In Memory of Stefanie, Our Hero - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
PassPorter.com
Award-winning travel guidebooks

   guidebooks   |   news   |   podcasts   |   boards   |   blog   |   worksheets   |   photos   |   articles   |   updates   |   register   |   follow us on


Forums Closed
As of January 1, 2019, we have closed our forums. This is a decision we did not come to lightly, but it is necessary. The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk. The server software itself must be updated, and it cannot be without removing the forums.

So it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our long-running forums. They came online in 2000 and brought together so many wonderful Disney fans. We had friendships form, careers launch, couples marry, children born ... all because of this amazing community.

Thank you to each of you who were a part of this community. You made it possible.

And a very special thank you to our Guides (moderators), past and present, who kept our forums a happy place to be. You are the glue that held everything together, and we are forever grateful to you. Thank you aliceinwdw, Caldercup, MrsM, WillCAD, Fortissimo, GingerJ, HiddenMickey, CRCrazy, Eeyoresmom, disneyknut, disneydani, Cam22, chezp, WDWfan, Luvsun, KMB733, rescuesk, OhToodles!, Colexis Mom, lfredsbo, HiddenMickey, DrDolphin, DopeyGirl, duck addict, Disneybine, PixieMichele, Sandra Bostwick, Eeyore Tattoo, DyanKJ130, Suzy Q'Disney, LilMarcieMouse, AllisonG, Belle*, Chrissi, Brant, DawnDenise, Crystalloubear, Disneymom9092, FanOfMickey, Goofy4Goofy, GoofyMom, Home4us123, iamgrumpy, ilovedisney247, Jennifer2003, Jenny Pooh, KrisLuvsDisney, Ladyt, Laughaholic88, LauraBelle Hime, Lilianna, LizardCop, Loobyoxlip, lukeandbrooksmom, marisag, michnash, MickeyMAC, OffKilter_Lynn, PamelaK, Poor_Eeyore, ripkensnana, RobDVC, SHEANA1226, Shell of the South, snoozin, Statelady01, Tara O'Hara, tigger22, Tink and Co., Tinkerbelz, WDWJAMBA, wdwlovers, Wendyismyname, whoSEZ, WildforWD, and WvuGrrrl. You made the magic.

We want to personally thank Sara Varney, who coordinated our community for many years (among so many other things she did for us), and Cheryl Pendry, our Message Board Manager who helped train our Guides, and Ginger Jabour, who helped us with the PassPorter-specific forums and Live! Guides. Thank you for your time, energy, and enthusiasm​. You made it all happen.

There are other changes as well.

Why? Well, the world has changed. And change with it, we must. The lyrics to "We Go On" for IllumiNations say it best:

We go on to the joy and through the tears
We go on to discover new frontiers
Moving on with the current of the years.
We go on
Moving forward now as one
Moving on with a spirit born to run
Ever on with each rising sun.
To a new day, we go on.

It's time to move on and move forward.

PassPorter is a small business, and for many years it supported our family. But the world changed, print books took a backseat to the Internet, and for a long time now it has been unable to make ends meet. We've had to find new ways to support our family, which means new careers and less and less time available to devote to our first baby, PassPorter.

But eventually, we must move on and move forward. It is the right thing to do.

So we are retiring this newsletter, as we simply cannot keep up with it. Many thanks to Mouse Fan Travel who supported it all these years, to All Ears and MousePlanet who helped us with news, to our many article contributors, and -- most importantly -- to Sara Varney who edited our newsletter so wonderfully for years and years.

And we are no longer charging for the Live Guides. If you have a subscription, it's yours to keep for the lifetime of the Live Guides at no additional cost. The Live Guides will stay online, barring server issues and technical problems, for all of 2019.

That said, PassPorter is not going away. Most of the resources will remain online for as long as we can support them, and after that we will find ways to make whatever we can available. PassPorter means a great deal to us, and to many of you, and we will do our best to keep it alive in whatever way we can. Our server costs are high, and they'll need to come out of our pockets, so in the future you can expect some changes so we can bring those costs down.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your amazing support over the years. Without you, there's no way us little guys could have made something like this happen and given the "big guys" a run for their money. PassPorter was consistently the #3 guidebook after the Unofficial and Official guides, which was really unheard of for such a small company to do. We ROCKED it thanks to you and your support and love!

