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Recognition: Memorials

In Memory of Tim Walker

Timothy James Walker 7 Sept 79 - 30 March 06

Many of us here at PHC have had close ties with Tim and his family over the last four years. We’ve cheered Tim on when he needed it and we’ve fretted when it seemed he was in trouble.

Tim had that spark and the pluckiness of a smart young man with a great future ahead of him. He was very optimistic. He was, like most young men his age, invincible.

A lot of people talk about fighting the good fight, but most of us have no idea what that means or what it looks like. Tim fought so long and so hard even when there seemed to be no hope at all. Some of us wondered where he got his strength. He just never gave up hope.

Tim lost his good fight on March 30, 2006. He was twenty-six-years old.

As many of you know, Australians do not have access to either Flolan or IV Remodulin which are considered the gold standard of PAH drugs. If these treatments had been available to Tim early on, he might have had more time to qualify for the double lung / heart transplant he so desperately needed.

A friend of Tim’s has organized a fund-raiser for the family who has incurred many debts in the past few years paying out of pocket for a host of very expensive drugs. If you would like to help Tim’s family with a donation, please click here for details. And / or you may make a contribution to PHCentral in Tim’s memory.

For more of Tim's story, please read the Feature, In the Wee Hours - A mother's letter to herself, By Annette Whittaker

Tim and Emma

Tim & Emma

Tim and Annie

Tim with Annie on his wedding day

Tim and Emma

Tim & Emma

Tim and Emma

Tim & Emma

Tim and Emma

Tim & Emma in Tasmania on their honeymoon

tim and Phil

Tim & Phil

Richard and Annie

Richard & Annie

Tim

Tim at a fund-raiser organized by friends

Read Comments (87) • Make a Comment

Cheryl Switzer - San Francisco March 31, 2006
Annie responded to something I wrote on phfriends some years ago and it was mostly through her that I got a sense of Tim. She would send photos of significant events - his marriage to Emma, his honeymoon - so I had no trouble writing this memorial to Tim and his family. I feel I know them very well.

Some people believe you cannot really know anyone until you break bread with them or see them face-to-face. That I know is not at all true. Tim's family is solid and loving and just the best. I have grown to love them all in the past few years. They are the best.

This journey has been so hard on them all, a torture on so many levels. But I think they will be fine...eventually.

We love you guys. You have a lot of friends out here and I know you know it.

Annette Schubert - San Francisco March 31, 2006
Every once in a while, an unforgettable person crosses your path. If you're lucky, this person is a good person, one who can inspire you and cause you to aspire to a better life. I think that Tim was one of these persons. Most of us who read the PHCentral Diaries, never met Tim; yet we breathed when he breathed and we struggled when he struggled. He touched us all. We all felt his mother's anguish. We cried with his wife. We prayed for a miracle. It didn't happen. God took Tim's tired, ravaged body in his arms, and clutching him close to his chest, whisked him to Heaven. It was time. Tim left his mark on all of us. We will always love him and his family. We will never forget. If you search the sky on a clear night, that bright star up there....the one that outshines them all...is Tim. At peace, at last.

Susan Johnson - Asheboro,NC April 01, 2006
You touched my life in so many ways.May you be at piece now.

God bless you Tim for the person you were.

Nancy - Wyoming, USA April 01, 2006
"To live in hearts we leave behind, is not to die." -- from Hallowed Ground by Thomas Campbell

I did not personally know Tim, but I grew to know him through Annie's words in her diary and from the brief comments Tim left in the PH central diaries. His fun-loving personality was revealed in those few words. He was a shooting star - special and memorable. I will not forget Tim: he lives in my heart.

Myriam Calles - Tijuana Mexico-San Diego April 01, 2006
I can said i few words when i become memeber from this web site i remember i read the profile from Tim and i knwe that he was young like me. I spoke a few times in the chat room with Annie and i can said that ios a lovely family and Tim is very previligous to have a family and do many things with his family and i know that he is better and i hope we continue too fight this illness and help us each others .

Kate Belton - Newcastle Australia April 01, 2006
I have been one of the lucky ones to have met Tim and seen for myself the special light and sparkle in his eyes.
I will always remember the love and zest for life that was so evident in him on the night of his 21st birthday. Anyone who attended that evening couldn't help but come away enriched from having been priviledged to be there. My deepest love and admiration to his mother and my friend Annie. Love Kate.

Brigitte Hayes - Lancaster CA April 01, 2006
I'd like to say that I knew Tim for a very long time but that isn't true at all. In truth, I've only even known of him for a little over 6 months, mostly through his mother, one of the strongest people I know. Towards the end of his life, I was blessed to have brief correspondence directly with him and though he knew his position with his illness very well and the probable outcome - he and I were still able to joke. Tim and Annie have touched my life in such a way that I cannot even begin to explain.

The unimaginable strength of Tim and his family gives strength to us all. Tim's plight reminds us that sometimes even when hope is gone, love and humor can still buoy us in a storm.

He is much loved and sorely missed.

Trehna Rouse - Perth, Western Australia April 02, 2006
My first contact with Tim came around 2 years ago, and because of Tims advice and help I finally managed to get answers to my health issues and 1 year on was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension. Tims advice, his witty personality was beyond his years. His courage,strength and hope shone through everything and we should all learn from that and carry it with us in our fight against PH.

