My beautiful sister and her family arrived safely last night for a visit to Michigan!!! They were slightly shocked at the cold temperatures, being Florida Folk, but we're managing! When I found my sister and my nephew at the airport, Solomon (who hasn't seen me in a year) ran up to Aunt Manda and gave me a big 'ole hug and snuggle!! It was so very heartwarming!!
We had a nice drive home - even getting stuck in traffic due to an accident - and then went out for dinner. Bethany and I talk just about every day, but it's much nicer having her home for a bit!!!
Today Aunt Bethany and Big Josh are babysitting Joshua and Logan for us - they have lot's of fun plans made in Grand Haven! Tomorrow, I get to spend the day with my Solomonkey because Bethany and Big Josh are heading down south for Papa Fest.
On Tuesday, we plan to go to Michigan's Adventure if the weather holds. And then they leave on Wednesday and Joshua and I have to go see Dr. Dickens at the Hem Onc Clinic.
Yup. It's that time of year again... Joy... Literally my LEAST favorite time of the year. Joshua goes in for Labs and a pre-MRI physical on Wednesday, and then his MRI is scheduled for June 30th. I'm not expeciting anything to be wrong with the scan, but that doesn't stop me from worrying like crazy... the same as I always do, even though MRI's have been part of our life since September, 2003.
But, Joshua hit 4 years post-diagnosis in April and in December, we'll hit 4 years post-treatment. Getting closer and closer to that magic 5 year mark. Now, if only we can manage to keep any secondary cancer from developing, we'll be good to go. Boooooo for leukemia, yaaaaaay for "cured".
Yeah - I have cancer on the brain again. We need to have a RFL carwash. We have a whole $65.00 raised which is ridiculous. But, it's my own fault - since our scan is so late (it's supposed to be late May/early June) and I can't quite get past that to focus on the Relay. And then after scan we have only like 10 days until the Relay itself, so it's not looking to be a good year for Team Joshua.
But, any donation is better than no donation. And we will still be at the Relay - doing our part for the whole 24 hours. I just wish we had been able to raise more money. Oh well... not really anything much I can do about it today. Maybe those days between scan and Relay will be HUGE money-makers for us. Probably not, but who knows. You never know what might happen. Anyways - enough with that. There's no point in stressing myself out at work. There will be plenty of time for that later!!!!!
Thanks for reading - we might have a photographer willing to do a free photo shoot with our family thanks to: http://www.littlestheroesproject.org/
This is so awesome to me, you don't even know. I am floored that such an organization exists, and I wish I would have known about it during treatment, but I didn't - and really, what better way to celebrate healing then to do it now that we've (well, Joshua, really) made it so far!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, I'll keep you posted on that.
Anyhow, off for now. I'll post again soon. I have a million pictures I need to get uploaded to photobucket so I can show off the boys. I'm on vacation from work next week, hopefully I'll get to it then.
Showing posts with label Relay for Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Relay for Life. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Luminaria - Thinking Out Loud...
I needed to have this up online someplace so it is accessable from both home and work so I can add to is as I need to. This is my running tally of people that we need to remember for the RFL Luminaria Ceremony. If you know of anyone I know but I've forgotten, leave me a comment. Also, if you know someone else, and you want them on the list, it'll cost you $10.00, but you can donate with your credit/debit card right online at Team Joshua's Relay for Life website. Leave a comment and I'll send you the link.
Ok, here goes:
Honor of Joshua Holman
Memory of Catie Wilkins
Memory of Jim Disney
Memory of Dakota Gay
Honor of Khloee Faler
Honor of Bonny Schneider
Honor of Sandi VanDyke
Memory of Milt Wachter
Memory of Lawrence Peters
Honor of Mark Clark
Memory of Gary Blough
Honor of Levi Mayo
Memory of Leon Chulski
Memory of Gertie Jones
Memory of Mira Brouwer
Honor of Liz Brumfiel
Memory of Neil Pollock
Memory of Elias Pallitta
Memory of Sebastian Kocinski
Honor of Ethan McGraw
Honor of Marty Mulder
Memory of Edith Zerfas
Memory of Sara Trezise
Honor of Kay Mulder
Memory of Sidney Tornga
Memory of Vera Doornbos
Memory of Reynold Doornbos
Honor of Erika Driesenga
Honor of Sue Doornbos
Honor of John Jacobitz
Honor of Susan McIntyre
Honor of Robert Syrek
Memory of Katherine Syrek
Memory of Bob MaHaffey
I'll edit to update as I think of or remember more names.
