JOIN THE FUN AND GET A SHAVE - THE KID'S WILL LOVE YA FOR IT

St. Baldrick’s Foundation

CHILDHOOD CANCER & NEUROBLASTOMA FACTS

Leukemia - Leukemias are the most common childhood cancers. They account for about 33% of all childhood cancers. Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) are the most common types of leukemia in children.

Brain and nervous system cancers - Brain and other nervous system cancers are the second most common cancers in children, making up about 21% of childhood cancers.

Neuroblastoma - Neuroblastoma is a form of cancer that starts in certain types of nerve cells found in a developing embryo or fetus. This type of cancer occurs in infants and young children. It is most often found during the first year of life. It is rarely found in children older than 10. This tumor can start anywhere but usually occurs in the belly (abdomen) and is noticed as swelling. It can also cause bone pain and fever. It accounts for about 7% of childhood cancers.

Wilms tumor - Wilms tumor is a cancer that starts in one, or rarely, both kidneys. It is most often found in children about 3 years old, and is uncommon in children older than age 6.

Lymphomas - Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma (sometimes called Hodgkin disease, Hodgkin's disease, or Hodgkin's lymphoma), are cancers that start in lymph tissues, such as the tonsils, lymph nodes, and thymus.

Rhabdomyosarcoma - Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children.

Retinoblastoma - Retinoblastoma is a cancer of the eye. It is rare, accounting for just under 3% of childhood cancers

Bone cancers - Primary bone cancers (cancers that start in the bones) occur most often in children and adolescents.

Osteosarcoma is uncommon, accounting for almost 3% of all new childhood cancer cases in the United States. It often causes no pain or symptoms until swelling starts, but sometimes there is bone pain that keeps getting worse. .

Ewing sarcoma is a less common primary bone cancer which can cause bone pain. It is mostly found in adolescents. It accounts for a little more than 1% of childhood cancers
.

Neuroblastoma:

• Approximately 500 to 1,000 children are diagnosed with neuroblastoma in the United States each year.

• Doctors have known about neuroblastoma for approximately 35 years.

• Neuroblastoma is primarily diagnosed in children ages 14 and under, with most cases in children younger than 5 years.

• The cause of neuroblastoma is unknown, and it is more likely to occur in males than females.

• Neuroblastoma is difficult to diagnose in small children, and its progression is often rapid and painful.

• Neuroblastoma accounts for 8 percent of childhood cancer cases, but is responsible for 15 percent of all childhood cancer deaths.

• One in 330 children will develop cancer by age 20.

• Each school day, 46 children are diagnosed with cancer.

• Each child in the U.S. diagnosed with cancer receives approximately one-sixth of the federal research support allocated to each patient afflicted with AIDS. Yet in 2004, 48 new cases of pediatric AIDS were diagnosed vs. more than 12,000 pediatric cancer cases.

• Although the 5 year survival rate is steadily increasing, one quarter of children will die 5 years from the time of diagnosis

• Cancer accounts for the greatest number of disease deaths of children in the United States and kills more children per year than cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, asthma and AIDS combined

Sources: American Cancer Society, Band of Parents, Texas Oncology Group

http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/CRI_2_6x_Children_and_Cancer.asp http://www.bandofparents.org/neuroblastoma.html
http://www.texasoncology.com/about.aspxid=2750&terms=neuroblastoma

C.O.L.E.'s FOUNDATION

C.O.L.E.'s FOUNDATION
Caring Openly, Loving Eternally

In need of prayer, please click picture to go to C.O.L.E.'S

Grandpa John's Prayer for His Little Buddies

I hear no voice, I feel no touch,
I see no glory bright;
But yet I know that God is near,
In darkness as in light.
God watches ever by my side,
And hears my whispered prayer:
A God of love for a little child
Both night and day does care --- Anonymous