Stay Strong and never loose hope.

Kindest Regards

Trehna Rouse

Sarah Johnston - Newcastle April 02, 2006
Tim and his family have shown me what love really means.

Anna Read - Newcastle, NSW, Australia April 02, 2006
I didn't know Tim well - but I felt a special connection - through his amazing mum, Annie, who I work with. She is an inspiration to us all in her unending devotion to her beloved son - whilst always keeping a brave face and a sense of reality and humour.

One day, I hope, this tragedy will all make some sort of sense.

Tim - you will be missed by many - and your family will be loved and supported by many people around the world.

Betty Taylor - Zanesville, Ohio USA April 02, 2006
I am fairly newly diagnosed with PH and did not know Tim personally but only thru the messages from Annie. He was an inspiration to us all. May he rest in God's loving grace and may God comfort his family as only he can do. May his family remember the blessed times with Tim.
Rest in Peace and Breathe Easy Tim

Spring
Betty Taylor

Sue Mace - St. Joseph, MO April 02, 2006
I never actually knew Tim or Annie...but I did receive some personal email from her about different topics...I think one was about raising kids...because of the troubles times I am having with mine. But I think that both of us being parents is the one common thing we have. I think when you have lost a child whether you've known that child b4 birth or they have lived a long life...it's still a tragic. I lost oe b4 I could know it. I realize know that God had a purpose for it...but I didn't at the time. It tore my heart up at the time. I was lost and spent that time a few years ago really lost. Then here a few years ago I found my way back and evetually found this place...PHC. I'm glad that I found it.
Tim, even though I really didn't know him...just knowing about his strength gave me the strength to go on with this fight. That's all it takes is for one of us to give the most he can for another. We saw a super person fighting the fight of a lifetime and we saw his wonderful snile and wonderful spirit right there with that fight. It was inspiring. It led us thru it all. It will continue to lead us. All we have to do is look back and see his face, his smile and his spirit and see that he lives on in his family, his wife and all of us. We have to continue this fight in his name! In his name the fight for PH should go on...his name and many otheres who have died b4. Tim and the others will never be forgotten. They live on in our hearts. God has forged a path for them and like one person said...he has wings to soar now and so he's soaring over us and watching over. Take flight Dear Tim...Watch over your dear family and give them peace and comfort that you are no longer suffering! We love you and miss you...but you are safe in God's arms! Rest in peace, Tim!
God bless,Sue

Tavia Underwood - Atlanta, Georgia April 02, 2006
I was diagnosed with PH in 2003 at age 31. I am deeply sorry to hear of Tim's passing. You all are in my prayers.

Tavia

Tim Pembroke - Melbourne April 02, 2006
Love & Prays to Annette & family.

Annette Markin - Omaha, Nebraska April 02, 2006
I am a 49 year old mother, wife, sister, aunt and first grade teacher (on medical leave) who was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension on June 29, 2004 (my husband's birthday). I was first drawn to Tim's story because of his mother's name...(there aren't too many of us) and then continued to follow because of the amazing love and closeness in this family. My thoughts and prayers are sent to you across the ocean. I pray for some level of peace for all of you.

Steve Cocks - Adelaide April 02, 2006
I would just like to let you know that as sad as it is that Tim has passed....... he already has had an impact on the Organ Donor Register.

I have set up a tribute to Tim Walker and have pleaded with the readers to not let Tim's death be invain............because of this....... people have signed on to the Organ Donor Register, people have emailed their family, friends and work colleagues. People have put the message on their email signatures about the changes to the Register and feedback from that suggests more people have signed up accordingly. People have printed off the online Registration form and have taken it to work to photocopy and pass around at their work.

David Hookes might of made a big difference due to his High Profile in society but......Tim Walker .....has also made a difference...... Laura and I won't let Tim's name be forgotten and we will continue to work towards reducing the suffering of other families like yours.

Here is the Link

This poem was written by 14yr Old Cameron and was given to me on Tim's Tribute.....
to pass on to Tim's family.

I BELIEVE IN ANGELS
when god calls upon our loved ones,
to stay with him above,
we mortals can't help but question,
the certainty of his love

we think he wants to take them,
away from our sides, yet the reason for wanting them with him,
is he sees an angel in their eyes

i believe that god tries calling
just the aged to fly away'
but sometimes he can't help it,
to take the angel he finds that day

he knows we all need them'
so he only takes a few,
for he wants their faces in heaven,
to give the land a better view,
he knows that this will hurt us,
to see them fade away
into the darkest distance into a different day

believing they turn to angels,
some people just cannot try,
but he knows that the hardest thing to do, is to say goodbye

so when god takes our loved ones,
we that stay behind, should know that god had to take them,
because angels are hard to find.

Annie.....Laura still has the Angel you gave her while she was waiting for her 'Gift of Life'......Thank you Annie from the bottom of my heart.
I wish I could be there with you to give you a great big hug.

