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What Just Happened

April 17, 2015 By Ahmed Hassan 43 Comments

It’s Tuesday April 14th and I’d be lying if I didn’t acknowledge the surreal feelings I still have.
I’d be lying if I didn’t tell you all that what just transpired and took place in the little city of Miami Springs, Florida was likely the most ostentatious event I’ve ever had the pleasure of being a part of, and also, responsible for making happen.

Celebrity Landscaper Ahmed Hassan often calls himself the big mouth landscaper

When I’m crashing a yard, I can be a bit vocal!

Hi, My name is Ahmad Hassan. Most people know me as “Ahmed Hassan” the original host and inspiration for DIY Network and HGTV’s Yard Crashers. I am a professional landscaper, fundraising guru, fast talking, smack talking, motivational speaker, and professional flirt. I love babies and children. I love men and women; black, white, Latin, Asian and every other ethnicity. I love Christians and Muslims; Jews, Buddhists, and Atheists. I love the under dog.

I grew up watching TV shows, believing in superheroes. Those larger than life characters that come from humble beginnings and develop amazing talents. Those that learn to utilize their powers for the good of humankind. As a kid, I saw my dad as a superhero. He was absolutely a character that inspired and amazed me with what he knew, what he could do, and what he’d been through.

I lost him to a modern days form of kryptonite (heroine). I was changed forever. My eyes we’re opened and my awareness shifted from being a kid. I began to see, understand, and live my life as an adult.
It took years to process my pain and my sadness. I believed then, and continue to believe, that life is merely a journey where we get to “show up and show off”, as the awesome super heroes of our own choosing. Please understand that because we are all merely natural human beings, we can only develop our natural human powers.

Silvia_Vanni

Silvia and Daniella sharing a moment

This is to say that our powers must always be kept in the realm of human possibility. Humans don’t fly, so the cape isn’t necessary. On a day like any other, I received a tweet from Mrs Silvia Vanni of Mystic Force Foundation. The tweet included a picture of Silvia and a young, bald, and beautiful Daniella Collazo. Mrs. Vanni is easy on the eyes and Daniella, well… now this little angel is as precious and beautiful as they come.

The request was for Ahmed, the Original host of Yard Crashers to come and “crash” aka create, remodel, accentuate, spruce up and horticulturally enhance, Daniella Collazo’s backyard. This request was nothing new for Ahmed but it came from someone different than the folks that typically reach out and ask for assistance with their oudoor living space. The first reply from Hassan was to please provide more information. Vanni did just that. She shared the pain of losing her own son, Salvatore, to Neuroblastoma. This was the same type of cancer that Daniella was diagnosed with, only Salvatore was diagnosed at stage 4 while Daniella was diagnosed at stage 3.

Ahmed_Daniellas_Wish

This is what saying Yes looks like!

My saying yes to Silvia Vanni and the Mystic Force Foundation was my opportunity to be big. It was my opportunity to be heroic; my opportunity to step out in faith. It was my chance to prove to myself, Mrs Vanni, Daniella, and anyone else who gave a damn; about the power of intention, love, and being a BADASS as I call it, for good.

Good intentions, good measure, a partnership and movement with other good people that are inclined to join in and “represent” for the cause; this is the kind of stuff my heroes are made of. The kind of stuff that Ghandi, Malcolm X, Martin Luther King and others were known for. These men and another master teacher named Jesus Christ were also known for it. It’s all about helping those that cannot, or do not know how to, help themselves.
Because I’m just one person, I’m just one piece of the puzzle. I only have particular human powers. I happen to be a pretty damn good landscaper  (And yes, I know it!). I began to reach out to others like myself that are awesome at what they do. I look for gifted and talented individuals that really know their craft. Their confidence level is something that needs to already be in place so that my job is merely one of buttering them up and convincing them to partner with me. Yes it’s manipulative, but in no way malicious.