Angel's Honor Roll- A Forever Dedication

- Our Angels -

Austin Melgar, Courtney Saunders, Cooper Riley Proscia, Emily Adamson, Victoria Houston, John Eric Bartels, Kathy Ann Wilkinson, Alara Curran, Spencer Dolling, Marissa Monroe, Olivia Weber, Alexa Aigner, Joe Daily, Ryan Willians, Janie Kashino, Dustin Cobb, Alyssa Chappell, Addison Whipple, Amber Mastey, Katie Krize, Gustavo-Alexis, Kelvin Harper, Maggie Achuff, Kristin Hope, Kahlilla Blyss, Arden Quinn Bucher, Douglas Swift, Max Mikulak, Eliza S, Brandon Loose, Kody Edwards, Brody Hurt, Jay Jay LeBoeuf, Kyah Milne, Nicholas Pagano, Trooper Dante Tareboreli, Carter Wax, Zachary Finestone, Cora McClenahan, Little Roy Gutierrez, Chloe Smith, *Cody Johnson*, Emilio Gravez, Jacob Stovall, Noah Tyler Bell, Shu Qinpet (pet name Xinxin), Jenna Mussolini and Owen Lea, Carson Clark, Juan Santiago Wall, Erik Ludwinski, Layla Grace Marsh, Samuel Thomas Hutchison, Sydney Marie Dudley, Sophie Atay (And Our Big Warrior hero 1st Lt Joseph Helton, USAF - 8 Sept 2009),

-Race Dedication-

  • In Memory of: Samuel Thomas Hutchison, Layla Grace Marsh, Sydney Marie Dudley and Sophie Atay.
  • In Honor of: Jessica Trotter
  • Next Race - TBD
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gj's Buddies & Angels - Lighting the Way

SAVE THE DATE AND JOIN ME


For more widgets please visit www.yourminis.com

Circle the Lake for the Cure

Circle the Lake for the Cure
Houghton Lake MI - 36 hours for the Cure

Email Grandpa John

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Memorial Day Run - Never to Forget.


In approximately 12 hours I will begin a Memorial Run to honor our fallen War Heroes, especially 1st Lt Joseph Helton, my son's Commander while he was serving in Iraq, who was KIA Sept 8, 2009.

Not forgetting what this is all about I am also running to remember all of my Little Buddies who lost the fight against Neuroblastoma., more valiant warriors cannot be found.

May God bless All of the families who have lost loved ones not only on this memorial day, but everyday of the year.

Gj/

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

For Military Heroes who paid the ultimate price – Honor their sacrifice because of it we can freely work to find the cure for childhood cancer

OUR HEROES: See the bottom of the page – today I added the names of our US Air Forces Academy Heroes - those who freely gave their lives for our freedom. I am working to obtain the heroes names from West Point Military Academy and the US Naval Academy. These heroes will forever be listed on this blog site because without the sacrifices they made, we would not have the freedoms we have today. I am proud to be an American and to recognize these most fine men and women is my honor.

Please don’t question the placement of their names. They are listed at the bottom since they are the symbolic bedrock on which we can build a brighter future and continue our work for the cure for all childhood cancer. They represent the hundreds of thousands who paid the ultimate price for our freedom today and for our future. Let’s not waste it –

May this tribute be of some comfort to the families of these heroes - I love them all.

Please note that in addition to the names listed below, the names of our heroes who lost their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan are listed in our other blog -http://www.circlethelakeforthecure.blogspot.com/

God Bless

Grandpa John – a proud American who believes that we can find the cure....

Monday, March 15, 2010

To Our Nation's Leaders: Stand up and Fight Childhood Cancer

Neuroblastoma is unrelenting in its quest to create New Angels. In the last week far too many Angels gained entry into Heaven and joined the Angelic choir singing sweet songs of praise, unheard by our ears to our Heavenly Father. Solace only comes by knowing that our beloved is at rest, pain free and sitting by the feet of our Creator. May all of creation rejoice for Heaven’s newest residents and raise the cry of those left behind: No more!

