Perkins & September

This is a picture of Luke and Savannah in front of their school, Perkins Elementary School: Magnet Center for the Arts and International Studies. I LOVE this school and so do the kids. Whenever I'm on campus I just get this awesome feeling of pride. The teachers and staff are amazing men and women that love their school and work so hard to make it a success. Another thing that makes Perkins so wonderful is all the support they receive from parents.

This is Luke & Savannah in Dylan's Butterfly Garden on campus.

This is a Memorial for a former student and artist. His name is Dylan Crane and he had quite an impact on everyone that knew him. He battled the beast of cancer. He had Ewing's Sarcoma, a very powerful bone cancer.

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Dylan was only one of thousands of children that die each year from cancer. Many of the children that beat their cancer are left with a broken and beaten body.

There are many things we can all do to see that one day our children are free of the beast.

* Donate blood & blood products

* Join the National Marrow Donor Program

http://www.marrow.org/

* Support funding for a cure

http://www.fastercure.org/start.htm

*Support Foundations that support families

http://www.katiasolomonfoundation.org/

http://www.childrenscancercenter.org/

http://www.jakesfoundation.org/

http://www.heroesforchildren.org/

Thanks!!

September

Katia & I

I can't believe it's already September, this year is flying by. This month is very special for so many reasons. I had my first born in September. My grandpa died September 6, 1997. We celebrate Labor Day and the kids are back in school. The weather is starting to cool off a bit and September 11 is never far from anyones mind.

September is also National Childhood cancer Awareness Month, and this year September 13th will be their day. More children are diagnosed with cancer than in September than any other month. Last year was such an awesome year for me. I was losing weight, feeling good and fundraising to help families that had been faced with a very sick child. I meet some unbelievably remarkable kids during my journey. I am a better person because of these kids.

I have really wanted to do a fundraiser this year but I've had to focus more on my family right now. I am writing this blog to hopefully encourage everyone to do something, anything to fight this beast. If you don't have the extra money there are still so many things you can do. Donate blood, blood products, join the National Marrow Donor Registry, donate your babies cord blood, volunteer at a Ronald McDonald House, raise awareness by spreading the word. There are so many children battling this beast and for many, there are no more options. I just can't imagine being told that my child will die, but sadly this happens everyday. Families are being put through absolute agony watching their child fight so hard for every breath and step.

Here are links to some of my favorite charities that I encourage you to donate to. Every single penny is needed, no amount is too small. We will and are making a difference.

http://www.katiasolomonfoundation.org/

http://www.fastercure.org/start.htm

http://www.childrenscancercenter.org/

Thank you!!!

Sierra

I am sitting here, yet again trying to understand why another child has to die. I'm wondering how many of our children have to suffer from cancer before we are outraged. Some will say that childhood cancer is rare; I'm sure it doesn't seem so rare when it's your child. Our children are fighting this beast with drugs that were made for adults and they ravage a tiny body. The treatment is often what kills our babies. It just isn't fair that even after they have fought so long and so hard that they pass.
My heart is aching for the Kessler family right now. They were given a wonderful gift that was taken away way to soon. Sierra has always faced challenges with a smile. She was born with Downs Syndrome and later diagnosed with leukemia. She recently finished treatment for leukemia and within days she had relapsed. She was able to reach remission again but her body was exhausted from the fight. Sierra entered Heaven's gates yesterday morning. She leaves behind an amazing family and adoring friends. Please pray for Sierra's parents, brother and sister. I can't imagine what they are going through right now.
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/sierrakesler

