Ira Lester Hays

Houston Marathon 2009

2009-02-03T14:34:00.002-06:00

I ran the Houston Marathon January 18, 2009. And Ira ran with me. 26.2 miles. A journey of pain. A journey of laughter. A journey of sorrow. A journey of wonderment (ie. why and how much longer). And a great symbol of my life now. When I see the words of scripture about running the race, when I hear about others who have completed their races, when I learn of friends with the desire to start the training, I grow joyful.

It was interesting to me how much emotion I felt after my final long training run before the marathon, yet did not become emotional at the end of my race. It was as if the training, the discipline, the effort, the struggles of training and completing the training were more important than actually crossing the finish line. Wow. Amazing isn't it?

How did it feel? Well, I wore 2 knees braces, as you can see in this picture, which allows my knees to feel no pain. I did not cramp up at all during the 5hour 50min and 5sec run. I slowed down quite a bit in the last 2/3rds of the race, even walking more than I should. But I never had the thought in my head "I am going to stop". I kept moving forward. My brother, who ran in front of me the entire time, until the last second (ha), continued to push me, motivate me, encourage me. And for that I am grateful. With him in front, I had something to run after... even if it was to hit him and make him shut his mouth hahaha. There is an excitement in seeing those you love on the sidelines rooting for you, holding up signs and banners, cheering and offering you oranges and nurturing care. We had a few moments of rest during those moments, then we picked ourselves up and continued on. I think the memory that stands out the most for me is seeing my middle son Jackson running with his yellow sign, cheering for me, smiling so huge, and loving to see his daddy run this race. His desire was that I beat Brad, but in those moments on the course, I could tell he was just happy to see his daddy out running the race. That made me run on. And that makes me RUNSTRONG.

Brad came up with that slogan a few months back, and we got some wristbands made that said RUNSTRONG. (The black on you see in the picture). And now here it is over 2 weeks after the race, and I have not run. There's almost a depression about it, finishing this goal, but there is also this need to express to everyone I see that "I RAN AND COMPLETED A MARATHON". There's a quote in the movie, Spirit of the Marathon, that really moves me. "No matter how fast or slow, once you cross that finish line, it will change your life forever. Because you now know there is nothing you can't overcome".

And some thoughts during my race that keep me going:
So push it. Don't stop keep running. I can; I will. Think light, not fast. One step at a time. I need a break. I need to stay hydrated. Wow, look at him, if he can do it so can I. Only a few miles til we see the kids. Come on, let's go, almost there. I see Downtown. This is the last turn. There's the finish line. Look... there's Jen and the kids "WAHOOO". Wow, the last tenth of a mile. I throw my hands up, asking the crowd to cheer me on as I strive towards the finish line. I hear the cheers. I see the smiles. I am enjoying the moment with my brother. He reaches over just as we step towards the line and grabs my arm and pulls it up..... WE FINISHED!!!!!

Houston 1/2 Marathon

2008-01-24T07:52:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago, I participated in my first 1/2 marathon. This was quite a feat for me and my brother. Running side by side the entire time. But through it all, I took Ira, Sophie, Laura and Joe with me. We all have our marathons to run, and many of us can tell our story of pain, defeat, regret, joy, victory, and brotherhood... for that is what the design of life is intended to be, a race together.

Ira in Tibet: And a Happy New Year

2008-01-01T08:07:00.000-06:00















Ira in Tibet.
August 2007
Left Ana Gabriela
Right isabel Pastor

Mr. OConnor's 5th Grade Class

2007-03-23T08:50:00.000-05:00

The Ira Hays Wristband Club 2007 recognizes the following:

A group of 70 or so 5th graders, with the help of our good friend and teacher, Mr. O'Connor, raised more than just money for Ira. Their effort and dedication, and care has provided me with a renewed flame for life. I would like to extend a heart-felt thank you to those kids, their parents, the teachers involved in guiding their hearts into a world full of need. We praise God as we think of you.

