GREAT STRIDES: STEPS TO A CURE

Team Lincoln Up With Jackson's Rays of Hope just before this morning's Greenfield, Indiana Great Strides walk. Friends and family members of Dr. John and Debby Williams gathered to raise money for a cure to Cystic Fibrosis in honor of their sweet grandsons, Jackson and Lincoln Williams.

Brian and I were honored to be asked by our longtime friends, Big John and Debby Williams, to walk in the Greenfield Great Strides fundraiser this morning to help take "steps to cure" Cystic Fibrosis.

The family has reason to raise money and awareness toward that worthy goal. Two of them, in fact:

They walk for their adorable grandsons, Jackson and Lincoln Williams, sons of Nick and Erin Williams of Denver, Colorado. Both children have CF. The courageous faith, hope, and love shown by Nick and Erin as they move forward and provide loving homes for their children, including son Brock, is nothing short of admirable and amazing.

John and Debby's daughter (and the boys' aunt) Sarah, will host her own Fort Wayne team in June for another walk. Yes, the family is all-in when it comes to love and help. Let me count the ways. Well, there are so many I can't count. But here are three:

Crazy Gramma (that's what the grands call Debby), her sister Sue Ann Yovanovich and Debby's twin, Denny Yovanovich were among supporters there this morning.

And so were plenty of other peeps who love the family.

Crazy Gramma leads the charge!

This fella wanted to help, too ...

A poignant reminder of what this is all about ...

During opening ceremonies before the walk, we learned a few things. Among them, that in the 18 years that Greenfield has hosted the stride, an astounding $750,000 has been raised. In Greenfield. Alone.

We heard encouraging news from one dad whose twins have Cystic Fibrosis, and how well they are doing, and the hope they have in a new drug they have been in a test study for. We heard from another dad whose college-age daughter with CF is in Ireland this summer! He detailed all the CF meds and equipment that filled two suitcases so she could go. But go, she did.

And, we remembered those whose memories we honored with a moment of silence.

And then, we walked. For all of them. For a cure. For Jackson and Lincoln.

It didn't rain on our parade, either.

As we parted company, just before the rain, Grandpa Big John, left, handed Brian, right, and me a thank you card from Nick, Erin and family.

As we drove home, I read Nick and Erin's card, looked at the beautiful photos of Jackson and Lincoln, and read this poem, by Nick and Erin. Aren't those boys blessed to have such gracious parents? Read on:

God has blessed us beyond compare
He shows us each day the power of prayer

Lincoln and Jack were trusted to our care
They show us each day the power of prayer

If you walked for us in Denver or anywhere
You have shown us each day the power of prayer

When life gets you down and doesn't seem fair
I hope that you learn the power of prayer

Thank you for all of your love and support
Much Love and Many Blessings --
Nick, Erin, Jackson, Brock & Lincoln