Paying it Forward - A New Direction

[Vitolo]

I owe you all an update.

My life changed along with the low income members of the Tucson MMJ community.
Things have slowed down for the last 2 weeks, and it is a welcome break.
Now random cardholding patients that have no internet service (and never have had it!) are trickling in.
These patients call me, and say that "Dr. _____" gave me your number, and said you would teach me, and then help me get a vaporizer.
So I make new friends...
It has slowed to about one a week.
Damn, I am such a sentimental baby sometimes!
I cry when I think of the sensitive moments, and daydream about revelations gone by.

Randy @PuffItUp you did it again. He kicked in and that brought the "AZ low income patient fund up to $300.
That is a magic amount and I will explain why.
I have been offered a deal that I could not refuse.
A Patient in the area has decided to sell some of his equipment and made me an offer.
I had $300 in the account, and he has asked for 300 for the following... all in pristine, almost unused condition:
A Digital Volcano
An MFLB
An Iolite
A Vapor Genie
His words... "You have always inspired me. I am going to sell these vapes, but if you buy them you can have them all for $300"
Vito: "Sold"

I wanted to use the funds I got right here, in our own FC Classifieds.
I tried.
Some folks even contacted me directly.
(I did get an MFLB for $45 through one member)
Fact was, every deal was a bit too high.
In most cases, I could do better at manufacturer, by asking a courtesy discount.
I even tried to negotiate slightly, but it was not in the cards.. and perhaps the sellers needs too great at that moment. I fault none of them....
... I simply had to jump for that Volcano Package deal! (only one bag was used.. and it is not even yellowed yet!)

Now here is the part that makes me have to struggle forward...
You already know that some of these patients leave us.
some are pretty sick.
I shake when I remember shaking a young persons hand just days ago, as I sit looking at the vape in my hand...... that his parents just dropped off... along with a slightly used 2 piece space case.
"Thanks for making Eddie's last days so much fun for him."
Fuck.
The VG in my hand right now belonged to KidFated who donated it to me.... the one with the burns on it. ( see the video of KidFated's VG, set to words by @DDave )
You all know the kid that got it....
You met him right here on this thread!

One young fellow met a couple here at my home.
I had that couple here I spoke of once, that each got a VG, thanks to a member here.
The young fellow came a few minutes early, and the couple was just leaving. The husband had his wooden VG in hand, and so in a moment of camaraderie with an older person, my young friend (18 year old patient), flashed his VG… the wife pulled out her "coil". all 3 smiled for a moment of unity.
The young fellow after the couple left could not stop giggling.
"Did you see me? I was right in there. We were all the same, and I was one of them!"
I was excited for him.
"You sure as fuck were!"
We finished our meeting.
He was here to get some of my body tincture for spinal condition.
I always slip him a bud or two.
I asked him how that free acrylic grinder was holding up.
He said it was great.. but I knew better… I paid 87¢ for those grinders, when I was much worse off than I am now.
I played it cool ….
I dropped a space case small 2 piece into his small box, next to his meds.
"That is a gift from the members ay Fuck Combustion."

The space Case will get an Iso bath tonight and go out this week.
The VG will get used a few times, to send Eddie's young spirit on it's way.... on a cloud created by his own tool.
When I finish using this VG for a few sessions, I will put it back on the shelf in the same spot where it sat when Eddie's 18 year old eyes fell upon it the first time.
Karma will guide my hand in the selection of who gets this Vape next.
Thanks for reading, and please forgive my tendency to get long-winded when I am emotional.

 

[KidFated.]

I owe you all an update.

My life changed along with the low income members of the Tucson MMJ community.
Things have slowed down for the last 2 weeks, and it is a welcome break.
Now random cardholding patients that have no internet service (and never have had it!) are trickling in.
These patients call me, and say that "Dr. _____" gave me your number, and said you would teach me, and then help me get a vaporizer.
So I make new friends...
It has slowed to about one a week.
Damn, I am such a sentimental baby sometimes!
I cry when I think of the sensitive moments, and daydream about revelations gone by.

Randy @PuffItUp you did it again. He kicked in and that brought the "AZ low income patient fund up to $300.
That is a magic amount and I will explain why.
I have been offered a deal that I could not refuse.
A Patient in the area has decided to sell some of his equipment and made me an offer.
I had $300 in the account, and he has asked for 300 for the following... all in pristine, almost unused condition:
A Digital Volcano
An MFLB
An Iolite
A Vapor Genie
His words... "You have always inspired me. I am going to sell these vapes, but if you buy them you can have them all for $300"
Vito: "Sold"

I wanted to use the funds I got right here, in our own FC Classifieds.
I tried.
Some folks even contacted me directly.
(I did get an MFLB for $45 through one member)
Fact was, every deal was a bit too high.
In most cases, I could do better at manufacturer, by asking a courtesy discount.
I even tried to negotiate slightly, but it was not in the cards.. and perhaps the sellers needs too great at that moment. I fault none of them....
... I simply had to jump for that Volcano Package deal! (only one bag was used.. and it is not even yellowed yet!)

