London's Run 2010 - Presented by Positive Impact

London's Friends

Below are brief stories of children who have been helped from the efforts of London's Run over the years.

Lorin Merkley – 2009

Lorin Merkley , known as "Merk Dog" to friends and "Lorin the Magnificent to family was a typical 18 year old who enjoys school, friends and sports. Family, church, football and music were most important to him. Lorin started playing the piano at 6 years old and blessed his family with this talent. Lorin played football for 5 years and was a hard hitting lineman. He loved the payoff on Friday nights when he got to knock down the opposing team.

Lorin graduated from Queen Creek High School in 2008 and got a scholarship to Chandler/Gilbert Community College. His plans were to attend until he was diagnosed with cancer. Summer 2008 was filled with a lot of pain, which was eventually diagnosed as an advanced Sarcoma. Tests remained inconclusive, thus the cancer was named “undifferentiated" Sarcoma. Instead of starting college, Lorin started a cancer treatment protocol with aggressive chemotherapy. His treatment plan was to be 52 weeks of outpatient chemo and pain management while the tumors diminish.

Lorin was valiant during treatment. He lost alot of weight, his hair, the ability to walk, and his freedom but he did not loose his hope, his spirit or his will to live. He passed from this life to the next on November 18th surrounded by many friends and family. The Solomon family empathizes with their loss and are so proud of the courage the Merkley family has shown. Lorin's motto was ETTE (Endure To The End) and his life has encouraged all those who know him to do the same.

London’s Run hopes that the Merkley's will still realize blessings far beyond what they could have ever imagined, and that their faith will be rewarded with peace and comfort.

Visit www.caringbridge/visit/lorinmerkley and www.lorinmerkley.blogspot.com

for more of his valiant life.

Troy Wendt – 2008

London
Troy Wendt- 2008

London
Troy Wendt- 2009

Troy Wendt, now 4, continues to thrive and amaze while fighting Leukemia (ALL). He is a typical boy who has now moved on from loving cars to loving super heros. He actually thinks that he is Ironman due to the port in his chest just like Ironman! Troy loves school and church and has many friends and cousins he loves hanging out with. A year of treatment has certainly given new meaning to the word "normal". It is now normal for him to receive daily medicines. It is now normal to go to the clinic to check counts and get a shot of chemo. It is now normal to have a spinal tap every 12 weeks. It is now normal for his parents to stress out when he gets any kind of fever. But, it is also now normal for the Wendt's to count their blessings every single day and night that they are together as a family. Their experience has given them a better outlook on what life is truly all about. Their gratitude for the love they have felt on their cancer journey continues to grow and they remain both positive and hopeful.

Visit www.troywendt.blogspot.com for updates on Troy.

Tucker McElhaney – 2008

Tucker McELhaney finishes his protocol of treatment for Anaplastic Lg Cell Lymphoma in remission. The 14 month protocol, including six months of intensive chemo will be followed by several years of "maintenance" which will include quarterly CT Scans and Echo Cardio tests. Today, Tucker is working diligently a full time job and preparing himself to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He continues to bless his family with his endearing spirit and courage to bravely face what lies ahead! London's Run salutes Tucker and wishes him the best of luck in a bright cancer free future! You can follow his progress at www.caringbridge.org/visit/tuckermcelhaney His family, Tucker's mom Sandee and his five siblings are so grateful for your kind support.

Madison Barton – 2007

Maddie Barton - 2007

London

Maddie Barton- 2009

Madison has come a long way since June 1, 2005 when she began the road to recovery from Leukemia (AML). Her first 7 months of inpatient chemotherapy brought remission, but just before her 3rd birthday the cancer returned. Two more rounds of chemotherapy was followed by a bone marrow transplant. Having a transplant is a long process with months of recovery and many side effects. Eventually daily hospital trips lessened to weekly, and now monthly. Tests prove the transplant to be a success and Madison has begun a new life. She is now 5, attends kindergarten and takes dance classes. While she is gaining strength everyday, she will not be totally out of the woods for several more years. She is a singing and dancing miracle. She continues to charm everyone around her, even the princesses she got to meet on her Make a Wish trip to Disney World! The London's Run family is so proud of Maddie and her family. Our thoughts and hopeful wishes are for their continued success!

Visit www.caringbridge.org/visit/madisonbarton for updates about Madison.

site maininance: rob haynes site design: curtis.design.studio

Schnepf Farms or it's owners are not affiliated
with the organization of this event.

London's Run is proud to be presented by Positive Impact, a 501(c)3, that helps Arizona families in crisis whose needs are greater than their resources.
Visit their website here.

		Phoenix Herpetological Society
		Town of Queen Creek
		LabCorp

		Infant Swimming Resource

		Sprouts Farmers Market

(To become a Sponsor/Vendor
email info@londonsrun.org
for more information)