Cancer Claims Another

Above, Jessica (center) and Mike Hobbie with a cousin two years ago.

Last September, I volunteered to help man an aid station for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation Grit Series Marathons in Ridgway, Colorado. It was a fun event whose course took runners through locations used in True Grit (1969). 

After the event and just before leaving, I handed Ethan Wayne a donation to John Wayne Cancer Foundation in the names of Wellington Wilson and Mike Hobbie. Wellington Wilson was a friend since junior high school who passed away from leukemia in 2020. Mike Hobbie was then undergoing a battle with lung cancer during he time of the marathon and he appreciated the donation in his name. His daughter Jessica was my former roommate in Tarzana, California.

Above, Ethan Wayne and yours truly with my donation to the John Wayne Cancer Foundation last September.

Unfortunately, Mike's battle with lung cancer came to an end yesterday morning when he passed away from the disease in Des Moines, Iowa. He was 69.

To reach the John Wayne Cancer Foundation, go here.