Now here is the part that makes me have to struggle forward...
You already know that some of these patients leave us.
some are pretty sick.
I shake when I remember shaking a young persons hand just days ago, as I sit looking at the vape in my hand...... that his parents just dropped off... along with a slightly used 2 piece space case.
"Thanks for making Eddie's last days so much fun for him."
Fuck.
The VG in my hand right now belonged to KidFated who donated it to me.... the one with the burns on it. ( see the video of KidFated's VG, set to words by @DDave )
You all know the kid that got it....
You met him right here on this thread!


The space Case will get an Iso bath tonight and go out this week.
The VG will get used a few times, to send Eddie's young spirit on it's way.... on a cloud created by his own tool.
When I finish using this VG for a few sessions, I will put it back on the shelf in the same spot where it sat when Eddie's 18 year old eyes fell upon it the first time.
Karma will guide my hand in the selection of who gets this Vape next.
Thanks for reading, and please forgive my tendency to get long-winded when I am emotional.

Wow Uncle Vito, that's really moving.. I'm honestly speechless and I'm so glad I passed that VG along, all I can say is "Thank you" for being the person you are.. Rest in Peace Eddie, I'll be thinking of you!

 

[Vitolo]

Hello all.
I received a donation, but am not sure who it is from.
I have a message for that person, and for all of my friends here.
Thanks for that donation.
I hope that this use of the funds was not a misappropriation.

I usually use any donated funds to pay for repairs, or new vapes ... or parts for patients.
In this case, Your donation is going to go to _______.
_____ is a young man, about 28 years old. He has a spinal cord injury, listed as his basis for being a legal patient.
He is in fragile health, and we got him a juicer to boost his intake of nutrients.
He has transformed to vaporizing, but has been diagnosed recently with Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever), and as a result will not be allowed to vaporize for 2-3 weeks, as the pulmonary lesions subside.
I get great deals on meds from growers that know me well.
The divergence I took with this particular donation was to help ____ stay medicated, until his is cleared by his MD of "Cocci".
I went to a grower and explained, and he gave me an ounce of "cooking meds" for 25 dollars (Value usually greater). I made a pound of cannabutter, which will be solid by morning, and then my wife will make this into a batch of caramels, that will keep _____ medicated for the better part of 3 weeks.(recovery time)
While this was not about vaporizers, or parts... I hope you approve.

I promise not to diverge from the program of Vapor Encouragement without due cause.
I felt this was due cause.

 

[herbivore21]

Hello all.
I received a donation, but am not sure who it is from.
I have a message for that person, and for all of my friends here.
Thanks for that donation.
I hope that this use of the funds was not a misappropriation.

I usually use any donated funds to pay for repairs, or new vapes ... or parts for patients.
In this case, Your donation is going to go to _______.
_____ is a young man, about 28 years old. He has a spinal cord injury, listed as his basis for being a legal patient.
He is in fragile health, and we got him a juicer to boost his intake of nutrients.
He has transformed to vaporizing, but has been diagnosed recently with Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever), and as a result will not be allowed to vaporize for 2-3 weeks, as the pulmonary lesions subside.
I get great deals on meds from growers that know me well.
The divergence I took with this particular donation was to help ____ stay medicated, until his is cleared by his MD of "Cocci".
I went to a grower and explained, and he gave me an ounce of "cooking meds" for 25 dollars (Value usually greater). I made a pound of cannabutter, which will be solid by morning, and then my wife will make this into a batch of caramels, that will keep _____ medicated for the better part of 3 weeks.(recovery time)
While this was not about vaporizers, or parts... I hope you approve.

I promise not to diverge from the program of Vapor Encouragement without due cause.
I felt this was due cause.

This definitely sounds like due cause man, and you really deserve a lot of respect and praise for being so forthcoming and transparent in your use of funds. I am not the donor, but I am sure they will understand exactly why you made the decision you did!

 

[scottg402]

I am relatively new to this community. I lurked for some time before I joined. At first I stuck to the vaporizer threads and more recently I have discovered the many other threads/topics written by the incredibly smart and witty members that make FC such a delightfully enriching experience! So many of you have touched my heart in ways you will never know.

