Hi all-
Jenn here, wishing that I had some good news since Hunter’s last update, but regretfully I don’t.
We had spoken to his primary oncologist right after his last post and she gave us some rather startling news. She said that his disease had progressed much more rapidly than anticipated since his last scans, and if they were unable to get the lung infection under control, they were unable to get him started on chemo again. He also had active bleeding from some of the lung tumors, and since he was on blood thinners already, added further complications. While he’s not on chemo, the disease is progressing at a high rate, and she said she didn’t want to be pessimistic, but in this situation may only have about a month left. We of course were devastated by the news.
Late the night of the 2nd I had gotten a call from his nurse that he was having some sort of seizure or panic attack. I had been spending waking hours at the hospital, but had been going home to see the kids for a bit and be able to put them to sleep myself. I started spending the nights then at the hospital, too. He had a few milder “episodes” where he could feel it coming on and could breathe through it to help it pass, but other than that was his alert, happy and usual self otherwise. He said he’d start feeling like his extremities were going numb, things seemed surreal, his body would go limp and he almost couldn’t move for a few minutes. To me they looked like a seizure, but he was still aware of what was happening. They’d last a total of 10-20 minutes before he would feel normal again. Ben and i had a great visit with him the afternoon of the 4th and he was feeling pretty good. His mobility and spirits were great, and he seemed to be doing well, so I decided to stay home with the boys that night. He ended up having a series of 10 small strokes the night of the 4th, which left his left side paralyzed from the shoulder down. When I got there early the next morning I could immediately tell that something had happened to him. He had a series of scans and spoke to a number of doctors that were all perplexed as to how that could have happened. He’d had numerous scans two days prior, and no blood clots were detected. His speech seemed a touch slurred and his cognitive skills were a bit slow, but I’m pleased to report that as of today these seem to have returned back to normal, and he is able to move his left hand, slightly his arm, and slightly lift short round again. Fortunately since it wasn’t 1 large stroke, they said there shouldn’t be any permanent damage.
I’m sorry this post is kind of all over the place, but this all leads to where we are today. The doctors told us on Monday that they feel there isn’t anything else that they can do to stop his disease. The lung infection seems to have slowed, but is still present. The tumors are growing too rapidly and his body is too weak to start a chemo treatment. At this stage of advancement they don’t feel chemo could be of any help anyway.
We are preparing to bring him home tomorrow afternoon with the help of hospice. The doctors have said that he may have a few days or possibly a few weeks. We are going to make the most of the time that we have together, and after spending the past 3 weeks in the hospital away from our boys, it will do us all a lot of good to be back in the same space again.
I have to say, this whole situation seems rather unreal. To look at him, he doesn’t appear that sick, so it makes it so easy to pretend that we haven’t reached this point yet. I feel fortunate that thanks to such wonderful family and friends taking care of the boys, I have been able to give him my full attention these 3 weeks. Many late night chats were had, and although there’s been many tears, there have been many laughs shared too.
Thank you all for being so supportive and invested in his journey. He continues to feel it every step of the way. Will update when I can.
Jenn
Very sad to read this. I happened to be watching Chariots of Fire earlier today, and now will never be able to watch it and not think of Hunter. I was watching it specifically to try to draw some inspiration to accomplish things in my life. I was thinking primarily of Eric Liddell’s quote about where the power comes from to see the race to its end. The quote looms large over the movie, and Hunter and his family exemplify it. He is truly one of the finest people I have ever known or will ever know.
Hunter – you should know that you have left an indelible mark on my life in the short time that have known you. Because of you, I make a greater effort to live in the moment. After all, it is the only one any of us is promised. Your positive attitude and courage will continue to inspire many of us who have been priviledged to know you.
Jenn – you are such a strong and amazing woman, a trmendous wife and mother. Please know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers, now and for years to come.
Hunter,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Nancy Vitoria Ellis
Please know that there are many people from Hunter’s Brookwood days who are praying for your family. He is a wonderful person who has touched many lives, as apparent from the posts below. I will never forget his warm smile and funny personality. May you all feel the love and prayers that are being sent your way. What a beautiful l he has built in the little boys I see in the pictures.
