Aerabella Beck (Shaken Baby Syndrom)

By Michael Farnworth

For the Journal

POCATELLO— 2-year-old Aerabella Beck walked around the therapy room studying the various items they use to rehabilitate children. The therapist pulls out a doll house and a box of dolls and doll furniture for the house, and "Bella" as she is affectionately called by those that know this bright eyed little girl lights up and she quickly walks over and sits down on the floor.

As she picks up each piece and places them into the house, she tells the therapist what each is. She comes to a piece with a button, pushes it as the sound of a baby crying comes out of the toy and she giggles. "Baby cries" she says as she pushes the button again.

It has only been four months since doctors thought this remarkable little girl may not even make it, but what she has achieved in those four months is nothing short of a miracle.

After suffering a traumatic brain injury, and broken right arm, and what doctors originally thought was cortical blindness, Bella is making progress in leaps and bounds, almost literally.

Three months after the incident that left her completely blind, her eyesight began returning, she has started walking again, and she has started talking again.

"I thank God everyday that I have her," Bella's mother Emily Thomas said, "I've never had very good luck, but now I think I understand that all of my luck has gone into Bella getting better and better every day."

It was Bella's right arm that was broken, however she has quit using her left arm, and the first thing that the therapist has said they want to work on is getting her to use that left arm again.

"The biggest thing," the therapist told Thomas, "is that we get her using that arm. She leans on it, and crawls on it, but if she doesn't start using the hand she could forget it completely."

Though her eyesight is returning she still seems to have an issue with depth perception, and has a tendency to trip over small ledges such as the tumbling mat that rests on the floor of the therapy room.

"I'm absolutely amazed by how much progress she's made" Bella's father Darin Beck said, "She's an amazing little girl. My little girl."

During a follow up appointment on Wednesday afternoon, the doctors though impressed with Bella's progress, still have some very large concerns. They are currently worried about her walking, and her eyesight is returning, it is still not fully restored. The doctors also explained that she may never be able to play contact sports.

On the afternoon of Friday the 6th as Bella returned from playing outside her apartment, her Grandmother Teresa Beck smiled and mentioned "Bella just had a bath an hour ago, and now you can't even tell. She's always been that way though, she's like that Charlie Brown Character, just so outgoing." just another indication that maybe things will continue to improve, and that just maybe this little girl will be able to continue surprising everyone.

Some things seem to be returning to normal, and some things have changed completely.

"Bella, and her sister Angelina," Thomas said, "used to have to sleep together with their arms touching. They had almost the same kind of connection you see in twins. Since Bella was in the hospital though, it hasn't been the same. It's almost as if Bella's being in the hospital has made Angelina afraid to sleep that way or even be the same way that she was with her little sister before.

Though Bella is making great progress, there is still a long way to go. She has had a feeding tube inserted into her stomach since January, when the incident occurred, and she still receives her medication through the tube every morning. To begin with she was put on Keppra for seizures, Clonidine for agitation, Zofran for Nausea, Erythromycin to help with digestion, and Zantac to protect her stomach from ulcers caused by the other medications. Over the past two weeks her parents have begun to ween her slowly off of her medications, as per the doctor's orders.

The Incident

January 21 began like any other day according to Thomas. "It was just an average day you know. Spending time with the kids, and Matthew. Bella loved Matt, and he seemed to really like her. Thats what makes this so hard to understand."

Thomas went out at around 8 p.m. to get dinner for the family and everything was fine. "I was only gone for 10 minutes," Thomas stated, "but when I got back everything had changed."

As she walked back into the apartment, she found Matthew Gonzales sitting on the couch holding Aerabella Beck in his arms. Beck was not breathing. Thomas said Gonzales told her that he didn't know what happened, that she had just fallen and that she wasn't breathing.

The two immediately took the 2-year-old to the emergency room at Portneuf Medical Center, where she was quickly taken in.

Beck was unresponsive, and after 4 hours, the hospital life-flighted her to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was in a coma and at a stage 4 on the Glasgow Coma Scale.

The Glasgow Coma Test is a neurological test that ranges from 1 to 15, with 1 being brain dead, and 15 being completely responsive. At a level 4, children are in an unconscious state with no meaningful response and no voluntary activities.

"The doctors told us that every part of her brain was injured," Thomas said. "While we were at Portneuf Medical, Bella suffered a seizure that lasted an hour and a half. It took six doses of Ativan to stop it,"

The police realized three days later when Primary Children's Hospital found Bella's broken right arm and the bleeding was found behind her eyes that this was a possible shaken baby case, and began to question both Thomas and Gonzales the next Thursday.

"I didn't know what had happened," Thomas said, "all I knew was that my baby girl was laying back there (in the emergency room) and I had no idea what was going on." Thomas continued by saying that Gonzales kept telling her to not talk to the cops unless a lawyer was present. "That made me a little suspicious," Thomas said, "but up till then, I hadn't had any reason to think that someone could do this to her."

Doctors at Primary Children's Hospital feared the worst. Bella was unresponsive, had a broken right arm, and they felt it was unlikely that she would recover if she made it at all.

Once she did wake up, it was discovered that Bella was completely blind, and after conducting neurological tests, doctors felt that she had suffered a condition called Cortical Blindness during the incident.

Cortical Blindness is a condition of complete blindness in a normal-appearing eye. This is caused by an injury to the brains optical cortex.

After a week of investigating, police felt that they had enough evidence to arrest 28-year-old Matthew Gonzales on charges of felony injury to a child. These charges should he be found guilty carry with them a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison. A sentence that to many, including Emily Thomas and Darin Beck, Bella's parents, believe would not be nearly enough.

"I would like to see anyone that does something like this to a child spend the rest of their life in prison," Beck said.

Bella showed just how resilient she could be when she began to take a turn for the better. On February 7, she was moved to a long term care facility in Salt Lake City, and by February 10, she began talking again. She was transferred back to Primary Children's Hospital on February 23, and on March 9 she took her first steps again. This was something that doctors did not think would ever be possible again. On March 18, only 3 months after a horrific incident left her life in jeopardy , Aerabella Beck returned home.

At a follow up appointment with the optometrist in Salt Lake City on May 11, Doctors' stated that the hemorrhages in Bella's right eye were gone, but that there were still a small amount in the left eye. Like her arm though, she is not using the left eye as she should be and therefore must wear an eye patch over her right eye for two hours a day to try and get her to utilize her left eye.

"They said that she can see through her right eye just fine, but that she is not using her left eye at all," Beck said. "They want to see if this eye patch thing will work, and if not, they will put her under at the next appointment so that they can really look at it. Then there is a possibility that they may do a surgery to straiten out her left eye which has gone just a little lazy since the incident. They are really hoping that the eye patch will cause the left eye to correct itself."

Matthew Gonzales is currently being held at the Bannock County Jail while he awaits pre-trial on June 20. The Trial is tentatively set for some time in July, and the defense has offered to plead guilty, if prosecutors would allow Gonzales to serve a six-month-rider at the Idaho Correctional Institute, and Probation. This is something that Bella's family has sternly rejected. "We are going to take our chances in court," Thomas and Beck said in unison.

The hardest thing for Darin Beck was that he wasn't there to protect his daughter. This is something that has affected him on a personal level.

"I used to drink, a lot," Beck said, "I was hardly ever sober, and because of that I was not around when I should have been."

