MEET GUNNER GILLESPIE!
Meet Gunner Gillespie!
L-R: Gunner, 7 with sister Garlynn 4, on Father Gus' lap
L-R: Gunner with his Mother Janna
and a hospital buddy playing Candyland
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The choice to become "involved" is a serious one. From the non-profit organizations we select, to the people we pray for --or for those of you who don't pray-- I should add "the people we hold in our thoughts and hearts for a positive outcome". In a perfect world, there would be no loneliness, no wars and no disease. But on balance, our world gives us people like Bill Cosby, Bob Newhart, and Robin Williams to help us "level the playing field" with humor. Particularly when life becomes very hard, and someone we either know or heard about needs help, good vibes, meditations, shout-outs and positive prayers. Gunner Gillespie is 7 years old and he needs us.
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Whether you are a man of Faith as I am or not, (I am respectful of all beliefs that are peaceful and of positive energy and goodwill) few of us have this situation to face. Many people become fearful and turn away from a subject as this because it is after all painful; perhaps it brings back bad memories to some, or we feel "spent". This is all to human and I have faced it down. You need not feel obligated. But to those of you who find this subject troubling, I say this. Your words of supportiveness to this brave family really helps them to take another step forward. There is Love among us, and if you care to try and leave even just one message, here is the link to Gunner via CaringBridge at: http://www.caringbridge.org
Gunner Gillespie
109 Lakeside Drive
Benton, KY 42025
Besides the post cards, Gunner is also looking for members to join Gunner’s Magic Train and you can do that by signing the buddy map if you have not done so below.
Gunner wants his train to chug around the world Here is the site: http://www.buddymapping.com/maps/gunnersmagictrain
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Those of you who have children can perhaps empathize on a deeper level than those of us who are single, like myself. Send a note of goodwill and check your feelings afterward to see if you'd like to keep in touch with Gunner and his family. As for me, I receive daily updates and I follow them. It's a terrible thing to be left alone. Don't let this family feel isolated. This is a tough little guy and I've monitored his determination. Textbooks and statistics are one thing. Matters of Faith, Hope and Love are another. They are powerful. That's my Blog for today. Life is a gift, my friends. Share the Love!
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Michael
posted by Michael Manning @ 12:00 AM
21 comments
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21 Comments:
I'm adding Gunner to my prayer list, and know first hand the struggle of dealing with this illness. My mom has a rare glio blastoma (brain tumor), diagnosed last October. We're fighting with her through radiation, chemo, and all those horrors, so would also appreciate some prayer power.
Prayers for strength to Gunner and his family!
i have a ten year old daughter who is a survivor of leukemia. everyday, and this may marks year 4 of remission, is a blessing.
i understand far to well the pain and isolation of illness. and i am trying to instill humility and gracefulness into both of my daughter's--that they my never forget the journey which we have endured and grown stronger from having to face.
this past christmas the girls and i launched opperation distraction--a "webkins" drive for the childrem being treated at u of m for various types of cancer. the outpour of support from the community was amazing. the children at the hospital received over thirty "webkins".
i am already trying to organize other ways to keep these children and their families encouraged.
indeed, "love wins!"
~kerry
Angie: This type of cancer is particularly virulent and yes, I am adding your Mom to my prayer list which I pay for every day. My heart goes out to you having been a caregiver to my father. But stay focused and determined!
Kerry: Supportiveness is so important because it is genuine. I see the exhaustion parents are driven to in an all-out effort to exhaust the possibilities. You'll have to tell me what a webkin is though? :)
An excellent post, Michasl, well written.
I became aware of Gunner the last time you mentioned him a while back. I visit his journal often and think of him and his family all the time.
I've been picking up post cards from NYC and some of the towns around me and preparing a package for him.
I don't comment on his journal very much only because I never feel anything I say is quite the right thing in the face of the love and grace of his family.
I found you by way of Diane's (in ARK) blog.
I will certainly add Gunner to my prayer list. This has got to be so tough for him and his family.
Great post!
Michele sent me over, Michael.
