Ron’s Hike for Discovery Weblog

My commitment throughout the years of making regular and frequent blood donations has been thwarted by my recent diagnosis of celiac disease. That actually has been a blessing in disguise because it has caused me to look for other opportunities to help. As important as blood donation is, it’s kind of an anonymous way to help. I knew people were receiving the blood and it was helping them, but that was about it. Through this program, I am getting the opportunity to meet people who live with blood cancers 24/7 and understand their challenges and needs.

For example, let me introduce you to an amazing kid named Dylan Ellefson who has Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.

Dylan is our hiking team’s official Honored Teammate, and it’s unbelievable what he has been through in his young life. He’s endured blood and platelet transfusions, a spinal tap, bone marrow biopsies, and is currently in a three year program of chemotherapy. You can read Dylan’s complete story here.

I am also hiking in honor of these wonderful people who lives have also been affected by cancer:

• Ken Green – my brother-in-law who passed away from lymphoma in 2003
• Jay Ferrin – my uncle who lost his battle to prostate cancer on Monday June 23, 2008
• Chris Cottom – my friend who is determined to defeat breast cancer. Hang tough Mama Chris!
• Mariah – the Mom of one of Cheryl’s former students
• Reden Alcantara – Theresa’s “2nd Mom” who has cancer in her lungs, brain and bones, and who is in her 3rd round of chemotherapy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Reden!
• Lois Snyder – Jennifer’s Mom who is a lymphoma survivor! Yay!!
• Kenton Snyder – Jennifer’s brother who passed away from brain cancer in 2006.
• Brandi - diagnosed in April with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – read her story here: http://mylymphomastory.com/
• Duane - Thelma’s brother who has prostate cancer

If you believe in the power of prayer, please lift all these folks up the next time you hit your knees!  Thanks!!

I was going to inscribe names on my trekking poles, but the visibility factor is very low. So I’ve written these names on ribbons clipped to my backpack. If you know of someone who you’d like me to hike in honor of, please let me know and I will create a ribbon and hike for them as well!