Sorry it took me until Wednesday night to report back on how much fun the St. Louis Crawl for Cancer was, but it took most of us this long to recover from the long day Saturday. It really was a blast. As I have mentioned, this was the first year for the event in St. Louis and the turnout was very impressive. With just under 1000 participants, it made for a lower-key event than we were used to here in Kansas City, but it made for a more intimate time. We met a lot of great people and hopefully helped spread the news about our young foundation. The word spread quickly around the area what all the crazy people in colorful t-shirts were participating in and there is no doubt the St. Louis Crawl is going to grow very rapidly.
Below are a couple of pictures of some of our team members. There were actually three teams representing Jen and some of the members included Jan (Jen's mom), Dennis (Jen's dad), Tina (Jen's stepmother), Jason (Jen's brother), Dave and Jane (Jen's uncle and aunt), several cousins, and many friends.
On another note, Saturday was also the six month anniversary of Jen's passing. To each of us, the time and healing occurs at various paces. Following the 4-5 month hurdle, I have made some strides. The memories are certainly not gone, but the terrible experience of watching her suffer falls a little further into the back of my mind each month. In the forefront are the great memories and the strong motivation to spread the word about this great woman. The continued growth of body and character of our two girls builds my confidence that we are making progress. As hard as it is to accept at times, life is going on.
Wow, glad it went so well. I am proud of you and your family and those wonderful girls. Prayers for your continued strength handling your day to day issues. You are strong and that is what counts the most. With God's blessing you will continue. Dinah
Posted by: Dinah Wonderly | August 08, 2007 at 08:24 AM
Thank you all for making the trip to STL for the Crawl! It was participants like you that made everything possible. It was an honor to be apart of the planning and I'm thrilled that we were able to raise money for Jen's Foundation, my own personal way of dealing with losing a friend. Thank you again!
Posted by: Shelby | August 09, 2007 at 09:17 AM
It was a great time, to say the least. Our team agreed to make this a yearly trip, so we are all looking forward to the next one. :)
Posted by: Alaina | August 10, 2007 at 07:37 AM
I would love the opportunity to participate in this next year. What an uplifting event! For what it's worth, I'm proud of you for continuing to accomplish all that you've been able to do in Jennifer's name and memory.
Posted by: James | August 11, 2007 at 01:20 AM
looks like all went well and you all had a great time. Cant wait til next yr so tim and i can do the walk
Posted by: misty t | August 13, 2007 at 09:37 AM
Hello. I have followed your families story off and on since the beginning of the year. It is so great to see people taking tragedy and turning it into something positive. Unless you have been there no one can understand but it is such an amazing thing to witness. I am sure as everyone does there are days that are hard but you remain on your course spreading a message of triumph and love.
I have been involved in several different charities and events over the past several years. I would like to find out about volunteer opportunities with the JI Foundation. Please email me. I have volunteered at events, I have been a committee member and volunteer coordinator and done some fundraising as well.
Thanks.
Leslie
Posted by: leslie | August 14, 2007 at 10:26 AM
Looks like everyone had a great time at STL Crawl, I was out of town- wish I could have been there. The girls are getting sooo big and the are just as beautiful as ever! Thinking about you all the time!:) Love,
Amy Copple
Posted by: amy copple | August 14, 2007 at 09:00 PM