Hello and Thank You to all of Kim’s New Friends! Posted on September 22nd, 2008
For those of you following Kim’s voyage down the O-HI-O, here’s what’s up …
First of all, a big “THANK YOU” to Becky and Charlie Hall! Kim was so thankful that you let her stay in your camper for two nights! She said she never had it so good! She also appreciates your calls, Becky! And I appreciate your post on the “About Me” section of this blog! Nice writing!
And a big thanks to Phil and Barbara Hand at the Holiday Point Marina (mile 338.9 of the voyage). Kim tells me that the marina is beautiful and with 208 boat slips nearly full, she was impressed with the whole operation! Thank you for hosting her for two nights! She was very happy and excited!
And, thank you to Darrel Ramey for your hospitality, allowing kim to sleep in your boat tonight! At mile 355.5, Kim has come nearly half way. She wanted me to thank you and your Marina (Shawnee Boat Club) for your kindness, including you driving into town!).
Also, I wanted to thank Roger and Nancy Hall as well as Gil and Colleen (sorry, I forgot to write down your last names) for the EXTREMELY kind donations! And, I would be remiss if I did not thank Jim Quinet in New Martinsville, WV for your offer of catering a party … Kim (and I) plan to take you up on the offer after she is done!
Kim’s doing this for herself and for me, but she’s doing it BECAUSE there are good people like all of you around. This is her third long canoe trip, but, by far, her most famous. She feels like it’s just another trip, but I know from all of you how much she inspires you. Thank you all (and those I haven’t mentioned) for all that you have done for her and for me! Together, we will win this war!
Kim at the outset of her Ohio voyage
Mile 317 and still going! Posted on September 19th, 2008
Kim called tonight to tell me that she is at mile 317 - at Virginia Point Park. She spent three hours in Huntington today and was interviewed by reporter Grover Tadlock from WSAZ news. Thanks for interviewing her, Grover! For those that are interested in seeing the interview, go to http://www.wsaz.com/news/headlines/28678769.html and play the video or read the story! Kim is doing great stuff for awareness and for fund-raising … and every night she calls and tells me what happened that day.
Mile 301 and still going!!! Posted on September 17th, 2008
Well, my cousin Kim called tonight and she is at Mile 301. Get that … she has paddled 301 miles so far … most of it by herself. She paddled 30 miles today in weather that she reports as being wonderful. She would have gone farther, but she had to wait for 2 hours at the lock. Tomorrow she plans on going only 3 miles, so she can meet up with her mystery guest at the Showboat. Seems she has a bit of a fan club! To all of you following her trip, thank you for being so good to her! She’s a great person and is going out of her way to make this trip!
There is a gentleman that she met in New Martinsville who offered to set up a party and cater the food after her trip is over. Thank you!! Kim is VERY excited!
Kim also tells me that the Huntington News has contacted her and may be following her trip as well. She has become quite the celebrity!
Wanna go for a ride? Posted on September 16th, 2008
A couple of months ago, I went to my family reunion in Pittsburgh. It was nice to get reaquainted with my extended family. But, one family member in particular took my condition to heart and set out to do something about it. My cousin, Kim Cornell, is paddling the entire Ohio River in a canoe - a 982-mile journey. And she’s doing it to raise money and awareness for brain cancer. She titles her trip “Paddling for Marvin.” Setting out on September 1st, Kim is still out there paddling to raise money for research into oligodendrogliomas.
What a feat it has been! She calls me every night and reports where she is and the events of the day. And, from here on out, since this blog is operational, I will let you all know about her progress. She’s in Ohio and, tomorrow, I will give you a full update. But she has been through very hot days, very lonely days, had blisters on her hands and elsewhere, met some VERY cool and kind people, and she is still out there 15 days after her start. I am very proud of Kim and her efforts. Read more about the beginnings of her trip at http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_585868.html. And then log back in here to hear more about her adventure!
Ultimately, any money she raises will be donated to research into oligodendrogliomas.
Originally posted 16 September 2008 at 9:16 pm