See YOU Tomorrow Night!

We do not have to become heroes overnight. Just a step at a time, meeting each thing that comes up ... discovering we have the strength to stare it down.

-ELEANOR ROOSEVELT

Gage is taking it one step at a time.

Rejoicing in each and every victory.

Getting stronger and stronger.

Ooh - Ooh Aah - Aah (like a monkey)

Thank you times a million to Balmers for generously donating Monkey Balm for tomorrow's event.

Gage loves this stuff.

Tried it out yet?

It works miracles for dry skin.

Come to the the Superhero Fundraiser and get some!

Generosity

Thank You SIBU BEAUTY for your generous donation of amazing gift baskets for our silent auction!! 

This night just keeps getting better and better!!

See you tomorrow!

A Word From Our Sponsors

Hey Folks!

Just a quick highlight from one of our Sponsors, Elite Image & Sound, for Gage's upcoming superhero event.

Who likes TV?
Who likes a professionally installed and headache free set up of their TV?

I see you nodding your heads. I see you planning your DVR selections now.
As for me? I've already programmed in Downton Abbey for you. Ok. And Modern Family too.
You're welcome.

See you Saturday night to win this bad boy.

Elite Image & Sound is generously donating:

*1 Samsung 51" plasma HDTV 

(600Hz, 2" thin, 2 HDMI inputs, 1 year warranty).

*1 ultra slim tilting wall mount

*2 high speed HDMI cables

*1 installation of TV and cables inside wall for clean, professional

look.

MSRP $1250

Also: Elite Image and Sound offers the following: Home Theater, TV

Installation, Security, Surveillance, Intercom, Central Vac, Dish

Network, DirecTV, Whole Home Audio, Internet, Networking,

Telecommunication.

And a big humongous thank you to Elite Image & Sound for their love and generosity.

Superhero Gage...

This little guy is definitely faster than a speeding bullet.

Possibly more courageous than spider-man.

Sometimes has his Hulk moments...

But his Ironman-like charisma always comes shining through.

It is Gage's heart that wraps around you when you meet him. 

His sweet, quiet spirit.

His sensitive, but playful demeanor.

Beyond his wobbly legs and frustration with his body, Gage wears his heart on his sleeve.

And you see him trying.

To get that four year old body back into superhero condition.

Throughout this process, we have come in contact with angels. People of such limitless love that leaves us speechless. Deb Harper is our angel.

She is hosting a fundraising event of superhuman magnitude.

And we couldn't be more excited. 

Or more grateful.

And most of all, humbled.  

For more detail on this amazing event, click here: Details

Please join us in a night of fun!

Click to register.

SUPER HERO GAGE FUNDRAISER

COME JOIN US AS WE HAVE A GREAT EVENING AND RAISE FUNDS FOR OUR LITTLE SUPERHERO GAGE!

TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE ON http://www.facebook.com/​RunAndRoll this week!

DRESS: SUPERHERO CASUAL

$35.00 Each - Pasta Bar/Fresh Sushi Chef - Cash Bar

Casino Games $300 - Superhero Bucks With Each Ticket

Photo Booth

Comic Artist

Dancers

DJ

Auction - INCLUDING: OPENING WEEKEND TRIP TO SHANIA TWAIN IN VEGAS - ONE DIRECTION TICKETS - MADONNA TICKETS IN VEGAS - AMAZING WEDDING PACKAGE Just to name a few.

Glitter in a Glass - Champagne Jewelry Give Away – Liquor Wagon

                                                                                  AND

HOW WELL DO I KNOW YOU GAME (Our version of the Newlywed Game) Featuring - RSL Friends that are graciously volunteering their time (Nat and Crystal Borchers, Coach CJ and Kim Brown Coach Jeff and Jen Cassar, and Andy (Bommadog) and Marcia Wiliams)

SCHEDULE:

ARRIVE 6:30 - HORS · d'oeuvres AND DRINKS

AUCTION 6:30 - 9:30 - GLITTER IN A GLASS

7:00 -8:00 HOW WELL DO I KNOW YOU GAME

8:15 DINNER - MUSIC - DANCERS

CASINO - DJ FOR DANCING - CASH BARS STAY OPEN

IF YOU HAVE GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE YOU CAN CONTACT ME DIRECTLY.

