When we first started doing this, our motivation was sincere; Our main goal was to create some awareness for Al's need for a kidney, acknowledge John's contribution and take a fun approach in asking for prayers. As the effort for John to Share the Spare continued to evolve, we developed a sense of obligation to report on Alex and John's progress.

CJ relies on Nancy and John for updates, and frankly, none of the three are very reliable when it comes to medical reports. That responsibility normally lies with Nurse Ruth and Sammy Sonar, but, alas, we do our best.

We'll start this blog out with the stuff we do best - photos and fun - but we will offer a very important educational slide at the end, so please bear with us...

We'll lead off with some of Al's good friends. We tried for more of an urban feel in our editing.

Als FriendsMost of these are Al's good friends. Not sure, but one or two might be photo bombing - or perhaps, better said, photo bumming!

Some of Nancy's friends, Jillie and Willie, got into the Spirit of Share the Spare:

Willie and JillieTwo world-famous hair stylists show off their Share the Spare wrist bands.

Coyote Joe submitted the next two pictures, both taken at a recent ski competition.

Cast SigningNancy commissioned Joe to take some photos on one of the boy's ski competitions. Being a man of obligation, and knowing not to disappoint Nancy when she wants a picture, Joe got the shot: Ski Pole Salute to Share the SpareThis is the shot that Nancy has been asking for. You is a good boy Joe!

Rotten takes the Share the Spare photos very seriously, and is a frequent contributor. He submitted a few pictures with friends, including the last one, which features Monsignor Ressler - that's gotta count for something!

John n CoupleJohn only gets pictures in the classiest of places.

Mark Patti and JohnThe Millers get in the act!

Monsignor John and FriendsIt's all about community prayer. This is shot in one of the Dubuque area's premier restaurants.

Most would assume that John submitted this next photo, but surprisingly that is not the case. This was submitted by the "Less Rotten" Twin (you notice we didn't say "Good Twin" :-) Joe in one of the famous beer brewing cities in the Great State of Wisconsin. (Not sure why he is showing beer from St. Louis and Denver.)

Three BottlesGreat concept Joe...and it works very nicely as a segue to our grand finale photo!

We promised to offer a medical update, so we thought we would use the opportunity to show off the incredible knowledge we have all gained about kidneys.

You might want to take a second to get any children out of the room. The following illustration is intended for mature audiences only. Viewer discretion is advised. This diagram shows the kidney that young Alex will receive from his Rotten Uncle John:

Rotanatomy Kidney DiagramHopefully this shows well on your computers, tablets or phones. And we hope you all better understand why we continue to ask for your prayers for Alex.

Okay, so that wasn't much of a medical update, but the good news is that things continue to progress in the right direction. John has had faith from the start, but we're hoping the previous picture helps underscore why we continue to ask for your prayers.

Keep those pictures coming. If you have a unique idea, or if you just want to show your support, send photos to cj@picturesbypape.com .