Guy Monteleone here
Sorry one more short post- lately I have been running to some newer music (to me). One of the songs is called "My Hero." By the Foo Fighters. I have been running to it since January. Every time I think of slacking, I think of the "Yes!" Brian has given and it drives me on. Every team has to have a logo, has to have a song.
My Hero- I would like to recommend this as the Team Brian Hopper song. Get it on ITunes, play it when you train. Play it during the race.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Guy Monteleone here
Our God is an amazing God!
I am sorry I have been busy lately and did not have the opportunity to follow up on the blog. So I am making up for it by giving a flurry of activity here!
I wanted to explain why I felt compelled to create this blog and the shirts, etc. At the heart of this Brian has felt very reluctant to have the light shine on him, deflecting it all to (where it should be) God. But the everyday, tool God used to show his awesomeness was through our brother Brian. Reluctant or not, Brian did one hell of a thing. I just don't know if I could have done this...
And truth be told, while this procedure was not open heart surgery, running really has taken on a life of its own in many of our lives. (Some may even say we are single minded..??). This sort of procedure can really potentially derail a person's running plans for quite some time. Thanks be to God Brian appears to have been blessed with a quicker response/recovery than is typical. Especially after seeing the pin cushion of a back that was Brian's Feb 8th!
And in the midst of all of this Brian and Suzi are still taking care of his other Dad!
This all worked out better and quicker than expected. Our God is an amazing God!! But Brian Hopper's empathy and courage said yes to our God. Here I am Lord. And Suzi Hopper stood there right with him and opened her heart to the Lord despite the fact that this sort of thing is crazy scary, especially going back to the dreaded hospital of PTSD.
I feel this needs to be celebrated loudly and clearly. I am struck dumb like a blubbering Italian old man when I think of these things. But when we Italian Irishmen celebrate it is with alot of food, music, alcohol. I cannot wait for Monument 10K week. Salud!
Our God is an amazing God!
I am sorry I have been busy lately and did not have the opportunity to follow up on the blog. So I am making up for it by giving a flurry of activity here!
I wanted to explain why I felt compelled to create this blog and the shirts, etc. At the heart of this Brian has felt very reluctant to have the light shine on him, deflecting it all to (where it should be) God. But the everyday, tool God used to show his awesomeness was through our brother Brian. Reluctant or not, Brian did one hell of a thing. I just don't know if I could have done this...
And truth be told, while this procedure was not open heart surgery, running really has taken on a life of its own in many of our lives. (Some may even say we are single minded..??). This sort of procedure can really potentially derail a person's running plans for quite some time. Thanks be to God Brian appears to have been blessed with a quicker response/recovery than is typical. Especially after seeing the pin cushion of a back that was Brian's Feb 8th!
And in the midst of all of this Brian and Suzi are still taking care of his other Dad!
This all worked out better and quicker than expected. Our God is an amazing God!! But Brian Hopper's empathy and courage said yes to our God. Here I am Lord. And Suzi Hopper stood there right with him and opened her heart to the Lord despite the fact that this sort of thing is crazy scary, especially going back to the dreaded hospital of PTSD.
I feel this needs to be celebrated loudly and clearly. I am struck dumb like a blubbering Italian old man when I think of these things. But when we Italian Irishmen celebrate it is with alot of food, music, alcohol. I cannot wait for Monument 10K week. Salud!
Guy Monteleone here
I wanted to update anybody who is unaware of this. Brian got news from his Dad yesterday that Tom's marrow looked like it took Brian's 100% without rejection of failure.
Thanks be to God.
I know Brian did this regardless of the outcome. There was only a 33% chance that this would work. Not great odds at all, but Brian did it anyway.
This is awesome news, indeed. We pray for Tom Hopper for continued success in trying times. We thank God for Brian's courage through difficult medical procedure (especially for any of us that saw the photo of the total quantity of marrow!). I think what helped (vicariously) is the 54oz side of beef that Suzi, Ria and I ate the evening of the procedure on the Inner Harbor.
Let us celebrate this with a 10K in RVa! Please know that there will be alot of people all together under one roof. I appreciate everyone agreeing to squeeze into the homestead on 9518 Ridgefield Rd. I just hope the Adamo's dont get cited by Jason the Richmond policeman for camping without a license!
Note that I am trying to precook some things and bring to RVa for some partying. Included are some Bees Knees (a Gin based drink in honor of Bill Duryea), and some other recipes. More to come in the near future. Seriously consider paper plates, disposable utensils, etc. We can coordinate on this blog in the future what everyone wants to contribute. Know that I understand that many of us have already spent some good $$ getting to RVa in the firstplace, so please do not feel it necessary to spend any more if you cannot. The point here is celebrating Brian and the new life he fosters in his Dad through the Lord.
I wanted to update anybody who is unaware of this. Brian got news from his Dad yesterday that Tom's marrow looked like it took Brian's 100% without rejection of failure.
Thanks be to God.
