Hatujambo mabibito Jordan’s Global Support Network:

Good evening ……and welcome to the “Relay-for-Life” edition of the ESPN (Extra Special Paganelli Network).   HEADLINE:  Once again, “TEAM JP” joins 80 other local teams and completes the “RELAY-FOR-LIFE” in historic fashion.  Jordan’s friends out-do themselves in an unprecedented show of love and support.  Thousands gather at Jordan’s High School to participate, pledge, and inspire those who are fortunate enough to be involved with this wonderful event.  Mother Nature blesses the night with perfect weather……while perpetuating the spirit, camaraderie, and impact of the event.  So let’s get started………

• RELAY FOR LIFE:  Celebrate – Remember – Fight Back—Hope.   Just like last year’s event……. Laurie and I were absolutely OVERWHELMED ………and felt truly privileged to be a part of this incredible outpouring of support for both Cancer Survivors…. and those touched by loved-ones who have tragically lost their battle.  The event was held Saturday/Sunday (6/7 June) at the Leonardtown High School track and has already raised over 200,000 dollars for cancer research.  Jordan’s team (“Team JP”) was one of 80 local teams that participated in this annual St Mary’s County event. 

• Now, before I elaborate on the details of the night…….. I’d like to mention a few of the very special members of TEAM JP that made the event such a resounding success.  Shay McNamara, William Pagliarulo, and Tommy Richardson all served as Team Captains and did a fabulous job planning, coordinating, and orchestrating the team’s actions.  Other close friends included Vince Churchward, Chris Rixey, and John Morrison.  Having been close friends of Jordan for years…….they dedicated countless hours ensuring that every detail was addressed and taken care of.   Additionally, Megan McNamara, Mary Kay Pagliarulo, and Linda Morrison (the wonderful Moms) also went “above-and-beyond” to make this such a fun and exciting night for everyone.  The team was comprised of over 60 of Jordan’s friends and supporters from his High School……….kids that VOLUNTEERED to show support for both Jordan and the millions of others afflicted by this horrible disease.  They designed team T-Shirts and proudly wore them throughout the event.  The T-shirt design was similar to last year’s shirt but was a ‘LOUDER’ color:  Lime Green with Black lettering that says “Team JP” on the front……and “PWN Cancer” on the back (remember:  PWN (pronounced:  PONE) is a texting-generation/video game slang that stands for “Purely Owned” and essentially means… “I own/beat you”).   Jordan wore the same T-shirt…….except his was personalized on the front and says:  “I AM JP”.    Everywhere you looked……..you saw Bright-Green TEAM JP T-shirts.   Laurie and I were so happy for Jordan……..and so very proud of his wonderful friends.

• It was a sight to behold—Hundreds of tents set up on the football field and the areas surrounding the High School Track.  It looked like a pilgrimage……because it WAS a pilgrimage…….a pilgrimage of hope and inspiration.  Thousands of people gathered in and around the tents……eating, drinking, and smiling at the opportunity to make-a-difference.  Coolers of drinks, snacks of all kinds, and Bar-B-Q grills were everywhere…….along with energized kids and the buzz of excitement.  The event kicked-off at approximately 5:30pm with an opening ceremony, color-guard presentation, and testimonials from numerous speakers.  The ceremony flowed directly into the “Survivor Lap”……….a congregation of cancer patients and cancer survivors who always kick-off the “Relay” by walking the first lap around the track.  Each survivor walked with a friend who held a colorful sign inscribed with the number of months or years that they have been fighting……. or that they have been cancer-free.  ALL of Jordan’s close friends walked with Jordan while holding his sign high in the air.  During the lap, all the rest of the members of TEAM JP lined the edges of the track and clapped as Jordan made his way around the loop. It was the first (of many) emotional moments for Laurie and me.  After the “Survivor Lap”, the track was swarmed with hundreds of dedicated kids and adults from the various teams ready to walk/run continuously for 12 straight hours.  From that point forward, at least one member of each team would always be on the track…….walking until relieved by another teammate. 

• Once the initial precession started………so did the Live Entertainment…….complete with bands, comedy acts, tap dancers, colonial dancers, belly dancers, rappers and more.  At 9:30pm, the “Luminaria” ceremony was held to light all the Survivor Luminaries that lined the outer circumference of the track.  The luminaries were white personalized bags containing a candle and the name of the cancer survivor it represented.  After all the luminaries were lit (including many on the bleachers that spelled-out the word:  HOPE), the lights were turned off, a prayer was given, and then a moment of silence was observed.  At that point, all the Survivors gathered once again for a candlelight “Luminary Lap” similar to the first lap…….each wearing a “glow-stick” to highlight their position on the track and to signify their internal spirit.  It was a magnificent sight……….and the second (of many) emotional moments for us.

• The night continued with a non-stop barrage of fun and heartwarming activities……and it was BEAUTIFUL night!!  Unlike the thunderstorms that Mother Nature dished out last year…..the weather was fantastic:  Clear and cool with a magnificent FULL MOON.   All-in-all…..the event of an overwhelming success.  All the established goals where exceeded and EVERYONE was touched, blessed, and inspired by simply being a part of this wonderful experience.   We can’t wait until NEXT YEAR!!! 

• I invite you to check-out the first round of pictures from the Relay.  The “Snapfish” link is below.  ENJOY !!

Snapfish link for Relay Pictures:   http://www2.snapfish.com/share/p=91471244424642896/l=2038905007/g=31151586/otsc=SYE/otsi=SALB

• I will close again tonight by simply saying THANK YOU to all of Jordan’s wonderful supporters.   We are celebrating each and every day……days that YOU helped to create with your love, prayers, and positive energy.  Goodnight.

Fly Safe – Live Life – Make a Difference

ONE DAY AT A TIME !!

VR

Jordan’s Dad

PagsZoo@verizon.net