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PAYING IT FORWARD

I know that this has very little to do with Kolby and her battle with cancer...but I thought it was important enough that I wanted to share it with many of you that know us. It has been really difficult and challenging as parents to find ways to express our appreciation for all of the love and support we continually receive for Kolby...especially from all of our friends and family. I wish we could somehow find a way to repay all the favors and kindness that we have been privileged to receive. I don't know that we ever can! So many...have done so much! Hopefully we can find a way to simply..."pay it forward".

And then at the end of this week...I received this very urgent email;

Dear John,

You've been identified as a possible marrow match for a 4 year old male patient in need of a transplant. The patients doctor is trying to determine treatment options as quickly as possible.

Please call me immediately to tell me if you're willing and able to become a donor.

When you joined the National Marrow Donor Program's Be The Match Registry, you did so knowing that one day you could help save a life. Now someone is waiting for your response, and time is of the essence.

It's critically important that we hear from you - even if you're unable to donate.

Please call. We need to hear from you as soon as possible.

Sincerely,
Chris

My heart just about beat right out of my chest as I contemplated the thought of actually being able to have a chance at paying forward what others have done for us. I immediately called and volunteered to give whenever and whatever they needed for this brave 4 year old little boy. Imagine that! There is a chance that I may have the opportunity to do a good deed in turn for all the good deeds that have been done for our family! That was one of the best emails I ever got...in my lifetime!!!

So far, Kolby has been the one to lead the way in the process of "Paying it Forward" for our family. For example when we receive donations and money from different fundraisers, she has been anxious to send portions of that on to cancer centers that need help in finding cures and helping families who are struggling. She has made contributions to the Lymphoma Research Foundation, Cure Search, and St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Along with that, she has sent private donations to other fundraisers for children suffering with pediatric cancer. I am proud of her desire to reach out and help others...as others are reaching out and helping her. I think paying it forward is the best way for us to show our love one for another!

Kolby,Thanks for being a good example to the old man!
Love Dad

Comments

  1. Kim and DeAnnJanuary 15, 2011 at 4:05 PM

    you continue to touch our hearts and bring tears to our eyes! You will be in our prayers as you go forward with this donor process. What an awesome but scarey opportunity! Kolby is in our thoughts and prayers, and your whole family, too!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Stella RinconJanuary 15, 2011 at 11:17 PM

    That is sooooo COOL John!!! I hope that I get to be a match someday too. What an amazing opportunity to save another child's life.
    I am not surprised one bit by your daughter for being so giving. She is amazing. Your family is amazing. We love you guys and continue to pray for you.
    Congratulations on being a match for that precious little boy. That is awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Kristin ChesnikJanuary 16, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    Wow! How crazy is it that you might be the match for another person's kid?!? Your family is such an example to us of always "paying it forward".

    ReplyDelete
  4. RebeccaJanuary 16, 2011 at 11:24 PM

    That is so amazing that you are a match to him! I hope it works out and is a success.

    ReplyDelete

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