I volunteered at The Denver Children’s Hospital for two years prior to my move to San Diego, CA and visit several cancer patients when I visit Denver. This is a hospital full of Miracles and superb care. Some of the children I am closest to are treated here. Thought I’d share this video.

A great non-profit event benefiting the Denver Children’s Hospital and the Kempe Foundation we supported last year. This video was created by our Vodik team. Enoy!

Everyone who’s experienced the true horrors of Childhood Cancer want desperately to see the cause reach the awareness level of AIDS, Breast Cancer, and other well-marketed awareness campaigns. Time and time again, I get asked why Childhood Cancer Awareness has not yet reached critical mass. I don’t have all the answers, but I’ve got a few ideas and I think we might be on the verge of changing this.

Kids with cancer pull heartstrings unlike any other. The very idea that a child could be tortured by so many treatments, symptoms, surgeries, and emotional horrors is something we all wish did not exist. It actually makes you question God and humanity. Everyone directly impacted by this illness knows its reality all too well. When this happens, we want to share it with everyone – our neighbors, friends, family, politicians, coworkers… they all need to see what is happening behind closed doors. However, I’m convinced this is our problem.

When people see, hear, and feel the adverse effects of kids with cancer, they go into overload. For many, it takes a lot of strength to not run the other way, or ignore it completely. So – I propose a different plan. I’ve got some ideas.

Before I spill the beans, I want to share something. I am very lucky; I get to see an amazing perspective of Childhood Cancer. After hundreds of days spent playing with cancer kids, laughing with them, playing games, and so much more I get to see a lot of the good. Now trust me, I do see the negative realities and it hurts me very much, but what motivates me to continue to push for awareness is the spirit in these kids. I enjoy their energy, their love, kindness, selflessness, and the true angelic touch only cancer kids have.

The message I want to share with everyone is: they are very full of life – they are full of love, they fight for their life everyday, and all of them have touched millions of lives forever. Hope is something every child deserves, ESPECIALLY those who face a life threatening condition like cancer. Our friends, neighbors, communities, politicians, and leaders have a chance to save these children’s lives, right now.

A positive message will go far, and I’m afraid that childhood cancer has been too negative for too long. Let’s get everyone donating, helping, volunteering, and giving hope to each one of these kids because I know one thing for sure, they will see, feel, and recognize the true love these children have for life and all of us.

~ J

Well it’s time once again to make the trek out of beautiful San Diego and into snowy Denver. After being stuck in the DC blizzard a few weeks ago it can’t be that bad, right? For those of you who don’t know… I used to live in Denver – I have many memories there. One of my favorites is the Miracle Party Foundation. I will be meeting with it’s founder, Stacy Moriarty to see how this year’s event is coming along. I will also get the incredible opportunity to spend some time with Amanda at The Denver Children’s Hospital.

Colorado is also one of three leading states in starting a statewide Childhood Cancer Coalition. For the first time in Colorado history, the top childhood cancer charities come together once a month to discuss how they can work together to have the most impact while contributing towards national efforts. The two ladies that founded the Pediatric Task Force (C4 – Colorado Childhood Cancer Coalition) are phenomenal. You will be hearing more about this as myself and another national leader are in a discovery process with the other states and national foundations.

For those of you who live in Denver – hit me up! I’ll be there this weekend through next week. Let’s hope that it’s sunny and not East Coast Washington DC blizzard all over again!

~ J

Ok – I’ve been to some incredible places in my life but Give Kids the World probably ranks in the top 3. Give Kids the World is a resort where children with life threatening illnesses stay while they visit Disneyworld.

Katie Fox (in the picture with me on the left) and I had the privilege of meeting with Pamela Landwirth, the President of Give Kids the World. It was such an honor to sit and talk with her, learn about their challenges, and hear more about what they do for all these amazing children. Giving hope to a child in a time where their life is in jeopardy is one of the most amazing things you could ever do. I could feel the energy of so many special lives at this place. I could have stayed there for days. Sometimes it’s just so overwhelming to be around such pure kids.

Hopefully I will be helping with some fundraising initiatives with Give Kids the World this year. I personally know so many kids who have spent their wish trips here. It was an absolute gift to visit such a magical place. Thank you Pamela!

[Show as slideshow]

During the day I work as the CEO of SMG, and Vodik Corporation. Both jobs give me the gift to see abnormal things most people overlook. I see efficiencies in business management and corporate communication, specifically when involving today’s technology.

I was in Orlando Florida with a client. We decided to have dinner at Applebee’s. When we sat down we were told to press a button on this little computer box mounted at the end of the table to page our waitress if we needed anything. This was new; I hadn’t seen anything like it at any other restaurant. While we sat and browsed the menu, the LCD screen displayed a variety of food graphics and promotions. I thought to myself, “What a great idea” but immediately my positive thoughts were turned to doubt when thinking about how many restaurant owners would dismiss the technology and label it ‘too-expensive’ or ‘a luxury’ while failing to see it’s long-term value.

This nifty computer box tracked the waitress’s response times and noted how many times we requested attention. By the end of the dinner, I realized we had barely even used it and we had the best service I could remember. I can only imagine our waitress’s thoughts while knowing she was being scored and most likely rewarded by keeping her service quality high. And as you can guess, her tip was well deserved. Once again, technology helped a small restaurant see huge returns from a positive vibe, excellent service, and a return customer. I believe its money well spent. Great job Applebee’s, Lake Mary, FL!

http://www.slashfood.com/2009/12/15/applebees-table-devices/

This Christmas I got an amazing gift. I had the pleasure of spending time with Amanda. While I sat with her in the hospital I got to hear all the stories of her and her family, her life, and even got to do a few crafts. She is the sweetest girl! I consider myself very lucky.

Amanda is fighting Aplastic Anemia and Lymphoma. Just a few weeks ago she got incredible news. Her cancer scans came back CLEAN which means she is in remission. This has been a break Amanda deserves. Let’s keep hoping that her WINS keep coming and she can eventually live a great life without cancer and sickness.

So, needless to say, this was the most satisfying part of my Christmas holiday. Thank you Amanda!

Planning for the Miracle Party 2009 started in January of last year. It took a lot of work and effort but we did it; it was a success. Over 40 kids were listed as honored Miracle Children, over 1100 people in attendance, and we partied! On my team, I’d like to thank our incredible light designer Shane Lembke, TV truck director Nathan Hart, all of our video crew, and Ann White for planning and handling logistics. This 501 (c) (3) non-profit is run by Founder Stacy Moriarty. Thank you Stacy for leading an incredible team to a huge success for our Miracle Children.

Enjoy the video highlights below!