Blessings,
Stephanie Arnette Powell (childhood friend)
I am so very sorry to hear all of this. I just found out today and am deeply saddened. I will definitely keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. I have lost touch with Hunter since our days at Brookwood, but I will always remember that Journey concert with Hunter and Ginny in ninth grade with a huge grin. You made my AP classes much more tolerable and always were so fun to be around. I am praying for complete healing. God bless you all. Angie Wilson Zegers
Jenn and Hunter–
Your Tillman Place family is holding you in their hearts right now. We’re all wishing we could be there for you.
Hugs and Prayers . . .
Hunter, I just caught up on your journey through reading your blog. Your bravery and sense of humor are remarkable. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. My heart is saddened to hear of your struggle, but I am truly inspired by the love and dedication of your wife and family and friends. You probably don’t remember me…we didn’t run in the same circles at Brookwood, you being a genius and all… but we have many mutual friends who speak so highly of you. I will keep you and your devoted family in my thoughts and prayers in the difficult days ahead.
Thinking of you and your family, Hunter, and I can’t do that without seeing your smile and hearing laughter. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I will keep you all in my prayers.
Kimberly Hannah Buehler
BHS ’90
Hunter,
I have been sitting here for an hour trying to find words. I have come to the conclusion that I have no words so I will be cheesy and quote a Journey song (because no one who went to high school with you can hear a Journey song and not think of you – I was even lucky enough to witness a lip synch by you and Dusty Campbell). Don’t stop believing!!
I know that God will provide everything you need. You and your beautiful family are in my prayers.
Kim Alford Cordum
Hunter, Jen and the boys, Zip and I send you all the strength and honor that prayers can bring. We ran the VA Beach marathon for you and would do a hundred more. Maybe not Zip b/c he’s not training properly. But I sure would. You be strong and keep your heads up high. You will shine forever. Erik and Jennifer Zipperer (& the ziplets)
Hunter,
I have nothing but happy and fun memories of you from high school. What a beautiful family you have! You are in my prayers every day.
Sally Cox Walsh
Hunter, you are in my thoughts and prayers. my God bless and keep you.
Hunter,
I was saddened beyond words to hear the news. I am happy you have such a strong and supportive wife and family. Thank you for sharing your story with us, the good and the bad, and with a sense of humor…as always. I have so many things I’d like to say to you but the main thing I want for you now is a painless and peaceful journey. And wherever you end up, may you do so moonwalking. Love you Hunter. Keeping you, Jenn, the boys, and the rest of your family in my thoughts and prayers.
-Susan Bradley
Hunter,
I’ve just become aware of your situation and of the fight you’ve waged. I’m saddened of this news, but strengthened by your courage and of the love your family and friends have shown you in this hour. We weren’t close in high school, but I distinctly recall – and appreciated – your happy and positive nature. You and your precious family are in our thoughts and prayers. We fight together. God be with you, friend.
-Kyle Gaines
Hey Hunter,
Its been a long time since I’ve seen you, but it looks like you’ve been very busy the last 20 years. You have such a beautiful family! You must be very proud. I’ll always remember you smiling, twirling your pencil and keeping everything lighthearted. I’ll be thinking about you. Take care my friend.
Alan, he still twirls his pencil – but, he graduated to a pen!
The Lord is with you and your family. My prayers go up several times a day, for the ease of Hunter’s pain, the continuance of Jen’s amazing strength, and the never ending courage the boys have. I pray God will comfort you all.
Several times a day my prayers go up.
“When he shall die, Take him and cut him out in little stars, And he will make the face of heaven so fine That all the world will be in love with night And pay no worship to the garish sun.”
― William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
This made me think of Hunter. And how he has been a shining light of motivation, friendship, and knowledge to many.
