His Valiant Battle

Please accept this donation in memory of my brother, John Rainier, who recently lost a valiant battle with VHL. John passed away on May 24, 2003, after a severe infection. He was 53 years old.

John fought his battle with VHL for about 24 years. Through the many surgeries and eventual dialysis, he persevered – never giving up hope or a desire to be as strong as he could be and give as much as he could to others.

John was one of “America’s brightest and best.” He graduated near the top of his class in 1972 from the United States Military Academy at West Point. Later he served as a faculty member at West Point. He rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel.

I learned of my brother’s death on Memorial Day and I thought ... how appropriate. Even though John did not serve in an active-duty war setting, he certainly fought VHL with a great deal of courage.

Thank you for all of your efforts to fight this disease. John benefited greatly from consultations with VHL experts whom he found through your organization.

mystory