Happy Pioneer Day!

Good afternoon friends and family,

For those of you who are in Utah I hope you are enjoying a happy "Pioneer Day." July 24th is a statewide holiday in Utah inspired by the Latter Day Saint immigration to the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. The day is quite festive for Utahns and the evening ends in many massive firework displays. Judd and his hospital entourage will no doubt have the best view in the city. From the window in his room you can see all of the Salt Lake Valley.

The hospital itself has been quiet today which has suited Judd just fine. He is a bit immobile and tends to stay in or close to his bed. He is still experiencing side-effects from the intense chemo treatments he received on Thursday, although he tells us that he is feeling slightly better with each day.

He is visited daily by close family and friends. When Judd isn't up to visitors his fan club has begun to congregate on the beautiful fourth floor terrace which faces the mountain behind the hospital. The big circular rock table we sit around is covered in care packages and food (mostly cookies sent with love from dear friends and family). Someone is constantly being sent to the family kitchen to fetch glasses of "pellet" ice from the water machine. Often you can see a brother or friend taking advantage of the hiking trails the mountain offers. The sound of laughter greets you as you approach the table. It is an interesting way to get to know all of the different people who make up Judd's life. Loving messages from abroad are communicated by someone, stories about cancer and miracles are shared, and exciting plans for the future are explored. Everyone around the table is grateful for the opportunity to be involved in Judd's healing process.

We thank everyone near and far who is involved in this beautiful journey. The smallest act is the largest blessing for Judd. We know that your messages, prayers, contributions, and love are making this experience a journey of miracles.

Thank you deeply,
Erin