Event Results are in!

Special thanks to all of the love and giving hearts that came out in support of Rich and his sweet family!  We are so happy to report that over $40,000 was brought in (and we are still counting)!  Great job to everyone and thank you for literally doing ANYTHING FOR A FRIEND.

Prayers for Rich

By: Abraham Shreve

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Rich Thompson

Life can stop on a dime!  Just when Rich, Christel and their two beautiful kids had life by the tail, Rich was struck by Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer in May 2012, but this is not the story his loved ones
would like you to know about him! 

In the words of one of his best friends Cortney Ryan:

"I am honored to have the privilege of writing this letter of need regarding my dear friend Richard Thompson. I met Rich in 2002, while working for the Weber County Sheriff’s Office in the correction division. The first time I really met Rich was one day while I was working central control. This is where the entire jail is controlled and those entering and leaving the facility have to identify themselves. One of the speakers rang and I answered the call. At the other end the person identified themselves as “T-bone.” Well working in a correctional setting someone identifying themselves as “T-bone” caught me well off guard. I looked at the second officer who was working with me and he just said let him in it’s “T-bone.” I thought to myself who calls themselves by their nickname. So I sought out to meet this famous “T-bone.”

Over the years I got to know “T-bone” really well. I got the chance to work closely with Rich for several years. During this time we spent many of nights with each other serving the citizens of Weber County. We got to know a lot about each other during this time.

Twelve hour graveyards shifts can get rather lonely!! Back in 2006 Rich came to me with a proposal. Rich wanted me to go out with one of his wife’s friends on a blind date. Rich convinced me it was a good idea and I ended up going. That was the night I met my lovely wife, Brandi. I owe Rich and his wife a lot for setting me up with my bride to be. Over the next several years we became very close families.

Rich is an admirable man. He has served his country in the United States Navy and has served the state of Utah for over a decade in law enforcement. Rich is also a dedicated father of two children, Keaton (16) and Averi (9). Rich married his high school sweetheart and just three years ago they were all sealed in the LDS temple.

Rich was recently awarded the “Chief’s Award” for his dedicated service the citizen of South Jordan City where he is a police officer. Rich’s contagious smile is infectious. Rich is always able to bring a smile to a sad face, a laugh to a broken heart and hope to a shattered soul.

In the month of May Rich became sick. After many of test and misdiagnoses, Rich was diagnosed with Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer. By the time the diagnosis came, the cancer had also spread to the liver. Rich has spent many days in the hospital with severe pain in the stomach. Rich has started chemotherapy treatments which have been extremely hard on him. Between the constant pain and sickness from chemotherapy, Rich has been unable to return to work.

I personally have not researched to much about the cancer that Rich has. I have heard from many people that the outcome is not good. I refused to accept the fact that my dear friend is so sick. I refused to allow myself to think that I may lose a brother."

Humbly and Sincerely,

Cortney Ryan

Please join Cortney and the growing list of others in literally doing Anything for a Friend!

Click here to see a video of Rich!

Click to connect with Twitter!

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About the Event:

Date: Saturday, August 4th, 2012

Time: 9:30am-1pm

**Doors open for the bands, food, silent auction etc... at 9:30. Silent auction winners will be announced at 1pm

Location:

Ben Lomond High School
1080 9th Street
Ogden, UT  84404

Activities: This Event is all themed around the 80's. We want people dressed in 80's for the 5k. Prizes will be given for best 80 attire!

•"Mullett Mania, 80's Re-Run for Rich"--5K--
Runners arrive at 9:00 am.  The race will begin promptly at 9:30am!  There will be prizes for 1st adult, teen and child over the finish line and for best 80's dress. There will be a clock at the finish line.
Entry Fees (all entry fees are $5 more the day of the event):

 

  • $25 for adults
  • $20 for 12-17 yr olds
  • $10 for 11yrs olds and younger

 Click here and Pre-register now!

