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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Me too! I loved him on the show! It’s not the same without him. We miss you, Ahmend!!!
I too missed your show Ahmed. I loved your energy.
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
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
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.
Another example of what makes you such an exceptional leader and inspiration in the Green Industry, and most important, a truly authentic man.
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….
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
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
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.
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!!
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!!
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.
What a great job you did for that family. I also would like to see you on TV doing the same thing again.
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.
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!
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
BRING BACK AHMED! BRING BACK AHMED! BRING BACK AHMED!
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!
Thanks. Been busy keepin on 😉
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.
Thanks June
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?
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.
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”!
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
I MISS AHMED! Come back!
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!
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..
I loved your show and you . Hoping you come soon. It’s so awesome to have someone with values and morals.
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
Miss seeing you on TV. Sounds like you are doing well. Good for you!
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
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!!
Please come back to yard crasher. Me and my wife loved watching you.
We absolutely loved your show!!! Come back soon.
We Really MISS AHMED! Come back! You were Great on the show !
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.
Again again!
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.
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😉