Since the incident, Darin Beck has quit drinking, and is proud to say that he has been sober for over 90 days. "It puts everything into perspective and really showed me what was important," Beck said.

Aerabella was not the only child from our area that was injured during the month of January. 2-year-old Brody Passey was severely beaten on January 3. He too was classified as stage 4 on the Glasgow Coma Scale. 24-year-old Dennis Timberlake is currently awaiting trial on charges of felony injury to a child for the January 3 incident, and he too faces up to 10 years in prison if found guilty.

After the ordeals the two children went through, Thomas says that she does not trust people as much as she used to, that there is that underlying trust issue when it comes to people she meets.

"I've met a lot of people though through Facebook, and I am now in a shaken baby support network. Some of the people I've met have become pretty good friends to me and I speak with them on a regular basis. It has been really great to be able to talk to others that know what we are going through."

Community Response

The first of two fundraisers (Brody's Walk), was held on April 13 as over 250 people gathered at the Old Fred Meyer building located at 950 Yellowstone Ave. in Pocatello. The train of supporters made it's way from that location down Yellowstone Avenue to the Bannock County Court House on the corner of fourth and East Center Street, where both men will face judges in their respective cases in the coming months.

The fundraisers are being used not only as a means of helping the families with their medical bills, but also as a way of making people aware of children that cannot defend themselves against abuse.

To put some of the medical bills into perspective Thomas said that Bella's anti-seizure medication (Keppra) has not been approved by the families insurance yet and costs $120 a month. This is on top of the money spent on trips between Pocatello and Salt Lake City, Utah for medical and therapy appointments, and their co-pays.

Both Aerabella and Brody have Justice for- Facebook pages up that can take donations to help the families, and as of May 11, Aerabella's page had 837 friends, while Brody's had 1,128 friends.

Originally the two fundraisers were planned separately, the first was organized for Passey, and the second for Beck. They have since been combined to include both children in both fundraisers.

The second fundraiser "A day for Bella and Brody" is going to be held on June 11 at the OK Ward Park on the east side pavilion located at 1400 W. Quinn Rd. in Pocatello, and events will take place from 1 to 5 p.m..

There will be several events such as a live auction, raffle, jump house for the kids, food, soda, and live bands.

The fundraiser is being organized by Krystal Charlton Orchard, a friend of the two families, and they are in need of donations. So far they have an ipod to raffle off, and they are hoping to gather more items. "What we need most of all," Orchard said, "is people or businesses that would be willing to donate food, and services.

"I think it's just awesome that the community has come out for these two kids like this," Beck said. "You see it on television all the time, people helping other people. You never expect it though when something happens to your family, so this is really overwhelming and unbelievable how much even complete strangers care."

"To have the community come together like this for Bella," Thomas said, "It is just so amazing, it makes me feel so blessed."

Anyone that has a business or services they would like to donate to the cause can contact Orchard by calling (208)705-4744, or you can email her at Krysannchar@yahoo.com

Some of the bands performing will be Category 3, State of Mind, 7ft Below, Second Chance and Anaconda.

"My dad (Larry Beck) has been playing bass guitar for about 40 years now," Darin Beck said. "He used to play with the band Anaconda, and the bands are going to let him stand in on at least a few of the songs they play." Beck also said that they may bring Bella up onto stage for a few of the songs as well."

Brian Miera is a member of Category 3, one of the bands that will be playing at the fundraiser, and in an email Miera expressed his great desire to help the families, and try to bring about some comfort to Bella, and Brody, and to make the community aware of what is going on even in our own community.

Life moves on

Life has a way of locking things away so that a person can move on. There may be scars, but humans are resilient and with the love of a family, that resiliency can shine through.

This is easily the case with Aerabella Beck. This 2-year-old little girl could be the poster child of resiliency, as she kneeled upon the living room floor of the family's apartment only three months after doctors thought she would not make it through the night, playing with her favorite toys. For Bella those are wooden block puzzles. Doctors now say that she does not have cortical blindness, and with her eyesight returning (even if it is only her right eye at this time), Bella confidently reaches down and grabs each puzzle piece by the little red handle. She doesn't fumble around with it as she did immediately after the incident that put her in this situation.

"You know, it never really affected her," Thomas said. "She woke up in the hospital completely blind, and she didn't show any sign of confusion or panic. She just kind of had this attitude of, ok this is the way it is and i'm just gonna go with it."

So Bella sits on the floor picking up the puzzle pieces and banging them happily into each's place while she sings Twinkle, twinkle little star, and her older sister Angelina plays with the family's Nintendo Wii.

As Angelina finishes, Darin Beck asks Bella if she wants to watch something. She excitedly hollers out "Dora," and Darin smiles. "That's her favorite, Dora and The Backyardigans."

Dora the Explorer comes on and Bella drops the puzzle piece she was holding standing up to watch the cartoon. At a point in the show Dora's backpack starts to sing, and Bella points to the backpack looking over her shoulder. "Dora Purple," she says and goes back to watching.

"That's her favorite color," Thomas says as she smiles and watches her daughter affectionately. "I thank God every day that she is still here with us," she continues. "I don't know where I would be right now if it had turned out any different."

Through adversity comes hope, and though something terrible happened to Aerabella Beck, the exact details of which may never fully come to light, whatever that terrible thing was has given new life to this family. It has given them all a new perspective. It has caused a father to realize that there are bigger things in life, and it has brought the family closer together, causing them to be able to work and live a life together. Most of all though, this little girl named Bella has shown a community that though bad things happen all the time, life goes on and one can get through anything with the help of a loving family.

By Michael Farnworth

For the Journal

POCATELLO— If you were at OK Ward Park on Saturday morning, all you would have heard was barking, whining, yelping, and every once in a while the slightest growl.

Bark for Life is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, and is part of the local Relay for Life program.

"We had 84 dogs registered today," Susan Bithell said, "I think it's amazingly great. we had 73 dogs registered before today, and we've had quite a few walk-ins."

The morning began at 9 a.m. with Pre-Registration, followed by a canine blessing at 10:45 a.m.. To finish off the day the group of canines led their owners on a dog walk for cancer.

Melissa Joy, and Philip Roice brought their dog Bailey out for a little bit of exercise and socializing. Bailey seemed to be enjoying herself as she continually tried to climb into the drinking pool that had been set out for the dogs.

Adam Aulner took an opportunity before the walk began to take a little nap using his dog Hana Lei as a pillow. "She's kind of a lazy dog," Aulner said, "she sleeps on her back, and just loves to be my pillow." Aulner had the day off, so decided to come down from Blackfoot to participate in the days festivities. "Our grandfather died of Cancer," he said, "so we like to come out and support a good cause. Plus Hana Lei, likes to socialize."

This seemed to be the theme of the day, as everywhere one looked dogs were introducing themselves to other dogs, and surprisingly all seemed to get along quite well.

"It's been fun, but a little stressful putting this together," Bithell said, "but we've had such a great turnout today, that I don't thing there is any doubt that we will be doing this again next year.

Many of the dogs that came out, showed up in costume. One of the most colorful was Jessie, the Collie. Cathy Swallia brought her out to play, while she helped run one of the vendor booths. "I'm training to be a dog groomer," Swallia said, "So I figured I'd bring Jessie, and her brother Aiden out. Jessie was decked out in a cowboy outfit, complete with red cowboy hat.

