Via a posting on Facebook within the past couple of days, I discovered that Wilsonville High School raised nearly $4000 for Doernbecher! That is amazing… and a new record! The previous bar was set last year (my senior year) at around $2500. What contributed to the spike in money raised? Edward Johnathon Walls. He is such an inspiration to so many people, and his passing being so recent, the feelings were still fresh in the hearts of staff and students. It is my belief this is what caused the great increase in contributions. I really wish I was there to have witnessed something so remarkable happen. What I do know is that, for perhaps the rest of my life, I will never think of Doernbecher Children’s Hospital the same way. Before, in my mind, it was only some building – some structure that just takes care of youths with cancer. But with the heartfelt feelings over John’s passing away, and the fact that he was a victim of cancer, I will always remember him when I hear or see the word Doernbecher or cancer. I will also consider all the other teens, children, parents and siblings going through the same emotional rollercoaster. Sometimes I think that we as a society consider sickness and disease another world, and we selectively turn our heads and leave it in the shadows because it doesn’t affect us. What a shame. I was truly touched by John’s life, and I will never have the same mindset again.