I know Brian did this regardless of the outcome. There was only a 33% chance that this would work. Not great odds at all, but Brian did it anyway.
This is awesome news, indeed. We pray for Tom Hopper for continued success in trying times. We thank God for Brian's courage through difficult medical procedure (especially for any of us that saw the photo of the total quantity of marrow!). I think what helped (vicariously) is the 54oz side of beef that Suzi, Ria and I ate the evening of the procedure on the Inner Harbor.
Let us celebrate this with a 10K in RVa! Please know that there will be alot of people all together under one roof. I appreciate everyone agreeing to squeeze into the homestead on 9518 Ridgefield Rd. I just hope the Adamo's dont get cited by Jason the Richmond policeman for camping without a license!
Note that I am trying to precook some things and bring to RVa for some partying. Included are some Bees Knees (a Gin based drink in honor of Bill Duryea), and some other recipes. More to come in the near future. Seriously consider paper plates, disposable utensils, etc. We can coordinate on this blog in the future what everyone wants to contribute. Know that I understand that many of us have already spent some good $$ getting to RVa in the firstplace, so please do not feel it necessary to spend any more if you cannot. The point here is celebrating Brian and the new life he fosters in his Dad through the Lord.
Guy Monteleone here
We are coming down the stretch for the Monument 10K, RVa here we come!
I appreciate everyones' input for the shirt choices. I just went to purchase the blue shirts for the Monty family and it stated that there was a minimum of 6 shirts for an order !??#!!
I appreciate everyone's effort and patience with this. We have three options:
1. All get white (which do not require a minimum order).
2. One person purchases all blue shirts and bring to RVa. I cannot lay out the $$ for all; another issue there is you will not be given the chance to run in these shirts beforehand and see if you have "the issues." In male runners language that means chafing, nipple bleeding, etc... :)
3. We split up the purchasing to a couple of sources. I can take the Montys (total of 4 shirts) and another family's order. Someone else can take the remainder, etc (we can work this out evenly in terms of total shirts). Again the down side is getting the shirts at racetime.
As it relates to preferences of shirts: I personally don't care which color. I have actually plan on purchasing both colors. I also echo everyone else's opinions. The white shows th logo better, the dark is a cooler shirt.
Anywho, thanks for your patience. Let me know what you think. Call me tonight 3/20/13 if you can due to delivery delays. I am stoked to honor Brian as our team celebrates running and his humble righteousness!
We are coming down the stretch for the Monument 10K, RVa here we come!
I appreciate everyones' input for the shirt choices. I just went to purchase the blue shirts for the Monty family and it stated that there was a minimum of 6 shirts for an order !??#!!
I appreciate everyone's effort and patience with this. We have three options:
1. All get white (which do not require a minimum order).
2. One person purchases all blue shirts and bring to RVa. I cannot lay out the $$ for all; another issue there is you will not be given the chance to run in these shirts beforehand and see if you have "the issues." In male runners language that means chafing, nipple bleeding, etc... :)
3. We split up the purchasing to a couple of sources. I can take the Montys (total of 4 shirts) and another family's order. Someone else can take the remainder, etc (we can work this out evenly in terms of total shirts). Again the down side is getting the shirts at racetime.
As it relates to preferences of shirts: I personally don't care which color. I have actually plan on purchasing both colors. I also echo everyone else's opinions. The white shows th logo better, the dark is a cooler shirt.
Anywho, thanks for your patience. Let me know what you think. Call me tonight 3/20/13 if you can due to delivery delays. I am stoked to honor Brian as our team celebrates running and his humble righteousness!
Thursday, February 21, 2013
From Suzi
Got this email today from Tom Hopper's wife, Leeda:
"Just saying hello and letting you know how fortunate we all are... I keep hearing about donors that had to be hospitalized. As I talk to family members at Hopkins and hear their stories, I realize how fortunate we have been. One of the donors, a daughter, had to be hospitalized twice; her blood pressure was very low and they couldn't bring it up. Couple of days later, after released and working, she had to be taken to the hospital because she passed out. Most donors with side effects have been women. We are blessed and Dad is doing great!
Would love to see you soon, it's always fun to be with you. "
Thanking God for His healing hand in this... Don't know why He has been so good, except to say that is His nature.. I'm grateful!
"Just saying hello and letting you know how fortunate we all are... I keep hearing about donors that had to be hospitalized. As I talk to family members at Hopkins and hear their stories, I realize how fortunate we have been. One of the donors, a daughter, had to be hospitalized twice; her blood pressure was very low and they couldn't bring it up. Couple of days later, after released and working, she had to be taken to the hospital because she passed out. Most donors with side effects have been women. We are blessed and Dad is doing great!
Would love to see you soon, it's always fun to be with you. "
Thanking God for His healing hand in this... Don't know why He has been so good, except to say that is His nature.. I'm grateful!
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
This is Suzi
I've been wanting to sit and write all week.
