Faith

Faith Pruden is a beautiful 6 year old girl. She was perfectly healthy until last month, when she was diagnosed with brain cancer. Local doctors have found no options for treatment within their protocols. But Faith and her family continue to fight to win, never losing hope.

But I guess that is what faith is all about. Faith is a verb, and it requires action. The answers are there. The fact that they are hidden only means we are to find them. Keep searching, keep fighting, keep believing. We are all created for a special goal. God delights in seeing that life from us.

When we walk to the edge of all the light we have and take the step into the darkness of the unknown, we must believe that one of two things will happen. There will be something solid for us to stand on, or we will be taught to fly. - Patrick Overton

Christina O'Brian is back in the fight. And with Christina in the battle, I can say I am glad I am not the cancer. She will destroy that cancer like she did the first two times. Always fight to win.


And thanks to the Ryan Salmons Foundation, these kids are getting all new TV's in their rooms. While at the ceremony I spoke to a young man who was 15. he say in his wheel chair, bald head and bright smile. A lot of memories came pouring back. I told him Tyler was also 15 when diagnosed, and is now doing great and was recently accepted to OSU. I then made him promise to harass nurse Jodi at every possible opportunity.

I really would have loved to talk to him more, got to meet his family. But it was hard to watch him sitting there. The memories came back so strong. And as I walked away I thought about the parents that had different outcomes than we did. It is incredible courage they show when they walk back into the hospitals. Bob Piniewski flying to Texas to see Tyler and I while at MD Anderson. Brad Salmons presenting the TV's yesterday, on the one year anniversary of Ryan's relapse. Sandy Barker, Andrea Woods, Sheryl Paulie, and so many others who continue to battle in spite of the memories. Always refusing to lose. Always fighting to win.

There is a cure for childhood cancer. If it were easy to find, it would have already been found. This one is hard, and hard challenges take a lot of effort. Impossible ones take a little bit more. This one has been left to us. This is our opportunity, our time. These kids deserve nothing less than everything we have to give.


So visit a child. Or support a family. Or shave your head or run a race. Whatever works for you. Just fight the fight. We can win. We can save our children.

If you would like to support Faith Pruden, you can do so on their family web site, www.helpfaith.com

Gasparilla - Tampa Marathon

I ran Gasparilla today, the Tampa marathon. It's been difficult to train in Ohio this winter. A week ago I realized I was no where close to being ready for the race. I was out of condition and behind on training. The longest run I had done all winter was 7 miles, and it about killed me. So clearly the only logical option was to send in the registration money and go for it (well..maybe not logical, but I really wanted on of their cool T-shirts).

It was a hard race. Before it started, I told a friend that my only goal was to cross the finish line alive. He responded, "Don't worry. Very few people die running...you usually pass out first." Thanks. I appreciated the uplifting words.

During the race, I felt like a guy a I saw years ago. It was while helping at a marathon water station around mile 23. This guy comes running along, eyes closed and face grimacing in pain. He was repeating, "Help me Jesus, help me, help me Jesus." I jumped out in front of him and yelled, "Water!" He opened his eyes, hugged me, kissed me, and said "Thank you, Jesus!" He then took the water and keep running, saying , "Help me Jesus, help me, Jesus."

But in the end, I did it. It was a tough, but nothing that couldn't be fixed by an ice bath and a hand full of Tylenol (and maybe a few beers). A friend meet me at the finish line, and pointed out that a guy with no legs had finished ahead of me. Thanks for pointing that out.

The hardest part of the race was that several mile markers were missing. It was impossible to accurately know where you were in the race, or how far it was to the finish line. It is incredibly difficult to keep pushing when you are unsure of your progress or how much longer you will need to battle.

And I believe that this is the worst part of cancer. These kids keep pushing with every ounce of their body and soul. And their race does not last a few hours. It goes on for months or years. They search for signs of their progress. But the finish line is elusive, always moving. Still, they give all they have to give. They refuse to lose, racing on and on. Finally the finish line is reached. But far too often that line is only an illusion. The cancer relapses, and the race continues. These kids deal with that reality every day of their life.

