Kirby and I just agreed to sign up to run a 5K for a little boy named Owen. Yes, I am going to run and I really, really dislike running so this must be important to me. :) Who is Owen? Owen is the 3 year old son of a teacher in Mora whom I have played volleyball with for the past few years. Owen has cancer and has been battling it for the past 2 years of his young life. I can still remember the night at league that Drew was unable to play because his wife was giving birth to Owen.
I don't know how people deal with illness, especially with it occurring in their young children. It's hard enough on me when my kids have the flu or a bad cold. I am so thankful for my healthy children.
Here is little Owen's information on his fight so far.
Owen is a 3 year old boy who was diagnosed with Hepatoblastoma on December 17, 2007. Three days later, he started chemo. In February 2008, Owen had a liver resection. In June of 2008, he finished chemo however that November, he had a recurrence. Since that time, he has had to have a resection in the left lung and also had to have brain surgery to remove a cancerous tumor (all in February 2009). Owen will have to go through a year of off and on again chemo.On Saturday, May 16, there will be a benefit 5k walk/run for Owen.The walk starts at 4:00pm and at 6:00pm there will be a benefit dinner/silent auction at the Grand Event Center.
With that being said, if you would like to make a donation to help their family out, let me know. Sometimes, I find it hard to donate to causes without knowing exactly whom it's going to help. In this case, I know who it's going to help and after what they have been through so far, they need it. (Both Drew and his wife are teachers and for those in the field-you know the pay scale isn't that great.) So, if you would like to donate-please do-just send it to us and I'll include it with our registration. The 5K run and benefit dinner is May 16th.
I know that in the past few days I have become more aware of how lucky I am to have the life I have. Even the things that seemed 'big' to me in the past week, don't seem so 'big' anymore. Be thankful everyday.
1 comment:
I'm not sure how it works, if you take donations or are seeking sponsors for your run, but count Darren and me in for $100.
What a worthy cause!
Thank you, Kirby, for extending the invitation to read your family's blog and for your kind email. Believe it or not, it gave me strength to make dinner. :)
The past few weeks have been rough since the loss of Darren's mom. I'm still in the "I can't believe life just goes on" mode.
Also, let me know if you want me to submit an article or announcement about the benefit in the paper. We'll see what we can do to get the word out.
Again, thank you for changing the direction of my day.
Sincerely,
Jennine Johnson
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