Welcome!!
This will be a very different post from the ones I usually publish......
If you follow my face book page, you are probably aware of something that has shaken my family to the core.....
UPDATE: I want to Thank Diana, over at Nana Takes a Break, for featuring my nephew John in one of her wonderful Prayer Request Posts!!!!
You can click HERE to read the post!
Thanks so much , Diana!!!
UPDATE: I want to Thank Diana, over at Nana Takes a Break, for featuring my nephew John in one of her wonderful Prayer Request Posts!!!!
You can click HERE to read the post!
Thanks so much , Diana!!!
In the past, I have published few pictures of family here on my blog......
This is my nephew John and his beautiful family......
Renae and John were high school sweethearts, married and now have 3 beautiful daughters.....Cortney-16 years old, Carly-8 years old and Caitlin-13 years old
They are a very close family, doing many things together like enjoying sporting events and going on family vacations..
In November, my nephew John was diagnosed with Colon Cancer.......
You can only imagine how devastating a cancer diagnosis was to this young family.....
A Lesson in Strength and Courage
A Lesson in Strength and Courage
While undergoing treatment, receiving oral Chemo, John continued to work as a CRNA ( nurse anesthetist) at one of our local hospitals.....
He decided that he and his family would not change how they lived their lives......
They went on an already scheduled trip to Disney World......
Watched the Super Bowl at home and celebrated when their beloved team, The Eagles, became Super Bowl Champions
John had more tests done and learned that the cancer had now spread and he needed to receive IV chemo.......
He arranged the timing of the IV transfusion of chemo via a pump so he could continue to work.....
He was determined to enjoy time with his family and do the things that they loved to do.....
They attended a hockey game with Joe when their beloved AHL Philly Phantoms played Joe's beloved AHL Wilkes Barre Scranton Penguins!!!......
Attended the AHL Winter Classic in Hershey, Pa.!!
Were so proud of Cortney when she attend her Winter Formal.....
But then John started to suffer the side effects of aggressive Chemo and was admitted to the hospital......
While John was in the hospital, they celebrated Caitlin's 13th Birthday....
This hospital stay would last close to 4 weeks where he fought a strong battle against infection and other complications of Chemo.....
Finally, he was able to be discharged from the hospital and returned home but he realized that it was time to concentrate on fighting this dreaded disease with every core of his being......
He decided it was time to take a medical leave of absence from work.......
A Lesson in Humility
While John was still in the hospital, his co workers sprung into action and decided to organize a Benefit to help John and his family with finances and rising medical costs.......
John and Renae had mixed feelings about the benefit but his co workers wanted desparately to do something for the family.....
The Benefit was set for April 5th at a local Italian Pizzeria and Eatery.......
Word went out on face book and soon many departments in the hospital where John works were making up baskets for a raffle along with individuals including physicians donating items and experiences like helicopter and airplane rides to raffle off!!
Joe and I made up a Hockey and Dinner Basket for the raffle
Along with the Benefit, A Go Fund Me Page was also set up by Co Workers......
But then John started to suffer the side effects of aggressive Chemo and was admitted to the hospital......
While John was in the hospital, they celebrated Caitlin's 13th Birthday....
This hospital stay would last close to 4 weeks where he fought a strong battle against infection and other complications of Chemo.....
Finally, he was able to be discharged from the hospital and returned home but he realized that it was time to concentrate on fighting this dreaded disease with every core of his being......
He decided it was time to take a medical leave of absence from work.......
A Lesson in Humility
While John was still in the hospital, his co workers sprung into action and decided to organize a Benefit to help John and his family with finances and rising medical costs.......
John and Renae had mixed feelings about the benefit but his co workers wanted desparately to do something for the family.....
Word went out on face book and soon many departments in the hospital where John works were making up baskets for a raffle along with individuals including physicians donating items and experiences like helicopter and airplane rides to raffle off!!
Joe and I made up a Hockey and Dinner Basket for the raffle
Tickets for the Benefit and Raffle were being sold through out the hospital......
Meanwhile, John was getting stronger at home......
The family enjoyed a meal out for Good Friday......
Meanwhile, John was getting stronger at home......
The family enjoyed a meal out for Good Friday......
