We took this photo at he base of the mountain due to fog. But as we stand at the summit of Wisp, one of the highest points in Maryland has a thrill and excitement to it. But the start of this 321 mile journey is a daunting task. Every day will be a minimum of 41 miles with a combined 27 mile hike and 14 + miles biking. Last year had some pain but it was nothing compared to the fight my friend Juliana Carver has put up, and sadly undergoing again right now. So please understand that it is not all fun and games, but rather Sandy and Wayne are with me explore and endure for the Cool Kids. I want to justify over 200,000 followers on social media by sharing stories each day, raising funds for our programs that help encourage these kids to keep their childhood and beat cancer.
Today – August 9th is for Juliana
I will not see my two boys until we finish next weekend. The thing is, I know I will see them. Imagine being a parent and not knowing how much longer you have with your kid? That’s how John and Tammy Carver describe this 5th bout their daughter has with cancer. This photo below of us was at our trek kick off event this past Wednesday. On the right, her dad John shared with me this photo of Julian again this weekend. She’s lost her hair again but still has beautiful smile and spirit.
Know that we will be on the road for about 8 hours today. Please take a few minutes to for Juliana here. She is who our entire day is for. Before reading her story, please listen to her own words. Here is a video from this past week describing cancer in her own words.
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I’ve known John Carver online for years. He has remained positive through all of these battles and is a man that truly loves his daughter. After reading her story. Please pledge your support for our efforts to Cool Kids. I have a contest that includes guessing the steps in our 27 mile hiking portion, and win a free Garmin VivoFit2. Also like the Facebook Page Angels For Juliana.
Juliana Carver’ Story:
- 13 years old
- Type of Cancer: Stage 3, Group 3 Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma
- Lives in Manchester, MD
In John’s words:
Our family was complete. After years and years of infertility, my wife Tammy and I adopted our sixth child in March 2004 and everything seemed to be going well until February 18, 2007 when our world fell apart. My wife, Tammy, described it this way: “Until Sunday, February 18, 2007, we had no idea there was anything wrong with our beautiful, happy, confident five-year-old daughter (Juliana). She came into our room that morning complaining about a “bump” under her right arm. The bump turned out to be a swollen lymph node and we discovered the next day at the pediatrician’s office that she also had a tumor on her right forearm. After x-rays and an MRI, we received that awful call from the doctor–it appeared the tumor was cancerous and that it had metastasized to the lymph node. Juliana had stage 3, group 3 Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma.”
Julie relapsed on March 17, 2011 and received another 12 rounds of chemotherapy and 5 more weeks of radiation therapy. The cancer was in her right leg. Julie relapsed a second time on June 5, 2012 and received 12 more rounds of chemotherapy and 10 more weeks of radiation therapy. That time the cancer was in her chest and pelvis. She relapsed a third time March 17, 2014 and after surgery that removed 90% of the new tumor above her right eye and had five more weeks of radiation therapy and two more rounds of chemotherapy. On July 12, 2015, at the age of thirteen we found out that the cancer that has been attacking Juliana has returned. This time she has three tumors in her chest.
Juliana has no memory of being healthy. All she remembers is being sick, trips to the hospital, lots of chemotherapy and the side effects that go with such treatments. Weeks and weeks of daily radiation were so hard on all of us. It is terrifying for Juliana’s entire family to know that cancer is back in her petite body (she hasn’t gotten taller because chemotherapy stunts a child’s growth). One of Juliana’s quotes is: “I’m not a giver-upper.” She has the courage of a lion. Please pray that we can find a way to beat this evil monster of cancer.
You can follow Juliana’s progress at “Angels for Juliana”on Facebook.
If you spot us on the road by you, say hi, take a photo, then share it online with the hashtag #ckctrek2
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