Dear, crazy Hunter….you used to make me laugh so hard I would cry! With your incredible dance moves…the sprinkler, etc….you set me up with Jan, the Danish hammer thrower, then laughed at me every time you called him the hammer thrower. You and Jason took me under your wings, and you became a mentor and a friend. I remember so much laughter, and your kindness, humility and humor touching everyone around you. I’m not gonna lie, man….this sucks ass….I’m in tears, but reading your blog is making me laugh all over again. I’m so happy for the amazing family you have! They lift you up. I will always remember laughing and dancing, my friend. Love you!
Kim, I second that. Hunter, tonight I am sitting outside and hear Faithfully in yours and Dustys voices all those years ago. You are and have been a gift to all of us who were lucky enough to be touched by your soul.
Sarah Cortese Jumper
Hunter, I just got the news and I am greatly saddened by it. My thoughts are with you, Jenn, and your two boys during this difficult time. Like Jennifer Beck said, I will always remember your great sense of humor and your ability to brighten our days in the ROTC building. You have an amazing family there with you and many, many friends afar that are supporting you in thoughts and prayers these coming days. You are one of the good ones brother.
Wow, Hunter. I saw your unfortunate news from Chad. So sorry that this leads me to looking you up on the internet. My prayers are with you and your family. I’ve always remembered your incredible sense of humor, and your ability to continue running at the 2-mile mark, when your stomach ALWAYS expelled its contents. Godspeed my friend.
Hunter, I didn’t get the chance of really knowing you like Dan, Chad, J. Beck, J.L. And the gang, but I remember some laughs back in that Mil building in Athens, Ga. I’ve read all of your inspiring blog posts and I’m in awe of your brave fight, your positive outlook all tweaked with a touch of your humor and ever present smile. I wish you and your family peace, may you all feel God’s love upon you.
Hunter,
If not for you & JBeck, I wouldn’t have made it past the first day of UGA ROTC. That damn web belt would have done me in– It was the first of so many little basic things you guys so patiently taught me how to handle–laughing the whole way through. I always looked up to you for your knowledge and sense of humor but most of all because you were compassionate enough to try to teach the new, skinny, clueless chick stuff when others were too cool or too busy.
Thank you, Hunter, for showing me how important it is to patiently teach others without judging. It became a habit for me to emulate you that later led to a career in education.
Your news sucks and isn’t one bit of fair! But I know you rely on God always. Blessings on you and your family.
Love,
Kristi Saxton
Hunter,
Just saw this from JL. Thinking and praying for you and your family.
Darren
Hunter and Jenn,
You’ve both fought and worked through these trials and challenges with such a positive spirit and faith. I’m so sorry that you got hit with this latest devastating news. I pray that God will strengthen and uphold you and your family as you go through this very difficult time.
Hunter my friend, I’m kinda speechless, but glad to have the chance to let you know how much I loved teaching you in those crazy PROBE classes at Five Forks. I still remember your awful German, and all the critical thinking /logic exercises that drove you crazy. You will always hold a special place in my heart.
Hunter,
I am so very sorry to hear the news and am praying very hard for you and your family. You are quite possibly the nicest, most genuine person around. One of the primary reasons I was able to successfully transition from a tiny little private school to a big school like Brookwood was because you (the senior) were happy to drive me (the freshman) around in your blue station wagon. I still remember the tradition of 24/7 Christmas music starting the day after Halloween. You were one of the best role models a guy could’ve had. Both of my parents still speak very, very highly of you because of your kindness and character.
Chris Carter
Hunter and Jenn, been reading, thinking of you, and praying with you thru this…your strength and attitude is humbling to me. I will pray for you guys and let you know you have our support and love.
I just found out about your struggles. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this horrible time. I am amazed reading your blog at your strength.
Hunter,
You are in every happy memory I have from UGA ROTC. It always impressed me that you were a patriot before being patriotic was fashionable. You were my first mentor in the military. Please know I am praying for you and your family.