Registrations ran from $15 to $30 per dog, with a $5 fee for additional dogs, and all of the fees went to The American Cancer Society, and their mission to raise money for cancer research.

This was the first event on the Relay for Life calendar that was discussed at the Relay for Life team leader meeting that was held this past week at the Home Specialists office in Old Town Pocatello.

Upcoming events can be found at www.relayforlife.org/pocatelloid. You can also find information about past and future events, including registration information for the Relay for Life event that will be held on July 15, and 16 at Century High School in Pocatello.

By Michael Farnworth

For the Journal

POCATELLO— Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad and Chubbuck Mayor Steven England made a proclamation Wednesday night at the annual Relay for Life seasonal kickoff meeting.

The two mayors proclaimed to a room of 60 participants and team leaders that Friday May 20, is Paint the town purple day, and July 15 and 16 is the Bannock County Relay for Life days.

"I think it is very important that the community be involved in this program," Mayor Blad said, "I think every person in the country is affected by cancer in some way, whether it is a family member, or friend or family member of a friend, everyone knows someone that has this disease. I am very proud that our community gets so involved."

"Our community is so very strongly involved with this program," Mayor England said, "and I think it is so important that as a community government, we show that we are 100 percent behind the community and the program."

This was the third year that the Team Leader meeting was held to kick off the Relay for Life events, and the group used the time to let other teams know about various fundraisers in the area to raise money for cancer awareness.

The first event being held is the Bark For Life event, which is being held on Saturday May 14, at the OK Ward Park in Chubbuck. Pre-Registration begins at 9 a.m. with the blessing of the dogs at 10:45 a.m., and the walk will begin at 11 a.m. For more information about this event you can call Melinda Johnson at (208)681-4283 or by clicking the Bark for Life tab at www.relayforlife.org/pocatelloid. As of Wednesday evening there were 59 dogs registered for the event.

Linda Davies of Pocatello had one of her hand made aprons on display at the meeting. The Aprons, and a quilt they are raffling off, were created using pieces of men's shirts, donated by the men themselves.

"I was laying in bed one night," Davies said, "and it just came to me. My husband and I lost a daughter to cancer, and I watched my husband trying to figure out how he could fix things, how he could make our daughter better. I knew he would give the shirt off his back to fix it all." Davies continued by saying, "thats where the idea came from. Men are fixers, and so we've asked men to give the shirts off their backs, and we use pieces of those shirts to make the aprons to sell, and to make the quilt which will be raffled off."

Billi McCoy is the event Chair-Woman for the Relay for Life event this year, and was in charge of the meeting.

"We need silent auction items and canned food for the events," she said to the crowd, "anyone that wants to drop these items off can take them either to Anthony Nelson at the Met Life office building at 410 North Yellowstone in Pocatello, or Billi McCoy at the Key Bank at 105 North Arthur, in Pocatello.

Nelson also let the group know that their Flocking program has raised $1,600 dollars so far, and that the Relay for Life now has 73 teams registered for the July 15,16 event. Cost of registering a team of 15 is $125 for adults, and $75 for a youth team. The deadline for team registrations is June 1, and you can register for the event by going to the website: www.relayforlife.org/pocatelloid

The Groups flocking program is a program in which a person can pay $10 to have a flock of 15 pink flamingos placed in a yard of their choice.

By Michael Farnworth

For the Journal

POCATELLO— Tonya Crump, and Jennifer Lopez, recounted a time when Judith Rachel Johnson was upset about her hair dresser burning her hair while giving Johnson a perm on Thursday afternoon.

"She was always worried about her hair," the two laughed together.

Crump and Lopez have been friends with Johnson for nearly three years, and both of them expressed that the community has lost a beautiful woman both inside and out.

Johnson was murdered Monday night in her home with her 10 and 13 year old children sleeping in their beds. Michael Sparks has been charged in the murder.

"He should have never been out on bond," Crump said. "This was something that Rachel had mentioned that she was afraid of on several occasions. I always told her that she shouldn't worry about that."

Johnson is survived by her 24-year-old daughter, her 13-year-old son, and her 10-year-old daughter.

"Her kids were her world," Lopez said, "She was the most wonderful mother and she and the kids had such an amazing relationship."

"She and her oldest daughter called each other best friends," Crump said.

The three children were not taking calls Thursday night however, Crump and Lopez did say that Johnson's 10-year-old daughter will be returning to school on Friday. Her son is not ready to return yet.

A donation fund has been set up with Citizen's Community Bank under the name "Rachel Johnson Sparks Fund", and the money raised will go to help take care of the younger children, and a fundraiser is being planned by Lopez, Crump, and Johnson's oldest daughter. It will be held at Duffy's Tavern. The date and time had not been decided as of Thursday.

"We're gonna wait until after the funeral," Crump said, "but tonight (Thursday) we plan on having the "Justice for Rachel" Facebook page up."

people will not be able to give donations through the page, but they will be able to leave comments, and messages.

Johnson made an impact with her friends, and her former co-workers.

Matt Lee worked with Johnson at Pocatello Care and Rehabilitation a year ago.

"There was a lot of tears and anger when we heard the news," Lee said. "She was such a wonderful person, and this is such a sad situation." Lee continued by saying that, "She was an extremely hard worker, and she would have done anything for anyone, and she always had a smile on her face."

Her friends expressed the same sentiments.

"She was a pure angel," Lopez said. "You could meet her once and be friends for the rest of your life, and she was so passionate about people."

"She would give a person her last $20 dollars and go without," Crump said, "If she thought it would help. She was the best friend you could ever ask to have.

according to her friends, some of Johnson's favorite things to do were anything to do with the outdoors. "She loved camping, four-wheeling, and just going on drives." Lopez said.

Johnson's relationship with the suspect was never stable according to her friends.

"The abuse was always there," Crump and Lopez said. "The whole 13 year marriage, and he got in trouble so many times during those years for beating her. She did not deserve this."

Johnson's family and friends are hoping to use the Facebook page to make a difference. They will be posting information about fundraisers and benefits, as well as petitions for people to sign.

"Sparks should never have been let out of jail," Lopez said, "and we intend to take this to the courts. drug dealers get a $500,000 bond, while his was only $3,000. It's just not right, and we intend to do something about it."

Anyone that would like to donate to the Rachel Johnson Sparks Fund can do so by making a deposit at any Citizen's Community Bank.

By Michael Farnworth

For the Journal

POCATELLO— Domestic abuse in the area seems to be on the rise. There is local help available to those that need to get out of a bad situation though.

The Family Services Alliance 355 S. Arthur Ave. in Pocatello provides support to victims of domestic violence, stocking, and sexual assault.

Sarah Leeds is the Executive Director of Family Services Alliance, and she has seen a rise in these types of situations.

"Domestic violence homicides are definitely rising," Leeds said, "but we've also seen a rise in the other areas. Between 2008-09 we had a 10 percent rise in domestic violence, and between 2009-10, there was another 6 percent increase."

Family Services Alliance provides many services to victims, such as an emergency shelter for those that need to get out of a situation immediately, as well as offering advocates, counseling, support groups, and their advocates will accompany victims to court where they will help to get protection orders.