Ok, here goes:
Honor of Joshua Holman
Memory of Catie Wilkins
Memory of Jim Disney
Memory of Dakota Gay
Honor of Khloee Faler
Honor of Bonny Schneider
Honor of Sandi VanDyke
Memory of Milt Wachter
Memory of Lawrence Peters
Honor of Mark Clark
Memory of Gary Blough
Honor of Levi Mayo
Memory of Leon Chulski
Memory of Gertie Jones
Memory of Mira Brouwer
Honor of Liz Brumfiel
Memory of Neil Pollock
Memory of Elias Pallitta
Memory of Sebastian Kocinski
Honor of Ethan McGraw
Honor of Marty Mulder
Memory of Edith Zerfas
Memory of Sara Trezise
Honor of Kay Mulder
Memory of Sidney Tornga
Memory of Vera Doornbos
Memory of Reynold Doornbos
Honor of Erika Driesenga
Honor of Sue Doornbos
Honor of John Jacobitz
Honor of Susan McIntyre
Honor of Robert Syrek
Memory of Katherine Syrek
Memory of Bob MaHaffey
I'll edit to update as I think of or remember more names.
Monday, June 2, 2008
So Sad...
My dear friend Aimee's hubby Jim passed away early Saturday morning, thus ending his very courageous fight against cancer - there it is - that dreaded "C" word again...
So, yet another name to add to the "In Memory" luminaria for the Relay for Life. It seems like our "In Memory" list gets longer and longer every year, as people from last year's "In Honor" list earn their angel wings and make the switch from one list to the other....
Needless to say, today is hard. Now add to that the fact that it's now June, which is the official start of "summer scan month". Joshua has labs and a Pre-MRI physical on June 25th, and then his scan is June 30th. Ugh. Blech. Yuck.
Anyways, send up a prayer for Aimee and Brianna if you get a chance. Lord knows that they need it right now...
So, yet another name to add to the "In Memory" luminaria for the Relay for Life. It seems like our "In Memory" list gets longer and longer every year, as people from last year's "In Honor" list earn their angel wings and make the switch from one list to the other....
Needless to say, today is hard. Now add to that the fact that it's now June, which is the official start of "summer scan month". Joshua has labs and a Pre-MRI physical on June 25th, and then his scan is June 30th. Ugh. Blech. Yuck.
Anyways, send up a prayer for Aimee and Brianna if you get a chance. Lord knows that they need it right now...
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Cancer Cancer Cancer - my brain is full of "Cancer"
After being so very frustrated, stressed out, slightly angry (blame that one on PMS hormones), etc, last night, I decided to take half an hour out of my day to be pro-active regarding the Relay For Life. I mentioned how frustrated I was at stupid Coopersville not being an active part of our Relay event. Ok, my BRAIN knows that with Coopersville's Summerfest being the first part of August, Relay for Life gets overlooked because of all the the Chamber of Commerce has to do to make that event successful. But, my HEART says that's a stupid cop-out. It wouldn't take hardly any extra effort for the Chamber to, at the very least, help us spread the word that Coopersville is a "part" of this event.
So, I decided to take some steps to maybe make that happen. I first of all (while checking to see if Coopersville offered any kind of a yoga class - I feel the need to center myself lately) went to the Coopersville website and checked out the Chamber of Commerce's website. Lo and behold, there was an email address listed. I clicked it and composed an email, something to the effect of:
I am the Team Captain of Team Joshua for the ACS Relay for Life of Allendale/Coopersville - we relay because my 5 year old son is a 4 year survivor of brain cancer. I'm wondering what the Chamber can do to help me spread the word about the event. I know you've been approached by ACS before, and because of Summerfest, the Relay gets missed but I want to change that. Yada Yada Yada (you get the idea, I'm sure).
We'll see what, if anything, comes of that.
On a roll, I decided to contact the Coopersville Observer, a local newspaper (couldja tell from the title, LOL). I asked them what I had to do to get an article about Relay written up. Last year when I contacted them, they asked for my story and a picture of Joshua and they wanted to put it in the paper, but I never saw it. Not that there aren't a million and a half other people who want there stuff in the paper too, but come on! I see little write-ups about Memorial Events ALL THE TIME in there, so dammit, they can do one about the event that means so much to my family!!!!! **Sorry, not trying to rant - I get very caught up in it, can you tell??**
On a side note, anyone know how to contact the Advanced newspaper about getting something written up about the event?
And THEN, I decided, "Hey, while I'm at it, why not contact Take 5 Grand Rapids?" They're small enough that they might actually care about something like this!!! I was on that show once, ironically, when Joshua was in the hospital getting a chemo treatment. I was in a bridal fashion show and made it to tv... it was a lot of fun - Catherine was really nice. And besides, I used to listen to Stephanie ALL THE TIME when she was on S&M in the Morning on GRD!! I feel like there's a connection there, lol. Regardless.... I left an "idea for a future show" (I did that last year too - nothing came of it), and then thought, "screw it! I'm going to email them both directly asking them to send someone to the event. There's PLENTY of time to make it actually happen." So I did. I'm awaiting a response.
