#gillespiestrong

Friends/Family,


Many of you are aware that Dad has been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. He underwent emergency surgery
six weeks ago to remove a grapefruit size tumor and lymph nodes from his abdomen. He has spent the last six
weeks recovering, trying to get stronger, and preparing for the next phase of his battle. This has been tough on him 
and my Mom as they are dealing with numerous challenges at home including changing wound dressings, working 
with an ileostomy bag, and Dad’s overall deconditioning. Numerous friends, family, and healthcare providers have 
helped in their journey thus far and my family could not be more grateful for each and every one of you.


Dad’s next phase of treatment is a six month stent of chemotherapy that will be delivered via port every two weeks. 
The plan is to start this phase of his journey next Tuesday.


In an effort to help support our parents during this challenging time, my sisters and I have come up with a couple 
different ways that you can get involved.


We are selling T-shirts with all proceeds going towards healthcare costs. Our bigger goal with the T-shirts is to 
show unity and support from all of dad’s family and friends. The T-shirts will be available for two weeks. Please send 
to anyone you think may be interested. https://www.customink.com/fundraising/gillespie


We are challenging all of our family and friends to get involved in the fight against cancer. Over the past five years
Jared has personally seen numerous friends and family members get hit with a cancer diagnosis. Their individual
fights have inspired us, but they have also motivated us to do something now. Jared being a physical therapist is
always promoting exercise for overall health benefits. There are numerous studies that show the health benefits of
exercise during, and after, cancer treatment.


Dad will be fighting everyday to keep his body and mind strong to maximize the effects of his chemotherapy treatment.
Our challenge to you is to start your individual fight against cancer NOW. There are also numerous studies that show
regular exercise and good nutrition play a huge role in reducing your cancer risk.


We have set up a website for you to receive updates on dad’s journey. We will also be using this as educational information for our family and friends in regards to exercise and nutrition. Please visit the website at https://sites.google.com/view/gillespiestrong/home

You can also follow us on Instagram for updates/information @jmanPT; @amberschrage; @wisemanashley; @marcie_72 

We are encouraging everyone to post pictures of their own physical activity journey on social media using the
hashtag #GillespieStrong and #FlexOnCancer. Dad would gain so much encouragement and strength if he saw numerous 
pictures of his friends and family across the United States partaking in numerous physical activities. 
If you are working out, hiking, kayaking, biking, gardening, playing sports, or any other physical activity please post pictures! If you are purchasing a T-shirt please take numerous pictures wearing it for dad. The more pictures we can show him the better his spirits, strength, and recovery. 

Thank you all for you support, thoughts, prayers and donations during this time. If you have any questions feel free to contact one of us!