A date with Santa to RMH

Today was by far the best medicine Ive taken - a trip to Ronald McDonald House with Santa, elves (Kyrsti and Kali), Nicki, Meagan and Steve in tow.

Gord has played Santa a number of times now, so when RMH invited us to take the opportunity we jumped! I knew Gord would be the best Santa for this particular visit as he is quite comfortable (and compassionate) with sick children.

8 years ago, Shirley Potter donated a professional Santa Suit for the use of our support group, and HM. Santa comes to life yearly, primarily used for children who cannot go to the mall to see him.

Today was extra special.

Santa made an announcement at the house enticing the children to come on down! As he rang his bells and set off for the Christmas room, a little girl in pink pyjamas charged down the hall and into the foyer squealing with excitement waiting for a hug and a visit from Saint Nick.

Of all of the children that visited with Santa, this spirited 4 year old was the one child who did not display a certainty of shyness (except for the RMH elf who really wanted a tiffany ring...).

Recalling Miss Kali during those difficult hospital years, it did not have to be explained to us why the kids were tentative around Santa. Nevertheless, they were still delighted to see him and most of them agreeable to sit on his lap.

The youngest was a baby just weeks old, the oldest members being the staff (who are incredibly warm I might add).

The most touching moment (which caused Santas glasses to fog) was the little girl who asked for a toy for her sister. When Santa asked how old her sister was, a quiet reply came from a family friend. The little girl's sister (all of 2) had passed away yesterday. She was in heaven and needed a toy for Christmas.

Being behind the lens of my camera, I missed the moment but somehow felt grateful for the shelter as I dont feel (in my current emotional state) that I would have handled that professionally. As for Gordon and helper Elf (Kyrsti), the moment hit hard but past exposure enabled them to maintain composure for the other kids.

After Santa passed out packages to the kids, I went upstairs with him and helped him get out of his pants. 4 years of separation, I am still undressing this man ....

I am ok with that.... all for a good cause and the kids really enjoyed watching their dad come to life as we struggled with taming the beard so it would stay out of the nostrils, keeping the pants ON (integrity lacking in elastic) and belt not latching (so we used paperclips).

After we peeled Santa off of Gord, we all enjoyed freshly baked cinnamon buns and Christmas baking before another tour of the house was offered to us.

We saw the magic room in completion (this is a beautifully decorated room where kids can pick out a gift for their arrival, X-mas, last treatment and birthday).

To me, the whole experience there was magic, and when I look back to my 2010 Christmas I will think of today.

My First Week

Well, I have survived my first week as "the new Hair Massacure girl" and so far I love it! Nicki is great, the computer fairy left me a present, and my incorrect email address has been fixed. All good.

I am looking forward to HM this year. My son pinked and shaved last year and it was a great experience. Now he's asking me if I'm going to pink my hair or not... I haven't decided. I have learned that women can be quite vain about their hair - I didn't think I was one of them, but now I'm not so sure. We'll see :)

Anyway, as Tammy has indicated, we are taking some time off to spend with our families. I am very much looking forward to the joys of the season, food and fun, oh - and finding out what on earth is in that really funny-wrapped present I found under the tree tonight!

I wish you all a Merry Christmas. Look out, because January is coming!! And Nicki - I can handle it - dump it on me girl!

Brandi (posted by nicki)

It's that time of the year...

Well everyone… It’s Christmas!!! And I hope you’re all ready for it even though I’m not. At all.

At the office, people are disappearing as they take their time off, I’ve left my cardboard tree at home (due to not finding it until yesterday), and my bulletin board is getting more crowded with every Christmas card I put up. I am a bit of a Grinch – not saying that I don’t enjoy the season, just that I never feel ready for it. I dislike that I’ve run out of time, and I still have four more gifts to buy. And this on the year that I wasn’t buying gifts...

This year I will not be lamenting on how many paper cuts I’m getting due to stuffing pledge packs all season, or washing my hair with body soap, and needing to shampoo it over again – although that did happen this morning... But this year, I will be trying to relax and spend time with friends and family before I “pull a nicki” and disappear for a bit.

I want to wish you all the very merry-ist Christmas and a fabulous New Years. If you’re like me, you should all start thinking up new years resolutions that fall between “sacrifice” – like chocolate and “not too much work” – like chocolate and peanut butter (I’m allergic to peanut butter). This year I plan to not fall out of contact with friends, send more postcards and handwritten letters, and not eat AS MUCH chocolate (this does NOT include peppermint hot chocolates from Starbucks!)

I will also not give too much work to Brandi. But I don’t expect this one to last... much like that year (or two) that I wanted to go to the gym regularly. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

nicki

More Pre- Christmas

Thought I'd throw in a tidbit before my visit with "Santa" to Ronald McDonald House this week.

I am most honored to share this... my friend Carol (fellow cancer mom and driving force of Small and Mighty fundraising event) is taking me to her Naturopath on Thursday.

For years I have been counselling others (both professionally and casually) on achieving their potential towards health and balance, meanwhile I am chasing my own tail like Odie until the day arrived when Odie hit a wall.

It is always easier to help someone else see their issues while we stand outside their bubble - not so easy from the inside.

This is why I have amazing friends, kids, and co-workers observing, advising, checking in, and offering. For that I am blessed.

As I reflect, with this opportunity at home (which has got to be THE most inopportune time I must add), I have also been able to take Christmas in for the first time in many years.