So, maybe something good will come of that. Hell, maybe they'll even have me on as a guest (wishful thinking, yes, and I'm NOT counting in it) and I can TALK about our event - those of you that know me know how very passionate about things I can get, I'm not sure if that would be a good thing or a bad thing. But, WHATEVER IT TAKES TO SPREAD THE WORD!!!
Everyone knows someone who fought cancer, and if you know me, you know Josh, so if you're reading this, you're one of the everyone! What I am trying to say - oh so unclearly, I know - is that there is no excuse to pretend cancer doesn't effect everyone's life somehow. And, when we find a cure, think of all the families who will be spared the walk we had to take... and trust me, I would NEVER wish that walk on anyone. Not even people who REALLY make me mad, or cut me off in traffic, or are stupid that you want to smack them upside the head, or even the people who are toxic and do horrible things to other people just because they can. I might hate them with a passion, but I still wouldn't wish cancer on them.
Well, at least I'm doing my best to be pro-active. Someday (eventually) not all my blogs will be centered around cancer, or the Relay for Life, or stupid Coopersville, but until that glorious day, I guess you'll just have to deal :) But as a warning, they will all, in one way or another, most likely have to do with my kids - but if you know me, you wouldn't expect anything less!!
UPDATE!! I received one of those "Automated Responses" from both gals at Take 5! At least I know the emails went through!! And I heard back from the Coops Chamber of Commerce and apparently she had been in contact with the old ACS contact, Jonathan, and told him that she needed someone from the community to spearhead the event... I asked her if I could pass the info on to Eric, so we'll see what happens.
So, I decided to take some steps to maybe make that happen. I first of all (while checking to see if Coopersville offered any kind of a yoga class - I feel the need to center myself lately) went to the Coopersville website and checked out the Chamber of Commerce's website. Lo and behold, there was an email address listed. I clicked it and composed an email, something to the effect of:
I am the Team Captain of Team Joshua for the ACS Relay for Life of Allendale/Coopersville - we relay because my 5 year old son is a 4 year survivor of brain cancer. I'm wondering what the Chamber can do to help me spread the word about the event. I know you've been approached by ACS before, and because of Summerfest, the Relay gets missed but I want to change that. Yada Yada Yada (you get the idea, I'm sure).
We'll see what, if anything, comes of that.
On a roll, I decided to contact the Coopersville Observer, a local newspaper (couldja tell from the title, LOL). I asked them what I had to do to get an article about Relay written up. Last year when I contacted them, they asked for my story and a picture of Joshua and they wanted to put it in the paper, but I never saw it. Not that there aren't a million and a half other people who want there stuff in the paper too, but come on! I see little write-ups about Memorial Events ALL THE TIME in there, so dammit, they can do one about the event that means so much to my family!!!!! **Sorry, not trying to rant - I get very caught up in it, can you tell??**
On a side note, anyone know how to contact the Advanced newspaper about getting something written up about the event?
And THEN, I decided, "Hey, while I'm at it, why not contact Take 5 Grand Rapids?" They're small enough that they might actually care about something like this!!! I was on that show once, ironically, when Joshua was in the hospital getting a chemo treatment. I was in a bridal fashion show and made it to tv... it was a lot of fun - Catherine was really nice. And besides, I used to listen to Stephanie ALL THE TIME when she was on S&M in the Morning on GRD!! I feel like there's a connection there, lol. Regardless.... I left an "idea for a future show" (I did that last year too - nothing came of it), and then thought, "screw it! I'm going to email them both directly asking them to send someone to the event. There's PLENTY of time to make it actually happen." So I did. I'm awaiting a response.
So, maybe something good will come of that. Hell, maybe they'll even have me on as a guest (wishful thinking, yes, and I'm NOT counting in it) and I can TALK about our event - those of you that know me know how very passionate about things I can get, I'm not sure if that would be a good thing or a bad thing. But, WHATEVER IT TAKES TO SPREAD THE WORD!!!
Everyone knows someone who fought cancer, and if you know me, you know Josh, so if you're reading this, you're one of the everyone! What I am trying to say - oh so unclearly, I know - is that there is no excuse to pretend cancer doesn't effect everyone's life somehow. And, when we find a cure, think of all the families who will be spared the walk we had to take... and trust me, I would NEVER wish that walk on anyone. Not even people who REALLY make me mad, or cut me off in traffic, or are stupid that you want to smack them upside the head, or even the people who are toxic and do horrible things to other people just because they can. I might hate them with a passion, but I still wouldn't wish cancer on them.