As I started the race, I wrote three names on my shirt. They are three of my friends. They are back in the race, running with courage. Please remember they in your thoughts and prayers.


Chistina O'Brian fought cancer. She ran the race, and won. But just a the celebration was about to begin, she was thrown back with a relapse. A return to all the unknown. So Christina did what she did before. She stood strong, continued the race, and beat cancer again. She refused to let cancer change her life. In spite of having no hair, she attended her school dance...and her beautiful face and smile filled the room. Then, last week Christina relapsed again. So now what? Now she does what she always does. She jumps back in the race. And will win again. You can bet on it.



Matthew Barr is 4 1/2. He has been in the race most of his life. He also has won, and he also then relapsed. Yet through it all, his beautiful spirit continues to shine through his bright eyes and wonderful smile. Just the sound of his quiet sweet voice can melt your heart. Watching his calm confidence, it's hard to imagine the incredible battle this young man has been fighting. Always fight to win.


Sinjin Andrukas also has Burkitt's Lymphoma. Doctors said hope was gone, that survival was impossible. By Sinjin replied, "It's easy. Just change IMPOSSIBLE to I'M POSSIBLE!" Sinjin proved who was in charge, and beat cancer. He has destroyed the cancer, but treatments can cause a lot of problems. Sinjin is now back in the race, as his body fights all the damage from the chemo and transplant. Sinjin has given us all a priceless gift. He has proven the nothing in impossible.

There is nothing impossible to him who will try. -Alexander The Great

It is our duty to proceed as though the limit of our abilities do not exist. -Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. -Isaiah 43:18-19

The Lord is with you, mighty warrior. -Judges 6:12

We have two options, medically and emotionally: give up, or fight like hell. -Lance Armstrong

“But whatever happens,” he said, "I will run.” -2 Samuel 18:23

Only those who attempt the absurd will achieve the impossible. -Escher

What we need is more people who specialize in the impossible. -Teddy Roosevelt

Hard things take time to do. Impossible things take a little longer. -
Percy Cerutty

Kirsten Schlarman

In the last post, I mentioned a few kids to pray for. One of them was 14 year old Kirsten Schlarman.

I did not really know Kirsten. I spoke briefly with her one time while Tyler was in the cancer clinic for blood counts. Although I did not know her, I heard others talk about her. Her beautiful eyes and bright smile. And her loving family. Kirsten Schlarman, 14 years old, passed away while surrounded by her family.

Never stop fighting. There is a cure. We just need to find it.

Fight to Win

Two year old Ted Drummond has been fighting cancer for 18 months. The he contracted septicaemia, and his weakened organs began to fail. The doctors said the end was coming soon. The family kissed Ted goodbye and left the room, as doctors began a medically induced coma to ease his suffering.


The family waited in the hallway. Minutes later they heard some noise and commotion in the room. Then the doctor came out, knelt down on the floor and said "He's a feisty little boy isn't he?" Then the doctor explained, "I was putting a tube in his nose and he opened his eyes and punched me in the face and shouted 'No!''

It appears little two year old Ted still has a lot of fight, regardless of a doctors prognosis.

This happened 10 months ago, and little Ted continues to fight to win. He has undergone four more cycles of chemotherapy, and is beginning to improve. The cancer is still there, but Ted refuses to lose. The little bruiser is now even taking swimming lessons. He intends on participating in a swim-a-thon charity to raise awareness of childhood cancer.


Ted's mom said, "Ted lights up the day for all those who meet him and he has an ability to draw people close. Despite his age, he takes his medication and treatment with no fuss and has the ability to turn even that into a game or something to learn."


Always fight to win!

And everywhere you look, you find more kids. They always fight. They refuse to lose. As my friend Stef Tarapchak said, "I'm not afraid to die. I'm just not ready!"

