3 years & 7 months later...

So it's been about 3 years and 7 months since my brother John was diagnosed with cancer. A lot has happened since that dreadful news was given. John has been cancer free since his completion of treatment. He has a beautiful little girl, Emery, and a boy on the way. I am grateful every day for his recovery.

To everyone who made donations, said prayers, waited at the finish line and ran with us... thank you from the bottom of my heart!!

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES

It seems there have been technical difficulties with our donation link on this website. The t-shirt ordering link seems to be fine. Try using a different browser or please contact me if you would like to donate & are having problems. My email is willowrehab@yahoo.com.

Here is a story that will tug at your heart strings.

Currently, a single mother in Monroe, GA is dying of cancer. She is 38 years old and has terminal ovarian cancer. It is my understanding they have stopped treatment at this time as the cancer has metastasized throughout. Her three children are struggling to deal with their mother's illness & wondering what will happen after she is gone. The 18 year old daughter has decided to take full responsibility and custody of her younger brother & sister, 8 & 11.
After telling my brother this story, we agreed this family would be perfect for Joggin' for John to sponsor. I will run in three races to raise money through the end of 2008. Since times have been tough with the economy, we will also accept food, clothes & utility donations. No direct cash will be given to them but rather it will be in the form of a gift card so they can buy groceries and other necessities. 100% of all donations will be presented to the family after each race. Please donate what you can, it is greatly needed!

First of three...

Saturday we completed race #1 at Piedmont Park. The day was beautiful! Soooo many cute dogs! Titan, Cisco & Violet participated this year. The race benefits the local chapter of Canine Companions for Independence (www.cci.org), a national organization that breeds, raises, and trains highly skilled working dogs for children and adults with physical or developmental disabilities. This is a great organization for us to support!

Peachtree 2008

This year's Peachtree Road Race was fantastic! My brother John and his wife Christine joined me to celebrate his successful battle against cancer. Thanks to the friends and family who were watching and yelling (and sweating in the July Hotlanta heat)! As we crossed the finish line together I realized it was the perfect way to top off a year of races to raise money and awareness for the continued fight against cancer. As the news of John's latest PET scan being totally clear is still fresh in my mind, I am conscious of the thousands who continue to struggle every day. That is why we have decided to continue Jogging for John into a new year to continue to raise money to help others. Stay tuned for updates on future races!

While training for the Peachtree, I met Donald Powers who was battling cancer. After talking it over with John, we decided to run in his honor. I was able to give him the picture of us (shown below) before he passed away. It really touched him. Donald Powers fought hard & will not be forgotten. We thank his sister for her generous donation.

Countdown to Peachtree

My race packet has arrived!!!!

Peachtree 2008

Can you believe it, over a year has passed since this whole thing began. John is fantastic and continues to be cancer free. He is so fantastic he is flying to the ATL with his wife to run in the famous Peachtree with me! These are the five finalists for the Peachtree t-shirt.