Reason for name change:

Johnny was a very special person to so many people, especially to many involved with the Texas Skate Jam and then Sept. 23rd 2008 came along.....and we were compelled to rename it to honor Johnny's life....
September 23rd was to be an important date for Johnny.. And it was, just not the kind I was looking forward to 9 months before. That was when Julie (Johnny's Mom) reminded me this particular date was a big day. The day Johnny would be officially in remission after his 3 year plus maintenance and treatment was over. If you haven't heard he had been hospitalized since May 31st 2008, after his cancer relapsed on the 13th of May. It had been touch and go since that Memorial Day.  
September 23rd 2008 was an important day for Johnny and his family; Julie, Mike, Joey, Sophie; and for all of us here.  
Johnny was relieved of the pain, and his lease to us had ended.   "God wanted him back" as Joey so eloquently stated on the Blog....Joey's words were so special and private, but it's there for everyone on the Blog to see.   http://j-grom.blogspot.com
I have learned one thing for sure, that I am weak & scared in comparison to Johnny and the rest of this wonderful Romano family. They faced life with a smile even in the darkest times. Johnny was the pinnacle of that. He showed us all how you can face the day no matter what it threw at you. I can only aspire to be that strong and I will do my best, if not I would be letting Johnny down.    We should all aspire to that level of strength and kindness.  
Sometimes in life you meet someone on this crazy world and you see angelic features in that person, be it in their face or spirit...Johnny had it in both...His whole family is just the same; beautiful, loving and with great spirit. I'm only one voice in many that have been touched. I know that so many have and will be changed by Johnny's story.
 
Basically, I am happy that I got to know him and become friends with his wonderful family.   I am happy his pain is gone.   I am happy he's seated with our Lord Jesus Christ.   I am happy that his story will inspire others, including myself.   I am happy that he was able to help Make A Wish & The Greater Houston Blood Center.   I am happy that he lived such a beautiful life to the fullest he could, be it only for 10 years.  
I am sad to know that his mission with us all has ended.  
"We are so selfish, we all want him here with us ..." Kim said..

What has not ended is the cost of his treatment. A fund has been setup for the family ---Johnny Romano Fund- http://www.johnnykickscancer.com . Mike and Julie's home was hit by hurricane Ike this year and it's currently uninhabitable in Galveston as of Oct. 2008; so they were displaced. Helping them with their medical bills would be a very angelic act.   Please give generously.

Lastly, This event's proceeds go directly to the MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION! Giving to the Romano's is all on you, and it is truly needed. If you buy tickets to the Skate Jam, you'll be giving to MAKE A WISH. Hopefully their medical bill problems will be relieved very soon. Again 100% of the money for this event goes as always to MAKE A WISH and that we will continue to reflect on Johnny's passion and drive as a human to make this event better every year!

Damian