ANYONE WANTING TO DONATE ITEMS, OR BECOME A SPONSOR PLEASE CONTACT ME AS WELL!

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!

Dress Code

Tell me this:

What goes better with green vampire teeth, a hulk t-shirt and blue cape?

I thought, "Cowboy boots" also.

Glad to know that great minds think alike.

And, more importantly, that the tumor clearly has not affected my fashion sense.

Come find out what I'm wearing to the race and bowling!

Hope to see you there!

Strawberries and Apples and Cliff Bars. Oh My!

Who likes strawberries?

Apples?

Cliff Bars?

Come run tomorrow morning and these yummy treats will be waiting for you.

We owe a big thanks to Whole Food Market in Trolley Square for their delicious generosity.

Thank you.

See you bright and early tomorrow morning.

Now go to bed.

Become a fan of Whole Foods Market Trolley Square for updates on their community giving and hottest deals at facebook.com/wfmtrolleysqr

Catch Me! If You Can...

Just doing a little training at physical therapy.

I'm getting faster and stronger.

Are you?

Honorable Mention

Gage, Troy, Gretchen and their friend, Jeremy

There have been so many thoughtful, wonderful, heart warming events that have taken place since Gage's surgery. So many people have reached out to love Gage. To lift Gretchen and Troy.

The above picture is a highlight.

Troy's buddy, Jeremy, asked a friend to draw a picture of Gage, the Superhero, beating up The Tumor. Jeremy, then, made a beautiful stainless steel frame to showcase the picture.

Gage is excited to hang the picture in his room. A reminder of who he is and the feats he has already accomplished.

Thank you. To all of you. Who have given to us. 

We are beyond thankful.

This Little Light Of Mine

Gage at his Spring Sing Recital

It's been almost two months since Gage's second brain tumor surgery.

Two months of great strides. 

Two months of heart breaking frustration. 

Two months of daily support and love. 

Two months of parental worrying.

Two months of hugging, snuggling and holding.

Two months of humble gratitude.

Gage's little light is contagious.

Come catch it Saturday.

Winner! Winner! Chicken Dinner!

All of our thanks to Syliva Johnson! 

Gage and cousins with Baby Cow

Troy and Reese

One grateful family!

Last night was a huge success!

And we owe it all to Sylvia Johnson, the Chick-Fil-A crew and their gracious guests.

Thank you for hearing our story.

For being bossed around by Jill, Gretchen's mom.

And for mentioning Gage when ordering your dinner.

And Dear Sylvia: Thank you for you for your energetic and contagious spirit. Thank you for reaching out to our family and making this night special. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Our hearts are full.

Thank you Charlie Sheen.

Gage is winning!

(Was Charlie Sheen onto something? Possibly? I mean, I know he was on something. But, did he have a moment of clarity when he shared his thoughts with the world? I'd like to think so... But we can save our discussion about Charlie for another day.)

My point is: Winning. Conquering. Overcoming. Accomplishing the impossible. Completing something difficult. Crossing that finish line.

Gage is doing that. All of it.

It's still amazing to watch Gage heal. Each physical therapy appointment shows us how far he has come and also reminds us of the what ifs. Where we could have been with this little spirited four year old. And confirms our gratitude for where we are now. The odds were piled up against him. The odds that are still out there, like a threatening thunderstorm. But, we take a deep breath. A quiet sigh of momentarily relief. And then we put up our dukes. We keep fighting. Pushing for Gage's continued strength. For his body to reconnect. To heal.

Throughout this ordeal, we have been blessed with undefeated hope. Hope that has been transmitted and borrowed from you. It has built our endurance and outlasted our fears. It has kept our heads up.

