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Member Comments
by suebroo33 on September 15, 2008 at 2:05 PM
Wow! - A true inspiration and an example for all of us who have loved and lost. Best of luck to you, cgrundner!
by shanimac on September 15, 2008 at 2:55 PM
This is beautiful.... we are so blessed to have you in our lives and honored to call you our friends!
by matthewzachary on September 15, 2008 at 5:05 PM
Chris is one of the most inspiring guys I've ever met.
by jennschonour on September 15, 2008 at 5:17 PM
An amazing true life story of trial and triumph! An inspiration for us all!
by gertiebirdie on September 15, 2008 at 5:22 PM
I am totally crying! Bravo to all of you!! Much love -- Allyson
by bikerblunder on September 15, 2008 at 5:47 PM
Christopher, I just know Kelly is smiling down and applauding your every effort! You are truly amazing!
by mariaanzaldo on September 15, 2008 at 6:16 PM
You WILL win this Chris. So honored to have met you, Sue and now Cooper! You're doing an absolutely wonderful thing with this foundation!
by spsobel on September 15, 2008 at 6:39 PM
I assisted in the formation of this marvelous endeavor to create immortality of a kind soul by aiding others to have a better chance on life. No matter the outcome of this contest, Chris you are a winner!
by rwskywalker on September 15, 2008 at 7:46 PM
Amazing Chris! So proud of you and your perseverence! The foundation is making tremendous strides and I feel blessed to support it. and you, in making a difference. You've made lemonade out of your lemons...and are an inspiration to all of us that with hard work, a little ingenuity, and passion, we all can overcome and make a difference. The experiences we've had, shape who we are...and you, sir are one good egg!
My best,
Rana
by TheresaNaimoli on September 15, 2008 at 9:05 PM
Once again, AWESOME job Chris! You're already a winner in my book!!!
by Ldahir on September 16, 2008 at 3:58 AM
Chris.. WOW!! what you are doing is so amazing!!! I applaud your time and effort and dedication... I will forward to my all my friends and co-workers.. I wish you and your family well...
by wchoffman on September 16, 2008 at 4:52 AM
Chris ~ This is just another amazing testimony to your endless dedication and effort to bring light to this very gray disease. I feel blessed to have met you and to be a part (although small) of the team trying to raise awareness.
by cheiks on September 16, 2008 at 5:12 AM
Chris,
Wow, what a great job on this! Your passion for this issue is obvious, and you have the skills and the team to make it happen. I will vote early and often.
by tpjule on September 16, 2008 at 5:32 AM
Chris, your boundless energy in moving this foundation forward is truly amazing. There is no reason the dramatic increase in awareness in Delaware cannot translate across the country.
by jgarvey on September 16, 2008 at 5:51 AM
Chris......I've always said you are my Hero...once again you've shown me why.
Your dedication to a better world is astonishing. I'm proud to be a friend of such a beautiful person, thank you for being YOU!
by wareagle34 on September 16, 2008 at 7:11 AM
Chris-
What a fantastic job you've done and what an inspirational tribute to Kelly! Keep up the great work. You know all the Deep Blue folks are behind you!
by wareagle34 on September 16, 2008 at 7:11 AM
Chris-
What an amazing job you've done and what an inspirational tribute to Kelly. Keep up the great work! You know all the Deep Blue folks support you 100%!!!!
by Jheinz-durand on September 16, 2008 at 7:59 AM
Chris,
You have done a truly amazing job with KHG Foundation....We are so very proud of your accomplishments with the foundation and with your family...We miss you and support you always...God bless you ! You are always in our heart and prayers...You will always have our vote....
by dmaddyd on September 16, 2008 at 8:07 AM
What a wonderful way to honor your wife, raise awareness, and raise moneyI This such an important cause; one near and dear to my heart (head). I am a 3 year brain tumor survivor and believe the more people understand about brain tumors, the money can be raised to find a cure.
What a great job! Thank you!
by kristibike on September 16, 2008 at 8:41 AM
Chris..God bless you and your family. I was very moved by the video. Such a wonderful tribute to Kelly.
by jbroody on September 16, 2008 at 9:04 AM
Chris, what a great job you have done with a the KHG foundation...I am amazed at what you have accomplished raising awareness torwards brain tumors... You have truely commited yourself to a wonderful cause that I have witnessed first hand...You have my vote and always will...James
by jharrisWH2P on September 16, 2008 at 9:12 AM
When we stop, listen and surrender to God's plan, miracles can happen. Chris, you are living proof of it. I'm very proud to know you. Keep going, stay focused and live strong! Oh, and happy birthday.
by sdurand on September 16, 2008 at 10:48 AM
We are so proud of you and what you have accomplished so far! Best of luck in the future!
