Napa Marathon 2005

I didn't really have a chance to talk with you much after the Napa marathon so I wasn't able to tell you how much I felt Cole's presence through the marathon. There was one point, maybe about mile 16 or so when we were on a really long stretch of road and all I kept thinking was, when is this race going to end... I'm lonely out here, I'm hot, I'm tired, etc. and when I looked up there were two hawks soaring above the hill next to me... just hovering there. The first thought that ran through my head was, "There's Cole! Okay, I can do this now!" I saw the hawks a couple more times during the race and each time I got a new burst of energy and resolve to finish the race. It meant so much to see you, Keith and Emma at the finish line... I felt like all 4 of you were out there.

The weird thing is that this last weekend, I went camping with friends and the TNT tri-team who was doing a practice weekend for their Wildflower Triathlon, and while I was doing one of the water stops on Saturday, I looked up and saw two hawks again. Now each time I see one, I think of Cole up there, soaring above us, keeping an eye on everything. :-) - Olivia TNT East Bay Run Team

Napa Marathon 2005

I joined TNT 2 years ago and about a year ago I had the pleasure of meeting Keith, Brandy and Cole. Often during the season I complain about having to get up early on Saturday’s and I complain about the pain I’m in and how tired I am while I’m running, then I think of Cole and I quickly forget about my complaints. Cole went through far more pain and days and nights of having stuff done to him that wasn’t fun but he never stopped smiling. I often wonder why I continue to run and last July 28, 2004 when Cole passed it became very clear to me why I run and continue to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Cole has been a huge inspiration to me and I think of him everyday. He is what has gotten me through all of my marathons. I dedicated my last marathon, the Napa Valley Marathon, to Cole.

There is a picture of him on my desk that I look at everyday and my roommate Olivia and I have a pictured of Keith, Brandy, Cole and Emma on our board that has pictures of our friends. They are all a part of our lives and I am very grateful for that and very proud to call them my friends. I love you Cole and miss you very much, thank you for coming into my world…..Claudia TNT East Bay Run Team Captain

Marathon Medal 2004

Brandy and I received a gift that was priceless in November 2004, so much so that we wanted to share this with others. It was from a participant on the Summer 2004 Walk Team for Team in Training. In the envelope was a beautiful card, a Marathon Medal and TNT wrist band. We were in awe when we saw this! I am going to quote his card because I could not say it any better:
“I did the recent Portland Marathon in honor of Cole. Attached to the medal they award each finisher the TNT bracelet that I wore during the marathon so that the “Little Warrior” would be with me every step of the way on the course. As I crossed the finish line, I looked up toward Cole who was looking down on me. I smiled and said, “This one is for your Little Warrior”. Cole smiled back and nodded. As you know the medals are coveted before the marathon and cherished afterward that is why I want you two to have it.”
WOW! Our little Cole inspired some one so much that he walked the Marathon in honor of him. This gift was like no other. We thank you for walking for Cole and sending us this amazing and inspiring gift.

Little Warrior Run and gift

Another event that we went to was to see the TNT East Bay Run Team run on behalf of Cole. As always it is quite touching to hear that people are running on behalf of Cole. Even dedicating their Marathons to him as well! This run, held in Oakland at the harbor, will be a run that will be included in every season TNT will run from here on out! Another first for the East Bay run team in honor of Cole.
There was also something very special that happened after the Honolulu, HI Marathon in December 2004; Coach Al informed us that he had something for Keith and me. A fellow runner had purchased a one of a kind piece of artwork, had the team members sign their names and then had it framed. We were speechless! It was a drawing of the Honolulu Marathon that took place this past December. Quite a few of our run team members attended this marathon; their team name was “Team Cole”. The artwork was also signed by the artist. The generosity of this runner who purchased the artwork was beyond words; for him to think of Cole and to give us this priceless piece really moved us. As some of you may know, we went to Hawaii after Cole passed. We were able to rest and mourn our little Cole and reflect all he had accomplished at such an early age. Hawaii holds a special place in our hearts, and after this awesome artwork was handed to us, we can look at Hawaii every day and think of friends and Cole. With much gratitude, we thank you for this amazing piece.

Pictures of Cole

The pictures on your website bring back many memories. It is true that you can live a lifetime in a very short time and have a great impact. It is not time, it is quality and by looking at Cole's face he had many fun times that I had forgotten.
Cole is still impacting the lives of others. Very few of us will be able to make that claim.
- Dr. Gary Dahl (Cole’s oncologist)

Anonymous Letters of Hope, Positive Thoughts and Prayers

I just wanted to send a note thanking you for sharing the life and updates of Cole with us. I had heard about Cole on KGO and have read your unbelievable daily updates on his life and struggles. The reason I want to thank you is because it is information like this that helps us put our lives into perspective. I have 3 small children and work full time (I am blessed to have a job and family). At times I feel down or tired or overwhelmed with all the daily demands....... and then I open myself up to people like you who have given every ounce you have to this little bundle of joy and have had to go through the real difficult stuff. I have stopped and prayed for you all, I pray that you feel peace in all that you have done and I pray for the strength for you to go on with the good memories you have of Cole. I pray for you to have the opportunity to really grieve the loss so you can truly heal.

I don't know you but I love you admire and respect all that you have been able to do.
Again, I thank you for your honesty and courage and openness.

Not a Runner yet …

I am a new member with TNT in the East Bay run and I wanted to thank you for the inspiration you and Cole have given to me and to also thank you for attending the kick off on Saturday.
Each day, I wake up now and look at the beautiful picture of Cole on my refrigerator and smile. His soul lights up my day, along with the gift of you sharing your son with all of us at TNT.
I am not a "runner"....yet, but I will do it for the cure and the whole way I will have Cole in my mind.  He lives on now in the hearts of so many.
I hope to meet you soon and to express my gratitude in person. Until then, please know that I pray for you and Cole each day and I thank God for sharing this precious boy with me and my pursuit to fight for the cure.