It’s been a couple of weeks since my last blog entry and I have much to report.  First, Jessica I hope when you read this, it will stop you from threatening me with bodily harm.  I promise I will write more often if only to avoid your wrath.  Secondly, Kellie if you’re going to fly all the way from North Carolina to run in the Hugs for Brady 5k you can at least not embarrass me by finishing 16 minutes before I waddled across the finish line.  And finally, Anna even though you finished ninth in your age group, you still finished dead last in the entire race. 

Wow, what a day at the races!  The 1^st Annual Hugs for Brady Twilight 5k and Family Fun Run raised an incredible $11,330.51 with more than 300 runners and walkers participating.  When we started planning this event, we were told if we just broke-even the first year we should consider it a success.  Well, if that’s true I guess netting more than $7,000.00 has to be considered a huge accomplishment.  Our thanks to Jodi Brywka and Dave Brockman for making this possible; Tom Morris of the South Brunswick Park Commission for all your help and for the 100 or so volunteers from our community and local businesses like Best Buy and Confectionately Yours for making this fund raiser just unbelievably successful.  Next year Jodi, Dave and Tom have already promised to raise even more money for Hugs for Brady.  Thank you one and all and Kellie next year I will finish before you!

What else has been going on since my last entry?  Well, we had a terrifically successful Blood & Platelet Drive at Confectionately Yours.  The Red Cross collected more than 30 pints of blood and more than 16 units of platelets.  As a side comment, if you haven’t donated blood or platelets please do so as it is just critical in helping kids with cancer battle this horrible disease. 

We also had a very special event take place on Sunday May 22^nd  the walking path which rambles through College Woods (the small park) at the end of our street was named in honor of Brady.  Our neighbors Rich and Tracey Domotor initiated this wonderful project and we are forever thankful for your kindness and compassion.  It is really difficult for me to express just how amazingly beautiful the monument is; for Sherrie and me it is as breathtaking as Mount Rushmore.  The ceremony was attended by several of our friends and neighbors, for more details please read Davy James’ article recently published in the South Brunswick Patch: http://southbrunswick.patch.com/articles/the-memory-of-brady-wells-lives-on-video

I am also pleased to tell you the new TVs and gaming stations are finally being installed in the Pediatric/Hematology Unit in Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital.  So far, everyone is very pleased with the results and it should make staying in that unit just a little more comfortable for both the kids and the parents.  Our special thanks to the Love for Lilly and Best Buy of South Brunswick for making this a reality.

Ryan Herits (Brittany’s brother) recently graduated from St. Johns University.  Ryan played lacrosse at St. Johns and after hearing about Brady from his sister; asked his coach (Coach Miller) if the team could do something to honor Brady.  Well, the attached video says it a lot better than I can.  Ryan & Brittany are two amazing young people and we are blessed to have you as our friends.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlR3u3bROWM

Finally, Memorial Day the last Sunday in May, the unofficial first day of summer and the day Brady’s cancer returned.  It’s beyond irony the day is named “memorial” as it will always be a day of dreadful memories for us.  Anyone who has lost a child knows how difficult anniversary dates are and Memorial Day will never have the same meaning for Sherrie and me.  What makes the pain of our loss tolerable are the actions of our friends, family, neighbors and everyone who continues supporting our efforts of helping kids with cancer.  Some day pediatric cancer will be a forgotten nightmare; until that day, what we have is our ability to pray for all the children battling this disease, think of how we can help them and of course give someone in need of (especially Jessica) a big hug – it really makes life so much better…

Got to run, Sherrie and I are off to participate in the Central Jersey CureSearch Walk in Princeton.  If you’re in the area registration is at 9:00am and CureSearch is one of the main non-profit organizations focusing on lifesaving research for childhood cancer.  Don’t forget hugs for Jessica, it’s essential for my well being…

It’s with so many mixed emotions that I write this entry that I really don’t know where to begin.  On one hand another tremendous week for the Hugs for Brady Foundation and on the other; well I’ll eventually get to that. 

On the bright side, Stacey Gondek entered the Hugs for Brady Foundation into the Pepsi Refresh Project and she was informed Hugs for Brady is under review to be nominated as a possible entry.  If we are accepted I believe we could receive a significant amount of grant money.  Nice work, Stacey and I will up-date my 3 readers as I obtain more details. 