If you miss us, you can still find some of us online. Sara started a new blog at DisneyParkPrincess.com -- I strongly urge you to visit and get on her mailing list. She IS the Disney park princess and knows Disney backward and forward. And I am blogging as well at JenniferMaker.com, which is a little craft blog I started a couple of years ago to make ends meet. You can see and hear me in my craft show at https://www.youtube.com/c/jennifermaker . Many PassPorter readers and fans are on Facebook, in groups they formed like the PassPorter Trip Reports and PassPorter Crafting Challenge (if you join, just let them know you read about it in the newsletter). And some of our most devoted community members started a forum of their own at Pixie Dust Lane and all are invited over.

So we encourage you to stay in touch with us and your fellow community members wherever works best for you!

Best wishes for a wonderful and magical new year!

Go Back   PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums > PassPorter Villa: Sharing the Fun Together > The Family Room: Family and Friends
Register


Welcome! We're happy you've found the PassPorter Community -- the friendliest place to plan your vacation to Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, and the world in general! You are now viewing the PassPorter Message Board Community as a guest, which gives you limited access. As our guest, feel free to browse our messages by selecting the forum you want to visit from the list below.

To post messages and ask questions, join our FREE community today and you'll get access to tools and resources not available to guests, such as our vacation countown timers, "living" avatars, private messaging system, database searches, downloads, and a special PassPorter discount code. Registration is fast, simple, and completely free. Just click the Join Our Community link.

If you think you've already joined, log in below now. If you don't remember your member name or password, please visit our Member Name and Password Recovery page. You are also welcome to contact us.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 04-24-2012, 09:32 AM   #1
Jennifer Marx
Club President
PassPorter Author


PassPorter's Club Passholder
What's this?

Community Rank: Explorer
 
Jennifer Marx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Ann Arbor, MI
Concierge Level: 10
Posts: 14,552

Post Thanks / Like
In Memory of Stefanie, Our Hero

On April 21, 2012 a beloved PassPorter community member, Stefanie Matthews, ended her heroic journey at the age of 26. Her parents, Cam (Cam22) and Luke, shared Stefanie's love of Disney and are shining examples of strength and love to all of us. I encourage all members of our community who had any contact with Stefanie, Cam, and Luke to gather in support, and so many of you already have!

To honor Stefanie, we'd like to encourage you to consider donating to one of Stefanie's favorite charities.

The first is Special Olympics, in which Stefanie participated several years ago (and was, in fact, scheduled to do two races this coming Saturday).

The second is Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, which Stefanie contributed to every year because she loved the animals. You can donate on your next visit to Walt Disney World at shops in Disney's Animal Kingdom, at The Seas with Nemo and Friends and The Land in Epcot, or by sending a check directly to Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund, P. O. Box 10000, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830.


Stefanie's smiling face and sweet spirit lives on in the PassPorter community through hundreds of photos in the PassPorter Photo Archive, one of which I've posted above.

Thank you for shining your light on us, Stefanie, Cam, and Luke.



__________________


Author of PassPorter guidebooks
Webmistress of PassPorter.com
PassPorter Blog | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | Google +

My PassPorter Bookshelf
My Previous TripsWalt Disney World (100+ visits from 1983-2018), Disneyland Resort (19 visits from 1996-2018), Disney Cruise Line (21 cruises from 1999-2018), Disneyland Paris (1 visit in 2005), Disneyland Tokyo (1 visit in 1992)

Last edited by Jennifer Marx; 04-24-2012 at 09:41 AM.. Reason: fp1152
Jennifer Marx is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2012, 09:34 AM   #2
DebbieG
Community Rank: Adventurer
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 942

Post Thanks / Like
Thank you so much for this post Jennifer. I will be making a donation in honor of Stefanie.