That brings me to this thread. I know I am new here but to me this exemplifies the spirit of this community and makes me extremely proud to be here!

These unselfish acts of kindness by the staff of FC and @Vitolo are an inspiration to us all!

In fact I am motivated to act now!

I have an Extreme Q with all the goodies including a custom carrying case. I purchased this earlier this year when I rediscovered vaporization after several years.

It was the first vape I bought after my vaporization absence for several years and like many others I caught the vaporizer bug and have been adding to my collection ever since.

Since then I have grown much fonder of portables which are much more suitable to my lifestyle. Sadly the Q has sat in a bag on the shelf for most of the year. It's practically brand new and really only been used a few times.

I have been thinking of throwing this up on CL or the classifieds here on FC but reading this tonight makes my decision so much easier. I would like to donate this to the cause!

Now I realize this may not be the best vape solution for some medical patients so if you feel a financial contribution would be more helpful please let me know. I will just sell it and send the proceeds. Otherwise please PM me on where I can ship it and I will get it cleaned up, boxed up and out the door!

I just feel like this is the least I can do to repay my debt to this forum and it's members. You all have taught me so much and sparked every emotion inside from laughing to tears and everything in between!

So again thank you FC staff and thank you @Vitolo for putting this together and using the power of this forum in such a positive way! Your kindness and generosity are such a shining example for us all to follow!

 

[Roth]

Just stumbled across this thread for the first time today.

Seriously made me a little misty eyed, could feel the kindness and love through the screen.

Kudos to everyone involved. The world is a slightly better place because of it.

 

[Vitolo]

YES
This community rocks.
The support that I have seen and felt here makes more than mist fall from my eyes.
I was a member here for a long while.
The folks with poor attitudes do show up here, but never stay long.
The kindness and honesty here burns holes in their beings....
and their demons force them to close their accounts or stay and be exorcized... and become human.
The fight....
It used to be just me and Patty...
God I love Patty.
The mountain that my Patty climbed with me was so huge and way too formidable of
a challenge for a spouse to support, but she did more than support.
Patty is a non-user patient.
She does not use MJ, outside of occasional use of body tinctures that I make for spinal discomfort.
She was a legal cardholding caregiver.
An injury to vertebral area qualified her as a patient, which cost MUCH less for the card to remain legal.
Her help was a full time job for years.
I could not be trusted back then with molten liquids due to brain injury, and resultant spasticity,
although I have now learned techniques with help from Patty, Doctor and Father time (who taught me patience)

Patty eventually had full time work of her own, but she still made my fight her own.

Fuck Combustion
No, not the sentiment... the group... the website...fuckcombustion.com
This is where all of you, and the staff of FC come in.
Fuck combustion the "Educational/Support Organization" (as I now feel about it)...
has gone beyond the web in their reach.
Fuck Combustion and it's staff.. and members have helped an old man reach an entire low income community.
Do you grasp the meaning of this???
FC is not just "online"....
It is very real to a couple hundred patients that do not have internet access or know what DOT COM means..
Wow... stuff that in your pipe and "don't smoke" it!

More news....
My conscience is now off the hook.
The person that sent the donation that we used for meds to make the butter that was whipped into the Caramels for the kid with "Cocci"..
I still do not know the FC avatar that did this, but the RL party that did sent me an email of approval for my decision.
It is funny.
Having a brain injury makes things all black and white.
I knew our choice was good, but I needed desperately to hear the approval of that donor.
Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know how my donation has been used. I completely & utterly approve – and can’t believe how much you and your wife have managed to do with so little an amount.
That sealed the deal.
Those words sent Patty off to work today with a smile, and feeling good.
And what is even more exciting, is that the caramels are done.
It is my sworn duty to be sure this batch is safe!
It would be unfair to the patient, to give him this without a quick test.
I just ate one.

I gotta run.
The fellow the caramels are for is coming over.
He thinks he is coming over to get a bottle of glycerin Tincture to use for the interim.
He is actually! But what he does not know is he will be going home with this also:

Thanks for the visit, everyone.
Thanks for the chance to let you know what's up in Vitoville.
Thanks for your encouragement.... it helps on the darker days.
This next Vape is for all of you.

 

[lazylathe]

@Vitolo

There is only one thing to say:

"You Da Man!!!"

 

[stickstones]

Keep it coming, vitolo! not that it isn't time consuming to keep us updated here, but this thread is always the best thread on fc. Thanks so much for sharing!

