Peek A boo…I see you, but you haven’t seen me…for a while so here’s what I’ve been up to.
Further Planning Next Year’s Route: So far, the route has been identified, but needs to be “proofed” so no surprises are experienced. Missus Gj and I plan on drive the course over a few weekends beginning sometime in the January time frame (I know winter- yet still needs to be done)
A review of the route shows that I’ll be either spending the night camping, or in a motel (fingers are crossed) near these cities (I should be entering these cities sometime later afternoon early evening of the day indicated)
Date: ----------------------MapQuest Leg Number---------Estimated Mileage Total
May 15 – Milan, MI-------------- 12 / 13------------------------- 31 – 36 Miles
May 16 – Stockbridge MI-------- 22/23-------------------------61 – 68 Miles
May 17 – Lansing, MI---------------40 ----------------------------100 Miles
May 18 – Ithaca, MI---------------50/51---------------------------139 Miles
May 19 - St Louis, MI --------------66 -----------------------------159 Miles
May 20 – Mt. Pleasant, MI---------81-----------------------------182 Miles
May 21 – Harrision, MI------------90-----------------------------208 Miles
May 22 – Higgins Lake, MI--------95-----------------------------240 Miles
May 23 – Gaylord, MI------------104------------------------------277 Miles
May 24 – Indian River, MI-------114-----------------------------318 Miles
May 25 – Mackinaw City, MI----12-------------------------------334 Miles
Letter Preparation: Letters of support and notice are being prepared to be sent to the cities and villages identified above. I will email these letters out as soon as I give them the final read over.
Sponsors: Please visit the sponsors listed below. They are a tremendous help to this effort.
Well, that about wraps it up for tonight. I'll be posting further information within the next few days.
"Give love and unconditional acceptance to those you encounter, and notice what happens." Dr. Wayne W. Dyer
God Bless,
Gj
Never Ever Quit!
TO MAKE A DONATION PLEASE CLICK ON LOGO
Fighting Neuroblastoma
Gj's Cause - My "Band of Parents" Little Buddies
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
More Meaning to Our Run, Our other BLOG....
More Meaning: As you can see, a tag line for next year’s run has been added (See header). “Raising Awareness of Childhood Cancer By Promoting Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety: A Memorial to Mitch Butler, Redford MI.” How is this related? Very simply put if you read my other blog (see my other blog below) you’d know that Mitch Butler was a local young man who died in a tragic accident. He was riding his bicycle to referee a youth soccer game and was stuck and killed by a vehicle while on his way there. I won’t go into particulars, it is sufficient to say that he was taken from us far too early, leaving many wondering why.
Over the last few weeks I have has the pleasure of meeting Mitch’s mom and dad and brother, his family and many of his friends. I learned that Mitch was an exceptional young man. A freshman at Redford Union HS, Mitch was a musician as he played the drums in the band at his church, he loved to play soccer, and ran like the wind, or more appropriately appeared to float as he magically covered distance. His favorite book was “Left Behind” (Doesn’t that tell you something about this fine young man?). But, the most important thing I learned is that Mitch loved to give of himself to others, to help those less fortunate and in need. His final act of selfless giving: his organs and tissues were donated so other s may live on through him. Truly a blessing, truly a loss hard to recover from.
The thrust of next years journey run has not changed. Its primary purpose is to promote awareness of Childhood Cancer and raising fund for research. What we have added is the frame of reference of safety by having the tag line reads as it does. You see, I too am a runner of sorts (who could tell?) and on numerous occasions I’ve had close calls with vehicular traffic as I ran, “Increased Awareness” is needed both as a pedestrian and runner and as one who bicycles from time to time (very limited) and most importantly as a Driver. This will be accomplished as I run by handing out safety literature from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while at the same time promoting awareness of Childhood Cancer, Neuroblastoma by display and wearing of picture, and the handing out of literature too.
The bottom line is the health and safety of all of our children. The loss of a child by any means is most tragic; I will do all I can to prevent such loss.
This also raises the question of how will the donations be handled. All donations except those specifically identified for the “Mitchell Butler Memorial Fund” will be donated to the Band of Parents, a charitable organization who has partnered with the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center” working to improve treatment by the humanization the 3F8 monoclonal antibody (and hopefully someday a cure). Finally, it should be mentioned that all monies donated to BoP will made to the memory of Mitch Butler.
Our Other BLOG: Folks please take a journey over to my other blog named "Kicking Neuroblastoma's Butt" there you'll read about my otter running adventures for my Little Buddies. This is our first blog and I think it's a good one, but then again I am partial.
Here's the Link: http://runningforthecure.blogspot.com/
"If you do not hope, you will not find what is beyond your hopes."