The outcry of the all too few, but far too many, seeking a cure falls on the deaf ears of our leadership-you. It seems that you, like others, are fearful to discuss childhood cancer; tackle this curse head-on. I wonder why? We are talking about our children. You cannot hide from them! The ever present faces of our suffering warriors and angels will not go away and I for one will not let them leave my heart. Keeping them in our memory helps serve as the battle cry you must hear - They will be heard! “Hear our cry and ignore us no longer. Help us fight neuroblastoma or any form of childhood cancer by “Funding” at an acceptable level Childhood Cancer research.

So to our elected officials I further ask: How will you write history? What story will your leadership tell? Through your lack of action will we, as a nation, be accused of turning our backs on our most precious children? Maybe it’s because they lack a vote, or there isn’t money to be made by industry in researching a cure for neuroblastoma or childhood cancer? How shameful indeed if this is the case. If no corrective measures are taken to stem the ever rising tide of neuroblastoma, childhood cancer death, I am ashamed to say that history will not be kind to this generation.

My prayers are for and with the families of our beloved Little Buddies Samuel Thomas Hutchison, Layla Grace Marsh, Sydney Marie Dudley and Sophie Atay.

..if I have failed to mention any angel it is my oversight alone and I beg your forgiveness. Please bring it to my attention so they too, may join our forever Honor Roll.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Another Angel; Prayer a Most Wonderful Blessing

Another Angel - Yesterday I learned that another Little Buddy warrior lost the battle to this horrible disease. It saddens my heart, and while we deal with the pain of such great loss, we most assuredly should take comfort in knowing that the angelic choirs singing songs of praise welcomed home Zachary Combs. May we too sing songs of praise with an unending love as we wait impatiently for that glorious day when we shall join him. My most heartfelt condolences, love and prayers are with the family of Zachary Combs

Prayer a Most Wonderful Blessing: During my web travels searching for answers to my many questions, I found a most wonderful website for all with sick ones battling pediatric cancer, or any other illness in need prayer warriors. As all of you have my unending prayers, yet I believe that unlike my favorite cookies, you can never have too much prayer or too many people praying for you. Please check out this most wonderful site – C.O.L.E’.s Foundation and since I believe with my whole heart in the efficacy prayer and its importance to our entire life, the link to the Foundation is above just under Childhood Cancer and Neuroblastoma facts.

Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within reach of every hand. - Mother Teresa



Till later remember that though we may never meet, YOU are loved by me. I Love You.



Grandpa John

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Quick Post - Childhood Cancer & Neuroblastoma Facts

Childhood Cancer Facts - This morning after my training run I went back to read of last year’s adventure (From the Border to the Bridge - http://fightingchildhoodcancer.blogspot.com/ ) and noticed that some had made a comment back in Dec 2009, one which I failed to see earlier. The comment was that since I am promoting awareness of Childhood cancer I should put more about the topic in my writings. I thought that links provided would be enough to lead anyone to sources with much more knowledge than I. But, in today’s’ fast paced society maybe the writer is correct. So I am correcting that oversight and will add more info on childhood cancer to our blog site. But it will only be copied from the other web sites I visit. To ensure proper acknowledgement is given, source are identified.

"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do." Eleanor Roosevelt


Till Later -

Gj

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

New Angels & Assistance Requested to update Angels Honor Roll Memorial

New Angels: So much time has passed since I last updated our Angels list that it is almost overwhelming to know that I have so many Little Angels to add. Yet, there is a comfort in knowing that they no longer have to endure the paining and suffering that comes with fighting neuroblastoma, childhood cancer.

Today I know the heavenly hosts welcome Juan Santiago Wall and Erik Ludwinski to the angelic choir. May they forever sing songs of joy that only our creator can hear and we in our hearts wait patiently for a blessed reunion sure to occur.

Assistance Requested to update Angels Honor Roll Memorial: Over the next week or so I will attempt to recover many of my emails over the months past and update our Angels Honor Roll memorial accordingly. However, I fear that many of the notices may be unrecoverable. So I ask for your assistance - would you please send me the names of our angels that I have missed or over looked.

