Jeff O’neal, what is your favorite Christmas memory ?

My most memorable Christmas moment was Christmas of 2011. We had received the worst news a parent could get. After a 3 1/2 year battle with brain cancer there was nothing more they could do for our son, Russell. He was one of the strongest Christians that I’ve ever known. He never wavered in his fight with cancer, he never asked why me and never complained once. He always put others before himself. In his final days one of his teachers asked him, “how can I pray for you, Russell?” He said, “Pray that others will come to know Christ before it’s to late.”I remember that Christmas morning the look on his face, the huge smile, when his brother wheeled him into the living room to see what Santa had left. There was a corn hole game and we remember him being so excited to throw the bean bags and hit the hole. I remember us all gathering around and opening presents even though he couldn’t walk anymore he would play games and laugh, as only he could do. Every year our three boys pull slats out of a chimney that shows when Santa would come on the 24th. Wesley and Devin made sure that Santa would fall in the chimney when Russell pulled that year, such precious memories. We miss him so much and these holidays are very difficult for us. But my wife Debbie, and I know that he is resting in the arms of Jesus with no more pain and no more cancer. We look forward to the day when we can hold our precious son again. We have started a foundation in his memory to help children with cancer and their families. Please go to our website to find out more about Russell’s journey, listen to his testimony and find out more how you can help other families going through this difficult situation.