A new year, a new class

2007-02-05T12:25:00.000-06:00

2007 brings us to the year that Ira will turn two years old. It celebrates the generosity and love shown from you; those who know the Hays' from church, from the community, from the streets, from their friends, from their family, and just from the blog. No matter how you stumbled upon their story, the impact of the kindness and smiles have rippled to many.

It's with this prelude, that I now introduce a remarkable act of kindness. More details may come of this later, but I felt I had to recognize the 5th grade class once again. Although, it's a different group of kids, the response to Ira is the same. You may recall this class was recognized as the group who purchased the 1000 wristband.
They have raised $1,375.00 through the sales of wristbands for Ira. Now that is one awesome 5th grade class. Praise God!!
More details to follow ...

Ira Wristband Ornaments

2006-12-08T15:02:00.000-06:00

I had a good idea today about how to remember and honor our friends this year at Christmas... how about an Ira wristband ornament?! We'd be happy to wrap a wristband around an ornament of your color and ship it to you, or just order a wristband and do the work yourself.
May the following prayer be with you this Christmas season:
O come, Hope of Ages, fill our hearts with prayerful patience as we cling with great hope to God's promise. Teach us both patience and eager anticipation as we wait for you.

Ira in D.C., Part II

2006-08-03T11:38:00.000-05:00

My wife and I took a trip to DC for the first time last month. Following the footsteps of those middle schoolers from Tahoka, we got to see some historical and beautiful sites. Of course it's hard to get both of us together, traveling alone, so we did our best.
Here is a picture of us sitting at the Lincoln Memorial. The group of teens in the fluorescent shirts were sitting on the steps singing youth group songs.

This picture is from the new WWII Memorial. They have these mural type engravings depicting different "scenes" of life from the American home during the war. A tribute, I thought, to the time Ira's Great-Grandpa spent overseas, as well as to my grandfather. It's never too late to say thank you to anyone.

Ira, D.C.

2006-07-11T08:39:00.000-05:00

from Jynna A.:
Recently a group of Tahoka, Texas Middle School students visited Washington, D.C.. This picture was taken in front of the Capital. Glo Hays was our principal and we wanted to share this with her family. The girl in the center, wearing a black t-shirt, is wearing an Ira bracelet. We have all been praying for Ira and his family.

South Fork, CO

2006-07-04T09:30:00.000-05:00

Here's a picture of Donna and Ann enjoying some relaxation time near the beautiful waterfall between South Fork and Lake City, Colorado. Of course, Ira and his family came along in their thoughts and prayers.

Today is July 4th. A day to celebrate and enjoy life as an American. So today, I make the pilgrimage to the FtWorth Stockyards to celebrate with Willie and Kris at their picnic.

The Ira Hays Wristband Club

2006-06-10T22:47:00.000-05:00

A few friends of Ira found themselves recipients of the "Ira Lester Hays Wristband Club award", by being the proud donors for the 1000th wristband. You've heard it mentioned a few times over the last few weeks, but here is their story and their hands of compassion and love.

------------------------------

Mr. O’Connor’s 5th grade class from Westchester County, New York has been following Ira’s story throughout the entire 2005-2006 school year. They have been routinely checking Brooklyn and Beyond for updates on how Ira and the Hays family were doing and they have experienced the ups and downs for Ira, his big sister, and his parents by reading Joe’s blog entries each week in class. Mr. O’Connor’s daughter, Alix, was one of Ira’s roommates in the NICU in May-June 2005 since she too was born with a Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH). The O’Connor’s were fortunate enough to become friends with the Hays family, and Mr. O’Connor enjoyed sharing stories with his students about these wonderful people and this impressive baby boy. Mr. O’Connor’s class wanted to let Ira, Sophia, Joe, and Laura know that they are thinking about them always and pulling for Ira each and every day. They are honored to be part of the “club” and they wear their Ira bracelets proudly around their school.

