To all of you here, I want to thank you so very much for coming all the way down here to participate in this golf tournament. I know almost all of you had to take the day off from work to come here today and I want you to know that for you to sacrifice a vacation day or even a day off to come today really, really touches my heart. Because when I was working my days off were important to me so by you giving up one of yours I really appreciate it. I was looking forward to coming and watching you guys golf. I’m somewhat limited to what I can do physically but to watch friends get together in a little “friendly competition” and to have fun like this makes my limitations more bearable. These are moments that I enjoy, seeing friends and family get together and just have fun.

I know some of you may be curious as to where the funds for these fundraising events go to and a lot of it goes and will go to medical costs. Just to give you an idea of some of the medical costs; I see my neurologist and pulmonologist on a regular basis. I’ve also seen a physical therapist, occupational therapist, respiratory therapist, speech therapist, ear, nose, and throat specialist, and a gastroenterologist. On top of that, the medical equipment costs are coming in. I’m getting a Bipap machine next week which is a breathing machine to help me breathe easier. I’m getting a communication device and a high-back wheelchair as my neck muscles aren’t as strong as it used to be. Next week I will be having a procedure done to put a feeding tube in me. So these are just some of the medical costs that these fundraising events help me with. That is why I can’t thank you enough for all of your support. I don’t know if everyone realizes how much you are helping not just me but my family also and I am so grateful for your help. And it’s not just with these fundraising events, it’s when I see you around and we can just have fellowship or when you give me words of encouragement.

I will be having a procedure done and I do feel a little scared but I will think about t this day and yesterday before I go in to the procedure. Yesterday I went with my family to the beach. I loved being in the water. It is where I feel free, no wheelchair, no leg brace, not having to physically lean on someone. I won’t be able to go into the water for a while after my tube is in so it was important for me to go to the beach yesterday. So two of the best days I’ve had in a while, yesterday and today, being with my family and all of you. I think that’s a great way to go into the procedure. Thank you again, because I will be thinking of all of you before my procedure. Thank you so much for the memories.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you to Jay Takahara and Jacob Ha for coordinating this whole event.