"Love can make you do things that you never thought possible"
Phil Collins

God Bless Gj

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Circle the Lake for the Cure -

Please click title ^above^ to go to the new blog site for Circle the Lake for the Cure

The war is not Over! Many Little Buddies and their families still fight bravely on to beat the foe neuroblastoma. And sadly others have become angels …Therefore

While I have been absent for far too long I am BACK! And planning and preparations for this year’s big running event is under way.

The run will be called:

“Circle the Lake for the Cure - Fight Childhood Cancer:
A Memorial to All Warriors Big & Small


Date: September 7 & 8, 2010 (tentative)
Location: Houghton Lake MI.
Length of Event: 36 hours. – How far will ol’ Gj go in 36 hours is anybody’s guess, but I bet it will be farther than a mile…. :)

Over the course of 36 hours I intend to run walk or crawl around Houghton Lake MI and cover as many miles as I possibly can. One lap of the lake is approximately 32 miles – can I make 3 or more laps in that time frame? Who knows? Regardless of distance traveled I will be doing all I can to raise awareness of Childhood cancer neuroblastoma, the entire distance. ….I am figuring on some crazy stunt , but not sure what just yet… and hopefully let’s see if I can do better in the fund raising department this year as opposed to last year.

As most of you know my son made it safely home from Iraq last Sept. However, such is not the case for his group or wind commander 1st Lt. Joseph Helton, USAF. On September 8, 2009 he was KIA while defending and protecting us from those wishing to do harm to the innocents. That is the run is a tribute to the Big warriors too. The big warriors are all of those defending and protect us where ever they may be serving. It is to their honor and those who paid the ultimate sacrifice a memorial – Thank a vet if you cherish your freedom. ..

Men do less than they ought, unless they do all they can.
Thomas Carlyle


Till later, God Bless

Grandpa John

Monday, September 21, 2009

Dedication The Big Race - Sept 26, 2009

Dedication: My Family, I am overjoyed to let you know that my son made it safely back stateside from his year's tour of duty in Iraq. Yet, I am very sadden too. Approximately 4 days after he arrived at his duty station my son was informed that his former Wing Commander in Iraq, became an Angel on 8 September, 2009. And like my Warrior Buddies, a true hero indeed.

This weekend I am running my first 50 mile race and in addition to dedicating this race to all of my Little Warriors and Buddies, I am making a special dedication to honor the memory of 1st LT Joseph Helton, USAF. And for my son and for all who serve in the USAF Security Forces, I will carry you and your comrades with me in spirit to honor the memory of all fallen Security Force warriors. All of you have my unending gratitude - God Bless you.

I will provide a more comprehensive update after the race this weekend. Until then I again reitterate my promise to you, my Little Buddies and Families:

"I promise that I shall not stop running till the cure is found. If I should become too old or weak to run, it is then I will ask our Heavenly Father to carry me to the finish line - The Cure Gj

Till later God Bless.

Grandpa John.

PS: Carson Clark: I just have to let you know that you are my hero Little Buddy and this race is especially for you too.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

I AM BACK; NEXT RACE; THE BIG RUN NEXT YEAR

I’m Back: Wow! It’s been far too long since I provided an update. Truth be told, since the long run I have been somewhat lazy, but now is the time be reenergize and continue of fighting the good fight and running for my Little buddies. Over the course of the next couple of weeks or so I’ll be getting our Angel's Honor Roll- A Forever Dedication updated and updating oterh areas of the Blog as necessary.

NEXT RACE/DEDICATION: What is new on the near horizon? Well I am glad that you asked that question, I am going to be a hippie (again or is it for the first time since I was in the army during that period) that is I am “Running Woodstock;” no not in New York, but right here in Michigan. It will be a far out weekend just choke full of running and wild times (not too wild for ol Gj) and may be just a flash back to the younger days. The race I will run is a 50 miler. Yep, you read rightly. I am going to do the Peace Love 50 Miler, my first. Now mind you there is a 15 hour time limit for this run and should make it. I know 15 hours seems like an awfully long time and the trail is the very difficult 12.5-mile loop of the Potawatomi trail in the Pinckney MI recreation area. But I just ain’t gonna quit till I get the 50 in for my Little Buddies. They will help me thru the difficult areas and times - I will be carrying all of the pictures I had with me on our journey run the entire distance.

