sounds much like Mitt & Ann Romney’s charitable goodness.

    Report Post »  
  • t00nces2
    Posted on August 26, 2012 at 5:17pm

    Melanoma disqualifies you for a transplant?! Holy crap! I had a small melanoma removed about a year and a half ago.

    Report Post »  
    • SoloPocono
      Posted on August 26, 2012 at 10:40pm

      Toonces: Melanoma isn’t the only thing that will disqualify for a kidney transplant. Unfortunately, it seems the list of donors keeps shrinking, so they beef up qualifications to make sure the person receiving the transplant, has a long, healthy life in front of them.
      I was born with just one kidney, related to my genetic disorder which primarily manifests itself orthopedically. I pretty much knew I wouldn’t be a candidate: basal cell skin cancer, severe recurring ulcers, Graves Disease, SLE, glaucoma, past spinal injury…LOL, the ONLY reason I tried was my doc rallied my kids who did a strange “intervention”; but we knew it was a long shot. Also, my Son is an exact match-but he unfortunately inherited the disorder and was found to only have one kidney himself. My Doc mentioned “another way”, but as a former medical professional myself, I was SHOCKED!! I would NEVER put myself in front of others, younger & healthier. It took a few minutes, but my children agreed.
      For ALL OTHERS Awaiting a vital organ, a second chance at Life: PLEASE Sign Donor Cards!! You never know if someone you love may have the need in the future!! Even *I* am donating ANYTHING they want-even if it’s just research!! “Before You Die, Why Not Plan To Leave Your Organs On Earth? GOD KNOWS You Won’t Need Them In Heaven!”

      Report Post »  
  • KEELHAULUM
    Posted on August 26, 2012 at 4:07pm

    The “evil” rich strike again.
    Er,..wait a second.

    Report Post » KEELHAULUM  
    • TRUTHandFREEDOM
      Posted on August 26, 2012 at 5:35pm

      I have to wonder if the taxman will strike next April, calling that gift income.

      Hey BLAZE! Can you follow that? It’s a potential occurance and story.

      Report Post »  
    • Ajohn
      Posted on August 26, 2012 at 5:53pm

      Truthandfreedom, you hit the nail on the head. My friend has a daughter that needed an artificial kidney, many donations for the $300K (this was did not include the doctors, who donated their time) operation came in and the tax man was right behind. It has cost him his business to pay the tax bill. The donations and operation saved her life and she is doing well, however he is still in litigation with the taxman…

      Report Post »  
    • loriann12
      Posted on August 26, 2012 at 10:05pm

      I do know there’s a limit on “gifts” but I don’t remember what it is. Seems like it’s $20,000. I know because my husband‘s grandma gave about that much to my husband’s dad (plus $1,000 to our kids) because she didn’t want him to pay an inheritance tax after she died. I just don’t remember how much they got.

      Report Post »  
  • Margyt
    Posted on August 26, 2012 at 4:05pm

    Thanks for sharing this wonderful story.

    Report Post »  
  • tckid17
    Posted on August 26, 2012 at 4:04pm

    Heart warming story, I am adding to my Beanie Baby graduation owl collection.

    Report Post »  
  • woodyee
    Posted on August 26, 2012 at 3:54pm

    That was very nice of the gentleman. Kudos to him, and the tens of thousands like him that go without mention!

    ;-)

    Report Post » woodyee  
  • GumRock
    Posted on August 26, 2012 at 2:56pm

    Sucker !

    Report Post » GumRock  
  • stemcellpatient
    Posted on August 26, 2012 at 2:48pm

    Wow, lucky woman, wish her all the best, if she had gone to New Zealand for an Adult stem cell transplant which is 100 % safe as they use your own stem cells, it would have cost her less than 1/2 the money, as it did just months a go for my 70 year old mother who has now written a blog explaining in plain English the different types of stem cells, how the procedure is done, and a weekly update on her progress, along with the best of the latest stem cell news from around the world and such.. she will also answer any questions personally and for free, please visit her http://www.stemcellpatient.net

    Report Post »  
  • blazingaway
    Posted on August 26, 2012 at 2:39pm

    How would this work under BO (obama) Care … Ty couldn’t do what he did, she would be either eliminated as a potential candidate or have to wait in line. Yes America, just rely on the idiots in government to take care of all you needs and you won‘t have any since the government really doesn’t know you or care about you and only wants your damn vote which is your personal stamp of approval that you want them to pack your fudge

    Report Post » blazingaway  
    • majasdad
      Posted on August 26, 2012 at 4:35pm

      You have no idea what you’re talking about. None whatsoever. You just blurt it out like a trained response from some Pavlov’s dog, and don’t even cite anything to back up your crap. Mind-boggling.
      Truly mind-boggling.

      Report Post »  
    • MAX0O1
      Posted on August 26, 2012 at 6:19pm

      MASAJAD. FRIGHTENING how many of you(and I do mean you)USEFUL IDIOTS ARE OUT THERE!

      Report Post »  
  • wingedwolf
    Posted on August 26, 2012 at 2:39pm

    Not under barrycare we private sector middle class folks won’t get this or any other specialized treatment.

    Report Post » wingedwolf  
  • Tigress1
    Posted on August 26, 2012 at 2:23pm

    Take that Wendi C. Thomas from the Commercial Appeal! I bet Ty Warner didn’t get a tax deduction for this either!