There are 1,000's of kids battling cancer right now, fighting for their life. They continue to fight. They refuse to lose. Here are just a few. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Matthew Barr

Kirsten Schlarman

Sam Bish

Nicholas Reamer

Spencer Shores

Truman Hendrick

Laps For Love 2010

Laps For Love

In spite of the weather, we had a great turn out!

Thank you everyone who supported these families and their fight against childhood cancer.

Our beneficiaries were...

Matthew Barr, walking his "laps", with mom, dad, brother, and all the Washington Township fireman who came out to support them

Madilyn Zimmerman, who wheeled all her laps, along with her parents and brothers.And The Ryan Salmons Foundation. Check out Brad Salmons with the new Ryan Salmons Foundation logo. The top of the heart makes the #3, Ryan's high school and Blue Jackets hockey number.

And there was more...

Brutus Buckeye was there to keep the party moving!

And Stinger, chasing everyone around

And the Buckeye Guy, always there to help out.

Laps For Love Tonight!

Please come join us from 8pm-10pm for Laps For Love!!

Ignore all the snow, WE ARE STILL ON! roads are great, and the Dublin Recreation Center is plowed and open!

Join us to support those running laps...
Join us to compete in the basketball hoop contest...
Join us to participate in the raffles, silent auctions, and live auction...

We are giving out over 35 items, including...

• Autographed items from Jim Tessel, Michael Redd, Jack Nicholas, Jack Hanna, Brady Quinn, James Lauranitis, Marcus Freeman, several OSU players, Blue Jackets players, and baseball, golf, and tennis stars.
  
• Tickets to College and pro sporting events.


• Tickets to Columbus Zoo, The Wilds, and Zoombezi Bay.


• Gift Certificates to several restaurants, retail stores, and a hair salon.

It's free and it's fun! Come join us, along with Brutus Buckeye and the Stinger. Everything else is closed or cancelled, so why not come out and help a kid!
All donations are deductible, and go to help the causes of three great kids!

Meeting God

It has been said that angels walk on the earth, and that even God will appear to us in various forms. When I first heard that said, I wondered what God would look like. What about Jesus Christ? I wondered about eyes that faced incredible suffering, while communicating compassion and joy. A voice that carried the sound of tremendous fight and amazing love. What would that look and sound like? I often wondered.

AJ's dad pointed out that the Bible uses the word "Awesome" only one time, and it is referring to God. It really puts into perspective a word that is used so freely these days.

I have meet the most amazing kids in this journey with cancer. These young people are awesome, and it is true in every sense of the word. They look into the abyss and respond with courage and hope. Through all the fear and pain, they communicate with laughter, joy, compassion, and love. Meeting these kids, I truly believe there are times that I have looked directly into the very face of God. Listening to these young people, I have heard the very words of God.

Listen to their words...

I will fight, and I will win. Because whenever I fight, I always FIGHT TO WIN!--Tyler Alfriend, now 16 months in remission.

I'm still fighting. I'm in a window that should be closed, but I'm still fighting. Why turn over and give up when you can go out and enjoy life? People come up and tell me to keep fighting. It's awesome. Those things keep me happy and smiling and moving along. - Ryan Salmons, one month before passing away.

It's easy. Nothing to it. Just change the word IMPOSSIBLE to I'M POSSIBLE. - Sinjin Andrukates, after being told there are no remaining treatment options. Sinjin is now 12 months in remission.

Every day is a gift. Everyday holds the hope of changing the world. Everyday is a chance to make life AWESOME! - Jake Silberg, written in magic marker over his bed while receiving chemo. Jake is now 18 months in remission.

When someone gives up. Don't ever give up. Always follow your dreams.-Brendan Foster, when asked what makes his sad. Brendan passed away two days later.

If you have learned anything from me through all of this, do something with it to make a difference - to make things better. -Melissa Sengbusch, six months before passing away.

Dying is not what scares me; it's dying having had no impact. I know a lot of eyes are watching me suffer; and -- win or lose -- this is my time for impact. - Miles Levin, one month before passing away.