Ira and the Astros

2006-05-15T16:21:00.000-05:00

Ira got to see the Astros beat Pittsburgh April 22, 2006 at Minute Maid Park. Rookie Taylor Buchholz pitched a 3-0 win. I know it's not the Yankees but it's the best we've got here! Go Ira and Go Astros!
Love, Brenda and Paula

Wristbands on Order : Scrapbook

2006-05-12T20:46:00.000-05:00

We have placed a new order of wristbands 5/11. If everything goes as the company states, they will be shipped out 5/22. So if you have ordered a new wristband, or if you would like a new wristband, it will be close to the end of May before you receive it. Thank you for your patience.
The donations sent in for the wristbands will be forwarded on to the Hays family as soon as they are received.

This is the 3rd order of 500 we have placed. That is amazing. We have been honored to be part of this encouragement and love towards Ira.

Please stay tuned for the pictures and stories of the class who bought the 1000th wristband.
================================
Also, Stacy is still compiling a scrapbook for Joe and Laura, Sophia and Ira. Click the link to look at what an awesome job she has done from those pictures you sent in.
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the 1000th Wristband goes to?!?!

2006-05-10T09:07:00.000-05:00

We will soon see the 1000th wristband for Ira sold.
That's at least 1000 of you that have that given, prayed, encouraged and lifted up Ira and his family. But just like the feeding of the 5000, that number is just the beginning of the lives touched by Ira Hays.

So be looking for the 1000 mark soon, and hopefully some pictures.
Also, we'll be placing another order for wristbands. That's your chance to be 1001.

Steve

Ira in Peru

2006-02-22T22:41:00.000-06:00

from Andrea Gil de Montes:
Camila Maharam (Jasper’s Mom) is a good friend of mine, and I therefore have taken Ira (wristband) and my prayers for him to Lima, Peru. I’m attaching a photo of my niece holding Ira’s wristband for your website.
God bless, Andrea Gil de Montes

Ira at the Houston Marathon

2006-01-23T19:19:00.000-06:00

My brother, Brad Eller, ran the 1/2 marathon this year, Jan.16th 2006.
He proudly held Ira up high at the finish line. Also shown is his childhood friend Jason.

...Correction...

2006-01-20T15:49:00.000-06:00

Ok, I'm surprised.
Surprised by the overflow and responses
Surprised by the money
Surprised by the number of people with wristbands who have never met Joe and Laura
Surprised by the way God can multiple a few loaves and fish for 5000 men
Surprised He still loves more than we can ask or imagine.

Worth more than gold

2006-01-18T21:34:00.000-06:00

Last August when the idea of wristbands for IRA was being thought out, my visibility into how fruitful it would become was as useless as an umbrella in NYC in January, or a shovel in the middle of a sand storm in Lubbock. I have been amazed at the love and generosity shown over the last few months for the Hays family... amazed, but not at all surprised.

So for our 5th month of selling the wristbands, I am pleased to give the following report:

Total sold: over 900
Total money given: over $10,000

When we were sending out initial emails regarding the purchases, I included the following verse. But before I say it, I want to express that these are not just physical objects we are selling and mailing and trading money for. We are expressing our love for Joe, Laura, Sophia and Ira in a manner that gives us some tangibility to our emotions. At times such as these, it becomes apparent to us outside the walls of Ira's room, for the need to do something. Our prayers are lifted up constantly throughout the day and our hearts ache for the same healing wished for by Mary and Martha. A healing that begs the question and lament of Jesus, where are you? Where were you? A question that grows us closer, in a way we are scared to grow. Thank you, from me, for your tangible love gifts to this family.

I Cor. 12:27 “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”
but the verses before show how the body comes together- I Cor. 12:12-27

2006-01-14T15:37:00.000-06:00

There have been a lot of new orders recently per the posting on Joe's site by Stacy.
She is putting together a scrap book of pictures and stories. See link

For those that have recently ordered, your money is being mailed tonight.
I'll try to get the wristbands out Monday, except it may be a postal holiday, but they'll be at the Post Office ready to go.

I've updated the numbers on the right from the new orders. Joe and Laura, Sophia and Ira sure do have some loving friends and family.
Steve

Ira opens for Paul McCartney

2005-11-28T15:58:00.000-06:00

from Dawn Nahlen-
Hi. My husband and I wore our Ira bracelets to the Paul McCartney show in Dallas on Nov 20. Please see attached photo; we're sorry that we couldn't include Paul in the shot (too dark during the performance)!

