[KevinGS]

Keeping a good thought for Johanna, HTTP

And just a reminder that "Everything is OK in the end. If it's not OK, it's not the end."

[MadBimmeRad]

Fantastic news to hear of her ongoing progress

Please give her a big hug especially from this not-so-young fellow

[chicagofan00]

Glad to hear of her continuing progress!

[DO444]

God bless you and your family!
Hoping for the very best outcome!!

[HTTP 410]

We hit a milestone today - Johanna started Maintenance!! She went in for labs this morning, made counts, and off she went!

This is the last, albeit longest, phase in her leukemia treatment journey which began almost a year ago. She'll be in this phase until 3/16/2024.

We continue to appreciate everyone's thoughts and well wishes as we continue our path to success.

[chris@kilter]

Wonderful news!!!

[chicagofan00]

Originally Posted by HTTP 410

We hit a milestone today - Johanna started Maintenance!! She went in for labs this morning, made counts, and off she went!

This is the last, albeit longest, phase in her leukemia treatment journey which began almost a year ago. She'll be in this phase until 3/16/2024.

We continue to appreciate everyone's thoughts and well wishes as we continue our path to success.

Woohoo!

[MadBimmeRad]

Best news to wake up to

Jo, you are my hero

And dad, you are an amazing man also

Thank God there is that smile on her face everytime we see a photo

Our sincere best wishes for your entire family during your testing journey

I'm really happy for you all

[Biggie335]

Wonderful news ! Wishing her and your whole family the very best. Johanna you got this!

[HTTP 410]

Originally Posted by MadBimmeRad

Best news to wake up to

Jo, your are my hero

And dad, you are an amazing man also

Thank God there is that smile on her face everytime we see a photo

Our sincere best wishes for your entire family during your testing journey

I'm really happy for you all

Thanks so much. It really is so great to know that we're officially in the home stretch.

[MadBimmeRad]

Originally Posted by HTTP 410

Thanks so much. It really is so great to know that we're officially in the home stretch.

I genuinely can't wait to see you all on this side of the pond as soon as she has completed her ultramarathon of all time

With all the love and humility; you are on our thoughts everyday

Keep well

[mjr24]

Glad to hear, good for you guys!

[HTTP 410]

Wanted to share our INCREDIBLE trip last weekend to see Steve Vai in Charleston. We had front row center meet-and-greet tickets and the experience exceeded our expectations in every way.

We started the day with a Q&A session with Steve. This was so cool and he was so personable and seemed genuinely grateful for us to be there. This session couldn't be photographed or recorded. He answered every question asked.

Next, we got to go into the auditorium and listen to the sound check. They played four complete songs and talked a bit about them as they went. We got to take photos with Steve after the sound check was complete. Here's a shot of Johanna meeting Steve.



After photos, he took the time to sign everything that people brought. We had a Vai guitar signed along with pick guards, albums, etc. We didn't feel rushed at all. Again, super personable and just real down-to-Earth.

This is when it starts to get super cool. Our tickets allowed us to go on stage and tour all the gear. First, Johanna got her pic taken with the Hydra. This thing is bananas. 12-string guitar, 7-string guitar, 4-string bass, harp. Crazy! It weighs 28lbs.



We talked to the drum tech and he let J go back and check out the drums. Then Jeremy Colson, the drummer for Vai, comes out and invites J to sit AND PLAY this kit. This photo is her reaction to hitting the effects pad and it playing throughout the auditorium. Priceless!



Here's another photo of them. Jeremy gave her a pair of his sticks to keep. He could not have been more gracious with his time and his interactions with her. It was so genuine.



But it gets even more cool. At the end of one of the song, Jeremy stood up and pointed to Johanna and made a heart with his hands to her. I videoed the entire show and here's a screen grab of him pointing to her. I was so surprised by it that I missed the heart hands. What a sweet gesture.



To wrap up the night, Jeremy came to the front of the stage after their bow to end the show and gave Johanna a set of sticks that he played the show with! Can you believe that?! He handed them to her and grabbed her hands. It was so kind of him.

Here's her immediate reaction to him handing them to her.


And the requisite pose afterward.


All-in-all it was an unforgettable night for everyone, but especially J. She couldn't have deserved it more and I'm so happy that we were able to make it happen for her.

[MadBimmeRad]

Originally Posted by HTTP 410

Wanted to share our INCREDIBLE trip last weekend to see Steve Vai in Charleston. We had front row center meet-and-greet tickets and the experience exceeded our expectations in every way.