I hope that when you are running on Saturday for Gage some of this miraculous support will be shifted to you. To sustain you as it has sustained us. I hope that when you cross that finish line or bowl a strike and the crowd around you cheers that you feel the love we have felt. The strength of numbers that has aided one little four year old boy.

I hope you know that your support has made all the difference.

And because of you, our Gage is winning.

Eat More Chicken

Need an idea for Tuesday nights' dinner?

Come to Chick-fil-a in Sugarhouse.
Tuesday April 24th, 2012

 1206 E. 2100 S. 

from

5:00-8:00 P.M.

Mention Gage at the door and 10% of all proceeds go to help Gage with his medical bills. 

WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU THERE!!

Question

Quick question for you:

Who has two thumbs and is excited to race you?

Yup.

 You got it.

This guy.

Flahback Photo

I hope this made you smile a little.

10 DAYS

Gage, as the incredible Hulk (of course)

Look out!!

We've been busy training. (The physical therapist is impressed.)

And we're waiting for you.

You have 10 more days to try and catch up to this guy.

Good Luck!

Don't forget:

APRIL 28

SAVE THE DAY! 5K

STRIKE FOR GAGE Bowl-a-thon and silent auction

(Click on the sidebar pictures for more details)

Mark it on your calendars.

Or I might get angry....

You

Dear You:

If I could give each and every one of you a giant hug, I would. And I'm not talking about a wimpy, two second, pat on the back hug. Or even more awkward, a side hug with a hand shake. I'm talking about a real, all up in your face, bear squeeze. One so tight that it might possibly take your breath away. A hug that encompasses the overwhelming gratitude and love that I have felt from you.

You have taken time from your busy lives and given those precious minutes to us. You have poured out concern for our little Gage. A stranger to many of you. You have sent well-wishes, notes of encouragement and stories of sympathy. In sharing our story, we have found some life long friends. You have been Gage's angels, lightening his burdens.

You have donated your hard earned dollars to ease the strains on this little family. You have given over 80 (!) items to the silent auction to cover piling medical bills. You have committed to run. To support. To come and participate in our little Gage's life and witness the miracle in which you have been a silent partner.

You have dropped off meals, cards and gifts to these bright and thankful brown eyes. You have wrapped your arms around Gretchen and Troy. You have stopped by, to bring some sunshine and share some of your warmth. You have loved Gage. And you have made him feel like he is a super hero.

I feel inadequate. Simply offering you a measly bear hug in return for the freight train of concern and love for Gage that has been sent. It does not quite measure up. Even if it is an up close and personal I'm-not-letting-go-yet hug. A hug, that if you know her, is just like Gretchens'.

But I hope that you feel it. Our sincere gratitude.

Thank you. Thank you so much.

Reese

Happy Birthday to Reesey-bell! Reese turns two today. Lover of babies, bracelets, purses, lipstick and sunglasses. She is big tease, fashionista and, above all, a sweetheart. Reese: We absolutely love you! You are a great sister to your big brother Gage.

Struggles

It seems like Gage has had an uphill battle since conception. Struggling to get his growing body to match his energized spirit. Gage has been dealt some rough cards in his four years of life thus far. The two brain tumors were the huge cherries on top of years of numerous therapies and treatments.

What you may not know is: Gage was diagnosed with torticollis at age one. His neck muscles on right side of his body were weaker and stiff, making Gage compensate by tilting his head. Since this diagnosis, Gage has been to physical therapists, worn (and slyly figured his way out of) three neck collars for hours and hours throughout the day, had botox injections to loosen his muscles and more invasively, had his neck muscles clipped. Sadly, he has been no stranger to doctors, surgeries and recovery, though nothing could have prepared him for brain surgery.