Texas in NYC

2005-11-20T19:45:00.000-06:00

As you probably saw on Joe's blog, we went out for a little texas music fun Thursday night, 11/17. It was just about the best performance I have seen Willie put on. He has been healing from hand surgery, and it seems to have made quite a difference in his pickin' and strummin'.
Its awesome how he gets the crowd into his songs, and I definitely love his closing numbers of "I'll Fly Away" and "I saw the Light...praise the Lord, I saw the light..."
We waited outside the bus to see if he'd come out and take a picture, but no such luck. I did get to enjoy a Starbucks coffee while taking in all the NY-life.
I had a good time with my friend Joe. I had a good visit with Ira, Laura and Sophia. They were very kind to let me play around a few days. As I sat there looking at those blue eyes of Ira, I couldn't help but see the look of his father. He's a great kid, and I was honored to be his guest this weekend. I want to praise God, and lift up His name for the love he has shown to his precious children... the Hays family.
Now for some pictures:

Ira's Video

2005-11-10T19:42:00.000-06:00

Well, you can't be on this page without having looked at Ira's page, but just in case... Here's the link to his coming home video

We still have wristbands if you'd like to get one. Order form is to the right.
Also, keep sending me your photos of where you took Ira.
Steve

Ira at Game 2 of World Series

2005-11-01T07:45:00.000-06:00

from Kristen(Jacobson)Anagnostopoulos:
Hi! I don't know Ira personally, but I was really moved by his story after reading his dad's blog. Anyway, when I found out that my dad and my brother(Scott Jacobson) were going to game 2 of the World Series, I asked them to take Ira along and to take some pictures with the wristband--clearly explaining that the idea was to demonstrate that they were actually at the game. Well...they tried. They even went out and got a disposable camera for their mission. They did get a picture of my brother Scott with the wristband, and I know it was taken at US Cellular field--but it doesn't really evoke the scene the way I'd hoped it would. This was taken in the left field concourse--it was a horribly rainy night, and they weren't seated together, so they couldn't get any decent outdoor shots, apparently. Unfortunately, the only hint that they're actually at the game is the fact that all 3 males in the photo appear to be wearing varied forms of Sox hats.

Ira's heading home today

2005-10-19T08:38:00.000-05:00

With great anticipation, excitement and worry, we all wait for Joe's posting and picture of Ira Lester Hays in the surroundings of his family in his own home.
Please remember them today, as you feel Ira on your wrist and in your heart.
Lift the family up in prayer, to be covered by the peace of the Holy Spirit, to be held in the arms of Jesus Christ and to be guided by the eyes of God.

I talked to Laura about 9:30am Houston time, and she was told from Joe they would be leaving within 30-60minutes. So by now, the journey should be taking place.
steve

"Celebrity" sightings

2005-10-17T07:53:00.000-05:00

I've got lots of pictures to post, but feel free to send in yours.
There were some celebrity sighting at ACU of Ira Wristbands and his family.
[ Kelly Parvin]

[Jeremy(Laura's cousin) at American Heart Association "Heart Walk" in Daytona Beach, FL]

[Alyssa,Julie & Ethan Whaley and Ira at Nashville Zoo]

[Heintz & Eller families-L to R - Amber,Gavin,Kay,Jason,Steve,Jen,Jackson,Harvey,Tate,Blakely]

[Steve,Jen,Tate,Grandmother Lambert (JoeClyde's GM), Julie & Johnna-cousins
(sorry if I spelled this wrong, email me and I'll fix it)]

[Blakely & Jackson with their new "Great"... and Ira]

"the Band"

2005-10-14T10:08:00.000-05:00

We're taking Ira to ACU homecoming today. And I look forward to seeing how many people we can find with their Ira prayer-band on. So hold 'em high if you're there, and look around for others so we can share our lives together. Or leave a comment to let us know you'll be there. I'm going to bring some with me.. in case you need 1.