I understand enough human psychology to understand that people need to feel big, they need to feel proud, and they need to feel loved, in order to rise up and be their best self. My job, my task, and my mission, was to solicit all of who I felt was needed in order to create the space and make Daniella’s Wish a reality. I did this in a modern grass roots way, utilizing social media and personal conversations. I also asked others to reach out in order to exploit and further network for this worthy and heartfelt cause. I played no games, I told no lies. I did what was necessary, and because I love The Green Industry, fans and friends; I kept everyone informed to the best of my ability, posting and sharing regularly as we built momentum and moved towards our goal.

daniellas_wish_yard

A total outdoor play space transformation

The most unique thing about this whole experience was that it was completely non-profit. As a result, we needed to raise funds for what I thought would be a $50-$70K yard. In actuality, it evolved into a project totaling more than $100K. So in that regard, the learning curve on this project was something that I also said yes to. I’ve done so many things in my life where I hadn’t a clue as to what I was doing, or how I was suppose to get it done.

And yet I set a date anyway, having a conviction in my mind, heart, and the rest of me. Then I worked tirelessly with all of my human powers of communication, visualization, anticipation, discipline, collaboration and finally, fortified the entire thing with LOVE. Love for Silvia Vanni who loved her son Sal, love for little Daniella, who has a real life threatening disease. Love for all of my comrades; the ones that I know and truly respect as well as those that I’ve not met yet. Things magically tend to come together when you maintain your intention to love.

The seed was planted, I said yes, and because of so many others, Daniella’s Wish and Silvia Vanni’s request have been fulfilled. If I had Super Human Powers to take away Childhood and all other forms of cancer I would. But because I don’t I’ll simply and humanly continue to utilize my natural human powers and prove to my family, friends, fans, and absolute strangers; just how beautiful we women and men can be.

Ahmed_Mayor_Zavier

Thank you to the Mayor and all of the sponsors who helped make this wish come true!

Thank you to everyone that helped and assisted in making Daniella’s Wish come true. I appreciate each and every dollar that was donated, spent, and shared to make it all happen. I appreciate the men, women, and children that showed up and exhausted all of who they were to help with the heavy burden. I appreciate the list of National and local sponsors, businesses and the wonderfully loving city Of Miami Springs, Florida.” You all really made a difference this past weekend. Here is a fantastic video of what we accomplished courtesy of Seda Custom Design!

Follow Celebrity Landscaper Ahmed Hassan on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest! You can also JOIN ME THIS MAY in PALM SPRINGS at the Alive Again Positive Living Conference! #GoGreenWithAhmed #TeamAhmed #DoitforDaniella #DiditforDaniella #DaniellasWish

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Filed Under: Landscape Construction & Property Improvements, New Trends & Ideas, Philosophical Rants & Analogies Tagged With: Ahmed Hassan, Ahmed Hassan on Television, Ahmed Hassan Personal Appearance, Ahmed Hassan TV, cancer, Celebrity Landscaper, charity, environmentally friendly, florida, Landscape, Landscaping, life, love, miami springs, superhero, team, teamwork, unity

Comments

  1. Maxie magnole says

    April 17, 2015 at 5:57 pm

    I live in Miami Springs what you did for this sweet little girl is so AWESOME. I saw the back yard and it looks beautiful. Thank you and your team for doing this for Daniella. I got to met her at the Relay for Life Event we had in Miami Springs last month. I am a Cancer survivor and know what this sweet little girl is going through with the radiation and chemo. It’s hard to have to go through this terrible Cancer especially at her young age. Thank you again for your awesome work you did in our community for Daniella.

    Reply
  2. Lorraine Gibson says

    April 23, 2015 at 11:41 am

    My husband and I fell in love with your show and were talking about you the other day and I told him I woud try to find you and I did, glad you are still doing the work you love. Would love to see you back on TV with another landscape show. Good luck and I see you are still doing great things.

    Reply
    • Betty Lamp says

      April 21, 2017 at 9:18 pm

      Me too! I loved him on the show! It’s not the same without him. We miss you, Ahmend!!!

      Reply
    • Betty says

      August 15, 2019 at 4:54 pm

      I too missed your show Ahmed. I loved your energy.