Hello

As you can see from the pictures, we had a great vacation. I did get pretty tired though. We did a lot of walking and waiting. This was our first major outing without a stroller. Nana did great, but I can't say the same for Daddy's back. The Magic Kingdom was packed, there were people everywhere!! Thankfully they have the speed pass on most of the big rides. Disney was everything I expected and more. They have made sure to not leave out any detail. It really is magical and nothing quite compares. We didn't even do 1/2 of the things they offer. Believe it or not, we didn't meet any of the princess'. The characters we met were at Epcot.
The resort was awesome. The grounds were beautiful and there was so much to do. It would have been nice to have a bigger room. The room had two double beds and a twin pull-out. The boys took turns with the roll-out. We have a king sized bed her at home so the doubles seemed really small.
Our day at Epcot was a blast too. I was pretty beat by Saturday and my legs wanted to hang it up, but we pushed on. We ran from country to country in between the rain. The Soarin' ride was awesome and the 360 movie in China was great. We all had a great time.
I can't help but feel a little guilty. We are having the time of our lives and an amazing young woman is losing her battle with cancer. I have followed Emily Lester's fight for many years. I never had the chance to meet her face to face but I did see her in the fashion show last year. Emily was 18 and had battled leukemia for much of her young life. I hope to attend her wake tomorrow evening. I'll will never understand why she had to fight so hard. Here are some links if you want to read about this amazing warrior. She had just been accepted to Duke University and awarded a scholarship worth $60,000.
http://www.caringbridge.org/fl/emilylester/
http://blogs.tampabay.com/breakingnews/2008/04/barnes-scholar.html

Girl's night

Me & Tonya

Nikki
Katia & I

I had a great time at the fashion show last night. I went alone but meet up with some awesome ladies to hang out with. I spent the first 15 minutes looking for someone I knew...anyone! I was able to meet a few new people and see lots of people from last year. The show was set up a little different this year to make room for everyone, and there were still many standing. I was lucky enough to get a seat this year. Thanks Tonya and Mary for hanging out with me, it was so much better than sitting alone.

The girls were awesome again this year. It's really hard to explain how special it is to be a part of something so great. These girls have fought so hard and lost so much because of cancer. This was a night for them and about them. As I watched each girl take her turn on the runway I was just in awe. This years show was dedicated to two girls (Taylor & Camille) that were in the show last year but have since passed away. I can't imagine being so young and watching your friends die. There were also two girls that were unable to attend because they are in the hospital. Emily is battling for her life at St.Jude's and Sierra has pneumonia. They were all dearly missed.

The event was on track to raise $300,000!!! Last year $160,000 was raised. This money goes to the Sunshine Project for pediatric cancer research. Our children deserve more options than they have. If the drug companies won't research to save our children then we will.

My MRI was normal. I'm hoping that this numbness will just go away like it came. I go back to the doctor next month and hopefully she will know what it is.

The week in pictures

Saturday was my brother Duane's 37th birthday. He used to live down here in Florida but now he's in Indiana. I took Austin and Nana out to the beach to take some pictures for him, and ordered prints on-line from Walgreens and he picked them up at his local Walgreen's. He doesn't have a computer so I have to send them to him. We had a blast taking pictures.

Nana in the van

Austin playing Guitar Hero 3

(he is really good at it)

Luke with his new car

Dale Jr. #88

Nana & Austin taking pics for Duane
(it was very windy Saturday)


Matt headed out to surf
(Friday 3-7-08)

Luke on the computer

Nana cleaning the grout

Pepperoni being cute

I'm still waiting to hear from my doctor about the MRI I had done last Thursday. Hopefully no news is good news. I'm still having the numbness in my neck but not much pain. I think the B-12 and thyroid pills are starting to work because I have more energy. I've been sleeping better too.

I'm very excited about tomorrow evening. It's the 5th Annual Fashion Funds the Cure at Sax 5th Ave. in Tampa. I went last year and it was magical. It's a fundraiser put on by the Pediatric Cancer Foundation. The models are local girls that have or have had cancer. These girls have fought so hard and it's their night to shine. The PCF is an amazing organization that not only helps families but is searching for a cure through the Sunshine Project. If you want to know more about the PCF here is the link to their website.

http://www.fastercure.org/start.htm

I will sure to post some pictures of the event.

Paramedic of the year!!

Here are some pictures of David recieving his award at the City Council Meeting. And the tall guy is our Mayor, Rick Baker.

A Real Hero...

This is my brother-in-law David. He is the 2007 Paramedic of the Year in St.Petersburg, Florida!! We are so proud of you David. We are going to watch him receive his award tomorrow afternoon. I will be sure to post some pictures of the event.

Score one for the good guys!