I'll post some more pics and stories on Monday of friends with Ira.
Have a blessed weekend.
Steve

Why Green?

2005-10-09T13:55:00.000-05:00

Well, I posed the question a few days ago (10/1), what green means to you. When Julie and I were looking through the 5000 colors to choose from for this wristband, it came to me that Green would be a good color because of its symbolizism of life and growth. That was my simple answer. However, I am glad to see how that "simple" thought is lived inside you as well. Calissa posted her thoughts the other day about the color, and it does a much better job at why I think Ira Lester Hays should be written in green:

To me GREEN symbolizes growth, springtime, new beginnings, health, and life. I LOVE that the prayer bands are green... immediately when I saw them, I thought it was the perfect color for how God is healing Ira and renewing (the) family.

How about you? Does that describe the color in your eyes?

Ira's Journey

2005-10-08T15:03:00.000-05:00

from Donna Eller:
(beautiful aspens in Lake City, Colorado) It is amazing to see God's magnificent creation and know He still loves and cares for us. Ira's little life is as beautiful as any of the aspens and we continue to ask God to heal him.

from Beth Nathison:
Hi, my name is Beth and I am a friend of Laura's from high school. On Tuesday Ira came with our family to the lake. We were celebrating Tashlich, a custom during the Jewish new year, where we cast our "sins" (bread, bagels, crackers, etc.) on the water and and pray for forgiveness while also praying for guidance and compassion in the year to come. One thing we talked about this year was how the ever-watchful eyes of God are also eyes that constantly peer down on His creations with mercy. This year, we added a special prayer for Ira, that God would peer down on him with mercy in the year to come.

Stories with Ira

2005-10-07T09:41:00.000-05:00

I wanted to post a few comments sent in with the pictures, so you can see the life Ira lives in those who love him.

My name is Brenda Tipton. I am Laura's cousin. This is a picture of my son Matt and myself with Ira's wristband. Matt is a Senior this year and plays football for Central Arkansas Christian, North Little Rock,AR. This picture was taken in Marriana, AR. Ira plays football every week in Arkansas.

I'm Lane Smith and I've been following Joe Hays blog about Ira since shortly after he was born. I ordered an "Ira bracelet" just shortly after they were announced and have been wearing mine since receiving it last Saturday, Sept. 10.
Sept. 10 is also the day that my son, Cory, came home from college and asked to be baptized. Cory was raised in the Church of Christ here in Temple, Texas, has attended Abilene Christian University for the last 3 years, been on numerous mission trips, attended several christian summer camps, and has always been an example of Jesus Christ but just never "took the plunge".
The picture shows me, Lane Smith, on the left (wearing the LIME GREEN Ira bracelet) and my son Cory Smith on the right (wearing the UNEMPLOYED t-shirt!)
When people ask me what my LIME GREEN bracelet represents I tell them that I'm a "prayer partner" for my friend Joe Hays baby, Ira. Actually I have never met Joe Hays but was referred to his blog and feel like he's super christian awesome cool dude as reflected by his emotional, honest, and straightforward tales of life in the ICU. I've been in his shoes and know he's doing an excellent job of coping in a terribly exhausting and emotional time.

You and Ira

2005-10-06T08:28:00.000-05:00

Here are a couple of pictures that have come in I'd like to share with you.
-Steve & Jackson, during hurricane Rita vacation

-Kenny and the Jets

-Kenny on Raquette River in the Adirondack State Park in upstate New York

-Joe and Anthony

-Ira with Baby Tate, Jen and Steve

-Julie & Ethan during our Rita evacuation to Lake Whitney,TX

-Lane Smith,with newly baptized son Cory Smith

The cool thing about the Smith's, like many of you, is they have never met the Hays' family. This is a testimony to the love the body of Christ has for each other. It brings to life the following verse:
I Cor. 12:27 “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

Ira at JDF Walk

2005-10-05T15:02:00.000-05:00

We took Ira to the JDF walk this last Sunday, as well as a great number of friends who supported the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Thank you!!!
Jen also has her Ira-band on, but its on her left hip. That's 9 kids. Because Ira and Noah were both with us.
It was a nice outing. Send me your pictures of you and Ira.