Debbie
DebbieG is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2012, 09:39 AM   #3
mousestruck
Community Rank: Navigator
 
mousestruck's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 6,470

Post Thanks / Like
Thank you for the special tribute, Jennifer. Stefanie touched my heart more than I can possibly express. I will be making donations to both charities, in loving memory of precious Stefanie.
__________________
Aimee
My PassPorter Bookshelf
mousestruck is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2012, 09:44 AM   #4
lauriep
Community Rank: Legend
 
lauriep's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 15,377

Post Thanks / Like
Thank you, Jennifer. I'll remember Stefanie every time I visit WDW and have already made a special donation in her memory.
__________________
lauriep is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2012, 09:47 AM   #5
3kidsandamom
Community Rank: Traveler
 
3kidsandamom's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: On the beautiful SC coast!!
Posts: 255

Post Thanks / Like
That is a beautiful post. Thank You!
__________________
Wishing you Magical Dreams
Amanda





My Countdown Counting down to: Going back !!
Having a blast with Goofini!!
My PassPorter Bookshelf
My Previous TripsWDW 1984, WDW 1990, WDW 2009 POP, WDW 2012 POP
3kidsandamom is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2012, 09:48 AM   #6
Cheeser
Community Rank: Jetsetter
 
Cheeser's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Cincinnati OH
Concierge Level: 3
Posts: 2,017

Post Thanks / Like
Thanks Jennifer. We will be remembering Stephanie every year when we donate to the Conservation Fund!
__________________
Cheeser. Maleficent of the Vacation Villians!!!

Partying with the Parrs December 5, 2015:
My Countdown Counting down to: Jay's 8th Birthday Surprise to Carsland - Disneyland
Cheeser is busy...surprising Jaydon with a trip to Disneyland!!!
My Previous Trips2014 WDW/Dream Cruise with the Lewis/Gibbs Family ,2013 Fantasy Cruise to San Juan, 2012 August Summer WDW Heat, 2012 Dream Cruise and WDW Extravaganza, MNSSHP, Sept 2011 with DH, Wolfhunt and Puzzlewoman. March 2011 Hellcation with the in-laws. Don't ask. Let's just say that the trip ended with someone in the hospital! September 2010 with DH, Wolfhunt and Puzzlewoman, April 2010 with DH and the Kids, Feb 2007 with Maleficent an 17 mos DS. and a million times before, seriously almost!
Cheeser is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2012, 09:51 AM   #7
annc98
Community Rank: Trekker
 
annc98's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: SC Coast
Concierge Level: 7
Posts: 1,756

Post Thanks / Like
What a beautiful tribute to an amazing young woman! I plan to make a donation to the Disney Conservation Fund in memory of Stefanie.
__________________
Ann
My Countdown Counting down to: Halloween at WDW
Boo to You!
My PassPorter Bookshelf
My Previous TripsOctober 2015 - Fort Wilderness Cabin, September 2015 - Disney Dream, March 2015 - POR, February 2015 - CSR, October 2014 - YC, September 2014 - BWI, August 2014 - Hard Rock-Universal Studios Orlando, April 2014 - Disney Fantasy, March 2014 - AoA, November 2013 - CSR, October 2013 - BWI, August 2013 - AoA, March 2013 - BWI, February 2013 - Disney Dream, October 2012 - Dolphin, September 2012 - POFQ, June 2012 - Pop, March 2012 - CBR, October 2011 - BCV, September 2011 - AKL, June 2011 - Pop, May 2011- Yacht Club, January 2011 - POFQ, December 2010 - Swan, October 2010 - BWI & CSR, September 2010 - GF, May 2010 - Poly, December 2009 - WL, May 2009 - CBR, May 2009 - Disney's HHI, March 2009 - CR, December 2008 - Disney's HHI, December 2008 - CR, August 2008 - AS Sports, March 2008 - POR, July 1999 - Off-property, Several childhood trips - Off-property
annc98 is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2012, 10:00 AM   #8
JoanneS
Community Rank: Explorer
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Peterborough, NH
Concierge Level: 6
Posts: 11,088

Post Thanks / Like
Thank you for the wonderful post, and thank you for allowing all of us here on Passporter to express our feelings about this special girl on the boards. You've created quite a family here on Passporter.
__________________


