I have been thinking a lot about all the help I have been getting. Everyone has been so supportive and helpful. There are a few people that I want to publicly embarrass by thanking them for their relentless efforts, in no particular order:
Jen my sister - She has been amazing. She lives 1600 miles away, but is coming up with ideas about fundraisers, donating money herself and just plain being supportive. A few days ago, she had two Orchid highlights dyed into her hair to support me. If there is one thing I have learned in 24 years it’s to never mess with a woman and her hair! So for her to do that unprovoked by me asking is simply a profound show of support. She has also had her nails done purple, and her friend made her a purple flower to put in her hair.
She has also been creating awareness for other cancers in the Orlando area by making bracelets. She bought the immediate family Testicular cancer bracelets and is sending them to us, as well. I really don't think there is any end to what her and her husband John can do. John has been sending me encouraging text messages, voice mails and posting my website on Facebook, the Social Networking site.
Their family is a huge blessing in my life and I am very grateful for people like my sister and her family. I believe that they are the essence of what humanity is all about; what it means to be human and care for other people, rather than ourselves.
Amanda my other sister - has also been very generous. A while ago she ran a 5k race and dedicated it to me. She and her boyfriend have also donated to my cause. Amanda is 3,000 miles away, but continues to raise awareness in Anchorage, Alaska. She shares pictures at her outpatient office where she works and has spread the word to her friends and other family.
She and Jen have been a great support throughout all of this, putting their lives on hold at the moment I call them, or just need to talk. During this whole ordeal she has had a positive attitude and has provided me with hours of entertainment: telling jokes, keeping a positive spin on things, providing medical suggestions and so on. In her own way she has been my emotional support, while Jen has shown a lot of physical support -- balancing each other out.
The Waite family of Loveland - sweetly donating a sum of money to my cause. I am extremely grateful for people like these in my life who I don’t even know, but understand the concept of compassion. Without families like them, I wouldn't have much hope for medical bills. Thank you so much for blessing my life!
Brenn Hill, of course - The generosity of him to a complete stranger is just so touching. His son’s story is so inspiring; it gives me hope as well. The offer he made of organizing a benefit concert for me is not only awe-inspiring but also incredibly charitable. It is a great blessing when an artist uses their God-given talents to bless the lives of people who are struggling. Even if you don't believe in God you have to admit, it really puts to good use what it means to be human! The ability to feel for another person and want to change their situation with whatever influences you can. I think we need more people like that in the world: more people that try.
The other artists that put on the concert also deserve a tip of the hat. It's incredibly kind of you to donate your time and talents like that.
Words can't express how grateful I am for his decision. It takes humongous weight off of my shoulders. Though the irony is that I haven't been much of a country music listener, Brenn has definitely made me a fan through his music and his kindness. So visit his website and show your support for a just good, all around person, who happens to have a talent for music as well. http://www.brennhill.com/
And my Mom, Kathy - Who is been a constant support ever since she found out. Always asking me if there is anything that I need and helping anyway that she can. She even has helped with money, and that just wasn't when I was sick. She is an extremely generous person, one who I am proud to call my Mom.
She has a lot of connections in town and makes sure she talks about my situation. Her thought is that you never know who might want to help. I very much have and will continue to appreciate the support she gives for me. She is very skilled at compassion, though you would think raising three boys would have affected that or snuffed it out somehow; she has still maintained her charitable attitude!
My wife, Rhiannon - Who has been a beacon of strength through this whole thing. She is my pillar - a great example. She has been extremely caring and understanding about everything. She is also looking forward in hope, despite everything that has happened. She has wanted to breakdown and cry a few times, but has stopped herself. She is trying so hard to be strong and I appreciate that about her. She is a wonderful woman.
My Parents-in-Law (Thayne and Marie) - have been a strong driving force behind me ever since they found out as well. Thayne has a lot of friends and has made sure that he lets them know of my circumstance. Marie got me a Live Strong bracelet to remind me to not stop having hope. They have been creating awareness through their friends, who tell their friends and so forth. It has been a real blessing to have them behind me. They are wonderfully considerate people.
It runs in the family, too. Chad, my Brother-in-law has donated money to my cause. And him and his wife Lisa have supported me through this difficult, but hopeful time. Chad feels more like a blood-brother than a brother-in-law.
My close friend Dibe - Dibe came to the hospital to see me - an hour out of her way - the day of the surgery. She stayed the whole time! She is an EMT so she is brutally busy. She is a great advice giver and a trusted friend. Someone whom I can count on without doubt, ever. Dibe loves to help people out. I think that is what makes her an example to everyone; I think that is what makes her special.
She's been a role model of how I should be for a long time now. She sees opportunity to help in the most obscure situations. She is loved dearly by Rhiannon and I. We are appreciative for everything that Dibe has done for us through this process. She is a true friend.
I doubt I could say anything nice enough to adequately dote on her for how much a support she has been. We are lucky to have a friend like Dibe who cares like she is a blood-relative.
My good family friend, Christie - Christie is a cancer survivor and the mother of my Best Friend Clancey. She is very tough. I love her dearly like a second Mom. Throughout this whole thing her kind, unimposing attitude about things has been a great support to have and very informational. She's a great person. I am really blessed to know her.
My good friend Vivian from Chile - Vivian is a very funny woman. My friend Jessica met Vivian while she was serving an 18-month mission in the Santiago area for our church. She introduced us through Facebook and we have been in touch ever since. We have grown to think of each other like siblings. She has been a huge support throughout all of my Doctor's appointments. Her humor about her country and about life in general contributes to keeping my spirits up.
She has been sending me emails asking for updates on my condition. She thinks about my circumstance a lot too. She's a very good friend.
Long-time friends Pam and Jane - have supported me through this whole thing as well. They are not in a position where helping financially is possible, but they have offered so much more than money could give. Pam considers me one of her children because of how long I have known them. I would consider her another mom and her husband Craig another Dad because of how long I have known them.
Their charity, patience and love for me over the years has not wavered. Jane texts me often wondering how I am doing and how I am feeling. This whole circumstance hasn't sat well with her, but she's a good friend, and keeps at it even though i may not respond right a way.
Pam just recently got a job so she isnt able to talk to me as much as she would like to, but they're doing anything in their realm of influence to help me. Being huge country fans they're thinking of people who they can bring to the benefit, which is a HUGE help! They have tenacity and perseverance, which makes me glad they're on my side! Rhiannon and I really love their family and Christie's family.
Ryan from Sacramento - Is another great friend of mine who has been more than supportive. Him and his wife Vanessa have done what they can to spread the word and share my website with other people. They have a lot of friends because they are very likable people. I am lucky to know them and be so close to them. Throughout the years Ryan has identified with me and my sense of humor. We make each other laugh a lot, so during a time like this I especially appreciate his thoughts and support. He is a really great friend. He is lively, considerate and has a service-oriented attitude, which makes handling difficult news a breeze. I am very blessed to have him in my life.
In fact, I love all the people that I have mentioned very much. This wouldn't be much of a fair fight without other people on my side. I am very fortunate to have the means and the opportunity to progress forward with my treatment like I have. Other people aren't so fortunate.
I just wanted to thank everyone who has helped and has yet to help. Words can't express how much it means to me. You're all terrific people!
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