My life is more amazing than I could ever dream. - Andoni Schultz, battling cancer since age 3, upon his acceptance to Notre Dame University.

I can fight. Why would they tell me to quit when I'm willing to fight? Please do not give up on me. - Brett Workman, after being moved to hospice care. Brett passed away three weeks later.

I must stay positive. My mom is having a hard time. She is the toughest person I know, but she is tired. Whenever I wake up she is right there. She holds my cold hand and my dog lays on my cold feet. Please say an extra prayer for the miracle. There are so many things I want to do with my life. And I do not want my mom to be alone. --Josh Prunsky, 4 weeks before he passed away.

It was my desire to make a difference, and I tried to do that in the opportunities that were given to me. There was so much more I wanted to do. Now you can pick up where I left off and serve so many others. Hear this plea and respond to it. This is your friend who asks you to accept this challenge. Do something meaningful in your life. --Brett Gosnell, letter to participants in a fundraiser for him, after learning he would live to see the event.

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And look into their eyes...

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Then and Now

Sometimes it's hard to imagine it has been two years. Above was Tyler's picture used for the Laps For Love event in 2008. It took us a few days to get a picture that Tyler was happy with. He just did not want to look "sick". Today, Tyler is feeling great. He is playing ball, preparing to graduate from high school, and will be attending the Ohio State University.

Next Saturday, February 6th, 8pm - 10 pm, at the Dublin Rec Center we will be having Laps for Love again. This time benefiting three kids. There will be live and silent auctions with autographed items from Jim Tressel, Archie Griffin, AJ Hawk, Brady Quinn, and several Buckeye and Blue Jacket players. Brutus Buckeye and Stinger with both be on hand. Those who want to run or walk laps can get sponsor forms here. www.AKidAgain.org/LapsForLove

If you wish to donate by credit card, go to www.AkidAgain.org/goto/Alfriend

Here are pictures from the first event in 2008, with Jack Hanna and Rick Smith.

Please come out Saturday, to support our friends:

Matthew Barr relapsed while preparing for his Disney World trip with the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Treatments have not been working as hoped, and insurance is exhausted. But the fight continues. I recall something Matthew's dad wrote when Matthew relapsed: "I know that as I go to bed tonight God will be my side, as I know that right now he is with Matthew and all of you. We still believe, and have not given up in this battle. It is far from over."
Madilyn Zimmerman is 7 years old, and one of the recipients of of this year's Laps for Love. But Madilyn has also become an aggressive fund raiser. She already has her fund-raising site set up(www.akidagain.org/goto/madilynsteam), and has set a personal goal to raise $5,000!

Ryan Salmons, our wonderful friend. 19 year old Ryan stood tall on the children's cancer floor, as he said "I Refuse to Lose!" Ryan's courage became such an inspiration the the Blue Jackets Hockey team signed him to a one day contract. His #3 jersey is still one of the best sellers on their web site.

Ryan passed away this summer, but his unstoppable spirit remains strong. Fulfilling one of Ryan's dreams, his dad started raising funds to purchase new TV's for all the cancer rooms at Children's Hospital. When the hospital staff suggested it would be easier to install the TV's in two years when the construction is completed. Ryan's dad responded, "Ryan lived his last year on this floor. Two years times 36 rooms? That is 72 kids like Ryan not benefiting from these TV's. I will not wait."
Laps for Love will be giving the remaining funds needed to purchase and install the new TV's in all the rooms in time for the winter Olympics.

The Face of Courage: Kids Living With Cancer

Please check it out tonight on Nickelodeon, Sunday, January 24th from 8pm to 9pm

Cancer. When children hear the word, what do they think? It may be scary, but today, a diagnosis of cancer is not necessarily a death sentence. Nick News with Linda Ellerbee explores the world of kids who are living with cancer on The Face of Courage: Kids Living with Cancer, premiering Sunday, Jan. 24, at 8 p.m. (ET/PT) on Nickelodeon. The road these kids travel is not easy; it is pitted with fear, pain and loss. But also it is a road paved with hope, strength, courage and even humor. They have been where no kid should have to go, and they have survived to share their stories – and their courage – with the rest of us.

