So clear scans in May!  Ben started off Jun big, he ran a 8:49 mile at the Billy Bowlegs Sundown kids run, he continues to amaze and inspire.

The next week he took Gold in the 400 and 60 at the Endeavor Games in Edmond, OK.  He competed against other AK in the U11 age group; also taking a Silver in the 100, this is a huge improvement from last year.  They want Ben to compete in the Junior Nationals but we are passing on this Chicago event due to the many days of competition, he has many years ahead of him.

Here is a link to Ben rock climbing at the Endeavor Games, very cool.  Ronnie Dickson was his mentor, Ronnie is an AK, a prosthesis, and was volunteering with the Challenged Atheletes Foundation CAF.  www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKDDId4x58U 

Here is another cool site for amputees:  empoweringamputees.ning.com/

I am also looking for anyone who would like to help me educate St Judes and the doctors that are treating children for Osteosarcoma....to many kids are saving their legs and not living a fulfilling life...if anyone would like to help me on this, just message me here.

Enjoy Summer 2010...Ben and Family are!  www.caringbridge.org/visit/benbaltz

Keep the Faith,

JC

Ben ran his last mile in Nashville of the 26.2; and he ran the mile without stopping, they didn’t time the event but we had him at about 9:20.  He amazed me and many others last Friday.  Rachel and I ran the half marathon the next morning and completed it just prior to heavens opening up, it was gorgeous weather up till that point.

Ben met Amy Dodson while we were there she is a BK(below knee) amputee and she finished the Full marathon in 3:35, incredible! I am sitting in Memphis right now and I opened the USA Today up and there is another ultra runner amputee on the sports section, many thanks to the incredible technology allowing these people to reach their full potential.

One shirt during the race the other day that hit home was “You have to run through some rain to reach your Rainbow”; such a true statement.

Ben reached and exceeded his goal for Relay for Life, thank you to all who contributed.  If you still want to give to Relay you can click the link above or we have shirts for sale for 15 bucks, half goes to Relay for Life.  Rachel designed the shirt with Ben, it is cute, let us know if you want one.  Email me if you'd like a picture...I should have a link but I don't, we have 8 med kids shirts, then plenty of adult sizes.

With all our joyous news, we never forget that other families are not having near as much fun, from the newly diagnosed to the families facing the ultimate end time. Please continue to find time to reach out to these families, they truly appreciate it.

Next event is Scan’s on 17 May, we’ll let you know results as soon as we know.

Keep the Faith,

JC

ps...Jack just called and the new knee came in, so later this week Ben will get some cool new technology

Ben has had a great year, he is on his 2d leg probably will start a new fit in Feb 2010.

Ben played in indoor soccer in the summer 2009 and played outdoor soccer in Fall 2009.  In his last game of the season he scored a goal with his prosthetic leg in the 3d period, his team won that game by one goal. 

His mobility was incredible after receiving his "Flex Foot" by OSUR thru our local Hanger Prosthetics.  Ben's new foot has allowed him to RUN like the wind again, play and keep up with his peers and lead a pretty much normal life.

Currently Ben and family are out on a cruise thru the Caribbean, they dock back into FLL on the 26th, I am sure they are having a wonderful time.  Dad is working for Christmas, but that is part of life and we will all be back together on the 26th.

Merry Christmas to All!

Keep the Faith,

JC

Hey this all post are from my Dad, JC.  Ben is 7 and will turn 8 in one month.  He is an Osteo Sarcoma Survivor!

Dx 5 Mar 2008

Amputee 16 May 2008

end MAP chemo protocal 5 Oct 2008

Clear scans 16 Feb 2009 and again on 15 May 2009.

Ben is on his second leg, this one is a suction type, he uses a total knee.   We are now trying to get him a blade, Hanger Prosthesis takes care of all of his prosthetic needs.

As you can see nothing is going to stop Ben from having fun and enjoying life.

Keep the Faith,

JC and Ben