J&S
by saaam007 on September 16, 2008 at 12:13 PM
What a wonder thing to do to help honor the one you love. We were your neighbors in Rosehill and remembering your wife and your life is the greatest gift anyone can give. Good luck to you and your new family and as always those who have moved on will always be remembered.
Wagners
by lc1122 on September 16, 2008 at 3:14 PM
Simply beautiful. The video, your family and all that you have done.
Laurie C.
by poohzq67 on September 16, 2008 at 6:02 PM
Having just recently won my own battle with Cancer, I can actually say that I know what you went through. I too have learned to overcome and appreciate what life has to offer again. When my sister sent me your email and I saw your story, I felt honored to cast my vote for you.
Susan M.
by gpanik on September 17, 2008 at 3:08 AM
As someone who has worked with the American Cancer Society in Philadelphia for the last 11 years, and who has worked with and ridden in the LAF Ride For The Roses over the last 5 years - this is a story that is more than worthy of recognition and support.
Chris, I am very sorry for your loss. The strength you've showed by committing yourself to a just cause is amazing and impressive. As a fellow resident of Wilmington, DE - thank you for all the work you've done to fight this horrible disease.
The Panik Family - Wilmington DE
by Heinz57 on September 17, 2008 at 5:07 AM
Chris I am so proud of you and what you have done with the foundation. I hope that there will be bigger and better this to come for the foundation and your family. Love you guys
by rpmutschler on September 17, 2008 at 6:12 AM
Chris - I am so inspired by what you've accomplished with your foundation. I receive information about it through a connection with Kara Kelly and her family. My daughter volunteers with the Personal Pony organization, Maggie (one of the ponies) walked with Kara this summer in your Get Your Head in the Game walk. My mother was diagnosed this year with Ovarian Cancer, I put together our own team to walk in her honor at their walk, which I believe was the day before yours, also at the Riverfront. So, like many others, I feel touched by your story, inspired by your strength and proud to be, even a very small part, of your support team! I intend to share this link with as many others as I can in an effort to get the word out about this horrific disease AND of course to get VOTES! Best of Luck - Ruth Polss-Mutschler of Hockessin, DE
by jwulf1959 on September 17, 2008 at 7:27 AM
Chris, I plan to vote everyday. Was touched by your story and video. God Bless !!
John Wulf - Clarence '78
by shirad on September 17, 2008 at 7:47 AM
Chris,
I was so moved by your video, that insted of watching all the other entries, I just had to vote for your story!! I was saddend to learn of your wife's passing, but was also inspired by what you've accomplished in her name!! What a wonderful gift to give to your community, and I hope that you continue to raise money for this cause!
Your wife is beautiful and your son is just gorgeous!! God definately has His hand on you and your family, and May God Bless you and Keep you, and remember, Kelly is smiling down on you and your family, and she would truly be proud of what you have accomplished!!
Your Friend,
Shira Daves
Lawrenceville, GA
by julebart on September 17, 2008 at 8:35 AM
Chris, Many years ago when I was still living in Clarence I lost my cousin to a brain tumor. I am happy to see that you were able to take your family tragedy and turn it into something fabulous. You have a beautiful wife and child and I wish you all the best!! You have my vote.
CCHS- Julie Bartels-Earl
by danielott on September 17, 2008 at 9:22 AM
Chris -
Your story is inspirational. To have the courage to walk away from what was established in you life and start the foundation was a huge leap.
I lost my father to a brain tumor when I was 6, and never really grasped the magnitude of how that affected my mother and our extended family, but seeing your video has shed light. Best of luck in the competition and even better luck in your life!!
HI HI HI Live ever , die never (in our hearts and minds especially)
Dan Ott...
by dixiebillsfan on September 17, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Chris!
You are such an inspiration to so many people. Kelly was an amazing spirit and to have her honored this way gives testament to your love for her.
I'm so glad you opened your heart and allowed love to find you again. You and Susan are an amazing team and I'm so excited that God blessed you both with Cooper Kelly.
