Our Friend in Need

When Marc and I first moved to Pendleton, we were newlyweds, we were pregnant, and we were starting our life as we now know it. We moved here in the middle of a huge ice storm in the gorge.


Marc was stepping into a similar position with his job at Farmer's Insurance. I was beginning a job that I hated from day one as a telephone-long distance-Internet sales person. We had no friends.


Spring came and we joined the Round Up Athletic Club as well as the Pendleton Country Club. Right away Marc started making connections on the golf course and at the noon basketball game at the RAC.


He came home one day and told me he had invited a couple and their 2 year-old son to dinner that weekend. He'd made a Montana connection...and I was thrilled to have someone coming to dinner that had a small child. I was getting so excited about becoming a mom. Before the weekend arrived I met a wonderful girl, (I still consider us girls, too...women makes us sound old), named Stacey. As we were visiting we made an immediate connection. She was an OSU grad...a mom...and as it turns out...was the same girl that already had a dinner date at my house for the weekend.


Marc met Walt...I met Stacey...and a lifetime friendship began. Their son Connor was adorable and charmed his way into our hearts immediately. When his baby sister Caitlin was born, we were honored to stand as her Godparents at her baptism.


We've shared holidays, birthdays, OSU wins, OSU losses, Round-Up's, Rainbow adventures, etc. Now we are ready to stand up and share another experience with our friends! We are uniting with their family, other friends and the community. The Johnson's have a fight on their hands.


About a year ago Walt was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma (malignant skin cancer) on his ankle. He had surgery and was ready to close that chapter when complications arose. After months of having pain and swelling with no medical answers the doctors have again found cancer. He has currently been at OHSU for over two weeks. Chemotherapy begins tomorrow.


Walt has a link on the Caring Bridge site that Stacey updates frequently. It is inspirational to read the guestbook. So many people love this family as much as we do. The prayers that are being sent out on their behalf will make a difference, we all believe that. The Johnson's are strong in their faith. They know they are not alone on this journey. They are ready, and so are we!

Coach Johnson:Photo by Rob Bynam EOSPN.Com

There will be a fundraiser this weekend. A Tailgate BBQ lunch with all proceeds benefiting the family. Another fundraiser will be held on Friday, May 30th. This will also be a BBQ dinner with an added silent and live auction. Donation of items are welcome. If you are hungry Saturday, come by and grab a hot dog or hamburger. If you or anyone you know would like to make a donation of an item or cash, please let me know and I will send you in the right direction.