Gunner Gillespie, also known as “G-Man”, was born prematurely at 26 weeks gestation. He weighed just 1 pound, 14 ounces and began his life fighting. During his first few years he struggled to develop and gain weight. But eventually, Gunner began to thrive and grow into a happy little boy. The Gillespie’s took a collective sigh of relief and began to focus on a healthy future for their family. But
unfortunately, just when they thought they were over the hump, they began to see changes in Gunner that concerned them. After a misdiagnosis and, almost too late, a correct diagnosis, the Gillespie’s were told that their son had cancer and that he would not live a year. On November 30, 2007, when Gunner Henry Gillespie was only 7 years old, he was diagnosed with a DIPG (Diffused Intrinsic Pontine Glioma) Brain Tumor. It was located on his brain stem and the doctors told his parents it was inoperable. On October 23, 2008, after fighting this tumor for eleven months, Gunner lost his fight with pediatric cancer and will forever be 8 years old. Gunner had always loved trains, and had a large collection of trains and train memorabilia. It was Gunner’s love, passion and obsession with trains that sparked the idea for the Gunner’s Magic Train Pediatric Cancer Foundation. As Gunner’s mother, Janna does not want his death to be in vain. “I dream of a cure for children with cancer and their families,” she told me. I know that Gunner would want his train to continue chugging along, offering support and help to children battling this deadly disease.” - Read more at: http://www.purchasefamilymag.com/gunners-magic-train-pediatric-cancer-foundation/
We are using the childhood cancer motto Behold The Gold and going GOLD on all social media. Do your part by making your Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts GOLD for awareness! This September during childhood cancer awareness month we are doing pies in the face and calling our blast . This is where we are using whip cream/cool whip and throwing pies in friends or family members faces. Much like the Ice Bucket Challenges that have been going on, our goal is to go viral. You can video yourself or someone else getting pied, post your video to social media, nominate or challenge a friend, and encourage donations to different research organizations such as Gunner's Magic Train foundation or any Childhood Cancer foundation of your choice! DON'T FORGET to use the hashtag on your videos/photos, follow Gunner's Magic Train on Instagram () and like us on Facebook to stay up to date and see who is getting pied! For more information, questions, comments, or to find out how you can get even more involved please contact Janna Gillespie or Savana Smothers.
