Hi Jamie,

Just reading your update. Just wanted to drop you a line of
encouragement. You WILL win! I believe in your fighting spirit and in
God's healing power!

Shonny

Hi Jamie,

I knew about your health problem from a friend of mine, Riccardo. It seems so incredible: I met you only few mounths
ago in Hawaii and now you are fighting for the hardest "race" of your life.
In these moments words don't come easy expecially for those who don't have english as mother tongue.
I can tell you that we (me, my husband and my friends who have known you!) are praying for you and we would like to
see you soon to laught again...you and your husband again here in Italy!

Lots of love from Italy...we always are thinking at you.

Stefania Bonazzi

PRO Triathlete
ITALY

Hi Jamie!

I've been a big fan for a number of years. Personally witnessed, admired and enjoyed some of your races at Wildflower and XTerra Maui. You seem to always give each race all you have, never giving up.

Your new challenge, while not a chosen one, will require no less from you, giving it your all and not giving. Just as in racing, there will be times when it hurts, when you think about giving up, where you must draw on your inner strength and soul to just keep going. I KNOW YOU CAN BEAT THIS. Keep giving it your all, girl.

I'll be praying for you and can't wait to see you suiting up at a race again soon.

Bill Mason

Dear Jamie,

Let me first say, I am so glad that you are "powered by God" because no matter how strong a person thinks they are or appears to be physically, we are not invincible.

We are flesh and there are things that do attack our bodies and sometimes we don't know what they are or how to combat them (i.e., we think in the flesh and forget that God is in control). Sometimes it takes years to combat the things that attack our bodies (i.e., God states, in HIS TIME, not ours) even when we know what they are and sometimes there's no cure at all (God may have a different plan than ours) and it's only by the "grace of God" that we are still here and persevering. I was so sad to see what you are having to go through but I was so happy to see that you are child of God and I know that you are in good hands. You have a lot of people praying for you already and whatever God's will is, he will see you through it and give you the strength you need to bust through. Maybe you were chosen by God because you are known as a Champion and hundreds and even thousands of people look to you for strength. I don't know you, but I have heard about you through your Father-in-Law and I know that you are so loved by so many people. You are a blessing now and you will continue to be a blessing for so many. While your endeavor right now is extremely painful, others who are going through this will be watching and getting strength from you just like they did when they watched you race.

You know, I just recently took on the task of walking a 1/2 Marathon, it's actually on Sunday. This isn't hard for most but for me it's been a challenge both physically and mentally. During this time I think my immune system has decided to go on strike and shut down because I have also been hit with things I have never had or heard of. I think God is trying to find out if I am going to stay faithful to him through these trials. God also reminded me that my pain was nothing compared to the pain Jesus had when he died on the cross. While my pain is nothing compared to yours God spoke to me and put my head in perspective.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Anyway, I know you don't know me but I felt compelled to acknowledge your pain with you and let you know that you are loved, people are praying for you and you have touched so many people (i.e., people you have never met in your life).

KEEP YOUR EYES ON GOD
DON'T LOSE YOUR FAITH
KNOW YOU ARE LOVED
CONTINUE TO PRAY THROUGH THE PAIN
CONTINUE TO THANK GOD AND PRAISE HIM
YOU WILL PERSEVERE

I will continue to pray for you and your family.

May God Bless You Always!

Tura Jenkins

Good Morning Sweetie,

I know this hill is steep and at times seems endless. Your legs are tired, the pain seems unbearable but dig deeper sweetie. We are all behind you pushing you to the top so you can fly down this mountain like you always do. We'll see you soon. God bless.

Hope you are feeling better today,

Courtney's Pops

Hi Jamie, 

You don't know me, but I've seen you racing at the Xterra Real, Xterra National Championships, and Prarie City Races. I wanted to let you know what an inspiration you are to other people. Last summer, shortly after I started mountain biking, I was riding up Tunnel Creek Road with my boyfriend as he pre-rode the Xterra Nevada Course. As I was struggling up the hill, you came flying down, literally a foot or two in the air, with a couple of friends, having lots of fun and going super fast. I'm not sure your wheels actually touched the ground the whole time I saw you! Later in the day, as I gingerly made my way down the sandy trail, I remembered how fast you were able to descend, and it gave me the confidence to try going a little faster. Yesterday, my boyfriend told me about the email he received from TBF. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now, and I'm sure we'll see you back out on the trails and at the races soon!

- Vanessa Carmean
Davis, CA

Hey Jamie,

Got the word through TBF that you are going through some medical issues. I had testicular cancer in 2000, and am sheepish about using the term "survivor" to describe myself since I had an operation and some radiation and that was it. I was lucky because they found it early. I hope your ordeal is at least as minimal as mine was.

I am just a cyclist and sprint distance tri guy, but I have seen you out at the TBF races and on TV for the XTERRA events. I have always admired your attitude and toughness. When I see you on TV it gets me fired up to get on the bike or go for a run. You obviously have what it takes to beat anything life can dish out. Just wanted to wish you well, and let you know that you inspire all of us to be a little tougher and try/tri a little harder.

Be well, Derek Byrne

Hi Jamie,

Mine and my family prayers are with you and Courtney. I know Jamie
that you will battle through this. You are such a classy athlete. I
put you down in my ambassadors profile as "My favorite athlete" The main reason is the way you
spent the time talking with my 9 year old daughter ( who really adored you and still does) 4 years ago in
Richmond you signed the race schedule and sent her a pair of your training sneakers. You
have more people than you will ever know who look up to you.
Thank-you for being the person you are and kick this cancers butt
girl!!! I will be looking for you in Richmond along with your Dad .

What a great guy also.