St. Clement of Alexandra
Till later,
God Bless, Gj
Over the last few weeks I have has the pleasure of meeting Mitch’s mom and dad and brother, his family and many of his friends. I learned that Mitch was an exceptional young man. A freshman at Redford Union HS, Mitch was a musician as he played the drums in the band at his church, he loved to play soccer, and ran like the wind, or more appropriately appeared to float as he magically covered distance. His favorite book was “Left Behind” (Doesn’t that tell you something about this fine young man?). But, the most important thing I learned is that Mitch loved to give of himself to others, to help those less fortunate and in need. His final act of selfless giving: his organs and tissues were donated so other s may live on through him. Truly a blessing, truly a loss hard to recover from.
The thrust of next years journey run has not changed. Its primary purpose is to promote awareness of Childhood Cancer and raising fund for research. What we have added is the frame of reference of safety by having the tag line reads as it does. You see, I too am a runner of sorts (who could tell?) and on numerous occasions I’ve had close calls with vehicular traffic as I ran, “Increased Awareness” is needed both as a pedestrian and runner and as one who bicycles from time to time (very limited) and most importantly as a Driver. This will be accomplished as I run by handing out safety literature from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while at the same time promoting awareness of Childhood Cancer, Neuroblastoma by display and wearing of picture, and the handing out of literature too.
The bottom line is the health and safety of all of our children. The loss of a child by any means is most tragic; I will do all I can to prevent such loss.
This also raises the question of how will the donations be handled. All donations except those specifically identified for the “Mitchell Butler Memorial Fund” will be donated to the Band of Parents, a charitable organization who has partnered with the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center” working to improve treatment by the humanization the 3F8 monoclonal antibody (and hopefully someday a cure). Finally, it should be mentioned that all monies donated to BoP will made to the memory of Mitch Butler.
Our Other BLOG: Folks please take a journey over to my other blog named "Kicking Neuroblastoma's Butt" there you'll read about my otter running adventures for my Little Buddies. This is our first blog and I think it's a good one, but then again I am partial.
Here's the Link: http://runningforthecure.blogspot.com/
"If you do not hope, you will not find what is beyond your hopes."
St. Clement of Alexandra
Till later,
God Bless, Gj
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Kick it Up - All Systems Still Go
Time to Kick it up- All Systems Still Go - It’s been way too long since I’ve updated our blog you must be thinking that I’m wimping out, nothing could be further from the truth. Save for crippling injury or accident, I will not quit! I have made a promise to my Little Buddies and their families and I will Keep it:
"I will continue to run to raise awareness of childhood cancer, neuroblastoma and raise donations for the cause until my legs get too old or tired to run, then I’ll ask my Heavenly Father carry me onward in my racing till the cure is found…Yep! That’s my promise to you and I’ll keep it."
The plan is developing a little more every day and the route becoming surer. Within the next few weeks, Lydia and I will be traveling the route to see what awaits us. We’ll also be scoping out possible rest areas, and motels for nightly rest. I’ll send this information along with the cities identified along the route to a special NB grandma, who’ll stat making contact with the city officials and the motels etc. to see if we can get a few nights lodging donated to the cause.
So here’s what the plan is starting to look like:
1. Finalize route – by mid December, 2008
2. Drive route (2 weekends)
3. Identify cities travel thru or close by
4. Identify motels along route
5. Identify daily rest areas along route.
6. Send gathered information to wonderful volunteer.
7. Wonderful volunteer starts making contact with officials & lodging owners.
8. Contact “Connie’s Celebrations” 6195 Lewis Ave, Toledo, OH - (419) 476-1931 to get permission to use her parking lot as the starting line for the run.
9. Continue spreading the word
10. Continue working and looking for sponsors. So far, we have contacted"
"I will continue to run to raise awareness of childhood cancer, neuroblastoma and raise donations for the cause until my legs get too old or tired to run, then I’ll ask my Heavenly Father carry me onward in my racing till the cure is found…Yep! That’s my promise to you and I’ll keep it."
The plan is developing a little more every day and the route becoming surer. Within the next few weeks, Lydia and I will be traveling the route to see what awaits us. We’ll also be scoping out possible rest areas, and motels for nightly rest. I’ll send this information along with the cities identified along the route to a special NB grandma, who’ll stat making contact with the city officials and the motels etc. to see if we can get a few nights lodging donated to the cause.
So here’s what the plan is starting to look like:
1. Finalize route – by mid December, 2008
2. Drive route (2 weekends)
3. Identify cities travel thru or close by
4. Identify motels along route
5. Identify daily rest areas along route.
6. Send gathered information to wonderful volunteer.
7. Wonderful volunteer starts making contact with officials & lodging owners.
8. Contact “Connie’s Celebrations” 6195 Lewis Ave, Toledo, OH - (419) 476-1931 to get permission to use her parking lot as the starting line for the run.
9. Continue spreading the word
10. Continue working and looking for sponsors. So far, we have contacted"
- A radio station (no response yet)
- A producer of a health /fitness TV show/fitness expert (interested in advancing the cause-awaiting further word)
- Organic Food Bar – The Sponsor of my “Everyday Hero Award” -Yes
- A running company that specializes in emergency identification for runners (no response yet).