For those of you who know me, know that I love sports, especially football. I'm also a big NASCAR fan but football is special in my heart. I started watching sports the day I was born and grew up playing softball, bowling, swimming, basketball, and of course football. I remember in high school; playing with my brother Duane and his friends. I love the big games and winning is everything!!

I'm getting away from what I was going to talk about. I am just so excited that Tim Tebow won the Heisman Trophy this year. He's the FIRST sophomore to ever win. This kid is the real deal and has really got his priority's in order (1. God 2.family & friends 3. education & 4. football). Although he is an amazing football player he is better at life. In his acceptance speech he thanked his Savior, Jesus Christ first, and last. Tim is exactly what college football needed, and I'm so proud that he's a Gator!!

Why?

I just got done reading of yet another child dying of cancer. This wasn't a rare cancer, Ashley actually had the 'good' type of leukemia, if there is such a thing. Ashley just celebrated her 11th birthday a couple months ago. This April Ashley relapsed for the second time and her only chance was a bone marrow transplant. It took quite a while for her to achieve remission but after she did she got her transplant. It was all to much on her body and she passed away yesterday. She fought so hard and so long, she was diagnosed at age 3. Her little brother Ryan was also diagnosed with leukemia but is off treatment and doing well.
http://www.caringbridge.org/wi/ashley/
We are never promised tomorrow so live everyday like it's your last. Tell the people you love how much they mean to you. Spend time doing things you enjoy with people you enjoy. Don't put off important things, and forgive.
In this holiday season I ask that everyone do something nice for someone. Put a smile on someones face, put a smile on your face.

Pennies from Heaven

I have been working on a fundraiser with Luke's school, Perkins Elementary for the past two months to benefit the Pediatric Cancer Foundation. A former student, Dylan Crane battled Ewing's Sarcoma and passed away in 2005. Dylan's mom, Carole came up with the name "Pennies from Heaven" and Dylan's dad designed a flyer to put on the jugs.
I collected all the jugs and cashed in all the change today. I am very proud to say that the kids collected $424.72 to help fund the cure. The PCF is such an awesome organization doing so much through the Sunshine Project to fund research. The Sunshine Project is focused on Ewing's Sarcoma and new treatments for this rare but devastating bone cancer. These kids fight so hard and suffer things that I can't even imagine. Most that die; do so not from the cancer, but from the treatment.
I would encourage everyone to do a fundraiser like this. It was pretty easy to do and so rewarding. The class that collected the most money wins a popcorn party. Luke's class was the winner with almost $70!! Way to Perkins!!!
*****New total.......$530.18!!!

How?

How can you look into her eyes and not be changed???
This is Nikole Hawkins AKA hero; super girl. She has faced more in the last 18 months than most of us ever will. She is real and kids DO get cancer. Some even die....please help spread awareness!!!!

Lessons learned.

Things I learned this weekend at the fundraiser/yard sale.
(in no particular order)

*My husband is amazing!
*My family and friends care about things I believe in.
*My sister-in-law has a heart of gold.
*She can also work her tail off selling and cleaning up.
*When asked most people are more than happy to make a donation.
*Some people are just mean!
*It's bond to rain at least once if you live in Florida.
*Every little bit helps.
*Never give up.
*I got meet some neighbors and most were great.
*My next door neighbor Brenda loves yard sales!! (she brought over tables, plastic to cover everything, and help set up Friday for hours)
*Next fundraiser will not be a yard sale!!

Last night I was home alone and I was feeling a little disappointed with the money raised. I was wondering if we sold all the good stuff at too low of prices. I was kicking myself for not asking for donations the first day. I was pretty much second guessing everything. I really wanted to be able to hand the Solomon's & the Hawkins' families a thousand dollars each, but I didn't even get close.
Then I started thinking about all the people that donated items for the sale and others giving their time and energy. My family has always been supportive of the kids I follow but they had never actually met any of them. When Nikki showed up yesterday that all changed. They all feel in love with Nikki, and I think they really get it now.
I stopped feeling sorry for myself and started being thankful for all that was accomplished. Many people learned that kids do get cancer and they need our help. I met Dylan Crane's family and now were working together on a change drive at Luke's school. We passed out many books and cd's from the Solomon's. Last night Matt went to play a friendly game of poker with family. They donated $30 to the fundraiser and two ladies just showed at my front door with $20 to donate. When it started raining yesterday we put a free sign on a old dresser and she asked if she could pick it up today. Matt helped her move and cover it. She just picked it up and wanted to donate. I also got a call from Luke's teacher and she has a cash donation also!! How awesome is that!!
The best thing I learned was that I am doing what I was made for; this is my purpose in life!!