Love Always

Steve

Lori Edwards - Camden, Arkansas April 03, 2006
Annie reached out and touched my life without having too - She included me in Tims struggle therefore helping me to understand my own sisters fight. I love you, Annie and continue to pray for you and your family.

Graham & Valerie Baxter & family - Canberra ACT April 03, 2006
We have known Tim from birth & watched him grow & develop into a great young guy, albeit from a distance.
We have shared some special times with Tim & his family over the years & feel a deep sadness for Annia, Richard, Phil, Emma & Tim's entire family.
The one thing we know Tim would of wanted is for them to rebuild their lives in his memory.
Love & best wishes
Graham & Valerie Baxter & family

Laura & Steve - Adelaide, South Australia April 03, 2006
Dear Annie, Emma & Richard,

Lots of love has been sent your way from members of emailcash australia. I have copied a beautiful poem written for you by Dreamy.

When tomorrow starts without me,
and I'm not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes,
all filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry,
the way you did today,
while thinking of the many things,
we didn't get to say.

I know how much you love me,
as much as I love you,
and each time that you think of me,
I know you'll miss me too;

But when tomorrow starts without me,
please try to understand,
that an angel came and called my name,
and took me by the hand,
and said my place was ready,
in heaven far above,
and that I'd have to leave behind,'
all those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away,
a tear fell from my eye,
for all life, I'd always thought,
I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for,
so much yet to do,
it seemed almost impossible,
that I was leaving you.

I thought of all the yesterdays,
the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared,
and all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday,
just even for a while,
I'd say good-bye and kiss you,
and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized,
that this could never be,
for emptiness and memories,
would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things,
I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did,
my heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through heaven's gates,
I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me,
from His great golden throne,
He said, "This is eternity,
and all I've promised you."
Today for life on earth is past,
but here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow,
but today will always last,
and since each day's the same day,
there's no longing for the past.

But you have been so faithful,
so trusting and so true.
Though there were times you did some things,
you knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven
and now at last you're free.
So won't you take my hand
and share my life with me?

So when tomorrow starts without me,
don't think we're far apart,
for everytime you think of me,
I'm right here, in your heart

*I know that this is a sad and sorrowful time for you, but please accept this poem that I have written as a voice from the angels.....and know that Timothy would have wanted it to be this way......a message from him.
God Bless you all.

With heartfelt condolences from
Dreamy.
xx

Laura & Steve - Adelaide, South Australia April 03, 2006
Dear Annie, Richard & Emma,

Here is another beautiful peom posted on our tribute to Tim forum on emailcash Australia. This lovely poem was posted by icarealot and was written by her 14 year old son Cameron.

I BELIEVE IN ANGELS
when god calls upon our loved ones,
to stay with him above,
we mortals can't help but question,
the certainty of his love

we think he wants to take them,
away from our sides, yet the reason for wanting them with him,
is he sees an angel in their eyes

i believe that god tries calling
just the aged to fly away'
but sometimes he can't help it,
to take the angel he finds that day

he knows we all need them'
so he only takes a few,
for he wants their faces in heaven,
to give the land a better view,

he knows that this will hurt us,
to see them fade away
into the darkest distance into a different day

believing they turn to angels,
some people just cannot try,
but he knows that the hardest thing to do, is to say goodbye

so when god takes our loved ones,
we that stay behind, should know that god had to take them,
because angels are hard to find.

Laura & Steve - Adelaide, South Australia April 03, 2006
Dear Annie, Richard,Emma and family,

We were so saddened to learn of Tim's passing. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. You all put up such a courageous battle ... especially Tim. We will always remember the date of Tim's passing as today, 31 March 2006 (the day after Tim's passing), is Laura's 3rd transplant birthday.

Annie you are so strong. You have been an inspiration to many of us on the PH support group in Australia. You are such a devoted mum. Tim was a very lucky man to have you. Your family are a bunch of fighters and we believe that although Tim was not saved, your efforts will save the lives of others in the future. Everytime I look at the angel that you sent me Annie my thoughts will be with you, Emma, Richard, your extended family, and especially Tim. I am sure Tim touched the hearts of many.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

With love from Laura & Steve xoxox

Helen Forrest - Colorado Springs, Colorado April 03, 2006
As the days pass by I hope that you will read all about Tim in our memories and thoughts in these pages.
Of how special he was to us, and smile...He was blessed to have such a loving family around him and we have been blessed by him and you Annie.
I believe that God is a Gentle and loving God, who guides us throughout our lives. I believe He must have needed a very special angel to help Him take care of all of His children that are here and still struggling(some as valiantly as Tim) until we too, find our way home.
Take care of yourself and remember, that Tim will always be in your hearts and in ours.

THANK YOU FOR SHARING HIM WITH US!

Sonya Ashe - Tennessee, USA April 03, 2006
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers will be with you all as your painful hearts begin the healing process. I believe that he will be watching over his whole family with loving thoughts. May God Bless you and give you peace.

Susan Temple - Rocky Mount, Virginia April 03, 2006
The whole PH community feels your loss. May God bless you and keep you in His care.