"I think the Pocatello Police Department is a model group," Leeds said. "I think though, that resources are stretched to the max. We need to look at this as a system, and look at ways to try and prevent domestic violence in our communities."

The Alliance provides a crisis hotline, (208) 251-Help (4357).

This hotline is manned 24 hours a day by an advocate, and can be used by anyone, including law enforcement.

"When the Police respond to a domestic violence case," Leeds said, "They call us on our hotline, and we send an advocate out to help the victims. We get questions about the situation answered, and try to figure out which services would best suit their needs."

For non-emergency situations, anyone can call the office during working hours at (208)232-0742, and walk-ins are always welcome.

"We never turn someone away." Leeds said, "It doesn't matter if the need to get immediately out of a situation, or if they just need help planning safety ideas in a (just in case) type of situation. I would like to encourage any victim to come in. We are here to help, and we are completely confidential."

By Michael Farnworth

For the Journal

POCATELLO— After suffering massive injuries in a March 22 car crash, Wendy Allen remains in Utah University Medical Center, while she works to recover at least some semblance of normalcy.

There will be two fundraisers held in Pocatello in the coming season to help raise money for a leg prosthesis, after her right leg had to be amputated following a March 22 car accident.

Allen, 38, was on her way to work on the morning of March 22. Thanks to wonderful Idaho weather, a spring snowstorm had hit, and Allen had been unable to start her SUV. She opted to take her 2003 Ford Mustang instead, and as she made a corner at the intersection of Pocatello Ave. and Young St. she lost control of the car and slammed into a utility pole.

The severity of the impact left Allen in a fight for her life. Medical response teams had to cut Allen from the vehicle, and as they did so, Ryan Egelund of Pocatello held her hand the entire time as she did not lose consciousness once during the ordeal.

"There was another man present, but no one knows who it was. He gave comfort to both Egelund, and Allen. She kept telling him to be careful with her legs," Sandy Francis, Allen's Mother said. "Wendy has been a dancer her whole life. She was three when she danced at the Olympics."

Allen is a well known ballet dancer in the community, and has danced in New York, Los Angeles, Arizona, and she toured the country with Dracula 2000.

In the crash, Allen sustained several severe injuries. She suffered a brain injury, broken ribs, a collapsed lung, a shattered left arm and leg, and her right foot had been torn from her body.

Allen had a titanium rod placed in her upper left leg after a previous skiing accident, and during the impact on March 22, the titanium rod was bent, and had to be replaced.

Since the accident, Allen's left arm, and left leg have been completely re-built. Her left leg now has titanium rods running from her left hip, to her left knee, from her left knee to her ankle, and her foot now has titanium rods and plates from ankle to toes. Doctor's are hopeful that she will eventually be able to walk on the leg however, this remains to be seen.

In the seven days after the car accident, Allen had 6 surgeries in 7 days, and died twice while doctors were working on her.

Allen is a single mother to her 14-year-old daughter Chynna, who attends Century High School in Pocatello.

"She was very sad and in shock when the accident happened," Francis said, "She has not once lost faith in her mother, or her ability to survive and turn the ordeal into a positive thing."

"My mother is a survivor, and we will survive together," Chynna Allen said.

"She is just such an inspiration. I was so pleasantly surprised and amazed," Francis said. "I have not once heard her ask (Why me), and she has done nothing but thank God for giving her a second chance. She is determined to show everyone that the show must go on."

Wendy Allen taught dance at Studio 7 in Pocatello for a time, and she uses that to give her the drive to survive, and recover.

"Wendy feels that she needs to prove to these kids that they can be strong in the face of adversity," Francis said, "She feels that it is her responsibility to show the kids that there is more to life than you know, and that everything has a silver lining. You just have to find it. She is always saying that," Francis continued.

The first fundraiser will be held at Duffy's Tavern, 1304 N. Main St. on June 18. There will be a BBQ, live band, raffle with many items donated from local businesses and individuals, and a silent auction. While the second fundraiser is being planned for later in the summer. The date and time has not been determined at this time.

Proceeds from the fundraisers will go to help pay for a prosthetic leg for Allen.

"It is really hard," Francis said, "A prosthetic leg can run upwards of $50000, and it is just so hard to come up with that kind of money."

Amber Davis, and Tyler Allen, Wendy Allen's younger sister, both of Pocatello are organizing the fundraisers, and would like the community to know that free rides from Duffy's at the end of the night will be donated by Pocatello Transportation Company.

There has been an account set up at Wells Fargo under the name "Wendy Allen Benefit" for anyone that would like to donate, or you can send cash or checks to 1271 West Quinn, Pocatello, ID 83201

Good morning all,

Sorry it's been a little bit since I've been here, working on some big things right now. So between article writing, and trying to get finals done. I'm goin looney...I am working on a few more fundraiser articles, and a profile story on Aerabella Beck, so those will be coming soon. Hang with me ok, and I'll post soon.

I get to do my dream Job.....Professional writer..

Hi Everybody,

Well, I have some great news! I can now call myself a full blown Journalist. The Idaho State Journal has offered me a position as a full time journalist. I am totally stoked, and I owe it to everyone who has let me come into their lives, and write my articles about them and their families. Thank you all so much, and I can't wait to help as many people as I possibly can.

Hugs for all,

Mike Farnworth

Give Devon a ride Fundraiser in Grace Idaho

Good morning all,

The "Give Devon a Ride" Fundraiser was a huge success. Thank you all for coming out and supporting this family. If you were there I hope you had a great time, and if you've sent donations, thank you as well. Below is the coverage of the event, and the article that was published in the Idaho State Journal today (Monday April 18, 2011)

By Michael Farnworth

For the Journal

GRACE— When the "Give Devon a Ride" fundraiser was said and done, there was more than one winner. A volleyball team from Preston, and assembled by Andrea Larson won the nine team double elimination volleyball tournament. Brian Jorgensen of Grace won the trip to Hawaii, Josh Gibbs won the side of beef, and the Grace High School boys varsity basketball team beat the faculty team 41 to 36. The biggest winners of the night though, were the community of Grace, and the Christensen family.

"Our family appreciates all of the support," Sue Christensen said, "we would like to send out a special thanks to everyone that came out to support us and Devon."

By the end of Saturday night, the community of Southeast Idaho had handed out more than $14,000 in donations that will be used to purchase a van with a wheelchair lift for the Christensen family. The van is needed to help with transportation of Kim and Sue Christensen's son Devon.

Devon is a 17 year old high school student who has been in a wheelchair his entire life due to the condition of Cerebral Palsy.

"This is just so fantastic," Sue Christensen said, "We've gotten letters and donations from people all over Southeast Idaho. This is just so unreal, and it has lifted Devon's spirits, and I am just so grateful for that."

"It makes me feel really good, and so very happy," Devon Christensen said.

The fundraiser included an items sale that stretched the length of Grace High School's southern hallway, a bake sale, and a silent auction. The items donated for the silent auction ranged from blankets and photographs to Autographed items sent by former Utah Jazz Coach Jerry Sloan, and former Utah Jazz player Deron Williams.

"This just turned out to be so much more than we could have ever expected," Claudia Cook, (Organizer of the event), "This is just absolutely fantastic. We've gotten letters and donations from people we've never met, and ranging from Blackfoot to Montpelier, and the letters that we get, are just so amazing. They tell us that they read about Devon, and it touched their hearts so much that they just wanted to help."