Hunter,
I was made aware today what you and your family have been dealing with since this past October. I so wish that I had found out sooner. Hunter, my memories of our time running together in high school are so wonderful. You probably have no idea how much I always admired and looked up to you. You always treated me like a little brother…letting me selflessly borrow your “Walkman” on cross country trips and having a mutual appreciation for all types of music ranging fom Journey to Yanni. The appreciation for Journey continues today but my interest in Yanni has faded substantially! Tonight I started reading back in October’s posts and read every post up to the most recent one. Now that I know, I am praying diligently for you, your sweet wife and your amazing boys. You have always been a very dear friend to me and just reading all your posts tonight reminded me of how amazing a person you truly are. Keep fighting my friend and I promise to pray for God’s supernatural presence and strength.
I knew Hunter while at UGA through the silver stars support group for the RoTc. He was always so kind and honest. A true gentleman. I am so sorry to hear of your family’s struggle with this horrible disease. I will be praying for you all.
Hunter,
I’m simply stunned this morning to learn about all this. Though it’s been a while since we’ve seen each other, I remember you as an absolute star back in college. There is no doubt in my mind that you’ve remained one through the years. I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone with a better sense of humor or more heart.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
Roy
Dear Hunter, Lindsey Family & Relatives,
I worked with Hunter for such a brief period. He is the kind of guy who can definitely “grow on you”! His wit, intelligence and tenacity are amazing not to mention his charm, wonderful personality and good looks! I am completely devastated and saddened to hear this horrific news. My thoughts and prayers are with you Hunter as well as your entire family at this most difficult time. May God grant you His peace, tranquility and most of all LOVE over the remaining days/month(s) you have left. Stay steadfast in His love for all of your family. God Bless you Always Hunter.
Thinking of you today! Hope you are getting to spend some great moments with your family. I pray for energy and no pain so you can enjoy your boys!
I’ve hesitated for days (weeks?) to write a comment here because, really, how the hell does one respond to this?? I’d say “Don’t Stop Believin’,” Hunter, but I think this is one situation even Journey can’t fix. It doesn’t matter though, as it is evident that your faith, your family, your friends, & your sense of humor have only grown stronger over the years. Every person who knows you has a funny story to tell — something that cheers them up & makes everyone smile. I think that pretty much sums you up. You’ve made every life that you touched better by your mere presence, & that is a unique gift of yours that you selflessly & continuously shared with the rest of us.
I remember you running up & down the street in front of our house (& a group of friends standing in our driveway — your Truth or Dare “audience”) in nothing but your skivvies on a cold winter night, singing/shouting “God Bless America.” I remember you teaching me “I slit a sheet. A sheet I slit, & on the slitted sheet I sit,” as well as the words to “God Bless My Underwear (My Only Pair).” Such silly joys & random details that have stuck with me throughout life. I remember you doing “The Sprinkler” & “The Shovel” & some other ridiculous dances in the middle of our crowded high school dances, then moonwalking your exit. Such a goof! I remember you joining our family on our trip to Charleston, & what a pain in the arse Susan & I both were (much to our parents’ embarrassment, I’m sure, as they adored you — & still do).
You were basically an honorary member of Clan Bradley from the time I was in middle school until you graduated from college & started your life in the Army. You were like a big brother to me, & you always treated me as an equal, even though I was younger than your & Susan’s graduating class. You were smart, funny, handsome, kind, supportive — basically the perfect guy, though either humble or oblivious? — but the thing about you that inspired me the most was the simple fact that you NEVER got (or at least let on that you were) embarrassed by your actions. As long as you could make other people smile & feel good, you didn’t give a rat’s ass what anyone else thought. It was the same with your morals, virtues, & beliefs. You never compromised yourself for the sake of what others *might* have thought of you. You were always your own person — unique & beloved. I am certain that’s what made you an amazing husband, father, officer, & general human being.
I am sorry that we fell out of touch over the years not only because this is the crappiest way possible to reconnect, but also because you have clearly done many great things, as anyone who’s ever known you would’ve expected. You’ve done more in the past 20 years than many people do in a long lifetime. You have much to be proud of, most especially your beautiful family. Despite my rambling on (I think I’m afraid that if I stop writing I will lose all of my memories of you — one of the many annoying neuroses of a writer), words cannot convey how crushed I was (& still am) to hear your news, yet nor can they convey the pride I feel for all that you have accomplished, & for having been just a tiny stitch in your life’s tapestry. Hunter, you have made the world a better place simply by being in it, I will continue to pray for you & your family.