This past Wednesday, Sherrie was the principal speaker at yet another American Red Cross (Penn/Jersey) HomeTown Hero Recognition Awards Luncheon.  She spoke in front about 100+ people and did an incredible job.  I don’t believe there was a dry eye in the place and I was just so very proud of her.  Don’t forget our next Blood & Platelet Drive is next Sunday May 15^th at Confectionately Yours in Franklin Park, NJ.  You can register on line www.redcross.org just mention sponsor code: 14838.  If you can’t give blood, stop by Confects for a day of fun!

Today, we are conducting 2 fund raising events; one at Major Car Wash in South Brunswick, NJ and the other at the Road Runner Sports in North Brunswick, NJ.  The event at the car wash is our made-up date as we were rained out the day before Easter.  The Road Runner Sports event is part 2 of our pre-race clinics.  This event is very cool as all we have to do is get 80 people to show up and have a ShoeDog analysis which will determine the perfect fitting running or walking shoes.  Very simple, very cool and Road Runner Sports had pledged $2,000.00 to the Hugs for Brady Foundation once we hit 80 people.  So, as Bob Barker would say. “Com’on Down.”  The Hugs for Brady 1^st Annual Twilight 5k Race / Family Fun Walk is just a few weeks away and getting the “right” shoes is a perfect way to get started.

At Major Car Wash, it gets even easier – just bring your car and get it washed and drop some money in one of collection boxes on the way out.  Couldn’t be easier and the guys at Major do a Great job.

Now back to reality.  Sunday is going to be a very difficult and emotional day at our home; it’s Mothers Day and Sherri is really (as you would expect) feeling the heavy load of not having her baby.  I have researched what to do, how to act and what to say to her and what I’ve concluded is; it’s going to be a day that is filled like the rest of our days with bitter sweet memories of Brady.  I’m sure this will be the same for Mark’s Mom, Jasanti’s Mom, Christian’s Mom and the many other Mothers who have lost a child; it’s just not easy. 

So, if you run into Sherrie in the next couple of days, give her a hug she’d like that.  If you don’t see her; keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she was just about the Best Mom ever and deserves all your blessings!  And to my 3-4 readers;

Happy Mothers Day to one and all…

Sunday mornings are just about the best of the best days of the week.  I just woke up; 5:30am which for me is sleeping in.  The sun is trying to peek over the morning twilight and the birds are making all the noises of a jungle.  It’s a great time of day and life is good!

Last night we had a wonderful evening of good food, too much wine and great company at a local fund raising event for our library.  The food was catered by the Brownstone Restaurant of Paterson, NJ and it was incredible.  We will be attending a wedding at the Brownstone in July and I really cannot wait – Yummo!

Now on to truly important stuff; The Hugs for Brady Foundation!  The month of May is going to be a rather busy month.  On the schedule is a Blood Drive at Confectionately Yours, and our 1^st Annual Hugs for Brady Twilight 5k Run / Family Walk.  Both events should be fun and entertaining as my beautiful bride doesn’t let a gathering go by without adding numerous “things” to liven it up.  At the Blood Drive (to be held Sunday May 15^th at Confectionately Yours) there is going to be a classic car show hosted by the Hollywood Night Cruisers, a Bounce Hut for the kiddies, a dance expo by the All Star Dance Academy, Sparkee the mascot of the Somerset Patriots will be appearing along with the beautiful Mrs. New Jersey.  All this and Sherrie has offered ice cream to everyone who donates platelets.  Seriously, if you are planning on donating please contact the Red Cross at www.redcrossblood.org and enter Sponsor Code: 14838.  It’s that simple and the ice cream at Confectionately Yours is just terrific!!!

On to the Twilight 5k Run / Family Walk which is going to be held on Saturday May 21^st at the South Brunswick High School.  It too will have all sorts of fun “things” to do and I will be up-dating you as we get a little closer.  For now, just go to our website and under upcoming events and REGISTER!  You will receive a Hugs for Brady Tee Shirt and every dollar we earn will go directly to helping kids with cancer.

Some other items of interest, Sherrie will be in Philadelphia this Wednesday speaking on behalf of the American Red Cross and the importance of donating blood.  She does a wonderful job and I am very proud of her for having the courage and poise to share our story with so many people.  This luncheon event will be comprised of many local businesses considering sponsoring blood drives.  No doubt in my mind; before they leave the room Sherrie will have all of them scheduling drives. 