The atmosphere in the high school could have easily rivaled that of an actual high school basketball game with cheering fans, and everyone seemed to be having a great time.

Devon Christensen made his coaching debut as he coached the boys varsity basketball team to victory, and was hoisted triumphantly in celebration by his team members after the game.

"This was just so humbling," Sue Christensen said, "Everyone had such a great time, the mood during the whole thing was just so energetic, and my son Devon had the time of his life."

There will be a 5k run/walk for Devon on April 30 as a second fundraiser. Anyone interested in participating can contact Claudia Cook at 1149 Hegstrom Rd. Grace, Idaho 83241. The Entry fee is $25 per person, and if you register before the run, you will receive a Give Devon a Ride t-shirt. The 5k will begin at the Caribou County fairgrounds located at 1 West 1 North in Grace Idaho at 9 a.m.

Cash donations are still welcome by sending them to 1149 Hegstrom Rd. Grace Idaho 83241.

Brody's Walk April 13, 2011

Good evening everyone,

Brody's Walk was absolutely amazing. What a great community we live in that nearly 500 people would show up for such a great cause. Below is the article on Brody's walk that I wrote for tomorrow's journal. I hope you enjoy it.

I will also be posting some of the pics, I took with my iphone on my facebook.

Thanks,

Mike

By Michael Farnworth

For the Journal

POCATELLO— Black shirts, and signs adorned with Justice for Brody, justice for Bella, and It should not hurt to be a kid could be seen moving down Yellowstone Avenue Wednesday morning when over 400 people showed up in support of "Brody's Walk".

The child abuse awareness walk began in the old Fred Meyer parking lot located at 950 Yellowstone Ave. just north of Alameda road in Pocatello and made it's way south along Yellowstone to the corner of fourth st. and E. Center st. where it stopped in front of the Bannock County Court House.

The Bannock County Courthouse is where Dennis Timberlake, 24, will be put on trial for felony injury to a child. Timberlake was arrested Jan. 3 after allegedly beating Brody Passey nearly to death.

Timberlake is currently out of jail on bond while awaiting the jury trial to begin on May 10. Timberlake's pre-trial hearing is set for April 25, also at the Courthouse.

Matthew Gonzales, 28, was also charged with felony injury to a child in the beating of Aerabella, and was set to be in court on April 5, however Gonzales waived his right to the hearing as he did not contest the charges. "The defense offered to plead guilty in exchange for a 6 month rider at the North Idaho Correctional Institution in Cottonwood, Idaho." Thomas said.

Beck's family has said that they rejected the deal, stating that they would rather take their chances with a trial.

Two-year-old Brody Passey and two-year-old Aerabella Beck were both on hand for the walk, which was organized in their honor, and both were in great spirits as they made their way through the cheering crowd.

As the two block long line of supporters made their way toward the courthouse, most vehicles that passed would honk their horns in support of the group

"This is just awesome," Jennifer Jones (Brody's mother) said. "It's all so very humbling for us, that the community would show up for us like this."

"Im excited," Emily Thomas (Aerabella's mother) said. "We weren't expecting this, and it makes me want to cry. Bella was sick yesterday, so we were afraid that we wouldn't be able to be here today, but she is doing a lot better today."

Krystal Charlton Orchard is a friend of both families, and has tried to help out both families in organizing, and getting the fundraisers some exposure.

"This is awesome," Orchard said, "It's great to see the community come out to support these two special kids."

Supporters showed up for the walk from all over South East Idaho. Joey Sommer, Lauri King, and Kendra King came to Pocatello from Montpelier to support the walk.

"We run a preschool in Montpelier" Sommer said, "So we closed the preschool today and we even brought a few of our preschool kids with us to be a part of this."

"This is a major concern of ours," Lauri King said, "we see child abuse cases happening more and more every day, and we just wanted to show up and give our support, and try to get some justice for these kids."

Michelle Jones (Brody's Grandmother) spent the time just before the walk, taking donations, and letting people sign a poster for the two children.

"This is just great," said Michelle Jones, "it makes me know that people think this is a serious problem that needs to be looked at. This is just awesome. I never expected it to get this big, and it is just amazing."

"Brody is just awesome," Tyler Passey (Brody's Father) said, "he is just a trooper and a fighter. He's just a tough little boy, he always has been. This is just so overwhelming with all of the support from the community. I'm just so happy to see all these people come out here today."

Emberly Jones is a family friend of the Jones' who was also on hand for the walk.

"We moved to Downey 3 years ago," Jones said, "and ever since we moved there, Jennifer and her family have treated us just like we were family. So when we pulled into the parking lot, I just got goose bumps, and it made me so glad that we are doing an awareness rally, and not an in memory of."

Wes and Patricia Thomas (Aerabella's Grandparents) came out and walked with their daughter and granddaughter.

"This just brings tears to my eyes," Wes Thomas said, "both these kids are just Miracle babies."

A second fundraiser is being planned for June 11 in honor of both Passey and Beck. The fundraiser will be held from 1-5 p.m. at O.K. Ward Park on the eastside pavilion located at 1400 West Quinn Road, and will include a live auction, hot dogs and soda, live bands, a raffle and several activities for children including a jump house.

Cash Donations are still being welcomed and should one want to donate, you can donate to Aerabella Beck at the Advantage Plus Credit Union, where an account has been set up in Aerabella's mother's name (Emily Thomas), or you can donate at the — Justice for Aerabella Facebook page.

Donations can be made for Brody Passey by sending check or cash to 5837 E. Grant Road, Downey, ID 83234, or by visiting the — Brody's Walk Facebook support page. You can also call Michelle Jones at (208) 317-8509 if you would like to order "Brody's Walk" t-shirts or bracelets.

Two fundraising events for Kati Lindsey

****The Psychology Honor Society at ISU is sponsoring a night of stand-up comedy as a fundraiser for Kati. The group performing is called "The Improv Underground. The event is Friday, April 29th from 7-8 pm in Goranson Hall (bottom of the Fine Arts bldg). Tickets are $3 for students, $5 for faculty/staff/community and free for children 5 & under. Donations on top of ticket purchase will be accepted as well*****

***Dont forget the Texas Roadhouse night for Kati on April 19th. If you don't have a flier we will be posting the flier on the page for you to print out**** Hours are from 4-10pm and 10% of your meal is going to Kati.

Give Devon A ride Fundraiser in Grace Idaho

By Michael Farnworth

For the Journal

GRACE— Devon Christensen, 17, has been in a wheelchair all his life due to Cerebral Palsy.

Cerebral Palsy in a term used to explain a group of non-progressive physical disabilities in human development that deal with various areas of body movement.

Anytime Devon would go anywhere with his family, his parents would lift him out of his wheelchair to place him in the vehicle, then lift the wheelchair in afterward. As Devon gets older, as all children do, this task gets harder.

Devon now attends Grace High School, and the task of transportation is no longer as easy as it once was.

The Community of Grace has decided to do something about that.

A fundraiser properly named "Give Devon A Ride" has been organized for this coming Saturday, April 16 at the Grace High School located at 704 S. Main in Grace Idaho.

Events will include a volleyball tournament from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. the final game being a boys powderpuff game, and anyone can play. So far 6 teams have registered to play in the tournament, and anyone that would like to play can put a team together. The cost is $5 per person on each team.