New Orders & Why Green

2005-10-01T10:01:00.000-05:00

We are shipping out the most recent wristbands today. Thank you for your patience, but more importantly the funds that you have donated for Joe, Laura, Sophia and Ira.
To date, you have given over $6000. There are still wristbands at the churches in Tahoka, St.Louis, and Fortress. I am mailing a package to Manhattan Church today.

We chose the green color for a reason. But just for fun, what does it mean to you?
(Awesome job on the image Jason)

Thank you for the pictures and stories of where you took Ira. Keep em coming.

Where did you take Ira....

2005-09-15T07:12:00.000-05:00

Ethan, my brother-in-law, had a great idea. Where have you taken IRA LESTER HAYS. Everywhere we go, we take him with us in our thoughts and prayers. So, Send me your photos of where you have taken Ira. (Pictures of you and your Ira Wristband). Details: Tell me who is in the picture (L to R), where it was taken, and try to keep pics less than 50kb. We could then create a photo album to give to Ira.

Joe and Laura are greatly blessed to have you as friends and family in this race of life right now. Please, do not forget to lift up our favorite NY family (no, not the Yankees...the Hays').

I am ordering more wristbands this week, because I have 2 left in my possession. Maybe we should have a live auction on eBay for the remaining 2, to the highest bidder. What do you think?
God bless you with his peace and strength. Steve

IRA HAYS Wristbands are in!!!!!

2005-09-06T22:40:00.000-05:00

We shipped off the first order today of some 100+ wristbands. As well as 100 to the Tahoka church and 100 to MidCounty Church of Christ in St.Louis. If you attend either of these, you'll get your chance to buy a wristband soon... hopefully by Sunday.
If you would like to buy a wristband and/or give a donation using a credit card, see post below for more details or use the PAYPAL link to the right.
Our totals for some 100 wristbands are over $2550.
May God grant you his peace in your heart, soul, mind and strength.
brother steve

WRISTBANDS: Ira Lester Hays

2005-08-16T11:10:00.000-05:00

We have ordered 500 wristbands to give away with your donations to help The Hays' family. Shipping will start early September.
It is a dark green band with the text saying: IRA LESTER HAYS

We are asking $5 for the wristbands, but would love any donation your heart feels compelled to give to help Joe, Laura, Sophia and Ira.
These bands have been ordered with donations on behalf of Noah Whaley, who went to be with our Lord May 11, 2005. Therefore, all money (minus a .37 stamp) will go to the Hays Family.

We will be getting with the Hays and Heintz families in Tahoka and St.Louis to send a box of wristbands to their respective churches.

HOW TO ORDER:
Click the PAYPAL DONATE button to the right. All orders of $5 and more will receive a wristband. If you wish to purchase more wristbands with one payment, please specify in your comments upon ordering. Or you can just give a donation. Donation amounts will be anonymous, but we will provide Joe and Laura with a list of those who bought a wristband (Check & MoneyOrder accepted). My Paypal acct is steveelroy@yahoo.com

Please Email Me with any questions.
Please contact Joe and Laura if you feel cautious about giving via this method, we will not be offended.
Peace in Jesus Christ - Steve and Jennifer Eller

Pray for Ira

2005-08-12T08:51:00.000-05:00

Within the last year, we have all been impacted by the life of Ira Lester Hays. This blog will give some avenues for us outside of the walls of the hospital, and even outside of NY state, to be able to help out Joe, Laura, Sophia and Ira in whatever way we can.

Whether that be prayer times during the day or links to ways to donate money or send gift cards. My prayer is that there will be some blessings that will flow from our love for this precious family.

Purchase a VISA Gift Card
This can be used in a variety of ways, including the purchase of subway cards and Wendys Combo Meals.

Or Donate via Paypay to the Right, under LINKS, and we'll forward on the money.

You can have gift cards mailed to:
The Joe Hays Family
116 Hoyt St. #2
Brooklyn, NY 11217

I'm hoping to have some silicon wristbands available soon.
Steve