It is apparent now that the torticollis diagnosis was incorrect and his symptoms were caused by the developing tumor in his brain.  The original diagnosis for torticollis came after x-rays, C-scan and other tests were done in a narrow search focusing solely on the neck.  At the time, Troy and Gretchen pleaded with the doctors to expand their search but were assured that expanding the tests further up into the head/brain were unnecessary.  Without a doctors orders, doing these tests would have been costly and outside the scope of their insurance.  Troy and Gretchen surrendered their instincts and intuition to the knowledge of their doctors and finally, after years of frustration, the tumor grew large enough to present itself with symptoms that called for more expansive tests.  Our little superhero has been poked, prodded, scanned, examined, stretched, annoyed, injured and finally blessed by the science of modern medicine.  We are prayerful that Gage can continue the healing process and that his physical and occupational therapy progress is rapid and his days of doctors are numbered.

REAL Salt Lake Tickets!!

REAL soccer has a program called "Heroes Among Us" where they honor certain people who have done great things. They are honoring the UFA and especially Ladder 104, for everything they have done for Gage. This will happen BEFORE the game on SATURDAY APRIL, 7TH. So go early! They will take Troy, Gretchen and Gage out on to the field with OUR hero firemen and give a short tribute to them. 
To purchase tickets for this game go to the link below. $5.00 of every ticket purchase will go to the Gage Thompson Fund!
www.realsaltlake.com/tickets 
SCROLL DOWN TO ENTER THE PROMO CODE BUTTON, click on it and enter GAGE

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!! THANK YOU REAL SALT LAKE

Arrival

Typically, newborn babies sleep. A lot. Their soft eye lids droop. They nestle into whomever is swaddling them and drift. They yawn and give in to the exhaustion within their little growing bodies.

Except for our little Gage.

After gulping his first breath Gage was burrito wrapped and placed into his mothers' loving arms where he stared. At everything. With wide-eyed, slow-motion curiosity, Gage would cautiously look around the room and gaze at his parents smiling faces, drinking in every moment, memorizing every person. Gage would reverently study all that he could. Barely blinking he stayed awake almost the entire day, an astounding seven hours.

Knowing Gage now, this small detail of his birth proved to be a fundamental part of his personality. It's almost as if he knew from the minute he focused his eyes that life was worth living.  He evades sleep, thinking that he may miss out. He is eager to participate, experience and learn. He showed us early on that he was ready. He was taking everything in. And, in true Gage fashion, he wanted to get going.

I think Gretchen and Troy have been running to keep up ever since.

Love the Slideshow

Let's talk about cousins for a minute.

Sometimes the strings that all tie us together as families get overlooked or taken for granted. We forget how woven our lives are to each other. How affected we get when one of our fibers is hurting. And I think it's quite clear how all of Gage's cousins have reacted to the news that one of their littlest (but biggest tease to boot) has a brain tumor, has to have surgery, and will take a while to recover. 

I saw the processors in my kids kick into gear. Questions spilling out of their mouths before they can even take a breath of air to ask more. But the first question and the most important of all, "Is he going to be ok?"

When we are threaded together tightly, we need to know how to help fix what is hurt. And part of that healing is watching, being and loving Gage. His cousins have rallied around him. To shyly say hello. To make him giggly with toilet jokes that only cousins can get away with. To hold his hand at school. And to share with the world, through a slideshow, our love for our Gage.

Senekah, Gage's 14 year old cousin, made this slideshow for Gage. She used the song I Won't Let Go by Rascal Flatts. Troy and Gretchen's song to their kids.  And while this song is strong and meaningful to Gage's parents, I think the sentiments bleed through to his cousins as well.

It hurts my heart

To see you cry

I know it's dark

This part of life

Oh it finds us all

And we're too small

To stop the rain

Oh but when it rains

I will stand by you

I will help you through

When you've done all you can do

And you can't cope

I will dry your eyes

I will fight yoru fight

I will hold you tight

Gage: 

We will stand by you and hold you tight. 

All of us.

Love, 
Your Cousins.