Jackie Uranich - State of Illinois, USA April 03, 2006
You and your family have my deepest sympathy...take comfort in knowing God takes only the best...He fullfilled his purpose here so God took him home...You will see him again one day...I truly believe that....god Bless.....Jac

leahc - gold coast australia April 03, 2006
I FIRST MET ANNIE ON THE PH SITE SHE OFFERED HER ADVICE ON HEALTH ISSUES MY SON WAS AND IS GOING THRUOGH AT THE MOMENT HE ALSO AT 19 WAS DIAGNOSED WITH PH SO WE HAD SOMETHING IN COMMAN SHE HELPED ME UNDERSTAND THIS HORRIBLE DISEASE,WE ARE JUST STARTING THIS FIGHT AND I PRAY WE HAVE THE STRENGH AND COURAGE ANNIE AND TIM HAVE HAD THERE LOVE FOR ONE AND OTHER IS SOMETHING I WILL CHERRIES AS A MOTHER.THANK YOU ANNIE FOR THE SUPPORT YOU HAVE SHOWN TO PEOPLE LIKE ME AND MY SON RIK YOU HAVE BEEN A GREAT HELP WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU OR TIM.

Linda Heiser - Illinois April 03, 2006
My deepest sympathy to Tim's family. His struggle with this disease has touched so many us. You are in my prayers.

Patricia Powell - North Carolina April 03, 2006
I am so very sorry for your great loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all. May you find peace and comfort in the days to come.

Julie - Melbourne, Australia April 03, 2006
My sincere sympathies to Annie and family on the loss of your wonderful son and brother... xxx

I now have received my organ donor card and is in my purse where anyone can see it if they open it up..

All the very best for the future.

xxxxx

Jennifer Radley - Eugene, Oregon April 04, 2006
I am deeply sadened by the loss of Tim. It troubles me terribly every time I hear of an Austrailian passing because they are not able to get the medicine they so desperatly need.
My condolences to your family.

Sam Reith - Scotland April 04, 2006
Annie,

Although I never got the chance to 'meet' Tim on the Message Board, I have thought of him, Emma and your family every day since reading his story, and now he will live on in my memories forever, because Tim truly is an inspiration to us all never to give up, no matter how hard the road ahead of us is.

My heart goes out to you during this difficult time of loss.

Love Sam x

Laura and Scott Smith - Montreal, Quebec, Canada April 04, 2006
Dear Annie and Family

Like a lot of people who have added comments to this memorial, I also never met or spoke to Tim. I felt like I knew him personally through Annie's letters and diary. Annie extended the hand of friendship to me when she first joined this site. I had just lost my husband to PPH and Annie sent me a letter from time to time. Her letters were always full of enthusiasm and wit and they put a smile on my face in some of the darkest days of my grief. She talked of Tim in every letter and I could relate to this because I also have a "gorgeous son" as Annie would say...Tim has been an inspiration to all of us with his love of life and his determination to fight this horrible disease until he could fight no more. Annie has also been an inspiration to all of us with her devotion to her son and family and seeing a little humor and optimism when at times there was very little to be optomistic or happy about. I wish there were magic words that could make this all better but of course there are no such words. This is a small poem that someone sent to me when I lost my Ron. I hope it can bring you some peace and know that others understand and care.

I said God it hurts,
God said I know,
God I cry alot,
God said that is why I gave you tears,
God life is so hard,
God said I know,
That is why I gave you loved ones.
God my loved one died,
God said so did mine,
God it is such a loss,
God said I saw mine nailed to a cross
God but your loved one lives,
God said so does yours,
God where are they now,
God said mine is on my right side,
Yours is in the light.....
God it still hurts,
God said I know.

Elisa Rouse - Perth Australia April 04, 2006
I never knew Tim or his family but I knew that my mum Trehna was in touch with him and Annie a fair deal. My first thoughts of Tim came from the Current Affair interview that was posted on this site. For a while I thought I had accepted the disease for what it was and had thought that my mum needing oxygen tanks would be the final step before being put on the transplant list. I knew that she was also thinking of going back to England to get the flolan and triprostinal (?sp) as an english citizen because its covered in the health scheme there. I hope that within Tim's passing or more so through his vibrant life on earth, that enough people will see this site or that interview and become more aware of what PH is and what the PBS scheme isn't. I believe that if more people become aware then something will have to change somewhere.
I believe that through Tim, each PH patient has been represented and heard. Each passing is a reminder to keep fighting and when all is said and done, in the cold light of day, strength prevails.Earth is only a destination to another place, I feel for Tim's family and at the same time I would like to say that where he is he can hopefully breathe and live again as a young man without illness and that one day you will hopefully be together again. He lived and lives in the PH'ers lives and in their families as well.
All my love and thoughts.

Angela - San Francisco April 04, 2006
Dear Annie, no words can convey the depth of my sadness on the passing away of your son. Thank goodness you were there to hold his hand (Emma, too), with family all around. What a blessing and a gift. Not many of us will get the chance to have our loved ones with us during our final moments, but Tim was one of the lucky ones. Tim knew how much he was loved. That's the most important thing.

Love and prayers for you - and for Emma, Phil, and Richard. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers for a long time.