No words can describe the overwhelming crazy beauty of Brian's bone marrow, in a 2-liter bag. Before I had a chance to see my husband in recovery, his sister sent a photo of his marrow (from a room 2 floors up, where it was about to be transfused into Tom Hopper) and I shuddered and the tears finally came.
I've been resisting this event since the day we heard Tom could make a full recovery thru a bone marrow transplant. Brian said, "you know the donor will be me" and I dug in, mind and spirit. And body...arms crossed and full frown. I know I had fear and anger, but it was hard to pinpoint why, and toward whom. Fear has deeper issues, to be sure. "Lord, you wouldnt take him away through this right? Right?" ...and "why Brian? He's already caring for his other dad" and more of the same whining.
One of my favorite phrases in the human language is "..but God"
I was afraid of death...but God brought Brian through, 2 liters short, and better than ever.
I was afraid I'd be angry at Tom Hopper...but God gave me compassion.
I didn't want to be in the cancer ward at Hopkins, being reminded of Jeannie's suffering and death...but God brought a chance to share my heart: a family waiting for their wife/mom to come thru the Whipple...helped me to remember that it WAS awful but, live or die, God was going to heal her.
I worried about being able to care for Brian well after the surgery...but God gave me my lovely sister and brother to help, and to bring joy and laughter to the whole event.
Brian felt beat up by his fathers...but his heavenly Father has been carrying him and whispering to him DAILY His thoughts, HIS plans.
Brian was concerned he'd take weeks to heal....but God has measured recovery out in perfectly palatable dosages.
If you ask Brian Hopper about any of this he shrugs it all off. No spotlight, please. So I turn it on His God..because Brian cannot argue with that. Ha! And I say, despite the craziness of this blood sacrifice, Brian isn't down and he isnt out. He is at the gym even now, even as i write this, swimming and slowly jogging and getting ready for his running year. God willing, he'll kick all your butts. (except yours, Steve, you know who you are.)
And more spotlight, on my God of course, but highlighting, softly, the man standing next to Him- Guy Monteleone... Thank you for all this encouragement and support. I have siblings who are friends. What more could I ask for?
Saturday, February 9, 2013
from Guy Monteleone
I had the honor of assisting Brian and Suzi this weekend in Baltimore. The big day arrived and Brian did awesome. The nurses all reverently handled Brian's "holy" marrow and prayed over it before transplanting it into Tom Hopper. It was very emotional for all involved.
Brian unfortunately but expectedly needed to rest at the hotel. But Suzi, Ria and I just had to celebrate the completion of this critical event. We went to a fantastic steak restaurant where I think I purchased an entire cow (no marrow, though- I'd seen enough of this earlier in the day!).
We were further blessed with an abundantly sunshiny day at the inner harbor with Brian. Brian continues to heal very nicely. His follow up appt today went very well. He wasn't leaking anywhere (which is more than I can say for any of our cars...). He has very little severe pain (so he says). Just a little fatigue. To see Brian honor God by honoring his father was a special event, one that I am glad I could share with him and Suzi.
However, this is just the beginning of Team Brian Hopper! As I have stated previously, Team Brian Hopper is dedicating its running year 2013 to the love, honor and effort that Brian showed all of us this week. I will be finishing up the tech shirts for the race (first one together is April 13th, RVa Monument 10K). Thank you everyone for joining me in showing Brian just how awesome we think he is, and how much his example has taught all of us.
Note: I need everyone to pay me for the shirts before I order them. I will let you know how much each shirt is when I finalize these plans. Let me know who wants one, and again confirm size.
Way to go Team Brian Hopper!!
I had the honor of assisting Brian and Suzi this weekend in Baltimore. The big day arrived and Brian did awesome. The nurses all reverently handled Brian's "holy" marrow and prayed over it before transplanting it into Tom Hopper. It was very emotional for all involved.
Brian unfortunately but expectedly needed to rest at the hotel. But Suzi, Ria and I just had to celebrate the completion of this critical event. We went to a fantastic steak restaurant where I think I purchased an entire cow (no marrow, though- I'd seen enough of this earlier in the day!).
We were further blessed with an abundantly sunshiny day at the inner harbor with Brian. Brian continues to heal very nicely. His follow up appt today went very well. He wasn't leaking anywhere (which is more than I can say for any of our cars...). He has very little severe pain (so he says). Just a little fatigue. To see Brian honor God by honoring his father was a special event, one that I am glad I could share with him and Suzi.
However, this is just the beginning of Team Brian Hopper! As I have stated previously, Team Brian Hopper is dedicating its running year 2013 to the love, honor and effort that Brian showed all of us this week. I will be finishing up the tech shirts for the race (first one together is April 13th, RVa Monument 10K). Thank you everyone for joining me in showing Brian just how awesome we think he is, and how much his example has taught all of us.
Note: I need everyone to pay me for the shirts before I order them. I will let you know how much each shirt is when I finalize these plans. Let me know who wants one, and again confirm size.
Way to go Team Brian Hopper!!
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