Dedication: I dedicate this race to all of my Little Buddies, especially Noah Scott Biorkman who is having a pretty rough go at it right now, and his family and to the memory of all of our Angels. I know I’ll never hit a major league home run Noah, but I do promise you that I will finish this50 Miler for you. My prayers are with all of you.

THE BIG RUN NEXT YEAR – In planning stages...will it be “From the Border to the Bridge Part II???” Who knows? Stay Tuned.

Special Note of Love: Even though most of us have never met and probably never will have the opportunity to do so, I just can’t put into words just how much I love every one of you – I promise I won’t stop running till the cure is found.

Grandpa John

“It is not wise to win a battle for the sake of glory just to lose the war. We will complete the race before us and will not stop till the cure is found” Grandpa John

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

The 330 Mile Run Report - Fighting Neuroblastoma - Childhood Cancer

Please follow this link to our other blog to read the report on the run to the Mackinaw Bridge:

http://www.fightingchildhoodcancer.blogspot.com/


God Bless you till Later,

Grandpa John

PS: If you'd like to see the pictures please send me an email and I will send you the link to my MySpace account wherein the pictures reside - Thanks, Gj

Monday, May 4, 2009

Newest Sponsor; Countdown to the Run - T minus....

Newest Sponsor - Folks if you're ever in the Mount Pleasant , MI area, please stop by our newest sponsors hotel, "The Comfort Inn & Suites University Park" Just click on the picture of the Bridge above and follow the links on the other blog site for the run. And please be sure to tell them that Grandpa John sent you :)

Countdown to the Run: T Minus 010:14:10 and counting....

Till later I am off and getting ready for the run...see you soon..

“So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things they think are important. This is because they're chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.” Morrie Schwartz

God Bless

Gj

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Letter from Governor of Michigan-Well Wishes; Count Down & New shirt; New Sponsor; Say Who Is This fellow?

Letter from Governor of Michigan-Well Wishes: I’ve been writing so many letters to so many people to be honest, I cannot for the life of me remember if I wrote to our governor explaining the who, what, and why of the upcoming 330 mile run. Yet, somehow, I received a letter from her expressing her well wishes for the upcoming run and an Irish blessing J I am forever grateful for that letter as I now know that one more person is aware of neuroblastoma and its horrors; thank you Governor Granholm your letter and blessings means very much to me. Here is a picture of it:
Count Down: All Systems are Go! As of 11:30am Sunday, May 3, 2009 we are in countdown mode. We are at T minus 11 days, 20 hours, 30 minutes and 0 seconds until Friday, May 15, 2009 at 8:00:00 AM (Detroit time) See our count down timer above

New Shirt – Here is a picture of one of the shirts I be wearing while I run the “From the Border to the Bridge” run.
Front:
Back:
As you can see I did not distinguish between our Warriors and Angels. If anyone asks who is who I’d be able to tell them, but that is not the point I am trying to make. “Anyone’s child could be stricken with this horrible disease - do you know which one?” That is the same for our Poster board pictures….which one??? Our Warrior and Angels look very health…but looks are deceiving, aren’t they? Hopefully, those meet during the run feel the impact of what is not being said.
New Sponsor: (See "From the Border to the Bridge Blog"- click on picture of bridge above) My thanks and appreciation goes out to Quality Inn of Gaylord Michigan for providing me and my support crew (Missus Gj and Babee) one of our nights lodging. So folks if you’re ever traveling through the Gaylord MI. area please plan on spending the night at one of our most wonderful sponsors. If you cannot stay then please stop to let them know you heard about them from Ol’ Gj.

Last Two Weeks – Action packed; that is all I can say! First we continued finding lodging for our nightly slumber and then last weekend Missus GJ, Babee and myself traveled the last 130 miles (or so) of the route.