Love, Angela

debbie holmes - valdosta ga April 04, 2006
so sorry for your loss, may God bless you and your family

Susan Guest - Belmont, Newcastle, Australia April 05, 2006
To Dearest Annie and Family,

My deepest, deepest thoughts and sorrow are with you. Tim is an inspiration to everyone. I never met him but knew all about him through working with his most inspirational and fantastic mother, Annie.

Annie you a very special person and the love you have for your 'gorgeous son' was evident everyday I saw you. You make me want to be a mum to my children in the same mould as you - perfect!

My heart goes out to you and your family.

"Mothers hold their children's hands for awhile, their hearts forever"

All my love Susan

Robyn Harvey - Redhead April 05, 2006
Annie
My thoughts are with you and your family.

pauline gibb - newzealand April 05, 2006
so sorry to hear about tim we never meet him we follow his story my daughter is 14 and has ph and we know what its like living with ph my heart goes out to tim and his family and friends

Robyn Harvey - Redhead April 05, 2006
Annie
My thoughts are with you and your family.

Donna Bonus - Newcastle, NSW, Australia April 06, 2006
Wednesday 6th April.
My dear friend Annie and her family Richard, Phillip, Emma and all others. What a beautiful day today was and what strength you all showed. I knew of Tim through Annie's tales of his struggle to survive, but today I learnt of his character, loves, passions and friendships. I can not even begin to imagine how you all feel... but know if you can just keep the thoughts you all portrayed today to those that attended; of a young, intelligent, courageous, strong willed and passionate man! Then the light and smiles and laughter and life will return.
Your friend,
Donna xxxx

Mary Price - Charlestown, Australia April 06, 2006
Today I had the honour of attending a most beautiful service to celebrate the life of Timothy Walker, my friend Annie's adored son. In the serene and peaceful grounds of "Palmdale", in a chapel overflowing with family and friends, we heard stories of a wonderful and unique person who was loved and treasured by all who knew him. His family's courage and strength in their time of grief has been truly inspiring. As myself, a parent, a wife, a sibling and a friend, my heart breaks for you all, Annie, Richard, Emma and Phil. You are constantly in my thoughts and I pray that in time, your hurting will not be as bad, and life will not be as hard as it is for you now. Tim will live in your hearts and memories forever.
Annie - thankyou for leaving your footprint in my heart, I am here for you if ever you need me.
Always your friend
Mary

gayle mackey& larr y mackey - Ft Worth, Tx. usa April 07, 2006
Annie, & family, please accept our sympathy . I don't even know how much I can write right now. My heart is just breaking for you and your family. My words cannot express how I really feel.
If there is anything at all that i may do please do not hesitate . Although I have not been with Ph friends very long I grew to love you and Tim. You and Tim have been a true inspiration to all of us.
Please, when you can keep in touch with us. I miss you .
You are a wonderful and caring person and you and Tm have touched my life.
Your PH friend , gayle Mackey, Ft. Worth , TX.

Diana Whitaker - Newcastle - Australia April 09, 2006
For My Nephew:

TIMOTHY JAMES WALKER

07/09/1979 ¨C 30/03/2006

This is your life and nobody is going to teach you,
No book, no guru.
Learn from yourself, not from books.
It is an endless thing, a fascinating thing and when you learn about your self from yourself,
Out of that learning wisdom comes.
Then you can live a most extraordinary,
Happy, beautiful life. Right?

KRISHNAMURTI

I found this quote in a book called ¡°Advanced Souls¡± which was given to me a few years ago by a dear friend.

After much thought, consideration and tears I decided that this quote epitomises Tim. He tackled life and its problems head on at full speed, and from his own learning and experiences, has shared this knowledge, understanding and his caring and love of life to those whose lives he touched around him.

He knew his strengths and limitations far better than those who loved him and who cared for him. I believe that many people who were touched by him are now strengthened, prepared and more able to care for those in a similar position to his own. Tim was a precious gift who enriched many lives through both his strengths and his weaknesses, which gave him his phenomenal wisdom and strength to live.

He will always be loved and remembered by us.

Love Diana

Noel Kesby - Nowra - South Coast NSW April 09, 2006
Annie, Emma, Phil & Richard.
Until I learnt about Tim's illness, over 4 years ago, I had no idea about Pulmonary Hypertension and how serious an illnus it is. Further, I had no idea how easily this illness can strike. To see how Tim has fought this deadly condition against all odds, was truely amazing. Tim's story also champions the essence of life and why we are all hear. Tim's love of Emma, his family & life has been an inspiration to us all. It has helped us that remain to refocus on the more important things of life, that is; our loved ones, our family and our friends. The true success of a persons life has to be how many lives have been positively influenced. To this end Tim's short life has been overwelmingly successful. As a result of Tim's influence on my life, my family and I have registered as organ donors, I have made a financial contribution to the PH centre at St. Vincents Hospital and I will invest more of my precious time into my family, friends and to people less fortunate than myself. Good on ya Tim.
To Annie, Emma, Phil & Richard you have shown us what true family love and support realy is. Tim could not have had a more caring family. God bless your future live richly. Live the rest of your lives with passion and as much enjoyment as possible, I'm sure that's what Tim wants for you.
Love Noel

SARAH MYLONAS & FAMILY - PERTH, AUSTRALIA April 09, 2006
Our family will remember Tim forever as a vibrant, brainy boy ,the first friend our son Christopher made at Warners Bay High, when we moved from Sydney to Newcastle. Tim took Christopher under his wing and showed him the way . He was always this incredible bright spark and along with Tim came Annie who mothered Christopher even better than i did at times(for that i am so grateful).Our hearts go out to the family for losing Tim so soon. it is so not right!!
We are all sad and have all cried many tears at losing Tim.He fought like a warrior,the same way he jumped into computers-so to speak-with a vengence to know how everything worked and so determined to get things right.He lives on in our hearts forever.

