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.