The volleyball tournament is in honor of Devon's mother (Sue Christensen) who has coached junior, and high school volleyball for a number of years.

At 6 p.m. the high school boys basketball teem will be playing the faculty and coaches in a no holds barred game of basketball, with half time entertainment being conducted by "Rocken Rythm Clogging", "Showtime Dance", and "Social Dance Club".

There is a $5 admission fee for the entire day, which will include a raffle drawing, bake sale, silent auction, concessions, and games between each quarter.

The winner of the raffle will get a 10-day stay in Oahu, Hawaii (Airfare not included).

Tickets for the raffle are $5, or 5 for $20, and can be purchased at Bergy's, Sanders Furniture, and at the event. The drawing will take place after the ballgames, and you need not be present. The trip to Hawaii was donated by an anonymous donor.

All proceeds from the fundraiser will be going to the Christensen family in the hopes of raising enough money to purchase a van with a wheelchair lift for Devon.

"Devon has been very excited about this" Sue Christensen said, "Devon has had four surgeries in the past 5 months all pertaining to his Baclofen pump which helps his muscles to relax, and gives him just a little bit of peace, so knowing that the community has put this together has made him feel a lot better. We as a family are very humbled that everyone would do this for us. It is absolutely amazing."

Baclofen is a medicine that is administered through an implanted intrathecal pump, and helps to restore normal electrical signals from the spinal cord to the muscles, and reduces involuntary muscle hyperactivity. This allows for more controlled and voluntary muscle movements.

"It makes me feel good," Devon Christensen said about having the community try to help him and his family.

The fundraiser was organized by Claudia Cook of Grace,

"I am really good friends with the Christensens'," Cook said, "and I've seen how much pain, and hurt Sue has while trying to lift Devon in and out of the car and I never see or hear her complain at all. I just really wanted to figure out some way that I could help the family because they (Kim and Sue Christensen) help out so many people."

The community of Grace has united in it's efforts to help the Christensen family,

"I cannot believe how wonderful it has been," Cook said. "We get calls from a lot of people, and they just want to help in anyway that they can. The effort has just snowballed, and keeps getting bigger and bigger."

There will also be a 5K run/walk in Devon's honor on April 30, the cost is $25 per person, and should you register before the run, you will be provided a t-shirt for the event.

Anyone that would like to donate, but cannot make it to any of the events, can send donations to Claudia Cook at 1149 Hegstrom Rd. Grace, ID 83241. Checks can be made out to Devon, Kim, or Sue Christensen.

Info on Devon Christensen Fundraiser in Grace Idaho

Hi all, Ok, I received this information from Jill London Williams. Thank you Jill for the information, I wanted to get this on the blog, even though I am not sure if my editor is going to allow me to cover it for the Journal. I will keep everyone updated as to if I will be there covering it or not. Please read through, and share with all of your friends.

Thanks

Here's the info about Devon's fundraiser that I got from Traca Sorenson

There will be a fundraiser for Devon Christensen, his parents are Kim and Sue Christensen. "Give Devon a Ride" will be held on Saturday, April 16th. As you know, Devon will be in a wheel chair for the rest of his life. In order for him to get from place to place, his family has to lift him into their van, then transport his wheelchair. Devon desperately needs a van with a lift. As a community, we can make this happen. Here is how you can help:

There will be a volleyball tournament on that day in honor of Sue, who has coached a lot of us in junior high or high school. This is open for all who love to play the game. Put a team together and contact me. We currently have 6 teams registered. There will be a $5 per person participation fee for each team. The tournament will start around noon in the high school gym. ( If you would like to play, but don't have enough for a team, please let me know and I will try and form a team with those individuals.)

There will also be a Basketball game with the High School Varsity Boys playing the Faculty and Coaches of GHS. It will be held at 6pm in the high school gym. We invite the whole community and alumni to come and cheer on the team of your choice. There will be half-time entertainment by the Rockin Rhythm Cloggers, Showtime Dance, and the Social Dance Club. There will be a $5 donation at the door per person (There will be a family rate, also).

In addition to the two things above, there will be concessions and a bake sale going on all day as well as a silent auction. If you can't make it to the games, please stop by and buy a treat to support this great cause. Also, if you cannot make it, please mail any donations to me at PO Box 285 - Grace, Idaho 83241. Please write the check/money order to Sue or Devon Christensen.

Also, there will be a 5K Run held on April 30th. What as great time for you to support the fundraiser and see how in shape you are for the upcoming summer runs. If you are interested in participating in the 5K, please let me know and I can get you more information.

Please spread the word about this event. We would love to see everyone come out and support the Christensen Family. If we all work together, we can make it happen. Let's give Devon a Ride!!

Fundraiser for Aerebella Beck, and Brody Passey

By Michael Farnworth

For the Journal

POCATELLO— During the month of January two local children were severely injured in two separate accounts of child abuse. Brody Passey, 2, was beaten on January 3, suffering a traumatic brain injury and a broken arm, while Aerabella Beck, 2, a victim of Shaken Baby Syndrome suffered on January 21 had a traumatic brain injury, and broken right shoulder.

Both children were life-flighted to Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, and both were at stage 4 on the Glasgow Coma Scale.

"The injuries were so severe," Jennifer Jones (Passey's mother) said, "That doctors in Pocatello were afraid that he (Brody) would not survive the flight to Salt Lake City."

Passey did survive the flight, and was released on February 15, and is doing very well.

Jones took Passey to see the neurosurgeon that performed the surgery for a follow up earlier this week.

"Brody is doing really well now," Jones said, "The neurosurgeon was absolutely amazed at his recovery, and they expect him to make a full recovery."

"When we arrived at Primary Children's" Jones said, "The hospital did the Glasgow Coma test on Brody, and they put him at a 4 which means a severe TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). He had bleeding in the middle of his brain, and on the right side where the blow to his head was, and he was completely unresponsive."

"Bella was not responding," Emily Thomas (Aerabella's mother) said, "every part of her brain was injured, and she ended up having a seizure that lasted over an hour and a half, and took 6 doses of Ativan to stop."

The Glasgow Coma Test is a neurological test that gages with a scale of 1 through 15. 1 being Brain Dead, and 15 being able to have more in-depth discussions and completely responsive. The children's diagnosis of 4 meant: an unconscious state, with no meaningful response and no voluntary activities.

Beck is doing better, however she is still being fed through a feeding tube as she is unable to hold down food.

"We feed her through her tube every three hours," Thomas said, "we also have to give her all of her medicine through the tube, but her shoulder has healed very well. Even though doctors didn't think it would."

Beck is also suffering from Cortical Blindness due to the Traumatic Brain Injury.

Cortical Blindness is full loss of sight in a normal appearing eye. The blindness is due to damage to the visual area of the brains optical cortex.

"Aerabella started talking again on February 10," Thomas said, "and she started walking on her own on the 9th of March. She still does not use her left arm or hand, it's as if her brain forgot about that part of her body."

Beck has two sisters at home, Angelina, 4, and Sophia, 1. Both are happy to have their sister home after being gone two months.

"Sophia is to young to understand," Thomas said, "but Angelina is handling everything much better than you would expect. She wants to help out with everything, and Aerabelle is so happy to be home playing with her sisters."

April 13 marks the first "Brody's Walk" in Pocatello."Brody's Walk," is an event to raise child abuse awareness in our area.