Early last Saturday morning we left for Clare Mi.; the city where we stopped our route verification the previous weekend. Traveling northward we drove through Harrison, and verified one of our sponsors addresses (meaning - could we find it) and there approximately 200 yards off our route stood Lakeside Motel and Cottages...how beautiful, right on Budd Lake. Missus Gj and I will most definitely plan a few days vacation here later in the summer.

Out of Harrison we continued north going through Higgins Lake, and onward to Grayling MI. About 12 miles or south of Grayling we got lost, or should I say the map was mismarked giving directions without actually names the roads we should take. What is really surprising is that we actually found our way to Grayling just by following the road we were on till it dead-ended and turned right ….

Leaving Grayling we made our way to Gaylord without much ado. As we traveled north of Gaylord we passed a little park we stopped and took a few pictures (see previous posting.) Pressing on we made our way to Indian River (our final night before Mackinaw City). We didn’t spend any time there as it was starting to get late and we needed to make our destination at a reasonable hour. Finally we arrived in Mackinaw City - the finishing point of this year’s run for of love (all of my runs of love J ones (Again the picture are in the previous post.)

No one will have to tell me to go and jump in to the lake. I will jump into the lake when I arrive – I will do so willing as a refreshing break from the many miles….I just hope Missus Gj get pictures of the shocked look I’ll have on my face…that water is very, very cold.

Say Who is this fellow?


I’ll give you 3 guesses, and the first two don’t count…I was rummaging through some old pictures and found one of me from my late of coming hippie days (Actually, I was in the Army during the 60’s/70’s hippie movement.) This picture was taken at Jacob’s Ladder Folk Music Festival in Kiryat Shmona, Israel circa 1991 – I was a late bloomer for sure and loved every minute of it
God Bless, Till Later,
Gj

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Whew! Completed Dry Run of the 330 mile Run.

Whew! Today was a long day for ol' Gj and the Missus, so I'll make this short. We began at 8am and headed north to completed the last third of the dry run for the 330 mile run. The further north we traveled, the more hilly the terrain became; a runners dream (or is that nightmare?) What really surprised us was the maps provided by Google dot com maps - for the most part were right on, and within a tenth or so of the mileage indicated. We did however get lost twice, and each time it was because the directions were very vague, reading something like turn right and head towards such and such road, but no mention was made of the name of the road we were to turn right or left on. So we worked ahead and worked our way backwards to where we were and it worked. (Not to mention the help of several locals along the way)
Missus Gj is napping, Babee is sleeping right next to her..Ahh life is good I am blessed...all systems are go!

Here are a few pictures of todays journey:

Park Just North of Gaylord



























Portion of the Route



Bridge in the Distance















The Fort Entrance


Our Destination- The Bridge! May 25th, 2009














Find the person who will love you because of your differences and not in spite of them and you have found a lover for life.
Leo Buscaglia
God Bless each of you now and always and in all ways.

Gj

Sunday, April 12, 2009

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL OF MY LITTLE BUDDIES & FAMILIES; THE BIG RUN-A GOOD START ON THE AWARENESS POSTER

Happy Easter - I know this is almost late...I'd like to wish all of my Little Buddies and their families the bestest and mostest Happy Easter ever and that the Easter bunny left loads of chocolate and candy eggs and all sorts of good stuff. Remember, all of you are in my daily prayers -
"Happy Easter" Little Buddies."

THE BIG RUN-A GOOD START ON THE AWARENESS POSTER: Time surely has away of creeping up on us. In just a few more weeks Missus Gj and I will be off and running our 330 mile adventure raising awareness of neuroblastoma and childhood cancer by promoting bicycle & pedestrian safety and driver alertness all the way. I am getting so excited :) Well, this weekend we got a great start on our awareness poster. Just a few more information cards to print and mount and to print all of the pictures that were sent to me (boy oh boy, you guys and gals are really handsome and pretty :) ..it will be awesome...we'll tell everyone we meet that we're not quiting till the cure is found and they can help with a small donation.!!! Oh, before,I forget here's a picture of our poster board

Till later as now I am off printing the picrures you sent me; all of you have blest me so much -thank you

Love knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust, no fading of its hope; it can outlast anything. Love still stands when all else has fallen.” (Author unknown to me)

God Bless,

Gj

Monday, March 9, 2009

Far Too Many New Angels....I shall Never Quit!.