This is hanging on the wall in my daughters bedroom. All her friends
that come know all about you and are praying for you also.

Peace and God bless.

Ken Robins

Jamie and Courtney,

Words alone do not seem to be sufficient enough for the sincere prayers and best wishes that we are sending your way. You two are constantly in our daily thoughts for a speedy recovery. We respect and appreciate so much about the two of you, but also for uplifting our sport of mt. biking and x-terra to a higher lever of acceptance and recognition. I'm sure you can't be reminded enough how much you have become role models, particularly to the young and youth of our sport/s.

Our Ride for a Reason Youth multi sport team is motivated and encouraged by your accomplishments. In addition, our 14 year old daughter, Shayna Powless whom you know all too well still keeps your photo on the entry to her bedroom door. Although she has recently grown out of your "hand-down to her" competition shoes, we all have plenty of respect and admiration for you.

As a cancer survivor himself, Jack and I see the long arm of the vicious disease touching more lives than we care to admit, but you too will battle this like "no other" and come out a winner. We have no doubts that we will all see you back and cheering you on again soon.

Jeanette Powless

ARC Track & X/C Coach

Certified Fitness Specialist

USATF Level II Coach

USATF Certified Official

USAT Certified Coach

Jamie,

WOW! I just got an email from Erin (MadCat) and Bill (TBF) and I can't beleive it! You are the strongest woman I know (athletically and mentally). I know it's been a few years since we have chatted, rode together or anything...but please know our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Corey and I are hoping to come back home soon for a visit...and I would love to catch a ride with you...so get better soon! Melanie needs the competition and I need my friend back in the saddle!

Swim like a fish, keep the rubber side down, run like there's no tomorrow....and fight this battle like a warrior!

Michelle & Corey Haustein (formerly from BP & TBF!)

--
Michelle Haustein
Ironman Volunteer Director

Jamie,

I had the pleasure of meeting you at Xterra Richmond, and thought you were a wonderful person. I wanted to make sure you knew that I am thinking good thoughts for you, and wishing you good news after your tests. Get well quickly so you can return to your dominance!

Steve Webster

   Well you don't really know me per say but we have definitely shared to same races and trails together. Just wanted to wish you well during your time of need. Being a disabled athlete myself, I know what it's like to face uncertainty. When I lost my leg below the knee 8 years ago I was totally scared that I would never ride my bike or be active again. Through the support of my friends, family and Sponsors I have since returned to being what I am, "A Bike Racing Junkie".

These tests in life are merely obstacles we must all overcome. Overcoming obstacles will only make you stronger.

Best Regards,

It's 11:30 PM and I was unable to sleep so I decided to check emails (being the workaholic I am!). I'm glad I did because I was able to receive and read your email. I don't know if I've ever told you this before but I wanted to let you know that I think that you are such an amazing person and that so many people are blessed by you... more than you'll ever know. What a privilege it was for me to have some time with you & Courtney in our small group at the ICTN camp... I was truly blessed by both of you!

I also wanted to let you know how very much you are loved by so many people, including me, and especially by our Lord and Savior Jesus. I can't imagine how scary this must be for you but if you will know just how much God loves you and cares for you, and how many people are thinking of you and praying for you, perhaps that will make this a little less scary for you... you are not alone, not by a long shot!

You and Courtney will continue to be in my prayers and I truly believe that God's perfect, loving will shall be manifested in your lives. And please remember that if you need anything, I am a mere email or phone call away.

God bless you!

I used to work for XTERRA and have long admired you both as an athlete and a person. Your generous spirit and joyful presence definitely make XTERRA a great thing to be part of.

Keep that in mind in the coming weeks - how much you have influenced and improved the sport and so many people's lives!

You are strong and can beat whatever life brings at you. I have no doubt in my mind that you will be beating me (as usual) to the top of Tunnel Creek in the near future.

Keep fighting,

I race for Monavie/Cannondale. I race Xterras and will be racing winter worlds this weekend. My thoughts are with you. In the Xterra world, you are such an inspiration to me and I know the caliber of an athlete and person you are. My race this weekend is for you girl.

All the best,

We send you all the best of luck and our best wishes to you from far away Freiburg in Germany !!

We hope that you are well. Now we will finally open up the bottle of red wine you guys once gave us and while drinking it send you much luck, energy and all our thoughts.

hugs and many kisses from Alika (2 and a half), Alex (just entered his fourties..) and Susan (women are ageless of course..)

Alexander Lang & Susanne Will

Jim and i were just talking about Saipan and were wondering who was there this year. Then i saw the piece on slowtwitch, and want to wish you good luck with everything. You are a tough cookie! Let us know if there is anything we can do to help you.

Hi to the worlds best impersonator of Sammy G.

Just wanted to wish you well. I really hope that all turns out well.

I was in a simular situation last January. I had a 14 pound tumor on my ovary.They thought it may be cancer. Which just the word scared the Sh** out of me.I had Major surgery on Feb.13th last year. It turned out really well for me. No cancers! I know it will turn out good for you to. I will keep you in my thought and prayers.

I also went on to have the best race season. I had a personal best at two half Ironmans and Ironman Florida. I hope to try some Xterras this year. You make mountain biking look so easy! I make falling look easy.

Good Luck /Youl'll be back stronger than ever!

I can tell from experience that you are a great fighter and this is just another fight you will get through! I will be thinking about you and checking with Paul on your progress. Best of luck and if there is anything I could help with please let me know.

I'm a brazilian triathlete who've followed your results for years. And I've always seen you as a incredible athlete and a incredible person. I'm also a coach of a group of mtb and triathletes. We (me and my athletes) are praying for you to get well soon. You will win this battle!