Justin C

I come from a small little town, and in small little towns, you find small little schools. In my small little school, was a girl named Pam. Pam was older than me, but in small little schools, everyone knows everyone, and so I knew Pam. I didn't see Pam for 20 years, until we met again at a fundraiser for Diego, who was battling Leukemia. Remember him? He's cancer free! At this fundraiser, sweet Pam and her family came up to me and gave a hug and said the things that you say to someone who's lost a child to cancer. I'm sure there was the usual, "I can't imagine" uttered as she held the hand of her youngest son. Today that youngest son is in treatment for Leukemia. His name is Justin. The thing about little towns and little schools is that they are usually big on community. My children's little school, and a great group of women from said little town, have been raising money for Justin and his family. A huge thank you to Renaissance Expeditionary Magnet School and IOU with love. Throughout the month of May, we will be raising money for Justin's family to help offset the costs of his 3 and 1 half year treatment for Leukemia. Here is Justin with his older brother Jaden. How could you possibly resist that smile? Go to the big red DONATE button and give big! (Or little. Just give). Whatchagonnado?

Giving+Tuesday = TLA

Did you think of her? When you heard about Giving Tuesday, did you think of our Sweet Tuesday Fiona Whitt? Of course you did! That's why you're here, and now that you're here, we'd love to help you give.

Here is what Giving TUESDAY is all about:

MISSION STATEMENT:
#GivingTuesday is a campaign to create a national day of giving at the start of the holiday season. It celebrates and encourages charitable activities that support non-profit organizations.

Lovely. It truly is better to give than to receive.

And what better place to give on Giving Tuesday, than Miles for Tuesday. Go check out all the body moving goodness that is taking place to support the Wellness Center for the center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at The Children's Hospital Colorado. Make a donation, start a team, plan an event. All of the above. How are you going to log miles for Tuesday?

AND THEN THERE'S THIS:

This giving Tuesday, I have a special request. It's not directly related to Childhood cancer, but is is directly related to my heart. This is my friend Jen and her little beauties. Jen was a huge support while Tuesday was in treatment and she and her kiddos are steadfast supporters of Childhood cancer families and organizations. She is a single mama. Now a homeless single mama, after Hurricane Sandy destroyed their home and most of their belongings.

Were you thankful for a roof over your head this Thanksgiving?

Yes? Then pay it forward this Giving Tuesday. Perfect.
Here is your chance to directly help a family impacted by Sandy.

*All donations to whatchagonnado between now and Dec. 31st will go to the Smith family. Donations to families fighting childhood cancer will resume on Jan. 1, 2013.

Alexandra the Great

I love the smirk.  Girl, I feel the same way.  Alexandra is preparing for a bone marrow transplant after relapsing with high risk A.L.L leukemia.  She just fininshed up 2 and a half years of chemo, so this is a major bummer.   Alexandra lives with her mom and brother in Colorado, but for the next few months she will be living in The BMT unit at Children's Hospital.  This is as rough as it gets.  No leaving.  No outside. No visiters but immediate family.  It will be hard work for this sweet little girl and hard work for her single mama, trying to juggle two kids in two different places.  You can't even imagine, right?  No.  

We are going to cover their rent.  As much of it as possible for as long as possible.  We need you to give.  As much as you can.  Because, you can.  Because even if it hurts a little, you can.  Because even if it stretches you a little to give, you still get to tuck your child in to her own bed at night.  If you've never donated before, please give.  If you have, please give.  It doesn't take much, it just takes many.  Go click on the big red donate button.

All money goes directly to the families we support.  Please help us help them.

To follow Alexandra's journey go to:  http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/princessjonte

whatchagonnado?

Brave the Shave

Each year, 160,000 children are diagnosed with cancer worldwide.  Cancer is the number one disease killer of children in the U.S. and Canada.  Research saves lives.

 The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long and healthy lives.

March 11th, Tuesday Whitt’s brother, dad, uncle, Nano, cousin, and many friends are going bald to bring awareness and an end to childhood cancer.  Please support Team Tuesday as they Brave the Shave!  You can join the fun at Fado Irish Pub in Denver, starting at noon.  Fair warning, it just might change your life.  

We applaud St. Baldrick’s for their commitment and dedication to finding a cure.

Donate in memory of your loved ones lost to cancer, or of course, in memory of our sweet Tuesday.  Give now.  Give big.  

We are needing more brave shavees.  To join Team Tuesday, go here.

Jenna

When your child is diagnosed with cancer, you have little to no time to look in to your options.  In almost every instance, your child jumps immediately in to the treatment plan laid out by COG, or Children’s Oncology Group, that has become the latest standard of care for your kid’s particular cancer.  You hope and pray that this is the right choice for your kid, fully aware that you are not the expert.  Sometimes, this is not the best path.  Sometimes you as the parent, know that there are other, perhaps better alternative paths for your little patient.  This is the path that Jenna’s parents are taking with her.

Jenna was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma in April of 2008.  She followed COG protocol frontline treatment;  she still had active disease.  She went for treatment at Sloan-Kettering in NYC, a leading center for Neuroblastoma;  she still had active disease.  They started alternative treatments with a Naturopathic doctor, and although she still has active disease, she has enjoyed many months of routine family life, running in the sun, playing piano, camping, and starting Kindergarten at home.

This past December, Jenna presented with a new “bump” on her head.  It has been confirmed to be new growth neuroblastoma in the bone marrow of her skull, and so it’s time to turn up the fight.  Miraculously, Jenna continues to feel good and full of spunk.  Currently, the family is increasing Jenna's alternative care with appointments in Phoenix, Albuquerque, and Durango.  IV Vitamin C treatments have begun in Durango, along with many adjustments to her homeopathic and naturopathic medicines.  One hundred percent of the cost of these appointments and treatments are paid by the family.  One Hundred Percent.

We are honored to be able to help Jenna continue with her wonderful quality of life, while fighting back against this most evil disease.  Every dollar counts.  Every donation.  Give what you can, and then give a little more.

You can follow Jenna’s journey at CaringBridge / jennamiller / Welcome

whatchagonnado?