May God continue to bless you & your family & the work of the foundation!
by Seminoles on September 17, 2008 at 1:22 PM
Chris,
You are an inspiration to everyone. It takes a lot of strength to turn such a tragedy into a positive. You have done it with grace and dignity. Thanks to Michele Bingeman Martin, as she has passed on the best email anyone could. I will share it with my friends and family in Clarence, Florida and Cincinnati, Ohio! May God continue to bless you, your family as well as Kelly's family!
Sincerely,
Linda Hollinsworth Horn
Proud (former) Clarence Native, Class of '88
Cincinnati, Ohio
by jmhnyc on September 17, 2008 at 3:57 PM
Chris,
Blown away!! You are amazing. I look forward to the day they have a walk in NYC and would be proud to help in anyway that I can here in the big city. I will walk, talk and get the word out. Good luck my friend!!!!
Jay Helms
by ktymnj on September 18, 2008 at 1:24 PM
Chris,
Those who know you, live in awe. You are a tremendous inspiration. You've created this fantastic positive outlet for those who loved and lost Kelly and others like them that share similar stories.
Wishing you and Susan nothing but the best.
Kristin, Peter and Drew Duncan
by rjromanek on September 18, 2008 at 6:06 PM
Chris,
You are an inspiration to us all.
Love to you, Susan and Cooper.
-Rich Romanek
by bikerblunder on September 18, 2008 at 7:32 PM
Christopher, The woman that said "you've created a fantastic positive outlet for those who loved and lost Kelly" has a profound impact on me. I do beleive that you have opened a door that nobody could've ever opened, not only for me, but maybe even for the world! I truley beleive that you and the Foundation have been my Rock! I miss my sissy so much, I wish the world knew her and what she was all about! I pray that, through you and the Foundation, maybe they will see how compassionate of a person she was, and that what you are doing, in her name would make her so proud to be a part of it.
by WVUAlesha on September 19, 2008 at 7:27 AM
Voting like crazy! You are such an inspiration! I look forward to working with the foundation in the future!
Alesha Walker
by hsaxena on September 19, 2008 at 8:18 AM
Amazing and very inspiring. :-)
by jillmonaco on September 19, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Chris,
Laurie forwarded me your story and you are doing amazing things!!! Best of luck to you and your family.
Peace to you,
Jill (Monkelbaan) Monaco
by jbzig on September 19, 2008 at 4:03 PM
What an outstanding video. Chris your story and your wife's sacrifice are an inspiration to all. Thank you and god bless!!
by cstaker on September 19, 2008 at 5:14 PM
Christopher,
Your passion for creating awareness is overwhelmingly inspiring. Thank you for your tenacious efforts in education of brain cancer. With knowledge a cure is sure to be found.
by jdurand on September 19, 2008 at 6:51 PM
Chris,
I don't think I can even say how proud we all are of your accomplishment. Knowing you the foundation will be a great success. Your inspiration is has no limits. Kelly would be proud.
Congratulations on your beautiful family. May god bless you with many days of joy ahead. You deserve all the best.
by cadickey on September 19, 2008 at 7:47 PM
My God bless you and your family
Chuck and Charlotte Dickey
Lynn Haven, FL
by mmgl56 on September 20, 2008 at 3:26 AM
Chris,
Best wishes on your journey. I have a stepdaughter who has had a brain tumor. She was fortunate to have a benign one. As a hospice nurse I can appreciate all that you are doing. I live and breathe it with my patients everyday. When I was a new hospice nurse I had a young man (27yo) who had prostate cancer and died. He and his parents were an inspiration to me. He died before he was able to go to Sloan Kettering for an evaluation. Keep up the great work. It would be nice to be out of a job because of a cure! Thank you for all you are doing. Sincerely, Michelle
by wwildeeee on September 20, 2008 at 3:38 AM
Chris, You are an inspiration to all of us. Best wishes to you for being strong enough to go forward and help others. I am a cancer survivor and as each day goes by I realize how much of a gift life really is.
by lballaro on September 20, 2008 at 5:36 AM
Did you re-calculate the press contest??
I know you did and I win!!
by MarkKnudsen1 on September 20, 2008 at 7:24 AM
Hello Chris, Congradulations and Best Wishes, you are dong a Great Job and we all want to support you.
Again Super Job.
Mark Knudsen
by Marie54 on September 20, 2008 at 10:38 AM
Hi Chris,
I am also from Delaware and my Dear Aunt died last year of a Brain Tumor. I am so glad you found love again and i am sure Kelly is looking down on you with a great big Smlie. If I can do anything to help please contact me@ 302-477-0649 or 302-562-0517 Marie Blest
by leaschm on September 20, 2008 at 11:33 AM
Chris:
For the many who you have and will help through your dedication and work, for those like us you inspire and encourage, and for the honor you bring to Kelly's memory and brave battle, congratulations and many thanks. Opening our minds and hearts will open the way to a cure. God bless!