Recovering

Gage and Reese

Things you do when recovering from brain surgery:

1. Get out in the sunshine. 

2. Go for (wobbly) walks. 

3. Visit your friendly neighborhood firemen. (of course)

4. Tease your little sister. (Laughter is the best medicine after all) 

5. Get plenty of hugs and cuddles.

6. Get plenty of visits from family and friends.

7. And most importantly, whatever you do: DO NOT take a nap.

Real Life Hero

Gage (what a stud!) with the Amazing Dr. Walker

“Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” -Elizabeth Stone

Part of the parental job description is to simply 'make it all better'. Vague, I know. But try and count up the hours you spend kissing imaginary 'ow-ies', snuggling away scary monster dreams, hugging broken hearts and band-aiding small boo-boos. That is a huge category in the parenting handbook: To be the Master Fixer. And you welcome the job. Because no one can love your baby like you can. No one can calm their nerves like your touch. No one can soothe their spirit like your voice. It's the gift we receive and embrace as mommies and daddies. And though there are times when we pat our little ones on the head and push them into life we still relish those tender moments when our child seeks our healing heart.

Before letting her little Gage go into surgery land, Gretchen qualified one thing. 

"Do you have children?" She asked Dr. Walker. 

He quietly nodded his head and softly said, "Five." 

"Please. Just treat him like he's one of your own." She plead. 

With that request, Dr. Walker, through tears and hugs, committed to give Gage the best care possible.

It is a helpless feeling. To have to ask someone else to kiss your baby's 'ow-ie' all better. It goes against nature to send them off into a sterile room with unfamiliar faces. Your arms ache from the absence of their hug. Your heart quickens your breath with worry. Someone else is doing your job. Fixing a hurt that you can't fix. And you can only pray that they will know the language of your child. That they will treat your child as one of theirs.

In Gage's case, Dr. Walker filled in seamlessly for Gretchen and Troy. He worked miracles, operating not only for 12 hours with Gage, but other surgeries in between. His stamina, determination and optimism lead to Gage's successful outcome. He was not going to give up until that tumor was gone. Dr. Walker meekly entered the waiting room post surgery with tears in his eyes stating, "I have some great pictures to show you!" Pictures of their son, tumor free. 

One can't help but be awe-struck by the talent and skill these doctors, surgeons and nurses share. They put their physical needs on hold and give of their time to rescue these little babies, like Gage.


To Dr. Walker and his surgical team: Words cannot fully contain the amount of gratitude and love that fills our hearts. Thank you for tirelessly working for Gage's well being. Thank you for putting your arms around our family and fixing the 'hurt' we couldn't. Thank you for not giving up. Thank you for healing our family. Thank you for treating Gage as if he was one of your own.

It's a Boy

A little back story:

Gretchen's side of family was in Jackson Hole for a fun filled family vacation in early June of 2007. The plans were to go horseback riding, float down the Snake River, take numerous strolls through downtown Jackson Hole.  The entire family stayed in a quaint little cabin just off main street with all the cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents together in a 4 bedroom space.  It was that trip that Troy came sauntering in to the front room wearing a T-shirt that said, "World's Greatest Dad" announcing the forthcoming arrival of Gage.  Wahoo!  The family celebrated with hugs and tears at the announcement.  

Gretchen started feeling some uncomfortable pain which soon turned unbearable and was rushed to the ER.  Gretchen's abdomen was bloated and she was writhing in pain.  Left to the night crew at a small hospital in Jackson Hole, Gretchen and Troy bounced from doctor to doctor as they hurried frantically to diagnose her.  They were notified by doctors and nurses that her pregnancy was in jeopardy and that she may be ectopic.  It was finally discovered that Gretchen was bleeding internally due to a ruptured cyst on her ovaries.  The doctors took her to emergency surgery where they raced to save her life and the life of her little Gage.  The entire family scrambled to our knees in prayer that Gretchen and her baby would be saved.  That night, Gretchen lost 1/3 of her blood but thanks to a wonderful skeleton crew of medical staff, they were successful in keeping both of them alive.  

