Event Results!

 

Final results are in for Porter's event $53,565.50 was raised in support and love of the Thorkelson Family! Thank you, thank you for the incredible hearts and deep pockets of those in attendance. Miraculous things are possible when you commit to literally do anything for a friend in need. Special thanks to Brad Carter and the outstanding organizing committee that made this possible!

Porter Thorkelson

In April 2012, Jared and Marianne Thorkelson came face to face with a parent’s worst nightmare, their 15-year-old son Porter was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bone cancer called Ewing’s Sarcoma. 

Porter came home from Rugby with a swollen ankle, nothing out of the ordinary right?  Their ordinary was turned upside down when within one day of his initial x-ray he had already undergone a biopsy, had a port-a-cath placed in his chest, and scheduled for his first round of chemo. His life and the lives of all who love him had changed forever!

The extraordinarily bad news continued as doctors also told him that as part of the treatment he would most likely lose his leg, hopefully from below his knee.  Honestly, that is a lot of bad news for anyone, let alone an active and vibrant 15-year-old boy.  But true to the Thorkelson character, Porter took the news, thought about it and then said, “If anyone in our family has to have, cancer, I would want it to be me.” 

Prior to the cancer diagnosis, Porter and his family could often be found in the service of others.  Porter is legendary for his “good-scout” willingness to help anyone, anytime, in any way!  Columnist Doug Robinson, who wrote about Porter mowing Doug’s aged father’s lawn and accepting no pay for the work, featured him in an article

in the Deseret News.  Even after Mr. Robinson passed away, Porter continued to care for his yard and would not take anything for the service.  This is one of many illustrations of Porter’s character.

His outlook for beating the cancer, like his outlook on life is positive, yet his battle is daunting.  Five-year survival rates are good at 70% given the fact that the cancer is localized to his lower tibia near his ankle and has not spread to his lungs or other bones.  He is now completing his second chemotherapy session—a five-day in hospital stay.  These in-hospital treatments are expected to last an arduous nine months. 

Though the Thorkelson’s are aware that their lives will likely be changed forever by this physical challenge presented to their beloved Porter, they have reflected the following sentiment, “This is part of the pain we all suffer on earth that refines us and makes us stronger.”  After seeing the reaction to the news of Porter’s diagnosis, the doctor asked his parents, “Is Porter a good kid?” and continued when he realized that his parents could not speak through the emotions, “He’ll be even better after going through this.”  Porter’s family has faith that this is true.

This special young man is anything but ordinary; he is extraordinary and is the embodiment of ‘Anything for a Friend’!  We finally get a chance to give back to a family that has lived their lives in the service of others.  Will you join us in doing Anything for a Friend?

Send Porter and his family a message of encouragement below and check Porter's progress at:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/porterupdate/.

 http://www.porterstrong.com

 

About the Event

Event Date: September 22nd, 2012

Time: 10am-2pm

Location: South Mountain Park

Activities:

  • 5k Fun Run/Walk--$25 per personClick here to Pre-register
  • Lunch
  • Silent/ Live Auction
  • Kid's Corner
  • "Shear Love" booth
  • Balloon Release

Listen to this great radio ad being played right now for Porter! 

otb_0719123r_ps.mp3

Flier_PorterStrong_v4.jpg

Organizing Committee Meeting:

We are now forming and adding to the incredible committee that has already been put together.  If you are interested in helping Porter and his family, please contact Brad Carter at carterdmconsulting@hotmail.com.  Please watch for details about the first organizing meeting.

Date: Tuesday, 18th, Taking flyers around South Mountain

Time: 7:00pm

Location: South Mountain Park at 657 E. Vestry Road, DRAPER, UT 84020. 

574919_10150844146182037_662852036_12362485_1478140658_n.jpg

Comments

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

Site Design by

Sign In