More than 800 people participated and $150,000 was raised at the 2009 CityView Plaza Kidney Walk in San Jose, CA.

The morning started with a wonderful SURPRISE when we met Annie Foyle for the first time.

Annie works for the California School for the Blind (CSB), http://www.csb-cde.ca.gov.  Annie introduced herself when we were walking toward the registration area and explained that she volunteered for today’s event after reading about it on Irene’s website.  Wow…!!  It became a tearful moment for Irene when she learned that Annie was the one who facilitated two blood drives through the CSB on her behalf when the need was so critically important.

Thank you, Annie…!!!!!!!  J J

Here’s a related update from March 9, 2008.

It was humbling for Irene to realize once again just how many people have been advocating and praying for her behind the scenes…even those that she hasn’t ever met…!!!

Irene is deeply grateful for all who financially supported the KIDNEY WALK on her behalf!

People enjoyed San Jose Police Department’s finest with some members of their envied Equestrian Team.

Irene and her sister Jane at the Starting Line before the crowd grew over the next several hours.

Kidney Walk ENERGY abounds as people converge on CityView Plaza

Irene and Jane pausing near a beautiful fence of Lantana as the “walk about” meandered through the San Jose State University campus ….

Satellite Healthcare, a big sponsor of the Kidney Walk and the organization that Irene routinely “visits” in Watsonville three days a week ….

RoadDog Band in the background …. and KBAY, 94.5 FM, were deeply involved in the effort.

Jane and Irene victoriously and joyfully crossing the 5k Finish Line ….!!!

Woo Hoo ….!!!! 

Irene’s quote immediately following the journey…. “…. I could do this again ….!”

Caminando con Fé and hoping for a new KIDNEY!

Dave

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A beautiful day on the Monterey Bay ….

We were at UCSF by 9 am this morning where they drew blood for several tests and Irene met her oncologist, Dr. Lloyd Damon.  Dr. Damon strongly believes that Irene remains in remission and that she should continue pursuing the kidney transplant.  He seems almost giddy and elated at Irene’s health and well being, despite the waves of nausea that roll her way.  He wants to see her again in three months.

Irene’s holding the nausea at bay …. Ha Ha ….

It’s a blue sky and fair weather day on the Monterey Bay …. and we’ll take this kind of report from UCSF any day ….!!

Thanks for caring,

Dave

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We received a telephone call this evening from my Aunt Carmel Ferreria who lives in Atwater, CA.  She alerted us to an urgent need and request for prayer.

Alec Martinez, who is three years old, has undergone five surgeries facing a malignant brain tumor.  He’s had surgeries in Portland, Oregon and St. Jude’s Hospital, Tennessee.  The last surgery left him a quadriplegic although he’s lucid and communicates with his eyes.  His mind is still very sharp.  His aunt, Ellie Martinez, whom I spoke with this evening, shared that Alec’s is maintaining an amazing attitude and is a “trooper” given all that he’s been confronting.

Today, the medical team delivered this late breaking and horrific news: Alec has been given 2 months to live.

On top of this dire situation, Alec’s mother, Vananh Martinez, is facing a life threatening challenge herself, having been recently diagnosed with ovarian, stomach and colon cancer.

You can read part of their story here:

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/alexandermartinez/mystory

Please prayerfully intercede for this family and the horrendous ordeal they are facing.

Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.
Matthew 4:23

We pray God’s Healing Hand and grace is upon Alec and Vananh, knowing that Jesus is faithful.

Dave & Irene

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