And The Beat Goes On - The John Doherty Heart2Heart Fund.

Oct. 23, 2005

Dear Friends,

After a long battle with his illness, John passed away yesterday. The enemy he faced may have taken his body, but it could never take his spirit and will. John always kept his intellect and good humor; he was truly The Best.

Please know that John had asked for a list of all the people who had signed the guestbook and was looking forward to contacting each of you personally to thank you for your love and support.

I'm sure I speak for many people when I say I will never have a better friend than John. I only hope that our children will have one friend like John in their lives.

On behalf of the entire Doherty family and most especially for Carmen, Michelle, Johnny, Mike, and Neil I thank you for all of your kindness.

Details regarding services for John:

Tues. Oct. 25th from 2-5pm and 7-9:30pm at the

Dalton Funeral Home

125 Hillside Ave.

New Hyde Park, NY 11040

516.354.0634

Funeral mass and services on Wednesday, Oct. 26th (details not available yet) at Our Lady of Victory RC Church in Floral Park, NY and St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale.

Please call Dalton or visit their website for more information: Dalton website

Peace and Love,

===========================================

ver the past few years, John Doherty has been suffering from two very rare blood diseases* which led to many complications, including the damaging of John's heart. As doctors became more confident with their diagnosis and treatment of John's condition, it became apparent that the diseases could not be treated until John underwent a heart transplant.

Through the generosity and foresightful compassion of an organ donor, John was able to undergo a heart transplant on Feb. 21, 2005. While this is a complex and miraculous procedure, it is but a first step for John and his medical team.

The John Doherty Heart2Heart Fund has been established to help defray some of John's expenses.

A benefit called "The Hearty Party" will be held in Blauvelt, NY on Sat. April 30th (please click on the Hearty Party tab for more info).

*the two diseases John has are called Waldenstrom's Macroglobulinemia and Amyloidosis. For more information on each of them, please click on the Links button.

John, Carmen and children



	Sept. 19, 2005 Sorry for the lack of updates...John has been thrown a few curveballs (and has been fouling 'em off) as he awaits stem cell transplant and other important procedures. Please say a prayer and keep a good thought for him...he remains positive, courageous and defiant in his battle...and of course, he always expresses deep appreciation for the kindness and support of his friends and family. God bless JD and God bless all of you. We will try to be a bit more current in posting appropriate info and thank you with all of our hearts! May 2, 2005 Wow! What a night! Many thanks to one and all for coming out to the Hearty Party. It was an incredible evening filled with love, fun and reunion...a party not soon to be forgotten! April 25, 2005 First and foremost, please see John's message to one and all. T-minus 5 days until the Hearty Party. This will definitely be a blast. Check the Hearty Party Tab for directions from the Palisades Interstate Parkway, which is easily accessible from the GW Bridge and NYS Thruway. We have also highlighted some raffle/auction items. Please come out and have some fun with us! April 12, 2005 The Hearty Party is coming up soon (April 30th). This is a family oriented event - kids are definitely welcome! We have a fun evening planned. Stay tuned as we plan on posting in-depth info on this event (including clear directions to The Sports Place in Blauvelt NY and a listing of items that will be raffled off). We hope to see you there! March 28, 2005 John continues to do well and appreciates everyone's support. He hopes to send some personal comments via this website soon. As you can understand he has been deeply touched by all of the prayers, well wishes, and guestbook signings. Thanks! March 14, 2005 Three weeks ago today John had his transplant. He was released from the hospital on Mar. 10th and spent a restful weekend with his family..."Home Sweet Home"! March 5, 2005 John is doing great. He has a tremendous attitude and is very thankful for all the prayers and kindness he's received. He knows that his support group includes people he's never even met, and is truly touched by this.

To all my family, friends and loved ones,

Sometimes it takes a crisis in life for people to realize how really fortunate they are. I was never one who spent a lot of time looking back but my recent “bumps in the road” make me realize what a tremendous ride my life has been. When I look back now I do nothing but smile. Whether it was growing up in the Heights, or living in Inwood, or working for Verizon for 26 years, or becoming an honorary member of the Peruvian Inca society, I have been blessed with having tremendous friends every step of the way.

Every time I look at the message postings on the web site my eyes start to tear up. I used to think it was a reaction to all the medication I am taking; I now know that it is my new heart learning what a wonderful group of people it is being introduced to. I am completely and totally overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, prayers and get-well wishes that have been sent my way. I treasure every one as it helps me to get better every day.

I am so proud of my family. I am grateful beyond words that I have a wife like Carmen and children like Michelle, Johnny, Mike and Neil. They are the real strength in this family and in my life.

I want to thank everyone who helped put together and is contributing to the “Hearty Party” on April 30^th. I know it will be a blast and a lot of fun. As of today (4/23) I am not sure if I will be able to attend, I’ll know more next week after I speak with the doctors and get the results of some tests and blood work.

Lastly I want to especially thank a few friends and families who have helped me and my family get this far: Pat & Kim, Rosemary & Mike, Phil & Eileen, Grandma, Carlos & Maryann, Pilar & Mariano, Terry & Patty, Doc & Amy, Joe & Dee, Charo & Jose, Lilia & Agusto, Dan & Denise, Jay & Marceline, Colette & Sean, Ralph & Carmen, Silvia, Evelyn & Anthony. You all have a special place in my heart (old & new one).

I still have a couple of hurdles in front of me but I am confident that with the phenomenal support group I have around me I will be able to overcome them. Hope to see you next week and remember to Party Hearty!