$5 1/2 Million Raised at Penn State's THON
Note "In Loving Memory of Christi Thomas, Forever Nine" and the picture of Christi & Buckeye sitting at our kitchen table. The back of the shirts said "Your life will be judged not by its length but by your strength ~Shayne Thomas, Christi's dad"This weekend at Penn State THON raised an incredible $5 1/2 million dollars for cancer research! That is an entire $1 million more than last year. It sounds like it was quite a remarkable weekend, despite the crazy winter weather. Our deepest Thomas team Thanks to sweet Michele and her friends for their love and support. Christi always enjoyed each visit from Michele and her sweet mother, Sylvia A cure for ALL cancers MUST be found. Life is too precious not to be extended! Work is to be done!
posted by the Thomas team @ 8:19 AM
6 Comments:
Wow! What great college kids those are, and I agree raising money for a cure is VITAL!!
The t-shirts look great! What sweethearts.
I'm glad to here of the great success of the Thon.
GO researchers go! Find a cure for all of the great kids fighting so hard.
Lots of love and prayers for always,
Heather
What a tremendous accomplishment. These young people are to be praised for their concern and work.
It seems as though I read an article each and every day about young adults who have been moved to join this fight against childhood cancers.
Too bad our president doesn't share their dedication.
Kudos to these young women and all others who are fighting this beast.
The Brave Little Soul
By: John Alessi
Not too long ago in Heaven there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. She especially enjoyed the love she saw there and often expressed this joy with God. One day however the little soul was sad, for on this day she saw suffering in the world. She approached God and sadly asked, “Why do bad things happen; why is there suffering in the world?” God paused for a moment and replied, "Little soul, do not be sad, for the suffering you see, unlocks the love in people’s hearts.” The little soul was confused. “What do you mean,” she asked.” God replied, “Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone.” The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued, “The suffering soul unlocks the love in people’s hearts much like the sun and the rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their heart, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this - it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer - to unlock this love – to create this miracle - for the good of all humanity."
Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain herself. With her wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied, "I am brave; let me go! I would like to go into the world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people’s hearts! I want to create that miracle!" God smiled and said, "You are a brave soul I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help you create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you. God and the brave little soul shared a smile, and then embraced.
In parting, God said, “Do not forget little soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through my strength. And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed.” Thus at that moment the brave little soul was born into the world, and through her suffering and God’s strength, she unlocked the goodness and love in people’s hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Many began new spiritual journeys – some regained lost faith – many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together. Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Lives changed forever. It was good. The world was a better place. The miracle had happened. God was pleased~
Angela, I have been reading Christi's story for a while now and have never signed. I follow lots of sites and I have to admit that you honor your daughter with such grace and style! Your heartfelt updates bring me to tears almost every time I read them! You are one of a kind! Hang in there cause God has prepared a UNIMAGINABLE place for people like you! Everyone that you come in contact with should be feel so lucky to have known you and your wonderful family! When I see pictures of Christi "I can only imagine."
That is awesome about the 5.5 million raised for cancer research!
AMAZING!
I am still livid about the federal budget cuts for cancer reseach so it was nice to hear some good news!
I just loved Shayla's snowman--and I'm sure Christi did too!
Lots of Love,
The Hammers
Thinking of you all today as I do every day! God Bless!
Love from my family to yours!
Rebekah Clark
Prior Lake, MN
mommy_jaden@yahoo.com
Yes! I'm finally able to post again....not sure what the problem was.
Angela, thank you so much for posting Michele's picture. She and Caitlin were so proud wo wear their shirts...Christi has had such a positive impact on Michele and her decisions for career, etc. Thank you. In addition to research the Four Diamonds Fund which THON supports with this money, the parents receive gas/phone cards, and reassurance not to worry about the co-pays, etc. How we wish and pray that there was no need for THON...until then....they shall dance.
MICHELLE...if by chance you read this, please feel free to get in touch with me...perhaps we can meet at THON next year. We attended THON before Meghan was a student there, and though she graduates in May we will continue hosting canners, and supporting in the stands.
Have a beautiful Sunday everyone!
love, sylvia (smp75@msn.com)
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