Support and Love for Sandy Graham

I just want to take a moment and personally thank everyone that has been involved thus far in the loving and support being shown for our dear friend and Halloween Haunt legend, Sandy Graham.

Sandy recently underwent surgery to remove a cancerous brain tumor; a life-altering experience, and one that has left her with an incredible road to recovery ahead. However, Sandy is a strong woman - a soft-spoken fighter that is adored by friends and fans alike from all walks.

Theme Park Adventure has participated in the on-going support campaign for Sandy, as she has incredible medical bills and life needs that will remain constant well into the future. It was my honor to design the logo for Sandy's support t-shirt; that part of the initiative is over with, and I'm thrilled to say that many shirts were sold for $15, with $10 of each sale going to Sandy and her battle.

In addition to the shirt, TPA did what we could to help get the word out about Sandy's benefit art show at Knott's Berry Farm, which raised almost $4,000.00!

All along, it has been everyone's focus to get Sandy up and around, so she can return to the Scary Farm, where she has been a Haunt icon for years.

This is where reality becomes very ugly.

Sandy's physical state is slowly improving each and every day; we encourage you all to follow Sandy's personal blog and to share your love with her via comments on her page. Let her know you're a TPA reader - and let her know you're thinking of her. In time, we expect that Sandy's physical and mental state will be solid and as wonderful as ever.

Now that she's returned home from the hospitals, Sandy is going to be on government-provided Disability. And, the way the system works, if someone is on Disability and is receiving benefits (a monthly check that remains on-going and indefinite if someone is permanently disabled or altered), that individual is not permitted to work in any capacity that will earn any wages. Ever.

If someone on Disability works, the benefits cease. And that's it.

The hard reality is, Sandy is not going to return to Knott's Halloween Haunt. At least not for the foreseeable future. If she does, her Disability benefits end and she will receive no more money from the government.

It's a heart-wrenching, frustrating and ultimately, tragic outcome of a battle that Sandy has so bravely waged against cancer.

Tawnda, Sandy's sister, has discussed this with Sandy. It's a difficult time, and Sandy is understanding and aware of this outcome. I cannot imagine how sad and empty that must feel - Sandy loves her Knott's family, adores Haunt and absolutely wanted nothing more than to return this year as the Vampire Queen in the new vamp area of the Scary Farm as a street character for the first time in her career.

This battle is far from over - and our love and support for Sandy has never been stronger. I believe that when October comes, there must be some way to at least have Sandy realize her role as a street monster for a night at Knott's Scary Farm. She'll do it without pay and will be surrounded by an army of monsters and fans that sincerely love this woman.

Knott's Berry Farm has made no official comment, as this new information has just been made public this week. However, it is our full intent to stay in touch with our friends throughout the Knott's/Cedar Fair organization and keep Sandy front and center on their radar until October.

TPA will continue to post updates and information relating to new events to raise money for Sandy's battle. We are in frequent contact with Sandy and her family - and they are all aware of the love everyone is showing.

Thank you all. Keep Sandy in your thoughts and prayers.

She is a fighter, a survivor and a true queen.

We love you, Sandy.

- Rick West