“No one has ever become poor by giving.” – Anne Frank
Life Leadership has truly created a movement with its Life on Life Initiative. Individuals from all over the world are looking for ways to give and serve in their communities in order to make a difference in society. This most recent story has deeply touched my heart and is evidence that Life Leadership is making dreams come true and is inspiring people to reach out to those hurting in such remarkable ways. Here is the story, written by Life Leadership Member, Lynn Burns:
Life Leadership Members Raise Money for “Red’s” Dream Tunnel
In October of 2015, Ryan “Red” Johnson, a 9 year old boy from Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, was diagnosed with DIPG, a very aggressive form of brain cancer. The doctors gave him 6 months to 2 years to live.
During the time of Ryan’s diagnosis, he was playing football with the Lake Geneva Badger Youth Football league. In previous years, Ryan had been coached by my husband, Keith Burns (who had given him the nickname “Red” because of his red hair).
Once we learned of Ryan’s diagnosis, we immediately thought “What can we do to help?” Shortly after, Jesse Johnson, Ryan’s father, posted a “Bucket List” of dreams Ryan had. One of the items on his list was a “run-through” tunnel that is used at the start of football games. Ryan wanted his name to be on the tunnel for his Badger teams to use in his memory and honor.
We learned that the final cost of the tunnel would be $5,000 so we decided this would be the perfect Life on Life project to put together in order to raise the funds needed to help Ryan see this dream. Initially, we set up a Facebook page along with a GoFundMe page to help raise the funds. Then, we decided to organize a “Pasta Dinner Fundraiser” to be held on Wednesday, January 20th.
As a team we were able to purchase all of the food, provide baked goods and loving hands to prepare and serve the meals to those who came to support Ryan. We had a great turnout from Life Leadership teammates the night of the dinner.
We were able to raise $900 that night, along with $150 already raised through the ‘GoFundMe’ page. We are excited to see this dream come true for Ryan. As a Life Leadership team, we are already working on other ideas to help raise more funds for this project. Jesse Johnson, Ryan’s father, was very grateful for the support and effort we gave to this project. He has been overwhelmed by the amount of support he has received for Ryan.
“It was a blessing to be able to help a special young boy and his family work on his dream. Despite all that is going on in his life, his beautiful smile lights up a room.” – Becky Chovan (Life Leadership Member)
After the pasta dinner, we decided that the heaping leftovers would be a great additional outreach to the community so we donated the remainder of the food to the New Life Lodge (a sober-living facility that provides assistance to families and individuals in need), in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.
“It was amazing and wonderful to see the participation and hard work of Team Freedom Builders working for a common goal for a precious boy to achieve his dream.” – Diane Fitch (Life Leadership Member)
“The event was fun and many of us were blessed to meet “Red” for the first time that night. There were also moments of tears when we reflected on the battle he is facing. This little bit of Life on Life work we did to make a difference helped our team see how important what we do actually is. Ryan is living his dash and leaving a legacy and is a great message for all of us to live our dash.” – Dave Chatmon (Life Leadership Member)
Life Leadership is very proud of everyone who participated in this Life on Life Initiative for Ryan “Red” Johnson from UP Team Freedom Builders, under the leadership of George and Jill Guzzardo.
(If you would like to support Ryan “Red” Johnson and his family, you can do so at this GoFundMe link!)
Leah says
These people on Team Freedom Builders are incredibly thoughtful, kind and encouraging, and this wonderful act of kindness is just another example of exactly who they are. I pray for Ryan “Red” Johnson this morning as I read this story: we pray for his healing, his journey, his family. I also thank God for raising up another team to show God’s love, and that Dave and TIna and each of those on Team Freedom Builders be blessed.
Awesome beautiful work!
Imelda Román says
What a joy to be part of such a great organization! I believe God brought us together for a time like this, to serve those in need. I’m a proud member of team Freedom Builders, we are just getting started!
Keith Burns says
It was an honor to serve for Red and his family that night with the members of Team Freedom Builders. We will continue to raise the rest of the money to help Red’s dream come true, and to continue to share the message of LIFE Leadership. I am constantly amazed at the hearts of the people that I meet in LIFE Leadership, Our time with LIFE has transformed our family and we are excited to help change the lives of others. Thank you TEAM Freedom Builders!!! I am proud to call all of you my family and my friends.
Pat Tefel says
Great job everyone! You are such a blessing to “Red” and an example to all.
Steve Sager says
What a blessing to you all as well as an inspiration to others. Great job everyone!
Larry Groser says
I am honored to be associated with Team Freedom Builders and Life Leadership! Let’s continue to pray for Red, and may God bless and uplift him and his family!