Jenny Woo (Aunty Jen) - Junee N.S.W. April 10, 2006
I am so proud to have such a wonderful,caring family. Tim was and always will be a special soul to me. I was 17 years old when Tim arrived a gorgeous little boy, the most beautiful child I had ever seen (unbiased of course) I could not get enough of my precious first born nephew. I showed him off at any given chance.
Tim always had a vigour for life which he showed throughout his illness, defying odds, and being pleased to do so! never complaining, taking on whatever he had to, to treat his illness, helping others along the way with advice & kindness. I love you Tim and always will you are a true inspiration to us all.
To my beautiful sister Annie,Richard, Phil & Emma I am in awe of the love,dedication & support you have given Tim when he needed you most. He loved and respected you all as much as you did him. He will be with you always, right alongside I am sure of this. I am always here for you Jen xxoo

LILIA CALLES DE BARAJAS - BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA April 11, 2006
MY PRAYERS WILL BE SPECIAL IN TIM'S MEMORY. MY BELOVED NIECE MYRIAM CALLES, SHE LIVES IN SAN DIEGO, AND SHE IS A PH PATIENT, THAT IS WHY I KNOW ABOUT YOUR BELOVED SON'S PROFILE, HE IS WITH GOD KNOW, HIS FIGHT IN THIS WORLD WILL GIVE OTHERS THE COURAUGE TO KEEP ON TRYING AND WE HOPE VERY SOON THE SCIENCE WILL FIND AN ALTERNATIVE FOR A BETTER LIVING FOR ALL PH PATIENTS.

WITH ALL MY RESPECT. LILIA BARAJAS
lilia_barajas@yahoo.com

Janie Moran - Roswell Georgia April 12, 2006
My memories of Tim are through his Mum, Annie. She shared her soul with all of us in laughter, pain, sickness, humor and has made her son Tim the international person, a real champion. I wish his battle could have been with new lungs but God had other plans for him. It says in the bible that the lamb with lie down with the lion when we get to heaven. Tim must be tending to all the lovely sea creatures knowing how much he loved the sea. God bless you Annie, Phil, Richard, and especially Emma. Thank you for sharing yourself with us all. You always have a friend in Georgia, much love from the other Tim's Mom

Darrell Cheah - Sydney April 13, 2006
My condolences to Annie and family. Tim's fight has been an inspiration to many. I know what is like to live with a PH patient as my sister was diagnosed 3 years ago. This is a horrible horrible disease which is worsen by the high cost of medication. The drug companies must show more humanity by reducing the exorbitant prices of medication. May God bless Tim & family.

Marilyn Chapman - Arkansas April 15, 2006
I came across Tim in my research of PH. I am just now diagnosed with PH. I know he will live on in his family. Bless each of you for your love and support, I know he felt it every day.

zIRtrON - Australia April 17, 2006
To the people closest to Tim, My life is dedicated to the dream Tim sparked way back when. Along the way, it will be nice to be able to give you something that I and I know Tim would appreciate you having.

To others that come across this site from researching PH, never give up. Tim survived much longer than he was ever expected to because he was a very strong fighter. If he came across anything that meant he couldn't survive, he challenged it. You only need to be lucky once. In my observations, I noticed Tim would conserve his energy for when it really needed to be used. Meditation was a good exercise for the mind during hospital stays and his sense of humour was still the first thing to function at any time of the day. Laughter is more powerful than many may think.

Keep on fighting, the world needs more people like you
Mylo Forreal
Artists Supporting Artists

Celeste Daniels - upstate NY April 19, 2006
I would like to express my deepest sympathies to Tims wife, mother and family. I have only recently been able to get back on the internet due to computer failure. I prayed every day that Tim would get his transplant in time and I am heartbroken to learn that he didn't.
I learned of Tim through his mum, Annie who I have always admired because of her beautiful supportive attitude to us...other parents of ph children/adult children.
I admired Tim because of his beautiful spirit and strong will. I will never forget him and the courageous battle he fought with ph.
The courage of this whole family and the support they were able to lend to others even during difficult times will never be forgotten. We love you....celeste mother of Noel...22 years severe pph, eisenmenger and uncorrected heart defects.

Paul Bottigliero - New Milford,NJ USA April 22, 2006
God Bless & guide you on your Journey.

Margie DePrado - Old Bridge, New Jersey, USA April 27, 2006
I am so sorry about the loss of your "Tim". He gave it his all, as did his family. God Bless you all.........

