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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