You're certainly right about that type of cancer. It's a bad one. It almost makes glial cell look benign. I work with breast cancer all the time and at least with that you have time and hope. To have hope in the face of pontine glioma takes a rare level of faith.
jean-luc-picard: Thanks. We often take our good fortune for granted. This young man needs a miracle.
dianne: I'm sure Gunner will love the postcards! A down to earth message that is simple when one doesn't know what to say can have an enormous boosting effect for the family. You are so kind!
Rachel: How kind of you to stop over! Thanks for such a nice message!!! I'll drop by for a visit too!
It is cause for extraordinary courage, Utenzi. I agree!
My sister is struggling with ovarian cancer and my son's girlfriend who has a two-year-old was diagnosed this week with brain cancer (frontal lobe and slow growing). Those of us who are fighting this horrible plague appreciate all the other people who come in to help and offer their support. I'll add these two to my prayer list as well. Keep helping and spreading the word.
Cancer touches everyone's lives in some way, but I'm so sorry to hear that these dear little boys have to suffer from it at such a young age. Thank you for highlighting their tragedy.hu
Oh, that just makes me so sad. While most of us have had to deal with cancer with loved ones already, it makes it even sadder when it's a child. I'll be thinking of Gunner and his family.
opps! my bad. wekinz are teddy bear type critters which children play with online.
http://www.webkinz.com/us_en/
my girls love this site, and webkinz too!!!
p m: First, of course, I will immediately include your sister and your son's girlfriend's 2 year old. My prayer list is growing so, that I've decided to write down specific names of people to include. Please remember other warriors on this bloglist such as Dara and Kayla and Barbara. It's amazing how many of my Blog friends have cancer. The best way to fight this despicable disease is to urge brothers and sisters out there with it to FIGHT ON! And that I will continue to do, my friend!
Ellee: Gunner was actually brought to my attention by Amy Aldridge, wife of Shannon and parents of dear, sweet Sahara. I sit here just bewildered at the virulent nature of this disease and try so hard to see a line through all of it. Unfortunately I can't. It frustrates all of us terribly. And of course, I don't blog about this subject to bring anyone down. This is always a "call to action". Thanks, Ellee.
Becky: You're right. It's hit my family 4 times and claimed one of my two best buddies whom I had to Eulogize. In each case it was remarkably a different kind of cancer. All we can do Becky, is to refuse the urge to throw up our hands and quit. We have to hit this disease from the medical front and the emotional side with supportiveness. You're so kind to write!
Kerry: You threw me until I backed up and looked at your earlier message and "got it". Thanks for sharing, dear!
How wonderful these people got connected to you Michael. You are truly an angel in disguise. After being away from church for some years (apathy not lack of faith) we took Madison for the first time on Sunday. Wonderful experience! I am still feeling very enriched! My prayers go out to all that have such pain and strife in their lives. Sometimes I feel guilty because my family is so blessed but I appreciate that fact every single day.
Hugs to you and everyone else, and especially Gunner.
It's just never fair that it has to hit children, let alone anyone. I will definately pray for Gunner and visit his site!
And you're right not to question why you're led to them, but be thankful that you are. I'm certain they are :)
On the contrary Patti: Never feel guilty by being blessed with Maddie--a little angel!
As far as I go, I see myself as merely a "catalyst and a conduit" of wherever God puts me to hopefully "network" other people together. I credit a Blog written by Amy Aldridge for leading me to Gunner. And of course, I think the world of Amy & Shannon!
Seraphine:(((HUGS))) accepted! :D
Carolyn: I am only one of many who comment to the Gillespies. Janna and Gus are doing a splendid job of keeping on with new approaches and I just go back to what I said earlier. We must support them with understanding and outreach from the heart!
I'm glad you visited my site, Michael. I'm sorry it's taken me this long to read through your most recent postings. Cancer seems to be so prevalent and wide-spread these days... I will certainly pray for Gunner and his family. I will also visit the caring bridge site and send a postcard. :-)
Shady: That will mean so much to this little boy! Thank You!!!
Done it Michael, I´ve just pay a visit to his site.., He´s also now in my thoughts
Maria: Thank you SO much! :)
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