‘Bear Fire’ Burned Down My Friend John’s Town

Hello, I hope this finds you happy healthy and your family as well.

It was with a heavy heart that I learned that last week the town my Friend and Coach John1 grew up in was completely burned down. His parents’ house was in that fire and they lost everything. Fortunately, he and his brothers did not lose their parents. This specific fire was titled the “Bear Fire”.

I would like to share this Gofundme link (https://gf.me/u/yyi7qa) his little brother set up for their Parents. Please if you can, support, and help share this link with someone, John and his family would be sincerely grateful.

A video clip of John’s parents’ property


‘Bear Fire’ Burned Down My Friend John’s Town

1 I met John at the Sutter Medical Center in Sacramento. I had just learned about my heart transplant prognosis and I was told that while I wait, I would need an LVAD to keep living. Overnight, everything was crushing on me, and worst, we were in California (+12000 miles from home, Dakar – Senegal).

For a few days, Desirée and I were at the hospital, literally making life-changing decisions. I was beaten and feeling lost. Until Desirée met John and his partner in the elevator. He had just gotten his HeartMate2 LVAD implanted and was getting discharged to go home the next day.

John suggested talking before he left the hospital. We talked for almost 2 hours. He shared his health journey with me and gave some advice which prepared me for my LVAD procedure, and his words still serve me. John has been coaching me since that day. We talk regularly over the phone and text often.

August 2016 – With John Hillier at Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento CA

My sympathies and best wishes for strength and courage to John and his family.

Thank you.

~ Heart of a Giant

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