For the past eleven years the first weekend in November is the Skate Jam for Make A Wish — always a big weekend for us and this year was no different. Jim, Jack and the Deluxe team all came down for the annual event. Jeff Taylor from Adio and his crew also came out. We were actually a little worried about the Adio team because they live in SoCal and at that time of the event, the entire lower half of CA was on fire. Luckily, none of the folks we know were impacted and were safe and sound.

About a week before the event our friend Paul from Fuel TV called to see if we were going and if he could tag along for the weekend. He asked if Johnny would be interested in “working” and be a correspondent for a show called the Weekly Update. Paul flew in a day early to come to Johnny’s clinic visit on Friday and film that part of Johnny’s life. If I can figure out how to download the segment to the blog will — Paul did a great job — so did Johnny.

On our way home from the clinic we stopped at South Side Skate park where the event is held and ran into Jim, Jack and a lot of team members from Deluxe and Adio. It was nice to see them all in a relaxed setting — kinda the calm before the storm and the HUGE crowds the next day.

Jack decided to brave the chaos at our house and spend the night! It was late by the time we drove up — so it was pretty dark and the doodles were outside. When Jack saw the doodles running and barking at the car his voice cracked as he tried to keep his composure and ask “wha aaat’s that?…” We assured him it was just our dogs and coaxed the little guy out of the van. It didn’t take him long to figure out that our house is a haven for TOADS. Lots and lots of toads — like Stephen King novel amounts of toads. Jack was in heaven. We spent most of the night collecting and releasing amphibians and even found a mascot for Deluxe. We put him in a box with a small ramp and finger skateboard, then released him into the wild sometime on Saturday.

Jack and his new friends

Escapee

Saturday was a full day, Johnny was pumped to see everyone and skate before the doors opened to the public. Joey loved hanging out at the Zummies tent playing the new Tony Hawk video game and occasionally breaking away long enough to beat his brother in a game of ping pong.

The boys got there early — about 8ish. I, on the other hand, opted to sleep in and get there about 10ish with Sophie.

Johnny and Jack before the doors opened to the public

The only time Sophie and I were actually in the park

Joey and Johnny

Sophie and I stayed close to the Deluxe tent most of the day and Mike stuck with Johnny, Joey and Paul as they filmed. As I watched Paul and Johnny skate/film I hoped that Paul wasn’t bored out of his mind — then he came up to me and said, “This is great, I’m having so much fun!”, I checked for any hint of sarcasm
but he was really telling the truth! Anyway, Paul stuck to Johnny like glue all weekend and I know they both had a good time. Johnny even did well remembering his ‘lines’ for the interviews — I think spending Friday with Paul helped loosen him up and made him feel comfortable.

Johnny interviewing Peter R.

About 2PM it caught up to Johnny and he pretty much shut down for the rest of the event. Mike and I talked about going home but knew that it was important to have Johnny there for the awards. Mike took him to the van where he slept for a few hours.

Johnny passed out

The past 8 months or so have been really good for Johnny — he’s grown and gained so much weight! With that said, he chemo doses go up as well and I think it’s been harder than usual for him to bounce back. He also refuses to accept the fact that the poison/radio active chemicals racing through his veins have an affect on him or his stamina.

The Skate Jam raised over 100k this year, 15k from Deluxe (from the sale of Johnny’s decks) and an additional 5k in Johnny’s honor for the pre-sale of his shoe from Adio on top of their other donations! Adio plays a huge part in the event — they get there a week before to help set up and make sure that everything goes as planned. Jeff and Travis do an amazing job every year.

Damian and April — none of this would be possible without them!

Jim accepting his award for his donations

We blew off dinner with the Deluxe and Adio teams and headed for home for a hot shower and climb into bed. We were all glad to be home but it’s never enough tome to spend with our friends, it all seems to go too fast — we can’t wait until next year!