Miracles do happen.

"Where there is great love, there are always miracles."
- Willa Cather -

The Penney family has been overwhelmed by the level of support from their community, friends, and even strangers who have reached out to help them through this difficult time.

About $7,500 has been contributed by generous individuals and families who were moved by their story. Handwritten thank you letters are being mailed out to each of these people.

Just a short time ago he was lying in a coma given a 1% percent chance of survival. Nort is now able to walk and talk without assistance. He was even strong enough to attend Laguna Beach High School's first football game of the season on Sept. 11, to cheer on his son Norty on the gridiron.

Nort and coach Jonathan Todd walk out before the game.

He watched the Laguna Beach High School Breakers score five touchdowns in a loss to Corona del Mar, their cross-town rivals. The team dedicated the game to Nort and the mere mention of his name brought cheers from the hometown audience.

LBHS Varsity Football team dedicated the game to their teammate's dad.

His recovery has been nothing short of miraculous.

However, Nort is not yet out of the woods. On Sept. 23, he will return to Mission Hospital for open heart surgery to have both heart valves replaced. Any surgery of this type has high risks, but for Nort, recently having suffered a major stroke only adds extra cause for concern.

While the community support of the Penney family has been significant, their financial situation is still extremely fragile.

Please continue to forward this blog and spread the word about this family.

If many individuals give a little, we can make a difference. And when their circumstances become in tact again, we will all feel good knowing we were part of their success story. The Penneys continue to be touched by the outpouring of kindness from all around them.

Click below to donate by PayPal, or checks payable to Penney Family Fund can be mailed to 565 Center St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651.