Don and Laura S. Wilmington DE
by rosebucci on September 20, 2008 at 4:21 PM
Good Luck Chris! You're already a winner!
by chezcyn on September 20, 2008 at 7:19 PM
Chris, Hi I have a brain tumor and I want to say thank you to you and to everyone who has supported your foundation. It is so comforting to know there is someone that has such sincere passion for finding a cure and has taken action! God Bless you and your beautiful family,
Thank you again, Cynthia Herrick /Chez Nicole
by mehughes41 on September 20, 2008 at 10:27 PM
God bless you for the wonderful work you are doing. My dear friend died from a brain tumor this year and I could see how it affected her whole family.
You have been given a talent to help so many people and seem to be doing an excellent job.
You deserve to win this competition Chris!
Keep up the good work,
Marie U.K.
by NanaMarie50 on September 21, 2008 at 4:06 AM
Best of Luck
by msdunworth on September 21, 2008 at 9:31 AM
I don't understand how to vote. Can somebody tell me?
by msdunworth on September 21, 2008 at 9:33 AM
How do you vote? I can't figure it out. Can you tell me how?
by dmw320 on September 21, 2008 at 11:51 AM
Chris,
I knew Kelly for only a short time and fell in love with her! I live with the sadness of not being more involved and I blame that on my fear. I too battled cancer and truly understand so much more. I faced my fear straight on and think about Kelly often. Your video is awesome and God bless you and your new family! Congratulations on happiness and keeping Kelly's memory alive and for all your efforts in finding a cure.
Diane Winslow
by tcgriffith on September 21, 2008 at 1:38 PM
I was one of the 2000 people who participated in the first brain tumor walk. My good friend, Jerry Smith, died from brain cancer in July 2007 & his wife recently finished her last round of chemo. I would like to vote but can't seem to do it! Help!
Good luck with this video, Chris. I hope you win!
Terri, Aldan, PA
by klmeck on September 21, 2008 at 3:14 PM
Today is 9/21/08. How do you vote? Is is over?
by onell777xoxo on September 21, 2008 at 5:13 PM
I want to vote today but can't. Please let my vote count
by datemple on September 21, 2008 at 6:34 PM
The vote button is not coming up. We are losing precious votes!
by nbalecia on September 22, 2008 at 6:44 AM
What an inspiring story. I know you only through this challenge, and am inspired by your actions in overcoming tragedy. My nephew died two years ago from a brain tumor. We wish you success and thank you for your dedication.
by ymadden on September 22, 2008 at 8:39 AM
Good luck, Chris. Your story and your work is truly inspiring
Y Madden
by kariv on September 22, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Something not cool is happening here - this guys views have gone up over 1000 views in just the past few minutes.... :(
by alqnsmommys on September 22, 2008 at 1:32 PM
Chris,
As a brain tumor survivor (Grade 3 mixed glioma) I'm inspired by your story and your perseverance through your loss. I wish you nothing but the best life has to offer. You have a beautiful wife and son.
Best,
JM
by jas1994 on September 22, 2008 at 1:38 PM
I will have to agree that the views came out of no where. I too have been watching the progress. I think this is an inspirational story but somethings seems off. Just in a matter of a few hours.
by ZachRocks on September 22, 2008 at 9:37 PM
I am sure glad that others have noticed the sudden existence of views besides me. I have been monitoring it close like so many others. I am here to say that I find it quite interesting that this finalist had over 23,000 views in the last 20 hours which is more than were reported for the entire week. I also find it hard to believe the comments from some here that they had trouble voting. No comments were made on any other finalists pages that there were any difficulties! I will be very dissappointed if it comes to light that some funny business is going on!
by FlyersFan on September 23, 2008 at 5:31 AM
Chris Grundner has a huge following of supporters. He periodically sends out emails to people that have supported this foundation; therefore supporting his video. If you watched the video, then you would see that any proceeds whatsoever would go into the Kelly Heinz-Grundner Brain Tumor Foundation. I'm sure it is legitimate and that is a shame that somewhere someone out there has to complain. We should all be supportive of the fight for cancer.