"We're not sure if we will do a walk, or a 5k, or some other sort of program each year," said Jones, "But with April being Child Abuse Awareness Month, we do hope, and plan to be able to organize some sort of event on a yearly basis."

The walk is being organized by Michelle Jones, (Brody's Grandmother).

"My mom has been the spear head of the walk," said Jennifer Jones, "But we've had several people helping us organize this, and get things ready."

"Brody's Walk" will take place on Wednesday, April 13, and will begin at the old Fred Meyer building located at 950 Yellowstone Ave. in Pocatello. Walkers will gather at 10:30 a.m. and the walk will commence at 11 a.m.

"There are no registration fees" Jennifer Jones said, "It is free for anyone that wants to join us." There are "Brody's walk" t-shirts available for sale by calling Michelle Jones at (208) 317-8509, or by visiting the "Brody Walk" Facebook support page, which as of April 7, had 45 RSVPs'. All proceeds from the t-shirt sales will go to help offset the cost of Passey's treatment.

Passey's stepfather Dennis Timberlake, 24, has been charged with Felony injury to a child, in the beating. Timberlake has plead not guilty to the charges, and is currently out on bond while awaiting the jury trial to begin on May 10. If found guilty, he faces up to 10 years in prison. A no contact order has been issued against Timberlake to ensure that he does not contact Jones.

Donations will be gladly accepted, and anyone that would like to donate can either purchase a t-shirt, or send donations to 5837 E. Grant Rd. Downey, Idaho 83234.

On June 11, a second fundraiser will be held for both Aerabella and Brody.

The second fundraiser will be from 1 to 5 p.m. at the OK Ward Park on the East side pavilion located at 1400 West Quinn Rd.

The fundraiser will include a live auction, hot dogs and soda, live bands, a raffle, and several fun things for children to include a jump house.

Cash donations can be made to an account set up at the Advantage Plus Credit Union under Aerabella's mother's name (Emily Thomas).

Beck also has a Facebook page (Justice for Aerabelle) in which you can also make donations and watch her progress.

Matthew Gonzales, 28, was also charged with felony injury to a child, and was set to be in court on April 5, however Gonzales waived his right to the hearing as he did not contest the charges. "The defense offered to plead guilty in exchange for a 6 month rider at the North Idaho Correctional Institution in Cottonwood, Idaho." Thomas said.

Beck's family has said that they rejected the deal, stating that they would rather take their chances with a trial. The Prosecuting Attorney handling the case was unavailable for comment as of publication time.

What my goal is with this blog.

Good Morning friends,

I have a goal I want to achieve, I want to be very well known all over the country. No, not for the normal reasons. I want to be known as the blogger that is able to spread the word better than anyone about fundraisers that help those that need it. Please help me to achieve this goal, and maybe we can make a huge difference in this little world of ours.

Thank You for reading my blog, and I ask you to follow, and spread the word about these wonderful events.

Thanks again,

Michael Farnworth

Brody's Walk

By Michael Farnworth

For the Journal

POCATELLO— April 13 marks the first "Brody's Walk" in Pocatello."Brody's Walk," is an event to raise child abuse awareness in our area.

"We're not sure if we will do a walk, or a 5k, or some other sort of program each year," said Jennifer Jones, (Brody's Mother), "But with April being Child Abuse Awareness Month, we do hope, and plan to be able to organize some sort of event on a yearly basis."

The walk is being organized by Michelle Jones, (Brody's Grandmother).

"My mom has been the spear head of the walk," said Jennifer Jones, "But we've had several people helping us organize this, and get things ready.

"Brody's Walk" will take place on Wednesday, April 13, and will begin at the old Fred Meyer building located at 950 Yellowstone Ave. in Pocatello. Walkers will gather at 10:30 a.m. and the walk will commence at 11 a.m.

"There are no registration fees" Jennifer Jones said, "It is free for anyone that wants to join us." There are "Brody's walk" t-shirts available for sale by calling Michelle Jones at (208) 317-8509, or by visiting the "Brody Walk" Facebook support page, which as of April 7, had 45 RSVPs'. All proceeds from the t-shirt sales will go to help offset the cost of Passey's treatment.

Brody Passey, 2, was airlifted to Salt Lake City, Utah to the Primary Children's Hospital on January 3, with a traumatic brain injury and a broken arm suffered while being severely beaten.

"The injuries were so severe," Jennifer Jones said, "That doctors in Pocatello were afraid that he (Brody) would not survive the flight to Salt Lake City."

Passey did survive the flight, and is currently doing very well in his recovery, and was released from Primary Children's Hospital on February 15.

"When we arrived at Primary Children's" Jennifer Jones said, "The hospital did the Glasgow Coma test on Brody, and they put him at a 4 which means a severe TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). He had bleeding in the middle of his brain, and on the right side where the blow to his head was, and he was completely unresponsive."

Jones took Passey to see the neurosurgeon that performed the surgery for a follow up earlier this week.

"Brody is doing really well now," Jones said, "The neurosurgeon was absolutely amazed at his recovery, and they expect him to make a full recovery."

The Glasgow Coma Test is a neurological test that gages with a scale of 1 through 15. 1 being Brain Dead, and 15 being able to have more in-depth discussions and completely responsive. Passey's diagnosis of 4 meant: an unconscious state, with no meaningful response and no voluntary activities.

Passey's stepfather Dennis Timberlake, 24, has been charged with Felony injury to a child, in the beating. Timberlake has plead not guilty to the charges, and is currently out on bond while awaiting the jury trial to begin on May 10. If Timberlake is found guilty, he faces up to 10 years in prison. A no contact order has been issued against Timberlake to ensure that he does not contact Jones.

Donations will be gladly accepted, and anyone that would like to donate can either purchase a t-shirt, or send donations to 5837 E. Grant Rd. Downey, Idaho 83234.

Angels for Alec

By Michael Farnworth

For the Journal

POCATELLO— After a two year hiatus due to lack of funding, the angels were out in force Monday afternoon at the Phil Meador Courtesy Ford dealership in Pocatello for the "Angels for Alec" blood and bone marrow drive. Over 450 applicants showed up at the drive today, over 100 of which were deemed eligible to join the bone marrow donor registry.

The "Angels for Alec" drive was started by Raul and Diane Cano in 2001.

"We lost our funding and had had to stop the drive for two years," Raul Cano said, "We got a new sponsor in the Northwest Inland Blood Center of Spokane, and a Special Grant from Wells Fargo that allowed us to be able to start the drive back up. We want to be able to help others, after the community tried to help us," Cano said. "This year, our focus is trying to help Ralph Bennet."

Bennet was diagnosed with MDS, a form of Leukemia that prohibits his bone marrow from reproducing white blood cells. Bennet is part of the registry of patients looking for a matching donor. "Of the 9 million people on the donor's registry, we haven't been able to find one 10 for 10 match for me." Bennet said. "I'm very humbled," he said of the turnout for the drive. "The community has reached out for me on several occasions. They've helped me emotionally, and financially, and it is very very humbling."

"It seems that at least one person a year out of Pocatello gets called to be a donor," Diane Cano said, "And for a registry of 9 million, thats a pretty good average."

The Cano's son Alec Cano was 6 when he passed away from Leukemia in August of 2000.