 

**5k entry fees include t-shirt, LIVESTRONG T-Bone Bracelet and admission into the concert
•Lunch
•Silent Auction
.Kid's Corner (Bounce Houses, cotton candy, Sno Cones, Carnival games, Face painting, Dunk-a-cop, dunk tank, and a visit from the Jazz Bear!)
•Concert (Several bands will play!)
General Admission:  $5 per person
  • The Greg Simpson Band
  • Beam Me Up Ska-T's
  • Shades of Gray
•Balloon Launch


Organizing Committee Meeting: 

*If you are interested in serving on the Organizing Committee for Rich and his family please contact Wendi Houston at [email protected]  Amazing things can and do occur when hands and hearts come together!  Please join us in this life altering venture.

Date: Wednesday, July 25th

Time: 6 pm

Location: 1243 Douglas St. Ogden, UT (Kae's House)

Comments

If you would like to give words of encouragement to Rich, please do so below!

Posted by beckyanderson on Jun 15th, 2012
Rich and Family,

Welcome to the Anything for a Friend family! Though we have not yet met I feel like I know you as I have read and talked with some of the people who know and love you the most. Thank you for the lives that you have lived. The outpouring of love and support are a direct result of your humble and giving nature. May the Lord bless you and your family during this trial.

Sincerely,

Becky
Posted by Jennifer Reynolds Rhodes on Jun 15th, 2012
When I heard that one of old school buddies was sick it broke my heart. I remember the good times in Debate class with Rich and his buddy Ryan. They alwas had everyone laughing and smiling at all times. I want the family to know that you are in my prayers. If there is anything I can do to help with anything please let me know.
Posted by Amanda Sheffield Schaad on Jun 15th, 2012
I’ve known Rich and Christel as far back as I can remember. Growing up we attended school together, church, and many other activities that shaped who we are today. It breaks my heart to hear the trials they are having to bear. You are never far from my thoughts, and I would be happy to help in any way. I am planning to donate a large Italian themed gift basket for the silent auction. Sending you a hug, and a prayer :)


Amanda
Posted by Laura Decker on Jun 15th, 2012
Rich, you are very fortunate to have been sponsored by Anythingforafriend because the love and support you will receive as well as your family will be unmeasurable. My son was a recipient over a year ago and was badly in need of help which his family received as a result of so many amazing people who participated. He is now experiencing a terminal brain tumor, but remains as happy and positive as he can each day of his life. I want to make sure you read a book if you don't already know about it: "The Last Lecture" by Randy Rausch who wrote about his last few months dieing of pancreatic cancer. It is very touching, motivating and beautifully written. May God bless you and your dear family members as you endure this disease. My son is preparing to return to heaven awaiting his new 'mission' there. I am his mother and do offer my love and support.
Posted by Robert Eggett on Jun 15th, 2012
Rich, may God bless you and your family. Anything For a Friend, is a remarkable organization dedicated to caring for the needs of cancer victims. I am blessed myself to have been a recipient. Keep fighting and the Lord will bless you as you go about caring for this disease. Our prayers are with you!
Posted by Deb & Skip on Jun 18th, 2012
Rich and family,
Our hearts go out to you all. Our kids grew up with you and Christel and we had to stop and appreciate how fortunate we are that they have been fairly healthy and without this kind of heartache in their lives. Sure that you are aware that there are many prayers and people out here pulling for you and offering our prayers, but not sure you realize the extent of the true number of lives you have touched in one way or another. I remember your proms and your wedding day and what a beautiful couple you and Christel were. Your first baby, your first house.(oh and a few other unmentionables too, smile). How you jumped in when my daughter was in trouble and helped her several years ago when she was just a young girl. You may not have realized it at the time, but you may have saved her from serious injury. We remember the laughter and tears. But mostly what a fine young man you were and have grown to be. We are fortunate too as we have this chance to tell you.
We have been friends with Billie and Phil for many years but don't get to see them much and have regretablly missed out on some neat stuff, but friends are always there even when you can't see them you know their hearts are with you in a time of need just as ours with all of you. With love we are wishing you and yours the strength needed right now and in the rough times ahead. Just want all of you to know here are a couple more souls sending silent prayers and hoping they added to the others are heard in your behalf. With love a smile and a hug, Deb & Skip
Posted by Susan Perrin on Jun 20th, 2012
Rich,
You have MANY amazing people pulling for you. Can't wait to see the success of the big events coming up in your honor. Keep your chin UP!!!