We started the day with a Q&A session with Steve. This was so cool and he was so personable and seemed genuinely grateful for us to be there. This session couldn't be photographed or recorded. He answered every question asked.

Next, we got to go into the auditorium and listen to the sound check. They played four complete songs and talked a bit about them as they went. We got to take photos with Steve after the sound check was complete. Here's a shot of Johanna meeting Steve.



After photos, he took the time to sign everything that people brought. We had a Vai guitar signed along with pick guards, albums, etc. We didn't feel rushed at all. Again, super personable and just real down-to-Earth.

This is when it starts to get super cool. Our tickets allowed us to go on stage and tour all the gear. First, Johanna got her pic taken with the Hydra. This thing is bananas. 12-string guitar, 7-string guitar, 4-string bass, harp. Crazy! It weighs 28lbs.



We talked to the drum tech and he let J go back and check out the drums. Then Jeremy Colson, the drummer for Vai comes out and invites J to sit AND PLAY this kit. This photos is her reaction to hitting the effects pad and it playing throughout the auditorium. Priceless! [...]

Dear J

Your dad is an amazing guy (as I'm sure, so are the rest of your family). We've never met, but I genuinely consider you a part of my family; all of you.

This is an awe inspiring story, one which has given us, at BimmerPost, perspective on what's important and what's not.

You J, are now officially my second hero.

I humbly bow to you all, may your every moment be a cause for celebration 👏🙏🏻👏

[chicagofan00]

Wow, what an experience! I bet Johanna won't ever forget it. Well done Dad!

[DO444]

Originally Posted by HTTP 410

Wanted to share our INCREDIBLE trip last weekend to see Steve Vai in Charleston. We had front row center meet-and-greet tickets and the experience exceeded our expectations in every way.

We started the day with a Q&A session with Steve. This was so cool and he was so personable and seemed genuinely grateful for us to be there. This session couldn't be photographed or recorded. He answered every question asked.

Next, we got to go into the auditorium and listen to the sound check. They played four complete songs and talked a bit about them as they went. We got to take photos with Steve after the sound check was complete. Here's a shot of Johanna meeting Steve.



After photos, he took the time to sign everything that people brought. We had a Vai guitar signed along with pick guards, albums, etc. We didn't feel rushed at all. Again, super personable and just real down-to-Earth.

This is when it starts to get super cool. Our tickets allowed us to go on stage and tour all the gear. First, Johanna got her pic taken with the Hydra. This thing is bananas. 12-string guitar, 7-string guitar, 4-string bass, harp. Crazy! It weighs 28lbs.



We talked to the drum tech and he let J go back and check out the drums. Then Jeremy Colson, the drummer for Vai, comes out and invites J to sit AND PLAY this kit. This photo is her reaction to hitting the effects pad and it playing throughout the auditorium. Priceless!



Here's another photo of them. Jeremy gave her a pair of his sticks to keep. He could not have been more gracious with his time and his interactions with her. It was so genuine.



But it gets even more cool. At the end of one of the song, Jeremy stood up and pointed to Johanna and made a heart with his hands to her. I videoed the entire show and here's a screen grab of him pointing to her. I was so surprised by it that I missed the heart hands. What a sweet gesture.



To wrap up the night, Jeremy came to the front of the stage after their bow to end the show and gave Johanna a set of sticks that he played the show with! Can you believe that?! He handed them to her and grabbed her hands. It was so kind of him.

Here's her immediate reaction to him handing them to her.


And the requisite pose afterward.


All-in-all it was an unforgettable night for everyone, but especially J. She couldn't have deserved it more and I'm so happy that we were able to make it happen for her.

You’re giving me hope for humanity brother, you really are.

[MadBimmeRad]

How's everything going young ones?

[HudsonHornett]

OMG - just read this story. What an amazing family! I hope you are all doing great and wish you all the best. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[HTTP 410]

Originally Posted by MadBimmeRad

How's everything going young ones?

Hey! Things are going great! My apologies for not being around much lately. We had a "normal" Thanksgiving - family drama and all. It was nice because we obviously missed out on that last year.

We're going to the doctor once a month now with our next visit next Tuesday. Her hair is growing back in so fast. She dyed it a bright shade of red. I was looking back at some photos from months ago and I was genuinely shocked at how much hair she had actually lost. At the time, I didn't really notice. I suppose it's because I was with her every day and it happened gradually over time but it's very obvious looking back now. Seeing those photos made me so sad to see her going through this BS. Through it all, she's continued to be the strongest person I know. Continuing to push forward despite it all. I strive to be like her. Congrats MadBimmeRad - you've brought tears to my eyes.

