Mile Marker #3

Hello Friends! 

We have some encouraging updates to share at Mile Marker #3.  Let us kick off this mile marker with the following scripture, “The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me.”  Psalm 138:8

First and foremost, we continue to stand in AWE at the community of support that we have seen in action this past month.  We have been showered with love in such a variety of ways!  It is a truly a beautiful picture to see how such a large variety of needs can be met by serving others in ways each are uniquely gifted in from the Lord.  THANK YOU!  

As mentioned before one of the BIGGEST needs at this point is financially.  We have learned that the cost of receiving treatment at the Get Well Center will be a very large financial burden the first year of treatment and it will continue to have a significant impact on a monthly basis thereafter.  To be honest, we were very discouraged and had heavy hearts after hearing this number ourselves because of how large it is.  However, we have seen and witnessed ways God has knocked our socks off in the past by softening the hearts of those here on earth and are confident he will provide us with exactly what we need every step of the way if we are obedient to following His lead.  So let’s all rally together to see what teamwork in God’s name we can achieve!  

In the meantime, please pray for our minds to stay continually focused on God's promises and not allowing the fear of finances or what results we may or may not see get in the way.  He clearly led us to the Get Well Center for now and we will continue to take His lead in the treatment plan.  

Many have asked if and when John begins treatment, so we wanted to provide you with an update.  This past Monday, February 16, John began his 2 week detox program.  This involves various infusions ranging from 2 to 5 hrs a day at the Get Well Center.  John should be receiving results back from the Greek Test in approximately 1 week.  This test determines which treatments will be most effective for John and his specific kind of melanoma, so they can ensure that whatever they introduce into his body will give him his best chance of fighting.  After receiving these results, they will determine which treatment path to pursue.

John has also completely changed his diet, which no longer includes meat, dairy, sugar, most grains or processed foods.  WOW, this is a huge change for those who know John!  He has made the switchover cold turkey and is doing a really good job at it.  What he is allowed to combine and eat at certain times is very limited (ex: no combining fruits/veggies, eating only certain fruits/veggies, has to wait 2 hours after having a detox shake and supplements before he can eat, etc.)  So please pray for continued persistence in this area of diet as well as for Jill and her continued energy, time management and wisdom in the buying and preparation of the food.  There has also been a Phase #1 chemical purge at the house, which involved disposing many bags of products from the bathroom containing harmful chemicals and replaced with cleaner options.  The kitchen will be Phase #2.  

There are 2 exciting pieces of news to share with you all to help the Gurneys!

• Twice as Strong Together 5K Run/Walk: We are so thankful to the Shelby YMCA & Mechanics Bank for heading up a Fundraising 5K to rally around and support John.  It is a HUGE undertaking, and we are so thankful for the many people and businesses who have helped to pull this off quickly so that all the proceeds can go directly to John’s Health Account!  The Twice as Strong Together 5K will be on March 21.   In order to secure a t-shirt, please register by March 4th; however, same day registration will be available.  Please click on the following link for more details and registration. http://ohioraceday.com/races/twice-as-strong-together-5k/  

We thought we would share the article in the Mansfield News Journal about the Race as well in case you haven’t yet seen it.  http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/story/news/local/2015/02/17/john-gurney-running-new-race-cancer/23557003/?hootPostID=%5B%27063fa51b3b6112a06ff2c1c2ed456c9e%27%5D

• 3 Donation Options are Now Available:  Many have asked how you can donate.  We now have answers :)  Please donate in one of the following 3 ways listed below.  All of these options will be funneled into one Health Account for John at Mechanics Bank to be used toward his medical expenses. THANK YOU and GOD BLESS!

1. P.O. Box - Send a check to John 0r Jill Gurney at P.O. Box 41, Shelby, OH 44875.
2. Mechanics Bank - Visit any of the 8 locations and make a deposit into the Gurney Health Account.  https://www.mymechanics.com/bank-and-atm-locations/main-office/
3. YouCaring: Pay online via paypal, credit or debit.  A 2.9% and $.30 fee will be applied by either paypal or the credit/debit card company. http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/new-race-to-run-for-john-gurney/309542

Thank you again for your continued prayers and love for our family!  It means the world to us!

With Much Love, 

The Gooney Gurneys