      Reply
  3. Patricia Goode says

    December 3, 2015 at 12:01 am

    I think you’re awesome and so great to see the love you have for those in need .It’s my prayer you continue to do the work you love and and for those whom can’t afford or do for their selves . God’s Blessings for you and those in need. Just remember God makes ways for those whom believe and pray without wavering. Sure do miss your shows you an outstanding landscaper and I hope some day to meet you.
    Just wondering about you and what you were doing sence I hadn’t been able to find you or shows . So I google you.
    Tricia G. Knoxville Tn

    Reply
  4. Della Banach says

    April 24, 2016 at 7:27 pm

    Ahmed –

    You are so missed! I would love to see you on tv again. Doing anything. Your personality, love of life and infectious smile jump off the screen

    Please please come back. You are incredible!

    Della

    Reply
  5. Glenda charles says

    May 1, 2016 at 3:27 pm

    You made yard crashes the best show on hgtv. I wish you still hosted it but change is what life is all about. I was diagnosed with STAGE 1 cancer in February 2016 had total hysterectomy in March and preparing for some chemo. GOD IS GOOD. God bless your giving spirit keep doing till its done.

    Reply
  6. Ray Coyle says

    May 16, 2016 at 2:48 pm

    Another example of what makes you such an exceptional leader and inspiration in the Green Industry, and most important, a truly authentic man.

    Reply
  7. debra lanton says

    August 17, 2016 at 1:17 pm

    Ahmed sure do miss u .I have learned a lot from u an still watch the show maybe a surprise show special down the road would be great .Thank you for all the knowledge….

    Reply
  8. Delores Teague says

    September 28, 2016 at 9:52 pm

    Wow ahmed i really don’t know why u just came to mind again after so many years, i don’t facebook, twitter or any other i I’m so glad to hear that you’re continuing to be a blessing

    Reply
  9. Mccullen says

    October 8, 2016 at 6:09 pm

    We love you here in charlotte nc and I had the pleasure of meeting you here. Yard crasher will never be the same. Please come back do a flow up with oprah where are they now. Come back to us

    Reply
  10. Dee Ellison says

    October 9, 2016 at 1:41 pm

    Good morning Mr Hassan,
    Your show awakened a thirst for knowledge and an enjoyment of watching a talented young black man practice his craft. Thank you for all you did and continue to do. I enjoyed watching you not only to help DIY/HGTVs target audience but also African American homeowners to add equity and value to their homes too! You are amazing. You and your confident, boisterous, smack talking self needs to be back on TV helping people. Have you considered connexting with Oprah Winfrey. I think her programming lineup could use a change. Nate Berkus was cancelled because he was boring whereas you are anything but. If you miss us the way we miss your humor, your skills and your influence on up and coming African Americans who like to play in the dirt like myself please try to work something out with her if you’re willing.

    Reply
  11. Rafaela torres-mcmillian says

    November 1, 2016 at 1:03 pm

    Miss you and your show. You are a refreshing human being. Continue what you are doing. Maybe Oprah will create a show for you on her network!!

    Reply
    • Rafaela torres-mcmillian says

      November 1, 2016 at 1:03 pm

      Miss you and your show. You are a refreshing human being. Continue what you are doing. Maybe Oprah will create a show for you on her network!!

      Reply
  12. 5Spices says

    January 17, 2017 at 3:36 pm

    I always wondered what happen to Ahmed, I stop watching the show. I also would like to see him back on TV. You did a wonderful thing for Daniella and family. God bless you.

    Reply
  13. Angelia says

    January 17, 2017 at 3:53 pm

    What a great job you did for that family. I also would like to see you on TV doing the same thing again.