by Leah346 on September 23, 2008 at 7:14 AM
Everyone that was a finalist did an amazing job.
by CGrundner on September 23, 2008 at 8:35 AM
This is Chris. Let me be the 1st to say that NO ONE is more surprised than I am to see my # of views skyrocket. I just logged on for the 1st time since Sun (I was out of town yesterday attending a funeral). My last look was around midnight on Sun and my views were about 21k & Zach's were over 25k. As such, I graciously conceded and happily focused on the fact that we got 2nd. My friends know that I said early on that Zach deserved to win. In fact, I had even committed mid last week to give Zach the bike if we won (vs. raffling it off as I originally planned). So, again, NO ONE is more shocked than me. As for the voting issues posted by my supporters, people thought they could vote through Sun night, so when voting ended earlier, some of my supporters got confused. I agree my increase does seem a little weird. However, I am confident that the LIVESTRONG team will get to the bottom of it and, until then, I would like to thank everyone for not assuming that there was foul play by us.
by Stickboy on September 23, 2008 at 9:17 AM
Views do not necessarily = votes.
by Lex on September 23, 2008 at 10:03 AM
Just to weigh in here:
We were -- and are! -- very excited about this contest. One of the great things about it was spreading the word about all these inspirational stories.
We took great care to ensure the validity of votes coming in, and we had both automated and human "checks" in place to look over the voting data every day. Chris was able to send the link to his contest entry on to a large network of friends and supporters, who kept sending it on virally. But the unique range of viewer IPs and voter IPs make me 100% confident in saying that nothing untoward has happened with the voting.
And as said below, views aren't necessarily the same as votes.
We'll be announcing the winner later today...
by suebroo33 on September 23, 2008 at 10:23 AM
Shame on you hmartini, zachrocks, jas1994 & kariv! The point of this contest was to be an inspiration and spread cancer awareness and increase support for those affected. We should rejoice that the "we will win against cancer" messages are spreading/flourishing even AFTER voting has closed. You have won nothing with your hurtful comments.
by profgubler on September 23, 2008 at 10:31 AM
I was the person that made Zach's video. Great job Chris. I think it is awesome at what you are doing. I in no way ever thought that anything was amiss in this situation. Keep up your awesome work. I think that this contest was great, and that I am excited for all of the finalists. All of the videos are amazing and inspirational. This was a great contest, and I hope people had fun and were inspired by each persons individual story.
As a long time fan of the Lance Armstrong Foundation and what it does, I am very excited about all this attention being brought to the cause. Tomorrow will mark a great day as Lance announces his come back. It will be a great day for cancer awareness. I think it is time to celebrate all of the accomplishments of those who are fighting any fight, whether it be cancer or anything else.
by profgubler on September 23, 2008 at 10:38 AM
One more thing. I am touched by your willingness to give Zach the bike even if you won. That means a lot to him I am sure. I haven't had a chance to talk to Zach in a couple days. But, I know that him and his family are thrilled at all the support they have received.
by Leah346 on September 23, 2008 at 2:56 PM
Hi Chris,
I'm a friend of Zach's...
I just wanted to tell you how remarkable you are. Your words were so gracious and so heartfelt that you left on Zach's site...and clearly you are a class act. :)
I admire you so much--- as I admire Zach and all the other really incredible people that made it this far in the competition. All these stories are about people who we can look up to...and you are a hero!
LiveSTRONG!
With gratitude,
Leah Shearer
by suzie820 on September 25, 2008 at 2:05 AM
Hi, I'm too late to vote, sorry, I received an e-mail last week about the contest from my daughter-in-law Molly ( who is Owen Klimoff's cousin ). I didn't follow through until today when I visited the link and saw your video. I will definitly seek awareness on brain tumors. Congratulations on all your accomplishments!
by jamadd on October 17, 2008 at 1:21 PM
May God continue to bless you and your family. Keep up the good work.
by palmtree152 on October 29, 2008 at 8:14 AM
There is a walk on Sunday November 2 at the Art Museum in Phila sponsored by www.braintumorsociety.org please remember to support this worthwhile cause. I will walk in memory of my Mother.
by nataliecuster on March 2, 2009 at 12:25 PM
What an inspirational story. I don't often share mine, but two of my family members have been affected by brain tumors. One has passed away, and the other has had part of her life taken away (though yet still alive). I pray that each and every brain tumor patient knows there is hope and finds the strength they need each and every day. Yours is truly an inspiration to me and others as well. You can unlock any door if you only have the key......