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Hello Burkamanics, I trust you're all having a victorious day! 

I often receive questions about the tattoo on my right forearm. 

If you'd like, grab a seat and a beverage, and I'll share its story. 

It all began in the early '80s when WWF was authentic wrestling, long before it changed in the early 2000s. Those were the days of Hulk Hogan, Randy "The Macho Man" Savage, Jimmy Superfly Snuka, Ric Flair, and others. It was significant for me as a youngster, the Burkinator, in Salina, KS. 

After my discharge from the Marine Corps in 1997, I relocated to Overland Park, KS, to work as a Data Security Analyst at UMB Bank. The following year, I purchased a home in Olathe where I lived with a few friends and my brothers Tim and JC for a while. For Tim's birthday, I gifted him a Rottweiler, which we named Nitro, inspired by Thursday Night Nitro.

In 1999, I married Terri, a remarkable woman who transformed my life—a story worthy of a book. She gave me my first son, Joshua, the finest 4-year-old a Marine could ever meet. Together, Terri and I welcomed our daughter, Alexis, on April 1, 2000. We affectionately call her 'little Linda' because she mirrors my mother in looks and behavior. My mother Linda also played a huge part in this story as well, more another time.

Our family enjoyed the vibrant energy of watching WWE, performing the Iron Claw, and wrestling with the kids, which we dubbed 'Burkamania' to match our surname, Burkholder. Life presented its ups and downs over the nine years following Alexis's birth, but we were unprepared for her Leukemia-ALL diagnosis at age nine. After absorbing the initial shock, we endeavored to stay as positive as possible. Embracing the 'Burkamania Spirit' and donning 'Team Alexis' T-shirts were part of maintaining this positivity.

Wait, wait, wait... we're getting to the best parts! 

During one of Alexis' routine spinal taps, which are done to remove spinal fluid for leukemia checks and to administer chemo treatments, the needle was halfway in while she clutched her mother's and my hands. With about four nurses present and tears brimming in her eyes, she looked up and told Terri and me that she knew what she wanted to be when she grew up—an Oncology Nurse, so she could help children when she's older. The room went silent, except for the weeping of everyone present.

As Alexis grew up, she engaged in softball, volleyball, and served as the Manager for the High School Wrestling Team. She earned her CNA certification during high school and worked as a CNA throughout her four years at Pittsburg State while pursuing her BSN/RN. 

After graduation, she began her career in the Oncology Department of the hospital where she was born and previously diagnosed, Olathe Medical on 151st Street, which is now known as KU Medical.

Indeed, my daughter exemplifies that with determination, anything is possible. If a 9-year-old can achieve it, why not you? 

To conclude, Alexis received a monkey from "The Love Chloe Foundation," also established in Salina, KS. The monkey occupied her school chair during her absence, and her classmates would leave notes in its backpack for Alexis to read when she recovered. 

Alexis had the honor of being the Guest Speaker at "The Love Chloe Foundation Gala," and we are immensely proud of her grit, resilience, and unwavering commitment not just to survive, but to focus on what's important to her: giving back.  Love, Chloe Foundation - Childhood Cancer, Pediatric Cancer (lovechloe.org) 

So, now you know why made the decision to memorialize my daughter and my Families Story with you today!

Jimmy B is signing off!