"By doing these kinds of drives, we can try to help other people that need the same kind of help that our son needed." Diane Cano said.

Eileen Damone began working with the "Inter-northwest Blood Center of Spokane" in 2000 and travels the region recruiting others to donate to their cause

"I've always had jobs working with people and traveling," Damone said, "so when I saw the ad for this job, I thought what a great job, and a perfect fit for me. I get to do what I've always done while helping people that need it along the way."

"The registry drive provides a tissue typed pool of donors," Damone continued. "That way when a person that needs a marrow transplant and cannot find a suitable match within his or her family, they can turn to the registry where there is a list of 9 million donors nationwide, and another 9 million worldwide."

When a patient needs a bone marrow transplant, their doctor takes down their information, and issues a search on the donor list. The registry is then used to try and match the patient with a donor that has a 10 for 10 match.

When someone wants to be a part of the worldwide donor list, they fill out the application which consists of health history questions. Once their application information has been processed and a person is deemed eligible, they are swabbed for DNA and the sample is sent into the registry.

Once this is done, if they are a match to a patient on the list they are contacted through the contact information entered on their application.

"Sometimes we find matches on the list," Damone said, "but when we try to contact the applicant, we find that they have moved. It can be heartbreaking sometimes, but we have been able to help a lot of people."

If you were unable to make it to Courtesy Ford for the "Angels for Alec" drive on Monday but would still like to join, you can do so by going online to www.bethematch.org

"This is a great website," said Damone, "You can do research on the site, and you can join by hitting the join button. When that is done, the swab kit will be sent to you in the mail. Once received, you simply swab the insides of your cheeks according to the instructions and then mail them back into the organization. It's as simple as that."

"We would like to thank Phil and Becky Meador of Courtesy Ford," Raul Cano said, "They have been absolutely wonderful. They are so community oriented, and they have been so generous. Every year they clear out their showroom and basically quite selling cars for the day so that we can hold this drive, and we are just so grateful to them, and I believe that even Becky Meador got on the bone marrow registry our first year." Cano said.

5k for Kati a huge success

By Michael Farnworth

For the Journal

POCATELLO— The looming rain clouds couldn't dampen the spirit of the crowd on Saturday morning as volunteers, runners, walkers, and their dogs showed up at Ammon Park in Pocatello for the "5k for Kati" run/walk. As the clock moved closer to the noon hour, the sun broke through the rain clouds, as if the well wishers had used that positive atmosphere to push those clouds out of the way, all in the name of Kati Lindsey.

Lindsey, 23, was diagnosed with Glioblastoma Stage 4 on Feb. 15, and underwent surgery on Feb. 23 to try to remove the tumor from her brain. Doctors were able to remove only 75 percent of the tumor, and Lindsey is currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy for the remaining 25 percent.

Kortney Brower, 16, attends Century High School, and took time out of her Saturday to volunteer with the event.

"I've known Kati for such a long time, (6 years)" Brower said. "She is such an inspiration to me, she's my hero. We met through Job's Daughters, and for me there was no question about doing this for her."

Job's Daughters is a worldwide organization that helps to teach young ladies "the values of leadership, organization, teamwork and self-reliance." according to their website. Kati has been involved with the Idaho Job's Daughters Organization for about ten years, and served as the Grand Bethel Honored Queen, and Idaho Bethel 57 Honored Queen in 2005-2006.

Sara Minic was the Miss Idaho Job's Daughter during the same time period and the two traveled the state together.

"We met through Job's Daughters while we were traveling together, "Minic said, "We became friends, and have been close ever since."

Not only did Kati's friends show up, but perfect strangers came out in support of this much loved young woman.

Kristen Jones works with a neighbor of Lindsey, and was told the story from the neighbor.

"When I heard the story, I thought it would be a great thing to come out and support," Jones said, "We (The participants), just wanted Kati to know that everyone is pulling for her." This was Jones's first time running a 5k.

When all was said and done, over 300 participants had taken part in the race, including Steve Stuart who is in the same church ward with Kati.

"I had a brother pass away 6 years ago from the exact same cancer that Kati has," Stuart said, "We (Stuart and his wife) wanted to support kati, and just let her know that we are praying that she can get through this."

The run made it's way from Ammon Park and up to Jessie Ave. where it passed Roger Lindsey's home, and as the participants passed by the home, Kati sat in the driveway, a smile on her face the whole time

"The Turn out was great," Roger Lindsey said, "Kati thought it was phenomenal to see all of her friends and supporters as they went by the house. She had a very nice day."

Lindsey also wanted to put out a special thanks to all those that came out and supported them, "It was wonderful, truly wonderful."

The "5k for Kati" was a success, and though it is now over, anyone who would still like to help out by donating, can do so by sending their donation to "5k for Kati" 1331 Jane St. Pocatello, ID 83201.

5k for Kati

By Michael Farnworth

For the Journal

POCATELLO — The sound of feet tapping pavement will be heard throughout the streets on Saturday, all in the name of compassion and love.

Some will be there because they are friends, some because they are loved ones, and some just because they want to help in any way they can.

The event these runners are taking part in is a 5k run/walk to help raise money for Kati Lindsey. Lindsey, 23 was diagnosed with stage-four Glioblastoma on February 15.

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive form of brain cancer.

Kati underwent surgery to remove the tumor on February 23 at the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls, however surgeons were only able to get roughly 75 percent. She is currently undergoing chemo, and radiation therapy.

"I was pretty scared," Lindsey said of the day she was diagnosed, "just because i didn't know anything about brain cancer."

"5k for Kati" was organized by family friend Sheri Snyder and Kati's sister Melissa Sutton in the hopes of raising money to help the Lindsey family with some of the medical bills that come along with this illness, it's treatments and medical procedures.

"My niece's future mother in law was diagnosed with brain cancer a year ago," Snyder said, "and my sister and I organized a 5k for her. When Kati was going through her surgery, I was trying to think of anything I could do to help Kati and her family, and I thought a 5k would be perfect. I never thought it would be as big as it has gotten. I expected 50 to 60 people, we have over 200 people registered already. We've gotten a lot of support from local businesses. A lot of people have said, "Yeah, we'll help you.""

Anyone who would still like to participate in the event can register the day of the walk from 10 a.m. till noon, at Ammon Park in Pocatello. Registration is $20 dollars a person, and you get a bracelet that says; "Banded together for Kati".

You can also purchase additional bracelets for $5, grey t-shirts that say "We wear grey for Kati" for $10, and there will be "Kisses for Kati" for sale the day of the walk.

"For a dollar you can get a Hershey's kiss that we have attached to a piece of note paper," Snyder said, "and when the walk goes past Kati's house, I've provided a tree to hang them on. Kati loves chocolate, and when she wants a piece, she can go over to the tree, grab a kiss, and read a note from one of her friends. It's to keep her motivated."

"I feel a little less intimidated now," Kati Lindsey said, "I've done some more research, and understand the cancer better."

Doctors have told the family that Kati is "doing really good", and her recovery is "going very well".

Kati has been staying with her father Roger Lindsey during her recovery.

"It's life changing," Roger Lindsey said, "when you know something like this is terminal, it completely changes your perspective, and how you do things."

Kati has tried to maintain a positive outlook throughout her ordeal, and wants others that have gone through the same thing, or will go through it in the future to just "Stay Positive."