Almanza Family

Alicia E. Almanza : 11/19/1972 - 12/25/2013

Dear Heidi,

I would like to take the time to thank you for the amazing trip Courtney and I were sent on last week. Everyone that we came in contact with was above and beyond top notch. Everyone with Southwest Airlines was wonderful, and made sure that we had everything we needed. From the beginning of this trip to the end we were treated like royalty. It was great to get away from the hospital, doctors, cat scans needles and all of the rest that comes along with Cancer.

The Marriott Hollywood staff — Bruce, Stephanie, and Dominique were awesome and made sure that we had all that we needed. The room was so big and luxurious. Courtney and I could hardly believe it. Every evening the staff left us some candy, or beautiful Christmas cookies. They made sure that we were able get pampered in the spa, and on the last night we found brand new hotel spa robes left on our beds with our names embroidered on each. Ours to take home!

I also would like to thank The A List Limo Corp. every driver was a delight to deal with. Joe picked us up from the airport, and didn’t allow Courtney or myself to lift a finger. He got all of our suit cases, and made sure that we were comfortable for the ride. Joe also picked us up from the taping, and he mentioned that he sings. I told him I would like to hear him, and he sang the entire ride home. It was such a treat. He sang a lot of the oldies (Courtney and I both like the oldie). He sang Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and so many more.

Barry Orleans took us on the tour of LA, and he was so much fun. He has such a fun personality, and such a delight to talk to. He asked if there was anything in particular that we wanted to see, and made sure that we were able to do that. A couple of places we got out of the car, and he took pictures for us. We were so excited to get pictures in front of the HOLLYWOOD sign, and in front of the Beverly Hills sign. I know these pictures will be treasured for ever.

Henrik Zontag also drove us and was wonderful as well.

Another person that made this trip a memorable one was Rachel Wagner from Dick Clark Productions. She really took such good care of Courtney and I at the pre taping. She brought us in the green room, and arranged for us to meet Fergie, Natasha Bedingfield, and Jesse McCartney. They were all wonderful, and made us feel like they were just as excited to meet us as were were them. Natasha Bedingfield told us that she read all about Courtney and I and about our struggle with cancer. I was so touched that she took the time to read about who we are and what we have gone through. Very touching. Jesse McCarteny was adorable, and Courtney was excited that be brought her a CD, and autographed photo.

I hope that I didn’t leave anyone out, because everyone was amazing.

These memories will be treasured for years and years.

Thank you again,
Alicia & Courtney

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