Also, there are several photos of the New Jersey contingency from our Advocacy Day in Washington, DC.  Just click on this link:We did a fine job representing our state and hopefully we can get even more people involved nex year. In this photo is Johnny was one of Brady’s best buddy and is doing so well winning his battle with cancer.  A personal note to Johnny, “you still owe me $50.00 you loss playing connect the dots with me and I WANT it."  Or we can play double or nothing next year in DC...

To see all the photos just click of the following link:  http://www.kintera.org/c.8hKOI3MFIjI2E/b.6698973/k.8A75/Photo_Gallery/siteapps/tools/PhotoGallery.aspx

One more link to check out: http://www.redstormsports.com/allaccess/?media=243332.  This is an interview with Brittany Herits brother Ryan a senior at St. John’s University and a remarkable young man from a remarkable family.  Brittany & Ryan - Thank you.

So, the sun is above the horizon and it looks like it’s going to be a beautiful day.  I will stop here and as good as my life is (and believe me it really is pretty darn good) there isn’t a day, an hour, a moment that Brady is very far from my mind.  As redundant as it may sound; I just miss him so much.  This horrible disease called pediatric cancer must be stopped and the only way possible is with your involvement.  Please follow one of the moral points of the Hugs for Brady compass: Donate Blood, Donate Platelets, Donate Time, and (if you can) Donate Money.  Remember prayers, hugs and good thoughts are also always welcomed!

Its mornings like these that have a tendency to get me down in the dumps; it’s dark and rainy. For some crazy reason, in the damp, dreariness of morning light I miss Brady ever so; it actually hurts.  Today, we were to suppose to be conducting a small fund raiser at Major Car Wash on Route 1 in North Brunswick, NJ and because of the rain we are now moving the event to Confectionately Yours on Route 27 in Franklin Park.  It’s sad we’re not going to be at the car wash, the folks there have been just wonderful supporting our foundation. 

Speaking of Confects; yesterday (Good Friday) is one of their busier days of the year and they found themselves short-handed.  Sherrie volunteered to help and I understand did an outstanding job as Hostess for the lunch time crowd.  I got to Confects around 5:30PM to join Sherrie and I too was soon put to work making sure the chocolate candy display was kept full of freshly made chocolate Easter Bunnies, chocolate eggs, chocolate crosses and chocolate “whatevers.”  It seemed as fast as I put it on the shelf it was gone.  Joe Gondek was making the chocolate items, Sherrie was wrapping, and heat sealing and I was pricing and stocking.  Fun evening but I came home totally shot!  I don’t think the “thank you” night cap(s) of 12 year old Macallan Scotch generously offered and graciously accepted had anything to do with feeling tried.  (Thanks Joe, you keep the 12 year old coming and I’ll help out anytime).

I guess last night sums up the totally mixed emotional roller coast ride we have been on since the passing of Brady.  On one hand, we have developed a group of the most caring, loving, generous friends a person could ever want.  Our neighbors are like family members; every one of them just as warm and thoughtful as if we had lived here all our lives.  The total irony of this is it took the loss of Brady to show us just how truly wonderful people can be.  I guess its Gods way of trying to balance the books.  I don’t really know, but I can tell you this much without all the Good People watching over Sherrie and I gloomy days like today would be virtually impossible to deal with.  From my heart; thank you; to our good friends, neighbors, and family for making this seemingly endless pain tolerable.  I just miss my baby boy…

We wish all of you a Blessed Easter Sunday full of good thoughts, prayers and hugs and maybe a couple Confectionately Yours chocolate bunnies hand wrapped and displayed by Sherrie and Me…

It is with a heavy heart that I am writing this letter to inform you that Hugs for Brady Foundation was not chosen as the charity of choice for the New Jersey Association of Student Councils.  It was a difficult decision as the three finalist, including Hugs for Brady, are all amazing charities that were all deserving of this award.  On a happier note, we have been informed that Hugs for Brady has all ready been nominated and is on the list to compete for next year’s award. 

I got back from a business trip to Las Vegas on Friday evening the plane was packed and of course late and the weather was just awful.  However, it was great to be home after 5 days away. 

Sherrie had an unbelievable Friday as she made a presentation to the New Jersey Association of Student Councils, (NJASC) hoping to convince this fine organization to make Hugs for Brady their charity for 2011/2012 school year.  Last year, the NJASC raised more than $150,000 for the Spread the Magic Foundation and it would be just incredible if we were chosen this year.  The Hugs for Brady Foundation is one of 3 finalists out of more than 100 charities and now it’s a wait-and-see what happens; we hope to know by this time next week.  Please say a prayer as this would bring us ever so close to our goal of funding a Pediatric Hematology / Oncology Fellowship program.

