A ringing double off the left field wall and the runner strolls in standing up. He barely broke a sweat as he quickly rounded first base and never pulled the reins until he reached second. This is thanks to a team of doctors and nurses, and also to the perseverance of one tough ball player. Dave was released from the hospital today and is able to go back to Pete Gross House, the apartment complex for cancer patients. His determination and “win-at-all-costs” attitude has made this possible. And, at this point, he is standing on second base hoping to cross home plate after his June 6 bone marrow biopsy. We feel he is at the halfway point.

The moment he was able to walk and move around the 7th floor, he was on a mission to meet three goals. The first goal was to be at The University of Washington Medical Center the minimum of seven days required by the SCCA staff. The second goal was to regain some of the weight lost from his previous hospital admit in the beginning of April. And the final goal was to walk 13 miles around the 7th floor of the hospital in order to receive the Half-Marathon Finisher award.

Dave met every goal he set out to achieve, which should come as no surprise to anyone. Gaining weight has been, and will continue to be, the most difficult. At 170 pounds, he has a long way to go.

The support you have shown has been incredible with so many people generating encouragement in so many ways. The 7-day prayer challenge was successful, but if you are inspired to continue through the remaining 21 days, I am sure that you will feel a continued sense of closeness with Him. Finally, I want to give a huge thanks to the Jefferson High School staff for your constant communication, love and support for your long-time colleague. You have walked with him every step of the way.