“All of these kids live as if the cancer were never coming back,” says Ellerbee, an 18-year cancer survivor. “Cancer is a part of my past. That‟s a fact. It’s a part of my present because I choose to speak about it, and for the same reason, it will be a part of my future. But it is not who I am. It is not who any of us is.”

Also: Running for Cancer
This year Laps For Love will benefit three of our friends. assisting Matthew Barr and Madilyn Zimmerman in their battles, and to fulfill the dream of our dear friend Ryan Salmons who passed away this summer. You can support my run by going to www.AKidAgain.org/goto/Alfriend Donations are tax deductible. The event was started two years ago to support Tyler in his battle with cancer.

I'm also about one month away from the Tampa Marathon. On advice from my trainer, I have backed off and will only run the 1/2 marathon (long training runs in the Ohio winters is difficult). But I will back for the full marathons in Cincinnati (May) and Columbus (October).

Fight to Win

Hard to believe. It's been over two years since Tyler's original diagnosis. I was thinking of this while reading an interview with U.S. Admiral Stockdale in the book, "Good to Great". He was discussing his 7 years of torture as a Vietnam prisoner of war. The interviewer asked about faith, and how it helped people remain optimistic in difficult situations. Admiral Stockdale responded that it was actually the optimists who were the first to die. Not the answer I was expecting.

Stockdale said the optimist were the ones who said, "I will be rescued by Christmas", but then Christmas would come and go. Then they would say Easter, then Thanksgiving, then Christmas again. And each of those dates would come and go. Eventually, they would die of a broken heart.

Stockdale said he always had complete faith that he would survive, but he was also brutally honest about the realities he faced. He said, "You must never confuse faith that you will prevail in the end—which you can never afford to lose—with the discipline to confront the most brutal facts of your current reality, whatever they might be.”

Two years and two months ago, we walked into Children's Hospital to find out why Tyler could not beat a "stomach virus". Within hours we were thrown into the horrific world of leukemia, lymphoma, spinal taps, chemo, ports, pic lines, TPN, PICU, blood counts, and PET scans. A world where every moment is filled with gut wrenching tragedy and awe inspiring bravery.

Kathy responded with a calm faith, her greatest strength. I responded with my strength, charging head first into war with the brutal realities. It has taken a long time for us to understand our different approaches (something we are still working through).

During one of the darkest times in this fight, someone told me that I needed to accept God's will. I find the concept absurd. I'm willing to bet that God finds it equally absurd. We are created with intelligence, passion, and a desire to make things right. I sincerely believe God has already given us what we need to save these kids. The rest is up to us. We must break out of our comfort zone and go to war. He tells us to "run the great race", and speaks of "great and wondrous plans" for our lives. Never once does He suggest we sit on the sofa and wait for everything to "just work out."

These kids fight with a passion that is indescribable. Their faith never waivers. The brutal reality is that their survival also depends on us. All of us. Not government, or non-profits, or pharmaceuticals, or health care reform. Us. You and me. Those other things might be tools that we use, but the fight is up to us.

Tyler is doing great. He is growing, getting stronger, and doing great in school. He is alive today because of a combination of incredible faith and incredible fight. Our entire community fought, with constant financial, emotional, and spiritual support. There were lines at the blood bank for Tyler. He is alive because of the many kids who had fought before him, and the thousands who fought for them. The decisions we made on his treatments were the result of advice from parents who had also fought this battle before us.

There are brutal realities with cancer. And we will never be able to change cancer. The only thing we can change is the fight. And when we fight, we must always fight to win.

On February 6th, we will be having Laps For Love to support two kids battling cancer, and fulfill the dream of one who did not survive. You can support them with your tax deductible donation by going to www.AKidAgain.org/goto/Alfriend