Blame it on the rain...

Nikki

loading up stuff
Matt with Jared & William
Jared's new pet


Day 2 was a wet one!


Waking up this morning was not fun, thank God for coffee. If it weren't were for my wonderful husband; the sale would have never got set up. He is amazing! I also had Nikki here to help along with Penny and her two little brothers. I think William took home some dirt from the front yard.


I really thought that the sale would have brought in more $ but I am very pleased with what we made. Hopefully awareness was raised. Other than one rude man (edit) everything was great.


I know that my family that was here was touched. They all pitched in to help with everything. They fell in love with Nikki and her AMAZING mom Penny, and super brothers!! We love the Solomon's and the Hawkins' so much. They have both made me a better person.

Yard Sale Day 1

Hannah's Garden

Yesterday I had the honor of helping plant Hannah's garden. I was able to meet some amazing women and their children. I think Hannah was pleased with her beautiful garden, although I bet she would trade it for some chicken and fries!! She is so cute! I love her blond curls and this girl knows what she likes and what she wants; typical four year old. I really can't put into words how I felt yesterday, it was amazing to say the least. We are all there for Hannah and her family because we care. Most of the other women were mothers of children with cancer and they are all good friends too. I had met Penny and Nikki before, so I at least knew someone!
I forgot to bring my camera but if you want to see some pictures check out these links.
This is a slide show from Nikki's Caringbridge page, she took most of the pictures.
http://www.slide.com/r/iXZup3bg7T8mvtrf1x6vUSOfmPEvqYHX?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original
This a link to Peyton's page:
http://www.hope4peyton.org/

Hannah

Friends and family,
I have been approached by a friend about helping a sweet little 4 year old girl. Hannah has a type of brain tumor that can not be operated on and she is nearing the end of her earthly journey. Hannah had a garden but our brutal Florida sunshine pretty much fried it. She wants a new garden to enjoy but funds are tight. So this Sunday evening Penny Hawkins (Nikki's Mom), myself and a few others are planning on giving this sweetie a garden. So far we only have $53 to purchase plants and supplies. We really want this to be nice for her, so if you can, please donate a few dollars or your time. (if your local)
I'm including a link to Nikki page and Hannah's so you can read about these amazing girls. If you can help please contact myself or Penny. It's very important that we do this, Hannah deserves a garden.

Hannah's page: http://www.helphannah.org/default.aspx
Nikki's page:
http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/inputSiteName.do?method=search&siteName=nikkihawkins
Thank you in advance for your support!!!

Up on a soapbox today

I was watching a show the other night about the super-rich and what some of them do to their cars. They would spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a brand new car and then put another couple hundred thousands on 'pimping' it out. I was amazed at what they can do theses days to make these cars customs. The cars are really neat but I do know why you need such extravagance? I think it bothers me because I know of so many better things to spend money on.

Everyday I read about children that are fighting for their lives and sometimes losing the battle. I have read about so many parents that were told that their is nothing more that can be done to save their children. I can't imagine how helpless a parent must feel to hear that their child will die and you will watch it. How can this be in 2007? We need to fight for our children and find a cure. I'm sure everything seems rare until it's your child. We owe all these brave families more than they are getting. They need to know that they are important and that we are united in finding a cure.

I know of quite a few families that are going above and beyond in fighting the beast that is pediatric cancer. Foundations are being started and money is being raised to support families in need and funding research. We need more trials and new drugs made for children not adults. I encourage everyone to do something about this. September is National Childhood cancer Awareness Month. Tell everyone to support research and families. Many families lose their home, and everything, many have to travel long distances to get treatment. Some families aren't able to survive cancer and split up. None of this is OK and we need to change it.