 

[DDave]

Now here is the part that makes me have to struggle forward...
You already know that some of these patients leave us.
some are pretty sick.
I shake when I remember shaking a young persons hand just days ago, as I sit looking at the vape in my hand...... that his parents just dropped off... along with a slightly used 2 piece space case.
"Thanks for making Eddie's last days so much fun for him."
Fuck.
The VG in my hand right now belonged to KidFated who donated it to me.... the one with the burns on it. ( see the video of KidFated's VG, set to words by @DDave )
You all know the kid that got it....
You met him right here on this thread!

@Vitolo,

KidFated said it very well!.... I second the statements in his posting!
http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/paying-it-forward-a-new-direction.13802/page-5#post-647657

Please keep up your good works!!!

 

[Vitolo]

SSV VIP coming our way.
This person felt it was functional for herbs, but was more work than was preferred...
.. and that this unit would be a potential help to a patient here.
He was correct. It will help someone.
True enough... the Pen vapes that can use herb, are not always the best choice for a daily driver that uses flowers... but for some patients with extremely low tolerance, a single small hit gets them where they need to be.
I wish I could get away with that!
The member that donated this unit, asked for anonymity, but identifies himself as an FC community member who wishes to pay forward the kindness and generosity shown by the AromaZap Family.Big thanks to you!

 

[Vitolo]

I have an Extreme Q with all the goodies including a custom carrying case....

Unit arrived, scott, and is indeed a beauty. It will make someone feel REALLY special!
Same for that VIP, reece!
I will keep you posted all... if something great happens with these.
Blessed night to all!

 

[Vitolo]

Zephyr Ion finds a home.
This Zephyr Ion has been waiting.
Many months back, a member here at FC donated a Zephyr Ion, in new condition.
No names, as requested… but you know who you are.
I told you that the Zephyr would take time to place.
It required thought, as it is a heavy hitter, and it's maintenance is particular.
I also would not want to waste a "beast" such as the Zephyr on a casual patient whose needs may not match the output of the Zephyr.
I was looking in the wrong place.
I was concentrating my efforts on a group setting, or family (at minimum a couple).
The other day the Ion found a home.
Good friend and local Patient, battling Cancer and facing the prospect of amputation of leg. They have tried numerous surgeries to the knee, but the Cancer is aggressive.
Many meds are not strong enough for this fighter.
Many vapes feel like toys to him.
When he rolled a doobie, they were full sized panatellas.
He did not vaporize regularly, because the effects were insufficient using the vapes that he was using.
He needed a wallop.
I had him over and introduced him to the Zephyr Ion.
The Ion with the 6 foot bag.
The one in that video.
I had not yet posted about this event of a few days ago, as I wanted to be sure this was the placement made in heaven.
It was.
I am pleased with this fellows responses.
He has already re-invented the zephyr bag making process, with a clever doubling over technique that he claims makes things 100% snug and leak proof.
When he comes over to visit, or share meds……
He tells me Ion stories!
He talks about the Ion like some folks speak of a family member.
That says it all for me.
Thanks for listening, fellow vaporists!

 

[Silver420Surfer]

Kudos to all the help you give, Vitolo! I hope to emulate some of your ideas if we are lucky enough to pass our Amendment in Florida in 8 days for medical marijuana. I wish you all the best so you can continue to do the wonderful things we see here.

 

[Vitolo]

I am thinking only the most positive thoughts for you and yours at this time.
The number of geriatric voters in Fla, that are already self prescribed patients will make a difference I hope.
We will be watching with interest, and most positive vibes.

 

[Radio]

Love your work Vitolo. You are a good man!
"What this world needs is a new kind of army — the army of the kind."

This army exists, and you are on the forefront, my friend Bless you

 

[Vicki]

I am thinking only the most positive thoughts for you and yours at this time.
The number of geriatric voters in Fla, that are already self prescribed patients will make a difference I hope.
We will be watching with interest, and most positive vibes.

Thank you! You are a really great person. Wish there were more people like you.

 

[Vitolo]

A shout out to @vaporbrothers
They know a ton of patients, and yet they help supply arms for the war that goes on here in my home area.
Refurbished units with warranty received.. and mind reeling with the list of possible recipients.
It is not just me that is blessed by knowing guys like these.
Everyone in this forum is blessed equally to have the benefit of the words of these professionals of the vape industry.
I am stepping back from the computer, to vape an extremely large basket full of Durban Poison with the Volcano.
I will the vapors path toward each heart in this Forum.
May all of your vapor be just this thick.
May all of your days be filled with the rich flavors that remove pain and ill health.
I make this bag a giant one.
There are many of you out there I am sharing this bag with in my heart... so it must be large.
Large like the heart of FC
A shout out to all of you~

 

[KidFated.]