Cortney, Carly and Caitlin on Easter Sunday
Carly's school picture
A Lesson in Generosity
The day of the Benefit came and I do not think anyone could have predicted such an amazing turnout!!!!!!
Over 60+ items were donated by friends, hospital departments and neighbors for the Raffle!!!
People bought the Raffle tickets like crazy!!!
Some of the lovely co workers of John that organized this incredible event!!
Proof that Angels do walk among us!!!!
Blue ribbon cookies and pins for Colon Cancer were sold!!
Blue ribbon cookies and pins for Colon Cancer were sold!!
There was a constant line of people out the door waiting to get in!!!
John was overwhelmed by the outpouring of LOVE and respect for him!!!
And of course, he was surrounded by family!!!
John and his brother Dan
John and his daughters and their friends!!
Dan's wife Heather, Carly, me, Danielle, Jim getting a soda from the bar, my niece Lisa, ( John's sister) and Joe!!!
My niece Lisa and Joe
Danielle, Jim, Heather, Lisa's husband John, Lisa and Joe enjoying the pizza and stromboli!!
And having a good laugh together!!!
John's co workers in the OR
Some of the wonderful people who attended!!
At the end of the evening, it was standing room only!!!
Words can not even begin to THANK all who attended, donated, supported and encouraged John making this event a HUGE success!!!!
When terrible things happen in one's life, it could bring out either the WORST in people or the BEST in people....
This shows the BEST in people and that there are good, caring and loving people in this world!!!
This shows the BEST in people and that there are good, caring and loving people in this world!!!
And even when faced with Life's Trials and Tribulations, there are lessons to be learned!!
The Lessons of Strength, Courage, Humility and Generosity are lessons that I know none of us will never forget especially John, Renae, Cortney, Caitlin and Carly!!!
What a testament to my nephew John!!!
We are all so PROUD of him and GRATEFUL to all who have offered their love and support during this time of need!!!!
Please keep John and his family in your prayers as he continues his valiant fight against this terrible disease........
If you do not have a blog, PLEASE give me some way to reply to your comment, maybe by including your email in your comment. If I can not find a way to reach you, I will reply on the post where you commented so please check back......
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It is so heartwarming to see a community, co workers and family come together to help John fight! My dad lost his battle with colon cancer when he was 44......I was 25 and my brother had just graduated from high school. I'll keep John on my prayer list ......hugs....
ReplyDeleteIt just occur to me that I have not done the right thing since when my husband came back to me, I am on this blog to give thanks to whom it deserve, Some couples of weeks ago my life was in a terrible shape because my husband left me and I never believe that I was going to get him back, But through the help of this powerful spell caster called Dr.Ekpen my life is now in a joyful mood, I must recommend the services of Dr.Ekpen to anyone out there that they should contact Dr.Ekpen through these details below: ( ekpentemple@gmail.com ) or whatsapp +2347050270218 because through Dr.Ekpen assistance my marriage was restored.
DeleteI just lost my so Michael to colon cancer last July. I understand the way it affects everyone. It's a devastating disease that is affecting younger people everyday.Please tell John he is in my prayers and to keep fighting.Hugs and love to all of you.
ReplyDeleteNancy,
DeleteI could not find any other way to respond to your comment so I am doing it here!! Thanks so much for your kind words and i am so sorry to hear of your son's passing......
Hugs to you!
Debbie
What an amazing community! So wonderful that everyone came together for this family! I will be keeping John and his family in my prayers, Deb.
ReplyDeleteOh- Debbie!!! I am so so sorry. As you know, we have walked the cancer path 3 times in seven years. This last one was bad but we got a miracle. Hubby also works in a hospital and so many donated their hours and time so that his leave of absence was covered.
ReplyDeleteLet me now if you want me to do a prayer post! I would be more than happy to do that for you. I do believe that prayer is what saved John's life---he was Stage 4 and did not have much hope of a cure. He has been cancer free now for just over two years. xo Diana
So sorry to hear about your nephew. I will keep him and his family in my prayers. What an amazing group of co-workers. And family too.
ReplyDeletePraying for him right now! I hope he has complete healing. Thanks for sharing, Debbie.
