On April 9, 2010, Gunnery Sergeant John David (JD) Caraway, husband of Kristine Caraway, our community manager, was diagnosed with a large brain tumor on his left frontal lobe. To honor JD and his family and all that they have done and taught us through their service, co-workers, friends, family and strangers have joined together to raise money for The National Brain Tumor Society by forming a team for the Race for Hope 5K in DC on May 2 2010. So far The Gunny’s Team has raised over $12,000 in less than one week. The donations and support have amazed the Caraway family and are a comfort as they deal with this shock. JD plans to attend the event on May 2nd and is hopeful that he will have recovered from his surgery enough to walk the 5K.

JD, affectionately known as The Gunny, feels that best way to make sense of this twist of fate is to try to tell his story to as many people as possible. Getting the word out that anyone can be stricken down by cancer with no warning should be a wake up call to people to get symptoms checked out. Hopefully, the donations earned will fund research that can help to extend the life expectancy of brain tumor patients.

Information about The Race for Hope and The Gunny’s team can be found at www.braintumorcommunity.org/goto/thegunnysteam. More information about JD and his family can be found at http://thegunnysteam.blogspot.com. Questions can be directed to: Sarah Tozer at 703-673-9135 or stozer@nrpartners.com