- Obtain “Promotional Business Cards” to hand out at races I participate in, or to anyone at an opportune time. Completed
Promotional Business Card:
Please Stay Tuned as there is More to Follow within the next few days.....
“IT’S ALWAYS TOO EARLY TO QUIT”
Norman Vincent Peale
Till Later, God Bless
Grandpa John
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
THE JOURNEY BEGINS (WHAT & WHY), STATUS; SPONSORS NEEDED
THE JOURNEY BEGINS What & Why:
Today, July 17, 2008 is the Official "Kick Off" day for the "From the Border to the Bridge" journey run. This run will be about 330 miles in length and will take approximately 11 or 12 days.
The purpose of this endurance run is to raise awareness of a childhood cancer called neuroblastoma and to raise donations for "The Band of Parents" who is in partnership with the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center working towards a cure, and better treatment modalities for my Little Buddies - So, please take this as my plea for your donation, no matter how small, it is greatly appreciated.
STATUS:
1. Initial stages of planning has begun. The Michigan State Police have been contact regarding and special laws I may have to follow.
2. A preliminary route has been laid out, further work on this continues. A map will be posted once this effort is complete.
3. An initial needed equipment and supplies list is under development. See below for needs that have to be met
SPONSORS NEEDED (Equipment list still being developed):
I have some, but not all of the equipment needed for this sojourn. Some of the items are needs, while other items are desires which would make the journey a little smoother going. If you'd like to supply or donate or even lend please contact me. I will return all borrowed equipment clean and in good repair.(Color code Red - Still Needed; Green - Have; Blue-Desire)
DONATIONS TO BAND OF PARENTS..NEED, NEED, NEED :)
Jogging Stroller to carry equipment - Need
Blinking /reflective lights for Jogging Stroller - Need
Nighly lodgin
Sleeping Bag - Have
Small Tent -Donated for use - Thanks Sue
Hydration back pack - Have
Electrolyte tabs - Have
Running clothes Cool weather and Warm weather - Self Supply
Energy Bars- Have - Organic Food Bar (Sponsor)
Cell Phone - Have
Emergency glow sticks - Self Supply
Emegency type Flash light - Self Supply
Running Gloves - no fingers Self Supply
Laptop to update Blog - dated but stil working :)
Two way walkie talkie - to communicate with support crew (Missus Gj)
I will update this list as it is further developed.
"The question for each man to settle is not what he would do if he had means, time, influence and educational advantages; the question is what he will do with the things he has. The moment a young man ceases to dream or to bemoan his lack of opportunities and resolutely looks his conditions in the face, and resolves to change them, he lays the corner-stone of a solid and honorable success." Hamilton Wright Mabie
God Bless
Grandpa John (Gj)
Today, July 17, 2008 is the Official "Kick Off" day for the "From the Border to the Bridge" journey run. This run will be about 330 miles in length and will take approximately 11 or 12 days.
The purpose of this endurance run is to raise awareness of a childhood cancer called neuroblastoma and to raise donations for "The Band of Parents" who is in partnership with the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center working towards a cure, and better treatment modalities for my Little Buddies - So, please take this as my plea for your donation, no matter how small, it is greatly appreciated.
STATUS:
1. Initial stages of planning has begun. The Michigan State Police have been contact regarding and special laws I may have to follow.
2. A preliminary route has been laid out, further work on this continues. A map will be posted once this effort is complete.
3. An initial needed equipment and supplies list is under development. See below for needs that have to be met
SPONSORS NEEDED (Equipment list still being developed):
I have some, but not all of the equipment needed for this sojourn. Some of the items are needs, while other items are desires which would make the journey a little smoother going. If you'd like to supply or donate or even lend please contact me. I will return all borrowed equipment clean and in good repair.(Color code Red - Still Needed; Green - Have; Blue-Desire)
DONATIONS TO BAND OF PARENTS..NEED, NEED, NEED :)
Jogging Stroller to carry equipment - Need
Blinking /reflective lights for Jogging Stroller - Need
Nighly lodgin
Sleeping Bag - Have
Small Tent -Donated for use - Thanks Sue
Hydration back pack - Have
Electrolyte tabs - Have
Running clothes Cool weather and Warm weather - Self Supply
Energy Bars- Have - Organic Food Bar (Sponsor)
Cell Phone - Have
Emergency glow sticks - Self Supply
Emegency type Flash light - Self Supply
Running Gloves - no fingers Self Supply
Laptop to update Blog - dated but stil working :)
Two way walkie talkie - to communicate with support crew (Missus Gj)
I will update this list as it is further developed.
"The question for each man to settle is not what he would do if he had means, time, influence and educational advantages; the question is what he will do with the things he has. The moment a young man ceases to dream or to bemoan his lack of opportunities and resolutely looks his conditions in the face, and resolves to change them, he lays the corner-stone of a solid and honorable success." Hamilton Wright Mabie
God Bless
Grandpa John (Gj)
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