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Written by Stephanie Elgin
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 Mike and Susanna Gunning, a happily married couple and loving parents of Sean (23) and Evan (16) lived a quiet life here in the Santa Clarita Valley. On January 23, 2006, their lives were unexpectedly changed forever. On that day, Susanna was diagnosed with stage IV melanoma. She underwent brain surgery to remove the primary tumor. Radiation and chemotherapy followed for the next six months. Just 10 months after Susanna’s diagnosis, her husband Mike was diagnosed with bladder cancer. He underwent the removal and reconstruction of his bladder from his large intestines. Mike endured a three-month course of chemotherapy shortly following, while Susanna was dealing with her second round of chemotherapy. The two became “chemo-buddies”. Sadly, Susanna’s health continued to worsen and on November 23, 2007 at the age of 50, she lost her brave and courageous battle.
As Mike and sons, Sean and Evan picked up the pieces, tragedy struck
again. Mike fell victim to a large layoff at Dreamworks Animation. As
if that wasn’t enough, only two weeks later, his cancer reoccurred with
a vengeance. He began a two-week course of radiation that was to be
followed by a three-month course of chemotherapy. Five days after Mike
received his first chemotherapy treatment, he was hospitalized with
pneumonia. Mike Gunning passed away on July 19, 2008, shortly after
celebrating his 51st birthday. Just five days later, Mike’s father,
Ron passed away in Reno. Sean and Evan, with the help of their Aunt
Eileen and Uncle Dan Gunning are picking up the pieces once again.
The Gunning family has endured many trials in such a short period
of time. A group of friends and family have come together in support to
help give hope and healing. They have planned a Texas Hold’em
Tournament in loving memory of Susanna and Mike to be held on Saturday,
November 8. Proceeds will help provide financial assistance to sons
Sean and Evan. The event will take place at the Hyatt Valencia, with
registration beginning at 5:30 p.m. and a tournament start time at 6:30
p.m. There is a $100 buy-in with unlimited re-buying opportunities at
$50 per re-buy for the first two hours. The tournament is limited to
300 players, and the non-player entry is $50. Something extra for
non-card players, there will be a boutique including Simplese, Borrowed
Bling, Shelley’s Fashions and more. All guests will be able to enjoy
appetizers, cash bar, 50/50 raffle, silent and live auctions, along
with an additional raffle for a 50 inch plasma television with
installation included. Some of the wonderful prizes include a foursome
golf package for the Valencia Country Club, tickets to a 2009 Dodger
game, a luxurious trip to Cabo San Lucas or a Caribbean Cruise!
Come support the Gunning family. For more information or sponsorship
opportunities, visit www.gunningbenefit.org or call Judy Janusek at
661-714-7017 or Barbara Beck at 661-904-5700.
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Stephanie Elgin |
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