Love ya,
Q-Ball
Posted by Chris Close on Jun 21st, 2012
Christel and Rich. I am so sorry for this challenge in your life. Life is full of suprises. I have dealt with cancer this year also. But through love and support of family and friends I am getting through it. Christel you are amazing! You and Brandi and Cami are angels on earth. If there is any thing I can do, let Cami know. Trust in the lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. God bless your family . Your in our prayers. Chris Close
Posted by Carlos on Jun 21st, 2012
How can I make a cash donation?
Posted by Lisa Taylor Ames on Jun 21st, 2012
I'm so sorry to hear about Rich being sick, if I know Rich he's probably going to pull through this with a sense of humor! Rich and I spent many hours working at Naugles (now Del Taco) he always made me laugh! I think he wad even cracking jokes and using sarcasm the night his leg fell into an extremely hot fryer that was filled with grease that was used to fry food :(I My thoughts and prayers are with you and your beautiful family! I will try and be at the fundraiser and do my part to help you! ;)
Posted by Angi Hamilton Woodland on Jun 24th, 2012
I have witnessed first hand the amazing things that people are capable of in times like this. My little girl was diagnosed with Leukemia 2 weeks before she turned 3. I thought our lives were over and was amazed by the friends and family and people we didn't even know who helped us in so many ways. It definitely made things a little easier and made me realize how blessed we really were. Thank God she survived 2 and a half years of chemo and will be considered cancer free this August. This fundraiser sounds great and I can't wait to participate in the love shown for your family, Rich. You probably don't remember me but my heart goes out to you and your family because I know what you are going through. God bless!!!!
Posted by Wendi Houston on Jun 25th, 2012
Carlos, At the top of this page in the right hand corner is a button to click to make a donation! Thank you SO MUCH!
Posted by Brian on Jun 28th, 2012
Rich,

We know you will beat this. You are a fighter and more importantly you have the Lord on your side. You have a lot of people to love you and support you through this struggle. Keep your head up, do what you have to do to take care of yourself and we'll do the rest.

I love you!

Brian
Posted by Billie on Jul 1st, 2012
I could not be more proud than to call you my son in law. You have been a wonderful husband to my daughter and a wonderful dad to my grandkids. This is a hard battle for you to fight but you can win. We all know how you like a challange and this time you have a big one. My money is on you, days will get better and like you said in the beginning you will Kick cancer's BUTT. Were counting on that and were all with you.
love ya Billie
Posted by shadie on Jul 7th, 2012
Rich i know u can beat i have faith in you and i know that you are a fighter and not a pour sport. and anything for a friend knows what u are going through and i beat they fill your pain and i knoe that you will beat this love you with all my heart shadie jo :)
Posted by Megan Armstrong on Jul 22nd, 2012
I am so sad to hear of your story... I read it on KSL today and felt so sad for you and your family. Then I realized I knew who you were. You are the very nice police officer that has helped out me and my family. You have a lot of heart and integrity. I appreciate all you have done for mysel and just in general for society. I wish you and your family the best! May God bless you with a safe and speedy recovery.
Posted by Trish Reeder on Jul 22nd, 2012
My heart breaks to hear of your diagnosis. I just went through this very thing with my dear brother and know firsthand what you are going through. The diagnosis of cancer sweeps you off your feet but with the help of loved ones you soon regain your footing to continue each day and to face your upcoming battle. Thanks so very much for your dedication and service you have given your country as well as your family and friends and fellow man as a police officer. You sound like an amazing individual and full of love of life. A positive attitude and the love from family and friends will help you meet the challenge your facing now. As a cancer survivor myself, I can tell you that every day and every hug you get is precious and your faith in God will give you peace and help along the way. May God Bless you and your family with all the strength and blessings you need to help you endure the trials of this battle. I am thankful you have this fine organization to help you through this. I will be thinking of you and your family and wish you the best of outcomes.
Posted by Allison on Aug 2nd, 2012
Bro. Heninger was one of my favorite seminary teachers in high school. I'm proud to support the famous Mullet Man!
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