Thanks for checking in…!!!

June 15, 2011 will officially celebrate and commemorate Irene’s 4th Stem Cell Transplant BIRTHDAY…!!!  It’s sobering and amazing to reflect on all that has transpired.

The photos reflect the recent San Jose KIDNEY WALK which include Irene walking with Jocelyn, Jordan and Vince, Howard and Jane Smalley, Carmen Pedroza.

Special thanks to Matt, Shannon, Caleb and Jake Fidiam, Tresemay Briceno, Howard and Jane Smalley, Carmen Pedroza, Cristy, Matt, Nina and Felix Arnold as well as Kalyn Bertelsen for helping Irene surpass her KIDNEY WALK fundraising goal…!!!

Thanks for caring…to God be the Glory,

Dave

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6 pm

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

Romans 12:12

Certainly that verse is magnificantly manifested in Irene’s life.

JOYFUL in HOPE, PATIENT in AFFLICTION, FAITHFUL in PRAYER.

Irene did extremely well while JoAnna and I traveled to Israel.  Jocelyn, other family members and friends provided great encouragement and support for her since I was out of the country.  To all of them, THANK YOU…!!!

Irene still experiences some very difficult Monday, Wednesday and Fridays which represent here kidney dialysis treatments.  The nausea rages on those days and chronic fatigue chases her.

Most who see her on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays are not even aware that she is walking a long distance marathon.  Her signature smile and joyful attitude accompany all that shes does.

Thanks for caring so deeply that you regularly check on her status.

Dave

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9 a.m.

Thanks for checking in.

Irene’s amazing sister Jane is spending the weekend with us.

Irene’s sister, Jane Smalley, donating platelets at UCSF on July 14, 2007

Jane delivered an envelope to Irene with the following label:

“for Kidney Walk
To: Tia Rini
from: Tresemay Briceno.”
Inside the envelope was $79.00 in mixed bills.  Tresemay is 8 years old.  She’s been saving for the last year.  She’s Jane’s grand-daughter.  Jane explained to us that Tresemay asked, “How much does a kidney cost?  Can I get a part time job doing dishes or cleaning houses so we can buy Tia Rini a kidney?”  Jane patiently explained the research purpose behind the the “Kidney Walk”.

We’re humbled and inspired by an 8 year old with a HUGE HEART for giving…and hoping for her “Tia Rini” to get a new kidney.

We’ll convert the cash to a cashier’s check and apply it toward the kidney walk on on June 4, 2011 at the CityView Plaza in San Jose.

Thank you, Tresemay, and may God richly reward the longing of your heart…!!!

Thanks for caring,
Dave

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