As I attempt to catch up with all of the happenings within the world of NB, I am becoming all too well aware that far too many Little Buddies are becoming Angels far too early. My heart aches for all of my Little Buddies, and their families fighting this horrible disease. With so many relapses of late and several new angels, it is it’s hard to figure out the why as there is no reason other than our humanity. My solace resides in my faith knowing they are sitting at the loving Hand of our Blessed Lord for all eternity. My joy is the hope and knowledge that someday I too will join them.

This past Saturday, I learned that a very special person to me (all of my Little Buddies are very special to me) left us to join our ever growing Angelic Choir. Cody Johnson, although I never met you in person, I must know let you know that you are why I started running for my Little Buddies and their families. I had dreams that one day you and your very special dad, Mickey and I would run a marathon or at least a half marathon together; beating all odds, we would conquer the unconquerable.

Well, now that will never be, or will it? I will carry you in my heart, and your name will take its place of honor and in memory on our Angels Rainbow racing shirt. Every mile I run and every race I race will be for you and for your family and for all of my Little Buddies and their families. If I am really lucky maybe one day Grandpa John will not have to run another single mile fighting NB as a cure will have been found. But until that day happens, I again make you and all of my Little Buddies this Promise:

“I will continue to run to raise Funds (I pray so) for research and awareness for the cause until my legs gets too old or tired to run; then I’ll just let my Heavenly Father carry me onward in my racing till the cure is found. I Shall Never ever quit!”

May the Peace of our Heavenly Father grant peace and bestow a special healing potion of love to the families and friends of our newest Angels: Cody Johnson, Emilio Gravez, Jacob Stovall, Noah Tyler Bell, Shu Qinpet (pet name Xinxin) and Jenna Mussolini.

Their names will be added to our Angels Forever memorial and to my Angles Rainbow Racing shirt.

Please inform me if I have misspelled or misnamed any one of our most precious and beautiful Angels, I will correct immediately- Thanks Gj

Monday, February 16, 2009

Gj’s Whereabouts, Angels Swan Song, Border to the Bridge is still ago, Getting excited

Gj’s Whereabouts: Finally, time is starting to smile giving me an opportunity to update a sadly neglected blog. Actually, since just before Christmas work and family issues have taken over my life allowing very little opportunity to keep our blog current. I won’t’ go into the details since they are really boring; suffice to say “I am Back!” and I will work really hard at keeping you all updated on progress made.

Angels Swan Song: My dear friends please accept my apologies for not keeping our “Angel's Honor Roll- A Forever Dedication updated. So many new angels have joined the heavenly choir that my heart is overwhelmed with sadness. I know many of my Little buddies have gained their wings ; so many since my last update that I am not sure if I have all of their names. So, if you see that I have missed someone, please send me their name and I’ll add them to our honor roll. My condolences and prayers go out for all of the families and love ones who have gained a new angle within their family.

A light snow fell during last Saturday’s training run. It was beautiful. As the snowflakes landed gently on my brow I became aware of an inner voice whispering “Hey Grandpa John, please add our names to the Angel's Honor Roll- A Forever Dedication list. We do not want to be forgotten.”

Well now, I don’t know about you but when I get a request from my inner voice I listen, besides I made a promise to all of my Little Buddies and their families too that I would not let them be forgotten, I’d do all I can to be a voice for the voiceless. The heavenly choir’s newest angels singing sweet melodic songs are Nicholas Pagano, Trooper Dante Tareboreli, Carter Wax, Zachary Finestone, Cora McClenahan, Little Roy Gutierrez and Chloe Smith

Border to the Bridge is Still a Go: All Systems are Go for May’s run - Stay tuned more to follow. All I can say is that I am glad that I am not in the logistics field.