Rico: He's not a mutt, he's a "Designer Breed."
My Countdown Counting down to: Its all about the Food and Wine
Tasting it All
My Previous TripsWDW Nov 1987, offsite WDW-April 2007, AS-Movies WDW-Dec. 2007, Contemporary WDW-Jan. 2009, Caribbean Beach WDW-April 2009, AS-Music Family Suites WDW-Dec. 2009, Port Orleans French Quarter WDW-May 2010, Boardwalk Inn WDW-Nov. 2010, Animal Kingdom Lodge WDW-Jan. 2011, Port Orleans Riverside/Polynesian WDW-Oct. 2011, Pop Century WDW - Jan. 2012, Wilderness Lodge WDW - Jan. 2013, Art of Animation and Yacht Club WDW - Oct. 2013, Coronado Springs WDW- Jan. 2014, All Star Sports WDW - Jan. 2015, Grand Floridian WDW - Dec. 2015, Beach Club Resort
JoanneS is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2012, 10:12 AM   #9
jhoshowski
Community Rank: Navigator
 
jhoshowski's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Woodhaven, MI
Posts: 6,101

Post Thanks / Like
Thank you for this post, Jennifer. I always thought that one day I would meet Stefanie. Unfortunately, I waited too long. We will be making a donation to the Disney Conservation Fund in memory of Stefanie, and we will continue to do so in the years to come. Stefanie may be gone, but she will never be forgotten.
__________________



Jennifer
My Countdown Counting down to: Remembering LizardCop
I'm on my way!
My Previous Trips1977 to 1990 - Multiple WDW trips; 1980 - Disneyland; 6/95 - WDW, All Star Music; 3/00 - WDW, Fort Wilderness; 4/02 - WDW, Fort Wilderness; 5/04 - WDW, offsite; 12/05 - WDW, offsite; 9/07 - WDW, Port Orleans French Quarter; 8/08 - WDW, Beach Club; 11/09 - DCL, Disney Wonder, 8/13 - Disneyland, Grand Californian
jhoshowski is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2012, 10:15 AM   #10
Principessa_di_Fata
Community Rank: Navigator
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: TN
Posts: 6,206

Post Thanks / Like
A beautiful post. Thank you for sharing this. I will definitely be making donations to each in her name. Stefanie was a bright light, and we are all blessed to be a part of her PP'er family.
__________________
Melanie
Come read my current trip report: http://www.passporterboards.com/foru...ml#post4508836

http://www.passporterboards.com/forums/signaturepics/sigpic13079_16.gif
My Countdown Counting down to: My 40th Birthday Celebration
Cruisin'!!!
My Previous TripsMay 2016 - RCCL Baltic Cruise * Dec 2015 - Carnival Dream Caribbean Cruise (My 40th) * Mar 2015 - EPCOT Day * Nov 2014 - Carnival Elation Caribbean Cruise (Mom's 75th) * Feb 2014 - CBR / Disney Dream Bahamas Cruise (Meri's 8th) * June 2013 - Disneyland Paris * May 2013 - Disney Magic Transatlantic Cruise * Oct 2012 - Disneyland * Sept 2012 - Port Orleans Riverside (Royal Room) * Feb 2012 - Boardwalk Villas / Animal Kingdom Villas (Kidani Village) (Crissy's Bachelorette) * Oct 2011 - Port Orleans Riverside / Bonnet Creek * Feb 2011 - Caribbean Beach Resort (Pirate Room) / Animal Kingdom Lodge (Meri's 5th) * Nov 2009 - Port Orleans French Quarter (Mom's 70th) * Feb 2009 - Coronado Springs (Meri's 3rd) * Feb 2008 - Port Orleans Riverside (Meri's 2nd) * Sept 2006 - Boardwalk Inn * Prior to 2006 - Too many visits to count...
Principessa_di_Fata is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2012, 10:19 AM   #11
zeusywoo
Community Rank: Passenger
 
zeusywoo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: NY
Concierge Level: 4
Posts: 33

Post Thanks / Like
Thank you Jennifer for posting, we will remember Stephanie when we visit the parks. We also donate to the Conservation Fund so we will remember her there as well.
__________________
Have a Magical Day! Dar



