Friends, Family, Kind Strangers, 

    These are NOT easy times around the world.  First and foremost we thank the superheroes who are holding strong and putting themselves at risk for the care of others.  With that in mind, we ask for your powers in helping our Jimmy.  He too, is a healthcare professional who has sadly been sidelined with a cancer diagnosis.  (stage four lung cancer)  A short time ago, Jimmy was experiencing back and leg pain and went in for what he thought would just be a routine MRI, and they discovered a mass in his lungs and some spots on his spine.  This news has obviously sent us all reeling but we are now back on our feet and ready to gather our forces to fight this with Jimmy.  
    Doctors are going to start right away with a general treatment of chemotherapy and then follow with maintenance medication as they determine next steps.  Of course we are staying positive, with humor, good energy, lots of support, but there is added worry with regards to the virus lurking around the world while his immunity is at its lowest.  Understandably, Jimmy has not been able to return to his work and remains at home to fight this fight.  With the added agony of family and friends not being able to run to his side physically, we are thankful that Jim's partner Sam will be with him during this time.  
    Anyone who knows Jimmy, instantly smiles when they think about him because that is the affect he has on people.  He's a smile maker, an instigator of laughter, a spreader of joy, and an all around good soul.   What he does in the world, is what clowns do at the circus. (Which is highly ironic, as anyone who knows Jim knows how he feels about clowns..)  Nonetheless, he is a light in our lives.  Now he needs our help.      It will come as no surprise that medical treatment of any kind does not come cheap.  All the while, bill collectors, utilities, and the mundane costs of day to day do not disappear at times like these.  The inability to work is of great concern and not a welcome one when seeking treatment to fight back at such a diagnosis.  Understanding how people throughout the world are grappling with financial strain and worry, please realize how difficult it is to ask for such help.  However, many have already expressed their desire to help in this way, which is deeply deeply appreciated more than words can express.    PLEASE KNOW that any amount you can give is received with absolute gratitude, but by the same token, if you are unable to give anything monetarily, just a word of support and comfort will be just as appreciated, and will go a long way in returning the very smiles that Jimmy has so happily caused throughout the years.   Please feel free to share such on Jimmy's Caring Bridge site at: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/whitacrepowersactivate

Of course we ask and encourage you to visit the site and share your words of comfort and support as often as you like.  Or you can do the same here at GFM.

     We are committed to pull out all the stops and take this battle head-on with Jimmy...even though currently, we must be together-apart.  Nevertheless, Whitacre powers activate!   We extend our love and gratitude to you all!  Thank you for visiting this page.  If you are here you have been a receiver of Jim's love, light, and friendship and you want to help him.  We appreciate this and accept any help you can offer.  Blessings to you all!

- The Whitacre’s Warriors