Getting Excited: I just have to share with my family that Daniel, my son who is currently stationed in Iraq, will be home on R & R in a couple of months and I am getting really excited. I’ll be so happy to see him as it’s been almost 2 years since we’ve had the opportunity to be together. Please pray for all of our men and women who are in harms ways; they deserve no less - Gj

Monday, November 24, 2008

The Never Ending Song, A New Addition to Gj's Family

The Never Ending Angels Song: Monitoring my email over the weekend I received notice of another Angel joining our ever growing Angelic Choir. Such news always saddens my heart. Yet, a calm peace over takes my soul for I know that our newest beautiful Angel Kyah Milne will never again feel pain but only joy as he/she sings melodic melodies to our Creator. Praying for the day when we reunite for eternity, I offer my sincerest and most heart felt condolences to the family of Kyah Milne. My next race will be to honor her memory.

A New Addition to Our Family: Late last week Missus Gj informed me that a co-worker of hers had a beautiful puppy that she had to give away because with rheumatoid arthritis she could no longer care for the baby in an appropriate way. Since I was looking for a running companion I was interested. So, on Saturday we went over to the coworker’s house to see this beautiful animal…I was surprised! Brindle in color, stood a strong, but beautiful little 4 month (?) old female American Pit Bull. Prior to going over to the house I knew that we’d be seeing a pit bull, but I had to do my homework first since I've heard so much bad publicity about these dogs. Well, to make a long story short, what I found to be true was that while these dogs can be animal aggressive, most if not all, pit bull attacks are a result of poor training & caused by human neglect. I further found that this breed of dog is very athletic, and when fully matured looks forward to walking (read running :) 5 to 10 miles daily, an ideal running companion for me to be sure. With that said however, I am not naive. To be a responsible owner of such a fine animal, I will be taking “Babee” to Obedience Classes right having her spayed and given all of her shots. A chore to be sure, but one I look forward to as I have already fallen in love with her and look forward to training her as well – I will be the alpha male in our house…well at least as far as she is concerned I will be, to Missus Gj wellllll that is another matter altogether. :) Belwo are a few pictures of our new Babee, I just think she is so sweet)

Hi! It's me Babee.Yes, I am Cute, Aren't I?
Babee getting Warm after our Walk















"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” Lao Tzu

Till Later, God Bless,

Gj

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Race tomorrow - Angel's Rainbow Shirt updated.

Our Angel's Rainbow Racing Shirt has been updaed for tomorrow's race, "The Rugged Man 4.8 Trail Run / Walk " Along with Pictures of some of my Little Buddies this is the shirt I'll be wearing. Since it is almost the end of the running season, I'll be retiring this shirt soon, But I will make up a new one for the 2009 Racing series and it will have all of our angels names on it too.

If God is your partner, make your plans BIG!
D.L. Moody
Till Later,
God Bless - Gj

Friday, November 7, 2008

Again, Today I Hear of Another New Angel

Again, Today I Hear of Another New Angel: It always saddens my heart to hear of and report on another of my Little Buddies earning their Angels Wings. Yet, again today I learned that my Little Buddy, unknown to me until today, Jay Jay LeBoeuf is now singing angelic songs of love to our creator. At times, I think I hear the faint melodic refrain of love as the choir joins in welcoming their newest angel, Jay Jay.

As with all of my Little Buddies I make the promise to Jay Jay's family:

"I shall not quit running until the cure is found. If too old or weak to run, I shall ask our Heavenly Father to carry me to the finish line - the cure."

My most heartfelt condolences to the family of Jay Jay; may God’s grace heal the wound of such great loss. – Gj.


"A single rose can be my garden...a single friend, my world.”
Leo F. Buscaglia


All of you are a Blessing to me, You enrich my Life - Thank you - Gj


Rest peacefully in His Arms of Love,

Grandpa John