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A Dose of Reality

The week of Relay for Life was a tough one for me.  As I got ready to emcee part of Relay for Life with Brad on Friday I also received bad news leading up to it.

My cousin Jordan, who had been battling leukemia for 15 months and was  found to be in remission in April died Monday night at the childrens' hospital in winnipeg.  The leukemia had moved to his central nervous system. 

Jordan had just graduated from highschool.  Had his first car and his first girlfriend.  Through his fight he's the guy you never heard complain.  NEVER. 

He carried a wicked sense of humour, even when he was hooked up to tubes in the hospital room.  He had a bet going on with the nurses  during the Stanley Cup....up for grabs...a free slurpee.

Jordan's last visit to the hospital was supposed to be a quick trip.  The doctor planned to run a few tests to make sure the lukemia was officially gone, instead Jordan was admitted.  What was supposed to be an overnight stay turned into a few weeks before Jordan eventually lost his battle...a 17 year old with more wisdom and strength than most men.   He never wavered from his positive thinking.  One of the comments I can clearly remember him saying...."whatever happens either way I'm a winner.  I walk away from this or I go to Heaven."    Strong words coming from a teenager.

After the funeral,  I had a press release on my desk...saying how much was raised for Relay for Life. 

On behalf of Jordan...thank you.  Over $437 thousand dollars was raised...