Lynn Burns says
This night was a true labor of love. I feel so blessed to be a part of the LIFE Leadership organization and am so proud to have the best of friends in Team Freedom Builders.
Thank you Kristen for working on this blog post and doing a fantastic job as always!
Thank you to Team Freedom Builders for your tireless efforts to make this event a success.
Thank you for everyone who supported and continues to support this goal for Ryan.
#lovelifeleadership
Freedom Isn’t Free! Team Freedom Builders
Rachel Thomas says
This is such a touching story. I am so proud to be among such caring and wonderful people. Red and his family are blessed to have such loving support. May God continue to bless those that come into our lives. Red is in my prayers.
Ray Lundquist says
Upon learning of Ryan ( Red ) Johnson’s dream of serving his teammates . I was so very moved that Keith and Lynn were able to find in their hearts to share this incredible young man’s dream with Team FREEDOM BUILDERS. This is a purpose of which all can rally to make this young man’s dream come true. I’m sure that Red’s purpose is a great teaching lesson for all.
It is wonderful privilege to be a part of Team FREEDOM BUILDERS.
Raymond Lundquist Life Leadership Member
Dave Chatmon says
Thanks to Life Leadership, Life on Life, Chris Swanson for creating this path for us, and Kristen for her amazing ability to capture and share this information for everyone.
It is so much fun to be a part of something that is meaningful and has such a powerful purpose.
Lynn and Barry thank you for all you’re cooking and Lynn and Keith for putting this plan together.
Thank you George and Jill, along with Larry and Dan for your leadership. Tina and I are so blessed to be a part of this great community.
Freedom isn’t Free!
Freedom Builders!
Matt says
I can’t wait to see the tunnel. I want to run down it myself carrying a huge “red” flag leading the pack for Red’s football team.
Matt
Red Eagles
Keith Burns says
Awesome Matt I want to see that too.
KEITH BURNS says
Wanted to give everyone a heads up that we are looking at this Friday, Sept. 2nd as a possible date to present the helmet to the Lake Geneva Badger Youth Football team after their practice at approximately 6pm – anyone and everyone is invited to attend and see this in action. Will share more details once it is finalized …
Chris Brady says
This is so fantastic! Can’t wait to see the tunnel!
CB
Bill Edet says
THANKS FREEDOM BUILDERS.Anotherewitness to how much lifeleadership cares. Thanks to all who served to help Ryan get hos his dream.
Joyce says
Great touching story! Life on Life make a difference.
Blaine Terrill says
Way to serve by example Freedom Builders! Love this article and the Go Fund Me link! Every day I hear story after story of cancer battles won and lost in South Eastern WI. In fact, I wonder if there will ever be a day when I don’t hear of a new cancer diagnosis among loved ones or friends. What we do with our dash matters. Ryan is an inspiration to countless adults and peers alike. What if he was interviewed for Life Leadership’s Edge series and any person who donates $10.00 (or more) receives a digital download of the interview? What needs could be met with surplus donations in Red’s honor among other youths battling cancer?
Keith Burns says
Excellent idea Blaine. It would have to be mentioned to the home office, Chris Brady, to see if it is something they would want to pursue.
Lynn Burns says
Please donate if you can and share the site to help raise the funds needed to make this happen. Our update is not good … Ryan’s tumor is growing and his time is running out. Let’s make this happen for him. Please.
Lynn Burns says
https://www.gofundme.com/redshelmettunnel
Blaine Terrill says
Thanks Lynn! Apologies for not following up in February per Keith’s suggestion. Let’s get the word out across WI and IL!
Lynn Burns says
Wanted to update everyone – we have ordered the helmet and hope to have it delivered before the 1st home game this season. Ryan “Red” has been having a rough time, and sadly, the outlook is bleak. We knew it was coming, but we were so inspired by how strongly he fought during the winter and spring. We are really looking forward to seeing him experience his dream coming true to give this gift to his team. Thanks to everyone who helped make this a reality and we will let you know how the first run goes. ~ Blessings.
Lynn Burns says
Wanted to give everyone a heads up that we are looking at this Friday, Sept. 2nd as a possible date to present the helmet to the Lake Geneva Badger Youth Football team after their practice at approximately 6pm – anyone and everyone is invited to attend and see this in action. Will share more details once it is finalized …
Lynn Burns says
The helmet will be presented to the Lake Geneva Badger Youth Football team tonight 9/2/16 – approximately 6:00-6:30 pm, after practice at the field next to Lake Geneva Middle School – video will be taken and posted here as well – everyone is invited to attend grin emoticon