Well, at least I'm doing my best to be pro-active. Someday (eventually) not all my blogs will be centered around cancer, or the Relay for Life, or stupid Coopersville, but until that glorious day, I guess you'll just have to deal :) But as a warning, they will all, in one way or another, most likely have to do with my kids - but if you know me, you wouldn't expect anything less!!
UPDATE!! I received one of those "Automated Responses" from both gals at Take 5! At least I know the emails went through!! And I heard back from the Coops Chamber of Commerce and apparently she had been in contact with the old ACS contact, Jonathan, and told him that she needed someone from the community to spearhead the event... I asked her if I could pass the info on to Eric, so we'll see what happens.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
RFL stress...
Gah! I feel a little overwhelmed tonight. I have SOO much stuff running through my mind. We had a Team Captain meeting for the Relay for Life tonight. So I have cancer on the brain...
Here is a list of what's stressing me out, right now, at this moment:
Who is going to be on our team this year and who's over the RFL - I feel like I'm not going to have enough people this year since Josh isn't "sick" anymore, it's not such a high priority...
Who is going to actively get out there and try to raise money for us - people don't like to do that, and I understand, but it's the reason that we do this...
How am I going to do flamingo's again? I feel like it was SO MUCH last year and so overwhelming...
How can we spread the word to stupid Coopersville who doesn't care about it like they should... so what if the event is in Allendale! I always feel like Team Joshua is IT for the whole damn city...
I want to do a carwash this year... can we make that happen?
What about the Relay itself! The theme is Luau for a Cure - what can we do with this?
Am I going to get Team Joshua to it's goal with my Fun-N-Sun Corporate sponsorship... things have been TOUGH financially for everyone this year and I don't know if I can count on it this year (not that I would be mad, just bummed about this stupid economy....)
Am I going to get enough donations? I know it's early, but they feel like they're down already from last year which SUCKS! I know times are tough, and I totally get that, but it doesn't mean I have to like it...
A good thing:
Walkers at the Relay will be fine, we always have non-team members who come out for us (and I SOOOO appreciate that help!!)
Blah. Random, I know. And yes, I'm well aware that it will all work out. This is just my "thing" and I get so disappointed when it's not so important to everyone else. I have a hard time separating it and not taking it personally.
So, to all team members... I'm sorry if I suck this year. I don't want to. I REALLY try to be a good captain, but my expectations are always so high (and yes, I know that's my issue and I need to adjust it, but it's hard because this is SO important to me)... So, thank you, to those that hang with me again this year... I wish you knew how much it meant to me, but I can't begin to express it.
Now, I need you to step up, get cans out around public places, spread the word and do our best to do well again this year.
Thanks, you guys... from the bottom of my heart.
Here is a list of what's stressing me out, right now, at this moment:
Who is going to be on our team this year and who's over the RFL - I feel like I'm not going to have enough people this year since Josh isn't "sick" anymore, it's not such a high priority...
Who is going to actively get out there and try to raise money for us - people don't like to do that, and I understand, but it's the reason that we do this...
How am I going to do flamingo's again? I feel like it was SO MUCH last year and so overwhelming...
How can we spread the word to stupid Coopersville who doesn't care about it like they should... so what if the event is in Allendale! I always feel like Team Joshua is IT for the whole damn city...
I want to do a carwash this year... can we make that happen?
What about the Relay itself! The theme is Luau for a Cure - what can we do with this?
Am I going to get Team Joshua to it's goal with my Fun-N-Sun Corporate sponsorship... things have been TOUGH financially for everyone this year and I don't know if I can count on it this year (not that I would be mad, just bummed about this stupid economy....)
Am I going to get enough donations? I know it's early, but they feel like they're down already from last year which SUCKS! I know times are tough, and I totally get that, but it doesn't mean I have to like it...
A good thing:
Walkers at the Relay will be fine, we always have non-team members who come out for us (and I SOOOO appreciate that help!!)
Blah. Random, I know. And yes, I'm well aware that it will all work out. This is just my "thing" and I get so disappointed when it's not so important to everyone else. I have a hard time separating it and not taking it personally.
So, to all team members... I'm sorry if I suck this year. I don't want to. I REALLY try to be a good captain, but my expectations are always so high (and yes, I know that's my issue and I need to adjust it, but it's hard because this is SO important to me)... So, thank you, to those that hang with me again this year... I wish you knew how much it meant to me, but I can't begin to express it.
Now, I need you to step up, get cans out around public places, spread the word and do our best to do well again this year.
Thanks, you guys... from the bottom of my heart.
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