Gretchen and Troy have not taken one minute of Gage's precious life for granted.  Since the declaration of his arrival until today, Gage has been teasing the family and pulling at our heart strings.  Reflecting on this short life of Gage, he has been a unifying force for everyone that knows him and his wonderful parents.  Through Gage, we have grown closer as a family and more keenly aware of how precious and fleeting this life can be for all of us.  

The miracle of faith, the miracle of prayer and the miracle of family can be summarily declared as the miracle of Gage.  We are very grateful for our little Superhero!  

Snapshot

Captain Gage.

Get better Buddy.

You Can Be Super Too

Gage and his cousins, Senekah, Izabele, Oliver & Soyer

How goofy would you act for that smile?

Angels

These guys are miracle workers.  (aka wicked awesome.)

So, Gage has these incredible friends. 

They are the firemen at L104 in Holladay. 

These guys are Gage's real life superheroes. He loves to visit them, take them cookies and walk by their station everyday just to check it out. 

Well, these Men have in turn "adopted" Gage as their own and have time and time again left us in tears and disbelief at their generosity and love toward Gage.

Tonight was no exception. They made a personal visit to Gage's house to welcome him home from the hospital, to show their love, and to give him a real fireman badge. 

There is nothing that makes Gage smile bigger than these guys.

To quote Gretchen: 

"The most AMAZING men we know. Thank you for giving us our boy back. We love you all so much and are so incredibly grateful for you!!"

We all LOVE you L104..Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Brown Eyes and a Grin

Super Gage, leaving the hospital

Home.

For Gage, it was one of the only words he could mumble during his six day stay at Primary's. 

Diagnosed with Cerebellar Mutism, a depressing side effect of surgery that can last anywhere from 6 days to 52 months, Gage has retreated into his own mind. Communication is felt through hand squeezing, mothers intuition and reading those beautiful, intelligent and mischievous brown eyes. 

Gretchen, Troy and Gage have been here before. With his previous brain surgery, Gage experienced Cerebellar Mutism. He hasn't been talking. He does cry and whine to communicate discomfort. But, we have been able to get some grins and giggles with silly antics and jokes.

For now, the family is healing. Their home is full of snuggles and super hero movies. Gage is being gobbled up by his friends and family. He is being watched over by his L104 Firemen. His countenance is calm. He is working on getting better.

We have been privy to the quiet miracles that occur when an outpouring of love holds a family together. We have no doubt that through you, not only Gage but his whole family has been lifted and comforted. You have helped to heal.
And we will never forget that.
Thank you. Times a billion. 

Update

Gretchen, seeing Gage after surgery

Receiving the news. THE TUMOR IS GONE!!!

Gage conquered his 12 hour surgery yesterday, resulting in 100% removal of the tumor. 

Let's just read that sentence again.

I know, right?!

After the first grueling 8 hours, the surgeons took Gage to the MRI room with fingers crossed, hoping they got all of the tumor. Unfortunately the MRI showed that they had only scratched the surface, removing a measly half. The good side to it was the surgeon now knew the exact location of the tumor and the best way to attack and remove it. So, at that time they took Gage back into surgery for another 4 hours. During this tedious surgery the tumor reared it's ugly head, swelling up like a mushroom. With some precise cuts the surgeon extracted the whole tumor, giving Gage back his life and back to his loving parents.

Gretchen and Troy are beyond relieved, as is palpable by the above photos. The outpour of love, concern, well-wishes and genuine compassion has fueled their hospital stay. Gretchen told me today through exhausted eyes that she feels at peace and comforted. Troy is still in shock with the success of the surgery and the speediness of the recovery. Words cannot contain their gratitude for the healing power and divine love invested in Gage. We have felt your thoughts. We have seen your prayers in action. And we have been ridiculously blessed.

