The Final Chapter - REMISSION!

Dear Jordan,

Today is the day you will officially be in remission.  Two years ago, you proudly rang the bell, proving to the world that you are capable of anything.  What a journey you have been on.  What a journey you have taken us all on!

I will always remember the moment when I learned you had cancer.  It brings tears to my eyes every time I think about it.  As I know I've mentioned this before, when I found out you were diagnosed with cancer, the first thing I said was "he had everything going for him."  What I didn't know then, and can now clearly see, that nothing will get in your way.  Cancer is something our society is rightfully afraid of.  You rose to the challenge and faced cancer with incredible strength and grace, showing us all that some of the toughest battles won't break us.  What I should have said was that 'he has everything going for him'.

Before you were diagnosed with cancer, your life was full of adventure and commitment.  You turned heads on the mountain as you skied.  You mountain biked up and down things that most people couldn't walk on.  You had incredible field awareness matched with impressive skills on the soccer field.  You pushed yourself to achieve excellent grades in school.  You were a honest and genuine son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.  Upon your diagnosis, you had a swarm of support because of the human you were.

To have friends send you off with a greeting card for every night you stayed in the hospital shows the impact you have on people.  To have some of the pro team with Colorado Rapids come to our house to kick the ball around with you before your amputation shows how inspiring you are to people, even to professional soccer players!  To have fought cancer and build a new life in the way you have has proven your commitment to life and your grit to be the best you can be.

Looking back over the past two years, it's truly remarkable to see all that you've accomplished. You were chosen to play for the Colorado Unified Team, standing alongside and supporting athletes with special needs. You became one of the founding members of the Colorado Rapids Amputee Team, helping to shape something new and meaningful. You earned a spot on the USA Amputee Team—becoming the youngest player ever to do so. You tried out for and made the Golden High School soccer team, where accommodations were made so you could compete as an amputee, breaking barriers and expectations. Your journey has been captured in multiple short documentaries and stories, and your successes continue to be celebrated across social media.

But through it all, one moment still stands above the rest—ringing that bell. That moment symbolizes not just survival, but resilience, and the heart of a true warrior.

This will be the final chapter of this blog.  It was initially intended to be used as a communication agent to share updates of your cancer journey with our support network.  Being in remission gives me the permission close the book, giving you the ongoing ability to spread your wings, continue to thrive and share your story in the way you chose to.  And maybe one day you will eventually sit down and read this blog!

I will always be your #1 fan!  Congratulations, buddy!  Your Dad and I are so, so, so very proud of you!  Stay Strong, ObieStrong!

With Love and Life,

Mom