Today, a few of us gathered to spread some of Jon Luke's ashes at his favorite climbing tree, the european weeping birch in Thornden Park, which he named The Banshee Tree.
On Friday, The Post-Standard, the Syracuse newspaper, published an article on our journey with Jon entitled "Take me home, Dad" When a Young Man Fell, His Community of Friends Opened Their Arms by Marnie Eisenstadt. Follow the link below to read the full article:
http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2012/05/take_me_home_dad_when_a_young.html -mal First and foremost, thank you very much to EVERYONE for being a part of this journey. All of your support has truly made this experience one of growth and understanding, for Jon, and for all of us whose lives he has touched. To everyone who has visited Jon or sent their love from afar, he really appreciated your care. To every individual and business who donated time, services, baking skills, and money to the benefit yesterday (there are far too many of you to list): you're awesome, we couldn't have done it without you. To those of you who were able to attend the benefit yesterday, oh my gosh wasn't that fabulous!? Thanks for sharing the love! Of course, Jon's family, you are all so beautiful; it has been a very humbling experience to see you come together and bring about such peace throughout the chaos.
What a day. May we all accept and appreciate the delicate, transient nature of life here on earth, and take this opportunity to consider how we, as individuals, really want to be spending our time. Let us reflect on the life of the incredible man whose calm, strong-willed, generous, and goofy character had always been one that inspired. All my love -mal Good evening and good morning for those of you who slept and woke up to this... I have been up all night here at the hospital. Its been difficult to sleep but I have been able spend some time tonight processing some of my anxieties about this whole cancer ordeal. I wanted to write to you all and say I am eternally grateful for all the calls and messages I have been receiving lately and though I have been declining a good number of visitors lately I appreciate your efforts.
I just received another (my third) batch of chemotherapy over the weekend. That, coupled with other chest operation has really put me down under and I've had to rest more than normal. This last chemo session really rocked my boat this time, and I am back to having such weak muscles that walking has become almost impossible (again). I hope to recover asap but we will see what happens over this weekend. Keep my health in your thoughts please, I really hope to recover enough to be able to walk about and enjoy everyone's company for my benefit on the 13th. Speaking of which, I want to yet again remind everyone to please help spread the word, but more important to attend yourself if possible. I love you all and would feel a lot of encouragement from your presence there. It's late and I am going to try to sleep a few hours before the nurses start bustling around. -jon luke Jon is in the hospital for now. He has been there since Friday when he received his third chemo treatment. They have given him a stronger dosage in hopes that it will shrink the tumor this time around. Today he had an operation to put a tube in his chest. The tube will help to minimize any fluid in his lungs.
-mal On Sunday, May 13th 2012 the 560 House will be hosting a benefit party to raise donations for all the expenses related to Jon Luke's cancer battle. As the medical bills come pouring in, it has been increasingly difficult and disheartening to be fighting this alone. We all encourage you and your friends/family to come and enjoy some music, food and if you are able to; a donation towards the medical expenses. Even if you don't have anything to give, this is a good opportunity to show your support and make a presence at our benefit. The more people that attend, the more encouraging it will be. There will be live music, raffles, games, donated art pieces for auction and food and fun for everyone. So please come show your love, even if you have nothing to offer, the more the merrier. If you wish to donate food or art to be auctioned off or any other items of value then please contact any of us at 560 or you may e-mail Jon Luke at [email protected]. Otherwise please bring some smiles, friends, family and some cash/checks if you would like to contribute towards this cause. Thank you very much. Event Details: When: Sunday, May 13 Noon-Sunset Where: 560 Allen St, Syracuse, NY and we have the whole block (traffic will be blocked off), weather permitting we will be spread out in the yard, back porch and street. In case of rain, we will probably be confined indoors, which will be fun nonetheless! Why: Jon Luke- our beautiful, creative, kind, and caring son, brother, friend, and teacher - was diagnosed with cancer, NUT Midline Carcinoma and his health care bills have been piling up high. Let's help him out, while CELEBRATING LOVE, LIFE, FAMILY, AND FRIENDSHIP. Other Details: **This event is free and open to the public, but bring your wallet because we are raising money to help support Jon's hospital bills **This is Mother's Day, so make arrangements NOW! And bring your mom if she's around, and everyone else you know. Additionally, If you would like to donate, but are unable to attend we will have an online paypal option up and running shortly. We will make an announcement when it is available. Live Music - Food - Beverages - Art - Good Vibes Who: You and Everyone you know - Definitely bring your mom! What: Awesome Block Party Where: 560 Allen St., Syracuse When: Sunday, May 13 noon to sunset Why: This is a celebration of love, and a benefit for Jon Luke's hospital bill fund Note: This is Mother's Day, so make arrangements NOW! And seriously, bring your mom if she's around and everyone else you know. Greetings friends and family,
It's been good to be home from the hospital this past week. Though life's still presenting it's challenges I am very grateful for the events of the past week. I've gotten a small break from treatments, doctors and the like so it's been a nice opportunity to walk around and live life a little. My pain levels have been fluctuating as always, some days better and some days worse (like today). I have a doctor's appointment on Wednesday morning to review the results of my last PET Scan I just did. So I need all the prayers and positive thoughts out there in hopes of good results (we want to see the tumor shrink). howdy folks, just checking in since it's been about a week I've been in the hosipital and I haven't written anything. I've spent the past week here with quite a lot of troubles. My tumor had found a way to infiltrate my breathing passage (sorry for lack of technical terms here) and I've been coughing up blood and tid-bits for a week now. An operation this morning helped clear out my breathing passage a little, though my air volume is still quite low since the tumor is pushing up against my right lung. The operation still helped quite a bit. I'm still in a bit of pain and feeling a bit sick, but nothing near to what this past week has been- which was torture. So thanks for today for the relief from one of the worst weeks so far. Let's hope I can ride this wave for a bit until we figure out the next step~ I have another scan in about a week or so- that will indicate tumor growth/spread/shrinkage... so let's hope for the best.
-jon luke I came back from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute yesterday, feeling terrible (from a terrible trip down and back). I ended up hospitalizing last night on account of pain but got out this afternoon. Unfortunately I am having a lot of trouble breathing tonight and am afraid I cannot stay even the night in my house so I need to return to the hospital so I can breathe straight. I have complete loss of my right lung but for some reason tonight I am having a lot of trouble with this. Keep your thoughts high and positive, I will let you know how long I end up staying in the hospital this time, we'll see~
-jon luke- |
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