Annie - Timsmum June 30, 2006
I need to add my words to my gorgeous son's memorial page - these are as spoken by me at his funeral. I stood in front of several hundred people and did not cry as i acknowledged to those who attended and to Tim... a small speck of my journey with Tim as his mum. I did not sob as i spoke these words because of the courage and strength that Tim had during his final hours and days with us.

Hi and welcome everyone = how do you fit your son's life into an hour or so¡¡ well you just cant!

You hold your babe in your arms and a chubby little finger reaches out and wraps around your little finger and you wonder what those hands will have to do in the years ahead. You feel the tiny beat of a heart and hope it is never broken but your wisdom knows it is part of growing up ¡so you know it will be broken many times over. You feel a wriggle and a tiny foot pops out from the blanket and you wonder where those feet will take them. You hear your baby cooing and try to imagine words amongst the babbling.

Time passes; those hands are doing wonderful things that make you so proud at their small achievements. Their heart is stronger and has already been hurt and you have healed it with your words. Their growing feet are running around school and with friends, they have learnt to sing, hold conversation and argue-------this is the time when as a parent you teach your children to use these things wisely and with kindness.

Time seems to move faster¡¡. now the decisions of how they live their lives are their own and you are watching from a distance, hoping that they continue to put one foot in front of the other with good intention, and hoping that those beautiful hands that now resemble those of a young man are doing good things. You hear them speak words of wisdom and contribute to the world - showing thoughtfulness whilst being productive and passionate about their life choices.

And yes their heart has been broken many times now and you have helped put it back together and then the moment comes for him to share his heart with another. That being Emma - and we did and we do, he had more than enough love inside him for us all.

Our choices and decisions along the way I will standby and have no regrets as a parent. There is nothing I would do different. We laughed together, we cried together and we had a few memorable fights. I don't need to tell you all what a wonderful person he became, the way he touched the lives of those around him tell his story. His passion for his beliefs was strong and he always fought for what he believed to be right.

One of his loves was that of the ocean and life within it. He loved his aquariums and spent many hours absorbed in his hobby. Later as he became less mobile this proved to be a good choice as he tended his aquariums with love and of course knew every biological name for anything underwater that has ever lived underwater. He loved to cook and Emma came home to a cooked meal most nights. Using the herbs that he would grow himself and then grind them to make is own curries and flavours, we were often treated to gorgeous meals - he also loved his garden although he could not care for it during the past few years. He felt everything twice as much as everyone else. Things that were funny were twice as funny to Tim and he laughed twice as loud for twice as long - to the point that our families would sit a few seats away at the cinema. Emma would come home and say the movie was not that funny but she laughed all night at Tim! Nature was twice as beautiful to Tim as to everyone else. The sense of awe he had for natural beauty was both innocent and pure. Perhaps he knew his life would be short and he had to live twice as much as other people to fit everything in.

Determination and perseverance were part of Tim's essence.?If he had an idea in his head no matter how hard it would be he would do it! When he was around 12 he wanted a bedroom to himself or at the very least more room. I remember once he phoned me at work because he decided that he and Phil NEEDED double bunks - it made perfect sense =- he had worked out the floor to person ratio ( as only Tim would do) and this would give them more room for technic lego and maybe even a bean bag for when his mates visited - NO says I, in the middle of a meeting and I definitely could not afford to buy new beds. They had those tube bed frames that were reasonably new- in black which I thought was pretty cool at that time anyway. I got home from work , Phil's eye's lit up when I walked in - WOW you should see Tim's new bed. He had found 4 treated pine logs in the shed and shaved the ends down like pencils so they could slip into the bottom of the tubes - his bed was about 40 cm from the ceiling and rocked to and fro, like a small boat in a storm. He needed a step ladder to get into it. After a "discussion" with me telling him he would kill himself and anyone under him, I pulled Phil out and put him in another room. Tim stayed in that bed for a couple of months on principle, he could just roll over and if he sat up in the night would hit the ceiling with his head. He got his way - the double bunks and a single room and enough floor space to set up his bachelor pad! The floor to person ratio had been changed.

Tim's bravery I knew was part of his being when he was little , he would be the front man for all the idea's that his friends would come up with and also hand up for the lead role in a play - he had spirit . The courage of the warrior within became clear to me when he faced his illness. His fight was powerful and he beat the odds many times over, lighting the way for others that will follow with this terrible illness. He was happy to experiment with new drugs , risking the chance of it making him worse, he would sit down and work out the stats and if it came up at 51% chance of improvement he would go for it. He controlled his illness as much as anyone ever could, that sometimes made him clash with medical staff but he would dig his toes in until they gave him a go - this gave him 4 years more.

His courageous spirit became apparent in the last days of his life, this is still too hard to talk about but when I sit and chat quietly with you and reflect this time I will share this. Death is no longer something that I fear.

Tim knew he only had a few hours to live and thanked us all individually and his words are etched in my soul forever. Richard, Phil, Ralph, Emma and myself were given a great gift.

Now I have a job to do on Tim's behalf.

Tim would like to thank - his wife Emma's family for bringing a shining light into his life and being welcomed into their homes as part of the family.

All of his family for their financial help to cover the huge costs of medication and so he could keep a home for his wife and spend more time with us.

