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."