    Reply
  14. Joyce Stackhouse - Granville says

    March 25, 2017 at 5:14 am

    Awesome and Amazing Ahmad Hassan. You were my Superhero before I read the above and I said as much on my Facebook timeline today when I posted our picture. I never missed an episode of Yard Crashers when you were on and rue the day you left. I have never been a fan of actors, musicians, or any famous person for that matter. Today when I was walking by your presentation at the Chicago Flower and Garden Show and caught you out the corner of my eye; I was so overwhelmed with how much I missed you on my Saturday mornings I could barely talk but, manage to mumble out my interpretation of sustainability and garnered a bundle of Lavender. Ninety percent of the children I work with have a background similar to yours. I have two deaf students that attempted to start a landscaping business with a grant they received from 1st Farm Credit but they have little support from home. I should have brought them over to you and then Monday included one of your episodes in our lessons. Yes! I answered the phone when all eyes were on me because I had a group of diverse learners leaving and I needed to be assured they were all on the bus. When I was eighteen I attempted to enter the Landscape Industry and was told “landscaping is no place for a woman.” Now I teach children to love the planet and Basic Landscape Maintenance/Floral Design. I hope all is well with you & yours and any burdens you have are small, continue to dream big and design your life to be all you want it to be. Remember I am secretly cheering for you as you continue to do all the GREAT things you do. If you are ever in Chicago crashing yards we need you at Chicago Vocational Career Academy.

    Reply
  15. Shabaka M. Ndolunkulu says

    April 21, 2017 at 7:36 pm

    I miss you and the show you started on DIY network! They should have never let you go! I’m looking forward to seeing you on TV soon! Call Ohpra and tell her I said to hook you up so you can get back to work making back and front yard beautiful starting with mine!

    Reply
  16. allen henry says

    May 6, 2017 at 12:58 pm

    My wife and I live in PLattsburgh New York U were the best just wish i had u for a neightbor to give me advise wow u were good U made the jobs look real and the made scene not like many of the showes today with u the best Diy and HGtv have lost a good show

    Reply
  17. Van Johnson says

    May 16, 2017 at 12:42 pm

    BRING BACK AHMED! BRING BACK AHMED! BRING BACK AHMED!

    Reply
  18. Patricia Gonzalez Cruz says

    July 12, 2017 at 2:35 pm

    Hi Ahmad! My name is Patricia Gonzalez Cruz, and it was wondering where you had gone when I didn’t see you on the show any longer! And yes I’m still extremely impressed with your wonderful works! (Keep Keeping On) because life keeps on… And know that you and everyone in this life play an intricate role!

    Reply
    • Ahmed Hassan says

      January 14, 2018 at 2:12 am

      Thanks. Been busy keepin on 😉

      Reply
  19. June Crockerham Greene says

    August 21, 2017 at 3:21 pm

    I just want tell you that I really did love your show and I will be so happy to see you back on TV I learn a lot from you, I miss you, I am Praying for you.

    Reply
    • Ahmed Hassan says

      January 14, 2018 at 2:09 am

      Thanks June

      Reply
  20. Lubbee Johnson says

    August 31, 2017 at 4:51 pm

    Hey Ahmed,

    I have been wondering if you had a new show and where I could find it. I miss your great attitude and wonderful ideas. Any plans for a new show? What are you up to these days? How can I get past shows you hosted?

    Reply
  21. Christy Mohammadi says

    January 19, 2018 at 4:13 am

    Sister and i just talking about how much we miss you and many of the other good old HGTV Shows. Such a wonderful thing to do.

    Reply
  22. Charlotte Mwagbe says

    May 3, 2018 at 6:09 pm

    Ahmad, you are my favorite celebrity landscaper bar none! As the original host for Yard Crashers, you are the reason I watched the show (note the ed)! I didn’t know where you went or why, but I always felt that the show “belonged to you”! It fit you and it didn’t feel forced like it kind of does now! It’s reminds me of when Bob Vila left “This Old House”, the show has never been the same! Just goes to show that what they say is true, “don’t mess with perfection”! I hope to see you back on TV sooner rather than later! We need your expertise and your passion for nature to help us focus on what’s important as we learn to “play in the dirt again”!

    Reply
  23. Sylvia Doty says

    May 5, 2018 at 2:32 pm

    Thank God I finally found you.. So many questions about your disappearance from the television show.. Where is Ahmed ? Was he fired ? Does he have a show on a channel I don’t receive ? Will I be able to Google Search and find him ? I did and I found you.. Miss the great shows that you did and the gorgeous crashes that I don’t see anymore.. It just isn’t the same.. Your talent and personality made the show and can not be duplicated.. I’m proud of what you’re doing but hope that one day, you will be back to make the show fun again.. Love n Prayers,
    Sylvia Doty

    Reply
  24. Kelly says

    May 25, 2018 at 4:07 pm

    I MISS AHMED! Come back!

