Bradens Miracle Mile

Sunday April 18th, a day of celebration. Celebration of Life, Hope and Love. A day to rejoice that we have this day and this moment. Lauren Sage along with several friends and her family volunteered to paint faces at a walk for Braden Hofen. Braden and his family are dear family friends. Braden has been battling neuroblastoma cancer. He relapsed in the fall of 2009. Bradens Mom Deliece is also beginning her battle against breast cancer. There are really no words to describe the Hofen family. There are no words to describe how horrible and frightening cancer can be. But todays words were about what cancer can not take from us, what we refuse to allow cancer to get. Today we have hope, we have love and we have TODAY! This amazing walk/run was put together to raise awareness for childhood cancer. The walk also served as a fundraiser for Bradens Medical Fund. over 1600 walkers, runners and volunteers came out for the event. So many amazing moments! Deliece and Brian Hofen greeted the crowd with inspirational words of love and appreciation. Lauren Sage sang the National Anthem while Callie Hobkirk in her Jr. ROTC uniform held the flag. The participants released yellow balloons into the sky in honor and memory of those who have lost their battle to cancer. The race began and thus and annual event was created. After the race there was a silent auction and raffle along with tons of activities for the kids. A band kept everyone entertained! Lauren Sage, Callie Hobkirk, Kendra Leet, Melanie Shaner and her friend Lucy painted faces for a few hours. A great big thanks to our new friend of the day, Amber, who kindly volunteered to take photographs of todays event so that we would have more hands for painting. Thank you also to LaDawna Hobkirk for changing water and keeping brushes clean! American Idol David Cook donated an autographed guitar for the event, a raffle was held for the guitar as well as a wonderful work of art by Braden! LaDawna bought 20 tickets and put ten in the guitar raffle and ten in Bradens art raffle! Low and behold she won the guitar! She was thrilled! We were all shocked! Go LaDawna! It couldn't have gone to a nicer person. There is so much that can be said about today but rather than trying to fit it in this blog we hope that you will take a moment to check out Bradens Caring Bridge site, read his story and say a prayer for him. As Deliece always says, today was a detour from all the unpleasant things or real world responsibilities. A moment to stop and be greatful for what we have. www.caringbridge.org/visit/bradenh