A few comments about our Fellowship goal; New Jersey currently has a total of 54 Pediatric Hematology / Oncologists of which 23 practice in state.  There is 1 Fellowship program and it is about to be completed with no funding available for a future fellowship.  This is just about as sad as it gets, as 23 practicing Pediatric Hematology / Oncologists in NJ is the exact same number as West Virginia and Alabama.  How can this be justified or explained is beyond words.  And remember, these are the same doctors who are looking to cure pediatric cancer while treating the kids afflicted with this horrible disease.  23 doctors in New Jersey with a population 25+% greater than WV and AL combined is just repugnant.

Enough of my soap box, but it just makes me a little more insane than I need to be.  Yesterday, the Hugs for Brady Foundation (inner-circle of Grandma Jan, Grandpa Gary, Sherrie and me) delivered over 500 bouquets of flowers to St. Peters Children’s Hospital, Bristol-Myers Squibb’s Children’s Hospital and the PSE&G Children’s Hospital.  I love doing this as it is truly amazing the smiles it brings to the faces of the patients, nurses, doctors and staff.  This is my favorite HFB event and I hope we can continue it forever.  Our very special thanks to our anonymous donor for your continued generosity and kindness; you are just wonderful!

Today we spent Sunday morning at Road Runner Sports an amazing store solely dedicated to running and walking shoes.  They have committed to donating $1,000.00 to Hugs for Brady if we had 40 people so up for a shoe analysis and fitting.  We managed to bring 50+ people and so it was a rather profitable Sunday morning.  To check out Road Runner Sports you can visit their website: http://www.roadrunnersports.com/.  And if you missed this clinic Road Runner will be conducting another one on Saturday May 7, 2011 starting at 9:00 AM.  Once again, if we bring in 40 people, HFB will receive a $1,000.00.  These folks know what they are doing and it was really cool to have an electronic analysis of my feet to get an accurate shoe fitting.  Now, all I have to do is start running to get ready for our 5k on May 21^st. 

So, it’s another week in the books for Hugs for Brady and another week of missing Brady like it was just yesterday.  It's a chronic pain, a hole in my heart which will never go away and will never stop hurting.  As I was sitting on the plane The Phantom of Opera playing in my headset, I just started crying like a baby.  Quite frankly, I think the guy sitting next to me thought I was insane.  But it’s like that; out of the blue waves of sadness and despair hit you with the force of a tsunami.  I will never get over the loss of Brady and so we continue our battle fighting this hideous disease; it must be stopped.  Until that day, we have our family, our friends, our prayers, our good thoughts, and our hugs to help us on our  long flights.  Thank you…

It’s 3:00am on a Sunday morning and I can’t sleep, what else is new?  Interesting Saturday; we delivered over 120 bouquets of beautiful red roses to Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital and I must say it just amazes me how happy people are when you give them flowers.  Sherrie and I love doing this and I sure hope our supplier (who wishes to remain anonymous) continues to support our efforts.  Thank you my friend!

We also stopped by to pay our respects to Jodi and Jeff (Mrs. Meszaros’ children) and her husband Bob.  Mrs. M would be very proud of her family as they exemplify the same kindness and caring which was ever present in her personality and values.  Bob (Mr. M.) is taking the loss of his bride of nearly 42 years as hard as one would expect.  However, he too impressed me with his consideration as he told me his asparagus crop was showing signs of sprouting and he once again promised me a bunch or two.  Just a side comment; Mr. Meszaros’ home grown Jersey asparagus are about the best I have ever, ever tasted; can’t wait to crunch into one.  Abraham Lincoln is quoted saying, “All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother,” rest quietly Mrs. M, you did a wonderful job…

We finished our day at our favorite family restaurant; Confectionately Yours or as I like to call it, the “Cheers” of family restaurants.  Once again, we left there with our stomachs full and tears just about rolling down our faces from all the laughing and story telling.  If you are ever in the Central Jersey area make it a point to stop at Confects, you will not be disappointed.