All My Love,
-Erin
Hunter just found through facebook about your blog. Funny how something that is mostly a time killer can occasionally have an impact on our lives. I didn’t read all the post(I started tearing up a little and didn’t want Chris Carter to make some “girlie man” Pershing Rifle crying comment) but it was amazing how much the Hunter I remember from college shined through in your comments even when you talked about the pain and challenges you are going through. I’m living in Athens now and the other day I ran past the Ranger House. It brought back a lot of memories including some I wish I could forget. Like all the UGA ROTC people I have fond memories of our time at Georgia. Heck anyone who can get the respect of Chris Carter and Jordan Alexander must have been doing something right. Don’t really know how to put my emotions into words right now so I’ll just promise to keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
I don’t know if you remember me but I was a member of Silver Stars Army ROTC support group. I am so sorry to hear about what is happening. You & your family are in my thoughts & prayers.
Hunter,
My friend you are my hero! As I read your post my mind races of all the past days of running Cross country and Track with you at Brookwood. Going to Myrtle Beach and dancing at the Magic Attic….GO BABIES!!! Hunter I will keep you and your family in my prayers. If there’s anything your family needs please do not hesitate to contact me. 678-266-7126.
Hunter & Jenn = courage + inspiration
Your willingness to share your journey has changed so many of us forever.
Hunter, I can only say how much of a fighter you are. I have only known you for a about a year but you are a great person to be strong and share this journey with us. I am praying for you and your family.
Hunter, you have always been one of the funniest, most light hearted and sincerest people that I have known. You made me smile and laugh so many times. To this day, every time I get my driver’s license renewed I think of you and your high school license picture. Some of my fondest high school memories are from our AP Biology class with you, AJ Singadia, Tom Caulfield and Ginny Speaks. I have rescued many cats to repent for our mistreatment of our biology cat.
You have a beautiful family. You and your wife have an enviable relationship from what has been shared. You have more accomplishments than most people dream. I am sad this is how I am reaching out to you after all of these years.
You and your family are in my family’s prayers daily. Our church, Cannon Methodist, also has you listed on the prayer list. You have so many people that are better for knowing you, no matter if it is past or present. I know that I am grateful, and I will always smile every time that I hear your name.
Hunter and Jenn,
This was another wonderful Our Daily Bread message that I wanted to share with you. You are in our prayers every day that God will give you the peace of His son.
Our Daily Bread — Read Backwards
He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. —Revelation 21:7
I confess that I sometimes read the end of a book before I read the beginning. Doing so allows me to know which characters live and which characters don’t. When I know how it will turn out, I’m able to relax and thoroughly appreciate and enjoy the story and the characters.
In a similar way, reading the final book of the Bible, the book of Revelation, can be an encouragement and comfort for the followers of Jesus. Time and again, Christians are called to be overcomers (1 John 4:4; 5:4; Rev. 2:7,11,17,26; 3:5,12,21). We can be overcomers now and will be for all eternity.
As the apostle John talks about the revealing of the new heaven and the new earth in Revelation (21:1), he describes what the final victory will look like for those who have received Jesus as Savior. At that time, we will see the end of death, tears, sorrow, and pain (v.4). The Lord declares: “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son” (v.7). He will dwell with us (v.3), and He will “make all things new” (v.5).
When the trials of today seem more daunting than your strength, let the Lord show you the end of the story when you will be in His presence forever! —Randy Kilgore
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle—the next the victor’s song.
To him that overcometh a crown of life shall be;
He with the King of glory shall reign eternally. —Duffield
For hope today, remember the end of the story— eternity with God.
Hunter and Jenn,
You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Wish we could be there to give you all a huge hug!!! We are praying for you all! You are both heroes and true examples of strength and courage!!
Vince and Stacey