ReplyDeleteThat is great that all his family, friends and coworkers rallied around him and gave John and his family such great support so he could stay home and take care of his health, I hope he continues to improve and can fight this cancer
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your nephew. I will certainly keep John and his family in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteHis co-workers are amazing people.
Look how everyone came together! What a blessing.
ReplyDeleteI am praying for healing.
Praying for your dear husband. What wonderful love is surrounding you! I love that your friends did that great benefit. Angels indeed!
ReplyDeleteI said husband but I meant to say nephew! But those family photos of him, you cane tell he is a great husband and Dad!
ReplyDeleteSending good thoughts to your family and praying for your nephew...
ReplyDeleteDebbie,
ReplyDeleteso sorry to hear about your nephew. This is such a terrible disease. What a testament to his courage and strength to fight will keeping his focus on his family. I will keep him in my prayers.
Hugs,
Bev
Oh Debbie, I am so sorry for John. Prayers will be sent for his speedy recovery and for his family.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Mary
It's hard,,it's very hard.. I'm so sorry for your nephew.. Hope everything will be better soon.. a big hug! XOXO
ReplyDeleteWow Debbie- this is a powerful story. I saw this on Diana's page and had to come over. That was amazing how the fund raiser went. It's wonderful to see how people will come together for a cause. I pray for his battle to be won and for his family.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry for John and all the family. The fundraiser was amazing. What a tribute to him. Being a nurse, I have always found it wonderful how the medical community pulls together to support each other. Hoping for a speedy recovery. It's a big battle for all of you.
ReplyDeleteDebbie- god bless John and your entire family,friends and the community that rallied behind him and continue to support and pray for him during his illness.
ReplyDeleteDebbie - I am praying for John and his family as they walk through this difficult struggle and battle. Thanks to Diana for directing us here to read John's story!
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie! I heard about John from NanaDiana. I am so sorry that he has to fight this battle! He sure has a wonderful support system with his beautiful family, friends, co-workers and community! I am praying for John. May the cancer be beaten and good health return! God Bless him and his family! Hugs! Leena, pinkcherubmoon@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about John...I'm so happy that John and his family has such a great support system. What an amazing fundrasier and how loving when everyone comes together. Prayers for John and your whole family....
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post! I'm glad he is winning his battle--it's a hard fight, I know. What a wonderful support system. You're right that something like this can bring out the best or the worst in people, and it's so heart-warming to see everyone's BEST. :) I hope and pray the best for John and his family. #embracingchangelinky
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to read this but I am giving our Lord the Praise at how He has went before your precious nephew and their family with such warmth, care, and generosity from others. WOW! We take so much for granite. I will pray for him and his family. Thank you for sharing. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteHi Deb: I'm so glad I read Diana's post today. Your nephew is certainly one to be admired for his courage and his strength and for the support of his family and friends. All the caring from his co-workers must be such a blessing to him. Cancer is such a hard fight but with great strength and caring friends and family he will come out for the better soon. I wish all the best to John and his whole family..xxoJudy
ReplyDeleteDebbie, what an amazing story! People really are angels walking among us. So happy John is fighting this, and what a sweet family he has! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Jann
What a wonderful tribute to your nephew and his beautiful family!
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie What a beautiful post for your nephew. I will add him to my prayer chain in Denver. Sending prayers and love to all his girls and him from Denver. laura
ReplyDeleteStrength, courage and humility do certainly sum up your Nephew and his family, friends and co-workers so well. Your post is a beautiful tribute to hope and light in our world. Hugs to you all as the fight continues and wishing John a speedy recovery.
ReplyDeleteWren x
Debbie, I was so pleased to find this update on your nephew John! I've been wondering how he was doing and now I know. Thank you so much for sharing. John has been on my prayer list ever since I learned of his colon cancer and I have been praying every day for him and his family. I am so thankful for the community that surrounds us and comes together when we are faced with such crises in our lives. I have experienced this myself so I know how vital it can be. Your tribute is such a heart felt one and I'm glad John has such a strong support system. I will continue to pray for him and with God's help he will get through it. Hugs and blessings to you, my friend. ..Sandi
ReplyDelete