Did you ever meet a person who by their sheer efforts make you say; “WOW.”  Well, our friend Brittany Herits is one of those people.  We met Brittany at BMSCH where she was working as a technician.  It soon became obvious that this young lady had much greater potential and plans.  Brittany left BMSCH and is now enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania in medical school studying to become a doctor.  To help with her expenses she is also in the Naval Reserves and currently holds the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade.  If this isn’t enough Brittany is a very active member of the Hugs for Brady Foundation and is the Chairperson for our up-coming Golf Outing.  Where she finds the time and energy I will never know but it runs throughout her family.  Brittany has managed to get her entire family involved in our foundation; from her Mom & Dad attending our recent Winter Gala to her younger brother Ryan who is a student and lacrosse player at St. Johns University, it’s just incredible. 

Ryan was so touched by Brady’s courageous battle with cancer that he too felt compelled to help.  Last year, he convinced his coach and fellow players to wear a decal on the back of their lacrosse helmets.  And he created a challenge to his teammates and fans to contribute money for every goal he scores.  To date, Ryan has raised more than $500.  Recently, Ryan (and Brittany) efforts were spotlighted in an article in Inside Lacrosse.  Here’s that article:

“Senior midfielder Ryan Herits explained to us that his summer club team wore the "BW" decal on the back of their helmet and asked coach Miller if the Johnnies could also wear the decal. The "BW" spreads awareness for pediatric cancer through The Hugs for Brady Foundation paying tribute to Brady Wells who courageously battled Non-Differentiated Acute Leukemia, a very rare form of leukemia, passing away before reaching his second birthday last summer. Herits' sister is also active on the Board of directors for the Foundation whose goal is to to help in any and every way possible to ease the pain of the children and their families who have cancer. Another outstanding act of awareness by the lacrosse community.”

It’s just amazing how everyday people can find the time to make our crazy world a better place to live.  One last item before I say good-bye; Mrs. Meszaros funeral arrangements were published in today’s newspaper, please read the following and you will get a much better understanding of why Mrs. M’s family is just so incredible.

The Funeral will be held 8:45 am Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at M.J. Murphy Funeral Home, 616 Ridge Road at New Road, Monmouth Junction. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 am Tuesday at St. Augustine of Canterbury Church, 45 Henderson Road, Kendall Park. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Burial Park, South Brunswick. Calling hours will be held Monday, April 4, 2011 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to The Hugs for Brady Foundation, c/o Sherrie Wells, 4 Quentin Road, Kendall Park, NJ 08824.

What else is there to say, except Hugs, Prayers and Good Thoughts are so deserved to so many good people… Thank you!

It’s Saturday morning and while my bride is fast a sleep I thought I’d scribble some words down for Brady’s Blog.  Sherrie has been working ever so hard on making our foundation a lasting success.  I mentioned in my last entry the wonderful job she did for the Red Cross Hometown Hero’s Dinner; well next week she has another significant presentation.  On Friday April 8^th Sherrie will be giving a presentation to The New Jersey Association of Student Councils.  The Hugs for Brady Foundation is one of three finalists to become the NJASC charity of choice for 2011.  This in itself is a major honor as we’ve been told there were more than 100 non-profit organizations initially under consideration.  The stakes are high, last year’s charity received more than $150,000.00 from the NJASC, so please wish and pray Sherrie is at her best on Friday.  There is no doubt in my mind she will do an outstanding job!

On Thursday evening the world lost one of the most kindest, caring and loving people; Mrs. Meszaros.  As I have mentioned Mrs. M was just simply a wonderful friend who is now in heaven with Brady.  I am going to propose to our board members we honor Mrs. M. with a position on our board of directors as. “Grandmother Emeritus.”  She is just ever so worthy of any and every honor she receives.  Mrs. M we will miss you…

Finally, I hear Sherrie stirring out of bed so I am going to say good-bye for now.  We are off to deliver flowers to the hospital, only 120 bouquets this week.  Until next time, all my hugs, prayers and thoughts will be going to Mrs. M’s family during this most trying time.  If it’s any consolation; Brady (I’m sure) is holding her hand…

I would truly hate to live in Cleveland, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, Seattle or any other place that gets less than 100 days of annual sunshine.  It’s just depressing, nasty, cold, dreary, and dark.  Basically, it just sucks!  These are the days that make me melancholy and sad.  I have read somewhere that once a man reaches the age of 40 his testosterone levels start to diminish and his estrogen levels start to increase.  If this is true and with all deference to women it would explain an awful lot about me; I am turning into a woman.  I have for the longest time enjoyed chick flicks, I like to cook and I have on occasion been known to get a pedicure.  No wonder days like today make me sad.  The next thing I will be doing is singing Karen Carpenter songs; “Hanging around, nothing to do but frown, rainy and”… well you get the idea.