All the hospital staff who cared for him at the Mater, Lake Macquarie Private and of course St vincents - ICU, CCU, the renal team, transplant team, and the pulmonary hypertension team. Surgeon Dr Michael Wilson for giving him 3.5 more years with his family. His GP Mark Desouza and Cardiologist Garry Warner for their unending support and being patient with the patient. Also the staff at the brunker road surgery.

Christopher for being his best mate through the sunshine and the storms for the past 12 years.

His mate Nigel who he just got on with from the moment they started to work together - ( I need your phone number Nigel, you have been delegated by Tim to be my IT help desk = like it or not!)

Tim also wishes to thank all our work colleagues for being so considerate and caring when he needed us with him, and also his own work colleagues at Life without barriers for letting him hang on to his car and his phone for longer than he could work and lending a hand.

All his mates on the PH Central website for being there for him and especially me. They have been a godsend.

He would like to make mention of Helen Capalos and her honest presentation of Tim;s struggle on A Current Affair which did generate some donations to cover some of his medical costs also to Alan Jones for getting the word out there about organ donation. I have been told that it has made a difference to the organ register already.

Senator Bill Heffernan for his help and for accessing some of the medications he needed to live and also finding us a safe place to stay in Sydney. Thanks Bill this was time that we would not have had together otherwise

He wished to thank our friends, families colleagues and neighbours in advance as he knows they are going to help us, his family in the coming months and years ahead when we feel lost.

The Whitaker family for never making himself or Phil feel anything but family.

The Burton family who have been on this journey with us all the way and no matter how hard it was they never wavered. Lee - Ann Green for providing for us in Sydney.

My son - I feel privileged and honoured to be your mother.

I love you my baby boy.

sandi roller - Michigan-USA August 10, 2006
Dearest Annie and family, I only have to say, time marches on but I will never forget your Tim and all that he showed us fellow PPHer's that can be done! His spirit will live on forever and his memory is forever placed in my heart, for him and for you, Dear Annie.
love, Sandi

Emma Walker - Newcastle, Australia October 01, 2006
How to find the words? I am usually a bit of a private person but I felt the need to add to my husband's memorial page, so I'll do my best.

I wanted to start by thanking all those people who have written such beautiful words and have offered their thoughts & condolences. The kindness of friends, family and strangers has helped to strengthen me on the darker days.

It has just passed 6 months since my beautiful husband left this world. What a journey these months have been.

I still find it too difficult to describe the incredible feelings of loss, but find it easier to articulate coming through this jouney, and what Tim meant to me.

What an amazing gift Tim was to me.
Tim lived with such passion and intensity and I was privaleged to share this with him over the past 9 years. We lived a lifetime in those 9 years, crammed full of all the highs and lows that most marriages experience over decades.
I will always feel privaleged that I was married to such an amazing person.

Even in death Tim has left me the most amazing gifts. The knowledge that love is the most powerful force and transcends everything. The knowledge that I am stronger than I ever felt possible. I know that Tim is still with me in his own way, helping me through.

Earlier this month, on Tim's birthday, I travelled up to the far north of Australia to scatter Tim's ashes on the Great Barrier Reef. This was a special place for Tim and I as it was where we went on our first 'real' holiday. It was one of his last requests for me to take him back to this amazing place and it was incredibly special to be able to do this for him. He is now amongst all the things he loved- tropical fish, coral, sea turtles and, of course, water.
It was hard to leave Tim there but I know he is more than this now and that I'll carry him in my heart and thoughts forever.

I love you Tim, you are in my heart always,

Emma

Dr. Brenda McGee - Star City, Arkansas November 03, 2006
Sorry for your loss. What a wonderful tribute to Tim.

Mum - Cairns - Australia July 21, 2007
Missing you so much - This is timeless - I feel I lost you today still! Someone sent me this and it is truely how it is. Who ever wrote this got it right.

I Lost My Child Today

I lost my child today
People came to weep and cry
As I just sat and stared, dry eyed
They struggled to find words to say
To try and make the pain go away
I walked the floor in disbelief
I lost my chid today

I lost my child last month
Most of the people went away
Some still call and some still stay
I wait to wake up from this dream
This can't be real, I want to scream
Yet everything is locked inside
God help me, I want to die
I lost my child last month

I lost my child last year
Now people who had came have gone
I sit and struggle all day long
To bear the pain so deep inside
And now my friends just question Why?
Why does this Mother not move on?
Just sits and sings the same old song
Good heavens it has been so long
I lost my child last year

Time has not moved on for me
The numbness it has disappeared
My eyes have now cried many tears
I see the look upon your face
"She must move on and leave this place"
Yet I am trapped right here in time
The songs the same, as is the rhyme
I lost my child ¡¡¡¡.. today.
anon

Becka - Gold Coast April 26, 2008
What a beautiful tribute to your son. I sat here and cried as I read it. Thank you for sharing. X Becka

Melanie Whitesides - Otis Orchards, Washington July 14, 2008
HI,
I am so sorry about your son. I was looking at his pictures and he looks like a great guy.
I'm not sure if you will get this email or not, but why can't you pay for Flolan in Australia? I'm just curious.
Thanks.
Melanie