    If you have high blood pressure do not read this:

    http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2012/aug/26/wendi-c-thomas-when-the-wealthy-move-to-middle/

    Report Post » Tigress1  
  • John54
    Posted on August 26, 2012 at 2:11pm

    While appreciated, unfortunately the charity of rich people is too unpredictable and inconsistent. I’d rather be “dependent” (as Republicans put it) on the government than on rich people.

    Report Post »  
    • variable51
      Posted on August 26, 2012 at 2:20pm

      That shows your lunacy….

      Report Post » variable51  
    • hepbob
      Posted on August 26, 2012 at 2:25pm

      Obama, aka the government, would have told her the same thing. The cost-to-benefit ratio would be too high under Obamacare and she would be denied treatment. I would rather depend on the charity of the American people.

      Report Post »  
    • hersey10
      Posted on August 26, 2012 at 2:27pm

      Of course , you fail to cite 1 single example of the absurd claim you’ve just made . Rush was right , Obama IS going for “the moron vote” , looks like he’s locked up yours .

      Report Post » hersey10  
    • EricAZ
      Posted on August 26, 2012 at 2:32pm

      What makes you think they would approve this treatment when it hasn’t passed US hurdles? Please note she had to go outside the US for this treatment!

      Report Post »  
    • OneTermPresident
      Posted on August 26, 2012 at 2:32pm

      @JOHN54… Obviously you’ve been on the dole for so long.. you can’t even reason anymore. So much for your individualism… you’re part of the collectively brain washed now..

      Report Post » OneTermPresident  
    • jman-6
      Posted on August 26, 2012 at 2:44pm

      I guess that by your post you don’t believe in GOD! I hope you come to know the Creator and depend on Him! I’ll pray for you.

      Report Post »  
    • TheBurningTruth
      Posted on August 26, 2012 at 2:54pm

      What you’re really saying is that you DO want to be dependent upon rich people, but instead of accepting their VOLUNTARY charity, you’d rather be an ACCOMPLICE after the fact to THEFT and COERCION of those same rich people.

      Somehow you fell better about yourself if you can HIRE the HITMAN that goes out with a gun and STEALS the wealth of another for YOUR BENEFIT.

      Yeah, you’ve got great morals there.

      Report Post » TheBurningTruth  
    • BoyScout_Mom
      Posted on August 26, 2012 at 3:03pm

      John, shut up and eat your vegetables…

      Report Post » BoyScout_Mom  
    • MBA
      Posted on August 26, 2012 at 4:59pm

      well, the ignorant asses are dependent on the government. Good luck when the money runs out.

      Report Post »  
    • sgt1010
      Posted on August 27, 2012 at 12:56am

      John54,
      Do be dependent on the government is to be dependent on the “rich people”, whose taxes do you think the government uses to pay for your dependency?

      Report Post » sgt1010  
  • randy
    Posted on August 26, 2012 at 1:37pm

    God Bless both of them……..

    Report Post » randy  
  • IMCHRISTIAN
    Posted on August 26, 2012 at 1:34pm

    What a great guy Ty was in helping the lady in need. God Bless you,Ty, and all others that give from the heart.

    Report Post »  
  • drattastic
    Posted on August 26, 2012 at 1:33pm

    Nice story and all but looking at the picture I can’t help but ask the question ,why do people feel the need to ink themselves up like that ,especially women ? Are some people so desperate to draw attention that they mutilate their skin. A “tat” to a discreet place is one thing but “sleeves” on a woman ? I just don’t get it.

    Report Post » drattastic  
    • IMCHRISTIAN
      Posted on August 26, 2012 at 2:27pm

      Don’t worry about it because they are the ones that have to have it for life unless removed (yes we all get older if we are lucky) and they will be applying for jobs, etc. Employers may go by your features whether you think it is right or not.

      Report Post »  
    • Homeschoolmama
      Posted on August 26, 2012 at 2:51pm

      Because she likes them. Why can‘t people respect other people’s tastes and opinions. It‘s not affecting you for her to have tat’s. People have critised me for spending so much money on my horse, while they are spending money on a boat or motorcycle. It’s not their money, why should they care how I spend it. It’s not your skin, why should you care what she does to it.

      Report Post »  
  • watchmanwatch
    Posted on August 26, 2012 at 1:27pm

    Bravo Ty :) You are earning those robes we wear in heaven… I pray her procedure goes well and she lives many happy years and helps others herself…

    Great to hear the good stuff of this world…

    Report Post »  
    • Want our country back
      Posted on August 26, 2012 at 1:47pm

      Sounds like that movie “Pretty Woman”. I tried to google his name to see what his political affiliation was but couldn’t find anything…. weird… anybody know????

      What a GREAT story, generosity, awareness, kindness, selflessness

      Report Post » Want our country back  
    • Kupo
      Posted on August 26, 2012 at 2:18pm

      Seriously? Sounds like the movie “Pretty Woman”? Did you watch a different movie than I did with that name, because the stories are nothing alike. This story is about a business tycoon selflessly donating money to someone for a medical treatment and the other is about someone who hires a ****** to be his date to his social events and to provide all of the other services that go along with that in the meantime. Nothing alike.

      Report Post » Kupo  
    • QuincySmith
      Posted on August 26, 2012 at 2:30pm

      Country;

      Didn’t find political affiliation, but Ty is a philanthropist and private.

      Wiki: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ty_Warner

      Report Post » QuincySmith  
    • Want our country back
      Posted on August 26, 2012 at 3:16pm

      KUPO, You think too deep. I meant, she’s on a corner (handing out pamplets) and a billionaire asks for instructions…………. in turn helps her. Period….WOW

      Report Post » Want our country back  
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