    Reply
  25. Nancy says

    June 8, 2018 at 8:12 pm

    Hello Ahmed,

    I am not a social media fan but had to let you know that I loved your show and pray that you will be back on TV with your awesome Godly

    Be blessed!

    Reply
  26. Chico says

    June 30, 2018 at 1:31 pm

    Yo Ahmed I miss your show is not the same I used to love how you ambush people in the stores. When I went to watch the show one day and you were no longer was a real bad day ever since that day I stopped watching the show it’s just not the same with out you the guys they have after you have no “PAZAZ!! I hope you and the DIY people can come together and make that magic again..

    Reply
  27. Debbie wilson says

    July 2, 2018 at 5:19 pm

    I loved your show and you . Hoping you come soon. It’s so awesome to have someone with values and morals.

    Reply
  28. Judith says

    July 5, 2018 at 8:56 pm

    Hi Ahmed,
    You are so AWESOME! Love how you stand for making a difference in the lives of the least fortunate! I really missed your show and hope that you will come back again one day soon to DIY and HGTV!
    Thank you for all that you do! YOUR ARE TRULY A SUPER HERO!!! Lots of Love To you and family!!! ?♥️?

    Again Thank You!

    Judith Loyer

    Reply
  29. Mary says

    November 10, 2018 at 2:32 am

    Miss seeing you on TV. Sounds like you are doing well. Good for you!

    Reply
  30. Pamela dengate says

    November 28, 2018 at 4:07 pm

    So glad to see that you are continuing to do your great (and inspirational) work. I can’t tell you how many weekends I went into Home Depot and Lowe’s hoping to be “found” I am 64 now but am still fueled with the desire to create and repurpose and recycle things into conversation pieces in our outdoor spaces and for this I thank you, please keep us posted on new endeavors and god bless

    Reply
  31. Sallie says

    April 29, 2019 at 11:32 pm

    Hi Ahmed!
    I’m now retired but that’s not why I’m writing. After a very busy work week, I aways looked forward to watch your Saturday morning Yard Crashers show. You & the crew teams always gave my husband & I inspiration. You brought families together. I want you to know that you are a fabulous TV host and landscaper. You are the OG to me.
    Some people grin and bear it. Others smile & change it.. Thank you for being fabulous and gracious!!

    Reply
  32. Ralph Bellamy says

    May 4, 2019 at 2:49 pm

    Please come back to yard crasher. Me and my wife loved watching you.

    Reply
  33. Mrs. Pratt says

    July 18, 2019 at 9:39 pm

    We absolutely loved your show!!! Come back soon.

    Reply
  34. Dawn says

    September 17, 2019 at 1:50 am

    We Really MISS AHMED! Come back! You were Great on the show !

    Reply
  35. ANGELA SIMS says

    December 28, 2019 at 2:28 pm

    I’ve never had a backyard as an adult as I have always lived in apartments yet I watched Ahmad on Yard Crashers because of the fun and skill he brought to it. It never had this same zest with the new host so I only watched a few episodes. Just found you on DIY On Demand. Wishing you well Ahmad.

    Reply
  36. Mike Morphew says

    April 25, 2021 at 8:03 pm

    Again again!

    Reply
  37. Ms Ellison says

    December 24, 2021 at 4:27 am

    Hi Ahmed. I started watching Hgtv because of you and have missed your spirit, sense of humor and ability to do the caliber of work that anyone would be proud of showing off to their friends and families.
    The yards you transformed became places of natural beauty and welcoming retreats. It influenced me to sign up to work with Habitat for Humanity. I could not fulfill my volunteer time due to an accident but I still remember the quality of your show and the laughs and tears for the finished projects. Thank You
    Please come back. OWN might be just the network for a artisan such as yourself.

    Reply
  38. Trace says

    January 26, 2022 at 1:56 pm

    l was wondering what happened to you and Yardcrashers. l, to miss your energy, talent, and creativity you had brought to the show!
    Hope to see you soon on tv😉

    Reply

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