And then there's Gage: our jokester with a heart the size of the Atlantic. He is slowly waking up from the anesthesia. His nurses are removing IV's and tubes making Gage more comfortable. And although he still hurts, through a growling voice and uncomfortable eyes he lets us know how he his feeling, even if it is to say, "You're stupid, mommy."  or "Get me out of here."

Gage will have another week in the hospital to continue recovering. And then months of occupational and physical therapy to repair the damage brain surgery brings. This road may be a bit longer and somewhat bumpier but we have no doubt that Gage will conquer it.

He is, after all, a super hero.

Thank you, again, for your continued prayers, sincere concern and generous donations to this little family.
You have changed their lives.

Heartstrings

Surgery Day.

Send prayers, thoughts and loves on over.

We love you Gage.

Save the Day 5k

Come. Run. Donate.

http://utahrunning.com/events/race/ref/Save-the-Day-5k

Our Fighter

 

During Gage's first hospital stay, he was visited by his neighborhood fire department. They made Gage an honorary Fireman, giving him his own helmet.
After being in recovery, not feeling too well, we finally got to see Gage crack a smile.

Thank you to the Firemen who took time out of their busy day to help bring sunshine to this little guy. It made all the difference.

Gage's Story

About Gage: Gage W. Thompson is a spunky, little 4 year old who loves superheroes, firemen, playing with his friends and his little sister Reese.  During Thanksgiving 2011, Gage began complaining of headaches.  The concern quickly progressed and when he began vomiting due to the pain, he was taken to the ER.  Within 24 hours, Gage went from a seemingly healthy little 4 year old to the operating table to remove, according to the surgeon, "a brain tumor of substantial size".  Uncertain of what to expect, Gage managed to beat most of the laundry list of side-effects, however a few unforeseen reactions did arise. Through 3 months of physical and occupational therapy, Gage amazed everyone with his strength and bravery and a full recovery was expected. 

On Valentine’s Day, 2012, just three months after his first surgery, Gage went back to the hospital for a routine MRI/Brain Scan to evaluate how he was progressing.  According to the doctors, and to his parent’s horror, "the tumor returned and is growing toward the brain stem".  A second brain surgery is scheduled for February 29, 2012.

Following this second invasive brain surgery, Gage will once again face the potential side-effects and endure seemingly countless hours of physical and occupational therapy, routine MRI's and constant hospital visits.  The emotional and physical stress the family is experiencing is multiplying along with mounting medical bills.

In an effort to relieve some financial stress and support Gage and his family, we are hosting a day or fundraising on April 28, 2012.

Information

Run & Roll for Gage

DATE: April 28, 2012

9:00 AM: "Save the Day" 5k: 5k Run/1 Mile Walk 
Murray City Park, 5201 South State St, Murray 84107
For Details: http://utahrunning.com/events/race/ref/Save-the-Day-5k (Day of race registration, 8:00 AM).

2:00-5:00 PM: Strike Your Support for Gage Bowl-a-thon/Silent Auction
Bonwood Bowl, 2500 South Main, SLC 84115
To pre-register: Call Bonwood Bowl at 801.487.7758

For Questions or more information:  runandroll4gage@gmail.com 

Save the Day 5k | 1 Mile Walk | Fun Run

DATE: April 28, 2012

http://utahrunning.com/events/race/ref/Save-the-Day-5k

Location:  Murray City Park, 5300 South 495 East Parkside Dr., Murray, Utah 84107

Entrance Fee: $20 Per Person (Minimum Donation)
                              $5 for children (15 and under)

Registration starts at 8:00 AM -- day of the race 
- Payment will be taken on the day of the event only.

Sign-Up List: runandroll4gage@gmail.com

 To give us an idea of participants prior to the race please let us know the following via email:

-Number of participants in your party 

-Ages of participants

-Name(s), Phone Number(s), Email(s) of participants

Payment: All payment taken on day of event

-Checks payable to "Gage Thompson Donation"

-Credit/Debit cards via Paypal at event

 -Cash 

Services:

-Donors/Sponsors to follow