The Light the Night Walk was wonderful. We were so proud to see CJ walk as a survivor. We are continually amazed at his strength physically and spiritually. I was so proud of him and so unbelievably grateful to be there celebrating his recovery.
There was a lot of excitement and it felt totally different than the first, or even the second year, we attended this walk. Coming as a survivor off chemotherapy is a huge difference. I can honestly say we were in a celebratory mood as it seemed many were that night.
However, when the "Remembrance Ceremony" began my mood changed immensely. The music was turned off and all the families who were there to honor and remember lost loved ones were lead behind the stage for a quiet ceremony. I was suddenly overwhelmed with emotion as I realized I was on the other side of the stage where all the laughing and celebrating and excitement was taking place. We were not lighting candles and holding flowers in memory of CJ but celebrating his healing this side of heaven. I went over to Chris and asked him to pray with me. I know the families on the other side of the stage were shedding tears and I shed a few myself but they were tears of gratefulness.
Eventually, the official ceremony began and Mr. Yormark, COO of the Fl Panthers, who was the chair person for the Light the Night walk was called up to speak. We were amazed and deeply touched at the words he shared about how knowing CJ had affected him and his dedication to help support this research. I am going to find a way to post the video of his speech. It was such a blessing to our family.
For all of you who missed it and are dying to know what the surprise was.....Mr. Yormark presented CJ and the other Honored Hero with 4 season tickets to the Fl Panthers game for the next 5 years. Yes, you read that right. We were all a little shocked to.
When it was announced, Mr. Yormark said "4 tickets for CJ and his family" and I think CJ got so excited he missed the five year part. When he came off the stage I said, "Can you believe that? Season tickets for 5 years!" His eyes got real big and he said, "Five years? I did not realize it was that long."
Then , in classic CJ style he looked at me seriously and said, "But mom, he said 4 tickets. I could not leave my brother or sister out." If you know CJ or have read this blog for any length of time, you know this would be his first concern. He would sooner not accept them before he would leave his family out. He is an amazing kid. And I knew that would be his first thought. After he spoke with his "gir" at the Fl Panthers and as soon as he wasn't worried about leaving anyone out. off we went for the official walk through the park.
I have posted several pictures of the walk below for those who could not be there and this is a link to the Light the Night Official Photos. They have some great shots as well.
LIGHT THE NIGHT OFFICIAL PHOTOS
Once again, I want to thank everyone who has supported CJ these past two years. Those who have prayed first and foremost. Your prayers are more valuable to us than gold. For those who supported our family in friendship and encouragement. For those who have donated or supported CBC as we grow this foundation to support other families.
We really want to deeply and sincerely thank Mr. Michael Yormark, Heidi Leigh, Darren Perry, Rachael Brooke, Matt, and Stanley Panther of the Florida Panthers. Your kindness to CJ these past few months has been an incredible blessing and truly has helped him get through this hurdle of the end of treatment.
I also want to once again thank Peter Kahn who was so generous to CJ at the end of his treatment. Our day at Dave and Busters is still talked about and very appreciated.

TEAM CJ

Daddy

Adam and EmilyThere was a lot of excitement and it felt totally different than the first, or even the second year, we attended this walk. Coming as a survivor off chemotherapy is a huge difference. I can honestly say we were in a celebratory mood as it seemed many were that night.
However, when the "Remembrance Ceremony" began my mood changed immensely. The music was turned off and all the families who were there to honor and remember lost loved ones were lead behind the stage for a quiet ceremony. I was suddenly overwhelmed with emotion as I realized I was on the other side of the stage where all the laughing and celebrating and excitement was taking place. We were not lighting candles and holding flowers in memory of CJ but celebrating his healing this side of heaven. I went over to Chris and asked him to pray with me. I know the families on the other side of the stage were shedding tears and I shed a few myself but they were tears of gratefulness.
Eventually, the official ceremony began and Mr. Yormark, COO of the Fl Panthers, who was the chair person for the Light the Night walk was called up to speak. We were amazed and deeply touched at the words he shared about how knowing CJ had affected him and his dedication to help support this research. I am going to find a way to post the video of his speech. It was such a blessing to our family.
For all of you who missed it and are dying to know what the surprise was.....Mr. Yormark presented CJ and the other Honored Hero with 4 season tickets to the Fl Panthers game for the next 5 years. Yes, you read that right. We were all a little shocked to.
When it was announced, Mr. Yormark said "4 tickets for CJ and his family" and I think CJ got so excited he missed the five year part. When he came off the stage I said, "Can you believe that? Season tickets for 5 years!" His eyes got real big and he said, "Five years? I did not realize it was that long."
Then , in classic CJ style he looked at me seriously and said, "But mom, he said 4 tickets. I could not leave my brother or sister out." If you know CJ or have read this blog for any length of time, you know this would be his first concern. He would sooner not accept them before he would leave his family out. He is an amazing kid. And I knew that would be his first thought. After he spoke with his "gir" at the Fl Panthers and as soon as he wasn't worried about leaving anyone out. off we went for the official walk through the park.
I have posted several pictures of the walk below for those who could not be there and this is a link to the Light the Night Official Photos. They have some great shots as well.
LIGHT THE NIGHT OFFICIAL PHOTOS
Once again, I want to thank everyone who has supported CJ these past two years. Those who have prayed first and foremost. Your prayers are more valuable to us than gold. For those who supported our family in friendship and encouragement. For those who have donated or supported CBC as we grow this foundation to support other families.
We really want to deeply and sincerely thank Mr. Michael Yormark, Heidi Leigh, Darren Perry, Rachael Brooke, Matt, and Stanley Panther of the Florida Panthers. Your kindness to CJ these past few months has been an incredible blessing and truly has helped him get through this hurdle of the end of treatment.
I also want to once again thank Peter Kahn who was so generous to CJ at the end of his treatment. Our day at Dave and Busters is still talked about and very appreciated.
TEAM CJ
Daddy
Friends
Melinda and David
Way to go Team CJ!
CJ with the St Thomas Aquinas Marching Band
CJ and his girl Heidi
Walking as a SURVIVOR!
CJ and Mr and Mrs Michael Yormark
CJ and Sheriann
CJ cutting off Kristi's bracelet
Grandma and Poppa