Loss of both parents leaves two young men struggling to stay
in family’s home.

[view:node_ad=5]On Saturday, November 8th the family and friends
of Susanna and Mike Gunning will host a Texas Hold’Em Tournament at the Hyatt
Valencia. All proceeds raised will benefit 16 year-old Evan and 23 year-old
Sean Gunning, who are struggling to stay in the family’s home after losing both
of their parents to cancer.   

It is every family’s worst nightmare, times two.

A few years ago, life was normal for the Gunning family.
Parents Susanna and Mike, along with their two sons Evan and Sean, lived
happily in Santa Clarita.

In January, 2006 they received the devastating news that
Susana had been diagnosed with stage 4 Melanoma, and had to undergo brain
surgery and chemotherapy.

Less than a year later, while Susanna was still in
treatment, Mike was diagnosed with bladder cancer.

The two carried on as “chemo-buddies” until November of
2007, when Susanna lost her battle with cancer. She was 50 years old.

As the family attempted to move forward, they encountered
more obstacles. Mike fell victim to layoffs at Dreamworks Animation, and became
unemployed. To make matters worse, two weeks later doctors confirmed that this
cancer had come back.

After only one chemotherapy treatment Mike was admitted to
the hospital for complications stemming from pneumonia. He died on July 19th.

Furthermore, one day before Mike’s funeral, his father Ron
Gunning died.

Now without their parents, Evan and Sean are fighting to
keep the family’s home. Evan, who plays volleyball for Valencia
High School, has moved in with his
aunt while Sean has remained in the home.

Family and friends of the Gunning’s have organized the Texas
Hold’Em  Tournament as a way to assist
Evan and Sean. The event will feature traditional Texas Hold’Em Poker,
appetizers, a cash bar, 50/50 raffle, and a silent auction.

If you would like to participate, you can see entrance
prices and packages at www.gunningbenefit.org.