My PassPorter Bookshelf
My Previous TripsWDW Oct. '80, WDW CBR April '98, VB & WL Feb '01, SC '02, NH & ME '03, NYC '04, MN '05, WDW BCV June 06 & SSR Oct 06, & upcoming WDW & DCL 2011.
zeusywoo is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2012, 10:21 AM   #12
BettyBeBop
Community Rank: Scout
 
BettyBeBop's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Texas
Concierge Level: 7
Posts: 4,209

Post Thanks / Like
Thank you for this post Jennifer. I mailed donations to each of these yesterday in memory of Stefanie. Thank you for helping us homer this amazing your lady and her family.
__________________
Betty Sue
Affiliated with CruisingCo.Com/MouseEarVacations.com
Disney Destination Specialist/ BettySueS@cruisingco.com
August '09 Trip


My Countdown Counting down to: Dreamin a Dream!!!
Exploring New Things!!!
My PassPorter Bookshelf
My Previous TripsDLR/Wonder Feb. 2012, WDW Dec. 2011, WDW/Dream Oct. 2011, WDW June 2011, WDW Feb. 2011, WDW Oct.2010, WDW Dec. 2009, WDW Aug. 2009, WDW Mar. 2008, WDW Dec. 2007, Car RCCL Feb, 2007, Universal and WDW July 2006, London Jan. 2006, Williamsburg, VA 2001, Charleston, SC 1998, WDW 1997...........
BettyBeBop is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2012, 10:22 AM   #13
JKnott17
Community Rank: Scout
 
JKnott17's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Edison, NJ
Concierge Level: 3
Posts: 4,993

Post Thanks / Like
Thank you for sharing this, Jennifer. It was a lovely tribute. I am proud to be a member of this loving community. The outpouring of love for Stefanie from many who have never even met her is awe inspiring!
__________________
Jenn

My first TR:A Very Merry SurpriseHere we go again: Goin' Down the Bayou Our Anniversary Trip: Happy 10 Years

My Countdown Counting down to: Our Second Cruise
Sailing away on the Dream!
My PassPorter Bookshelf
My Previous TripsYearly trips to WDW as a child with my family (1982 - 1989), WDW/Universal 1992, Senior Class Trip to WDW June 1994, WDW 2001, First Family Trip with my girls 2009, First MNSSHP October 2010, First MVMCP November 2011, POR November 2012, POR and our first cruise on the Dream August 2013
JKnott17 is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2012, 10:34 AM   #14
disneydreamer33
Community Rank: Navigator
 
disneydreamer33's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Yukon, Oklahoma
Concierge Level: 5
Posts: 6,761

Post Thanks / Like
Thank you for the post Jennifer. I will be making donations to both charities in Stefanie's name.
__________________
Liz
My Countdown Counting down to: Madi's Senior Trip
She did it! High school chapter closed and on to OU!
My Previous TripsOct 2014-POR Jul 2013-DL/CA Dec 2010-Pop Sep 2009-OKW Oct 2007-SSR Dec 2006- Ft. Wilderness April 2005-Offsite DL-Too many times to count
disneydreamer33 is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Old 04-24-2012, 10:36 AM   #15
mandy1627
Community Rank: Adventurer
 
mandy1627's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Groton, CT
Concierge Level: 5
Posts: 983

Post Thanks / Like
Thank you for this beautiful post, Jennifer. Stefanie was an amazing girl, and I know none of us will ever forget how she touched our hearts, whether or not we met her in person.
__________________
Amanda =)

Living out a childhood dream during my summer 2015 trip to WDW. Is it time to go back yet?

“All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them." –Walt Disney
My Previous TripsWDW: 1994 WL, 1996 Poly, 1998 BWV, 2000 BWV, 2002 BWV, 2003 BWV, 2005 BWV, 2007 BWV, 2009 BWV, 2012 BWV, 2015 BWV
mandy1627 is offline  
 
Reply With Quote
Reply




Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump














Please login or register to hide these ads -- it's free and easy!

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:15 PM.

-->

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
Feedback Buttons provided by Advanced Post Thanks / Like v3.4.0 Patch Level 1 (Pro) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
(c) 1998-2017 PassPorter Travel Press/MediaMarx, Inc.
Celebrating 19 Years of Making Dreams Come True
Ad Management plugin by RedTyger