I was gunna post this in the iolite thread, but i figured it would be better off in here, I hope no one minds.

I stay thankful for the great people I have "met" on this site. The way some of you go out of your way for the benefit of another is inspiring and needs to happen more outside of our community. It's funny how MJ gets a bad name, when a lot of us are just normal people trying to benefit society in some way. Stay real @Vitolo @OF @pakalolo @vtac @stickstones @Stu @momofthegoons @max @PuffItUp

Have a great holiday season everyone, and enjoy what you have. I know I enjoy orangey and think about uncle Vito and what he does whenever I use it.

 

[OF]

Have a great holiday season everyone, and enjoy what you have. I know I enjoy orangey and think about uncle Vito and what he does whenever I use it.

Thanks very much, and a Merry Christmas to you and yours.

You're absolutely right about our Vitolo, the world could sure use more like him. LOTS more......

OF

 

[Vitolo]

It has been a long period since I chatted with you here.
There has been a recent influx of brand new patients that have been referred, as well as some older patients that I have known... that finally decided to get off their tail bones and get on the vapor trail!

There were older patients that decided to switch this past month.
They all got to pick vapes that they have seen me use here.

The brand new 1st timers were 5.

You guys would have approved of the way I went through the "intro to vapor" this time.
Each new patient was treated to a discussion about the nature of vapor, as I ground the bud and discussed grind importance, loaded a number of vapes.
Then all vapes loaded.... I told of the difference between convection, and conduction, explained portables.. and we began to vaporize.
I watched their styles, and listened to each as we medicated.
Most of the 5 new patients each got 2 vaporizers this time. (portable and desktop)

1. One received a Vapor Brothers and an Indica
2. Next was an EZ vape and a FlashVape
3. One gal was given an Herbalaire and an Indica
4. An old timer (they must be old for ME to call them this) Got a brand new "Q" with a bag, and as a portable a Wooden Vapor Genie!
5. The 5th new patient got a Pinnacle Pro, and chose for personal reasons to not seek a desktop at this time (irregular access to power source)

You may notice a "bump" in the amount on my signature.
Along with a great box of like-new vaporizers, @mephisto beefed up the balance!
A shout out to @ChippyMalone for popping in with a surprise gift to this fund as well!
Life is good.
Thanks friends!

 

[Radio]

It has been a long period since I chatted with you here.
There has been a recent influx of brand new patients that have been referred, as well as some older patients that I have known... that finally decided to get off their tail bones and get on the vapor trail!

There were older patients that decided to switch this past month.
They all got to pick vapes that they have seen me use here.

The brand new 1st timers were 5.

You guys would have approved of the way I went through the "intro to vapor" this time.
Each new patient was treated to a discussion about the nature of vapor, as I ground the bud and discussed grind importance, loaded a number of vapes.
Then all vapes loaded.... I told of the difference between convection, and conduction, explained portables.. and we began to vaporize.
I watched their styles, and listened to each as we medicated.
Most of the 5 new patients each got 2 vaporizers this time. (portable and desktop)

1. One received a Vapor Brothers and an Indica
2. Next was an EZ vape and a FlashVape
3. One gal was given an Herbalaire and an Indica
4. An old timer (they must be old for ME to call them this)
5. The 5th new patient got a Pinnacle Pro, and chose for personal reasons to not seek a desktop at this time (irregular access to power source)

You may notice a "bump" in the amount on my signature.
Along with a great box of like-new vaporizers, @mephisto beefed up the balance!
A shout out to @ChippyMalone for popping in with a surprise gift to this fund as well!
Life is good.
Thanks friends!

Which vape did gentleman number 4 receive?

 

[Vitolo]

My bad.
I forgot to place his choices.
He got himself an Extreme Q in NEW shape, with a traveling bag to go with it!
As his portable he got himself a wooden VaporGenie and a torch.

That Deja Vu....he will keep you on your toes!

 

[Radio]

My bad.
I forgot to place his choices.
He got himself an Extreme Q in NEW shape, with a traveling bag to go with it!
As his portable he got himself a wooden VaporGenie and a torch.

That Deja Vu.... she will keep you on your toes!

I'm a dude

 

[Vitolo]

Noted.. & repaired

My bad.
I forgot to place his choices.
He got himself an Extreme Q in NEW shape, with a traveling bag to go with it!
As his portable he got himself a wooden VaporGenie and a torch.

That Deja Vu....he will keep you on your toes!

it's always a guess... and I am usually incorrect!