I would like to honor Jon Smith with a Keeping the Faith award. He is not physically present with us today at HFTC Metro KC but his team of Friedman’s Fighters is here still going strong in memory of this remarkable young man. Jon passed away on January 4, 2015 at the age of 34 after almost 9 years since diagnosis. He became aware of the brain tumor in March 2006. Initial surgical diagnosis was Oligoastrocytoma. A couple years later surgery revealed Anaplastic Astrocytoma. A few more years went by and then then surgery revealed Glioblastoma Multiforme. During that time there were various chemotherapies, radiation treatments and multiple health highs and lows. Throughout, Jon was an educated hard working professional and knew how to have fun. He was a big KU and KC sports fan, a weather watcher, a Chipotle burrito eater and a role model to many. His spirit lives on in the hearts of his wife, son, parents, siblings, co-workers, friends and loved ones. I was personally blessed to meet Jon in April 2013 when we were brought together by brain tumors at a picnic. His smile was sincere and he gave the best tight hugs that were so full of understanding. I cherish the time I got to share with him and he will certainly never be forgotten. Jon understandably liked the Serenity Prayer so I share it with you now: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next. Amen. * January 4, 2015 be began honoring the memory of Jon