Johanna is also playing in the middle school band (trumpet) and her first concert is next week as well. She's also playing bass guitar in the school Jazz band which is pretty cool. She's been pretty occupied with school - another quarter of straight A's - and is looking forward to Christmas break. She's actively working on assembling the Eiffel Tower Lego set and it should keep her busy for a while since it's their largest set at 10,001 pieces!

I did do a crazy thing last week though. I purchased Johanna and I meet-and-greet tickets for Metallica in Aug 2024! I know it's a long way off, but that will be a special Father-Daughter cancer ass kicking celebration!! We can't wait!

Thanks for asking about her and to everyone for keeping her in your thoughts. She's such a blessing.

['Cane]

Sounds awesome, great to hear you are getting back to a more normal existence.

[chicagofan00]

Originally Posted by HTTP 410

Hey! Things are going great! My apologies for not being around much lately. We had a "normal" Thanksgiving - family drama and all. It was nice because we obviously missed out on that last year.

We're going to the doctor once a month now with our next visit next Tuesday. Her hair is growing back in so fast. She dyed it a bright shade of red. I was looking back at some photos from months ago and I was genuinely shocked at how much hair she had actually lost. At the time, I didn't really notice. I suppose it's because I was with her every day and it happened gradually over time but it's very obvious looking back now. Seeing those photos made me so sad to see her going through this BS. Through it all, she's continued to be the strongest person I know. Continuing to push forward despite it all. I strive to be like her. Congrats MadBimmeRad - you've brought tears to my eyes.

Johanna is also playing in the middle school band (trumpet) and her first concert is next week as well. She's also playing bass guitar in the school Jazz band which is pretty cool. She's been pretty occupied with school - another quarter of straight A's - and is looking forward to Christmas break. She's actively working on assembling the Eiffel Tower Lego set and it should keep her busy for a while since it's their largest set at 10,001 pieces!

I did do a crazy thing last week though. I purchased Johanna and I meet-and-greet tickets for Metallica in Aug 2024! I know it's a long way off, but that will be a special Father-Daughter cancer ass [...]

So great to read this. Glad she’s doing well and getting back to all kinds of normal as well.

I too am working my way through building the Eiffel Tower Lego set.

Those Metallica shows will be amazing! I’m thinking about getting tickets for the Phoenix shows.

[MadBimmeRad]

Originally Posted by HTTP 410

Hey! Things are going great! My apologies for not being around much lately. We had a "normal" Thanksgiving - family drama and all. It was nice because we obviously missed out on that last year.

We're going to the doctor once a month now with our next visit next Tuesday. Her hair is growing back in so fast. She dyed it a bright shade of red. I was looking back at some photos from months ago and I was genuinely shocked at how much hair she had actually lost. At the time, I didn't really notice. I suppose it's because I was with her every day and it happened gradually over time but it's very obvious looking back now. Seeing those photos made me so sad to see her going through this BS. Through it all, she's continued to be the strongest person I know. Continuing to push forward despite it all. I strive to be like her. Congrats MadBimmeRad - you've brought tears to my eyes.

Johanna is also playing in the middle school band (trumpet) and her first concert is next week as well. She's also playing bass guitar in the school Jazz band which is pretty cool. She's been pretty occupied with school - another quarter of straight A's - and is looking forward to Christmas break. She's actively working on assembling the Eiffel Tower Lego set and it should keep her busy for a while since it's their largest set at 10,001 pieces!

I did do a crazy thing last week though. I purchased Johanna and I meet-and-greet tickets for Metallica in Aug 2024! I know it's a long way off, but that will be a special Father-Daughter cancer ass [...]

Mate

I'm not sorry I made you cry because I'm sure those are tears of joy knowing she's traversed this rugged journey with gusto and bravery.

You guys are very dear to us on so many levels.

I can't hide it; I'm jealous of the Metallica event - I don't think we'll get that here, but hey, you can tell us all about it when you visit us Down-Under 😉

Truly though, had you handed me a mountain of gold, it wouldn't have made me as happy as you have made me with this news - I shall neither confirm, nor deny that some tears may or may not have been shed at this end having read your news.

I salute and bow to you Johanna and your most supportive and loving family, bravo bravo.