Typically, Christmas, in past years, just got in the way due to it's timing - and I had not other choice than to blur past in order to stay on track for the progress of event. Christmas became very inconvenient and stressful, Tammy became a grinch.

My kids, Gord and Nicki have all helped me realize that this "Family run event" must be true to its nature, and Christmas is all about family, so we are all shutting down for the holidays (including Nicki and Brandi).

I now have time to make tourtier with my gramma (a family tradition), shortbread cookies (but for next year - not at the same time), drink really cheap sweet wine, look at Christmas lights around town, remember to plug mine in, admire trees in windows, pick mine up (moron dogs knock down when outside bunny visits), chase Bert (ugly dog) around house retrieving chewed up Kali Bear tree topper, find Bear nose, glue Bears nose on, break into "Glee" with carols until Mandy disappears into room, and watch Elf and Grinch at least 2 times.

Kali will wrap all of the the gifts cause her mother is a cotton headed ninny muggin, Kyrsti will NOT bake anymore cookies (she can stick to things shes good at), and I will eventually learn not cook meat and cookies at the same time.

I am still trying to get these medications figured out - not too successful (hence the Naturopath).

Last night left a karate Christmas party early with Catherine Hepburn impressions. I was glad that Gord had accompanied us, drove, and stayed with me until the tremors faded. I hadn't blinked in a few hours. I then learned that applying eye drops with tremors is wasteful and really quite painful.

The "stoned" part followed, thought it might be fun to text and FB.

"Creativity" sure flows when under the influence. Haha...

Good thing I am comfortable with my less than perfect side.

Be in touch...

Cheers!

Pre- Christmas

My last blog indicated that I am currently on stress leave.

A couple of weeks - this is my opportunity to "de-stress" before January hits ... most challenging right in the midst of the Christmas chaos.

My cousin Becky from Africa (my bestie in the fam) stays with me for a spell when she comes for her yearly visits.

Being a missionary, she certainly understands (better than anyone) how necessary it is to regroup. We thought a trip to Banff would be highly medicinal for both of us.

Driving though a blizzard lead us to sunny banff, where it was melting while freezing in Edmonton.

My cousin and I share the same humor, so thats pretty safe.... uh.... maybe not.

I got to say that the wrestling match at The Bay was a bit over the top. Once we start laughing, it becomes dangerous. 6 customers and a cashier observed 2 ladies in their 40's fighting over who should pay for a certain shirt (NOT her), resulting in a shove and a hip check into the till, moving the counter back an inch, people scattering with the lassoing of our scarves, and pinching of certain "areas" which still hurt even through wool. Domino effect in the line, as I fell... well you can guess whats next. She won, only because she's relentless and while laughing, all my effective karate moves are out the window.

It was a great release. I have a new shirt, a longer scarf, learned some new missionary stories (about Aids and HIV), shared some fantastic African coffee, a sore gut from laughing (and wrestling), and most of all - my memories.

God bless my cousin Becky.

I actually have some of my gifts purchased (which puts me way ahead of the previous years). Finding room in my house to store 1,500 units of Paul Mitchell Pink, 300 units of Kali Pink, merchandise, Kali Bears and pledge packages) is now a thing of the past.

Once strategically stacked, we would drape a LARGE tree shirt over and pluck our pink TREE on top (2006 - vaulted ceilings was a selling feature.)

Now we have storage (donated by Affordable Storage, a storage room at Make-A-Wish.

I found a place for my pink tree (on the floor this year), and gifts are accumulating as Kali wraps alll of them, it almost feels festively normal.

This has left me opportunity to shop a bit, but I finding this challenging as I walk around aimlessly (while my list sits on the kitchen table).

I stare at the Cookies By George stand, wipe the drool with my scarf and seek out a Starbucks instead. As they say, coffee allows us to do dumb things quicker.

Last night I brought the girls to Kingsway, but they lost me. Had I brought my prosthesis (phone) with me, I would not have dumped all of my change into a broken payphone, forcing me to beg the cashier at Smitties to us their phone.

I walked the entire parking lot and front lobby several times for 20 minutes feeling like a disoriented senior, and relating to what a lost child would feel like. I was kinda scared. Would have been easier I suppose, if my girls had tried to contain their amusement.

This got me thinking about my later years (with Alzheimer's in the family), who would look after me? They are telling me that they are gaining experience everyday, so it should be a walk in the park by then.

Christmas is in 6 days. Once though that, Massacure will be my renewed focus.

Our assistant Brandy, working with Nicki, is a big relief to allow me to take this time. Posters and Kali Bears for our McDonald's restaurants are in production, Kali Pink should be in the Save-On's and Sobeys next week, Red Deer Massacure coming together nicely (thanks to Darcy Ouelette), and media events being planned.

Taking Santa to RMH on Thursday - will update you then.

Cheers!

Speeding up means slowing down

I havent posted in a while. Being that this is a daily account of a family run event, I going to be forthright about the current status of HM.

I am currently on stress leave. I have some rather serious health issues.

It embarrasses me to admit this, but I am growing tired of the game face. I'm a high strung mom who worries too much and gravitates to pressure.

It has been pointed out to me that the way I manage this event is not to my personal advantage, highly unconventional, and therefore not the wisest plan of time or business management. It is too personal, and in all honesty knocks the wind out of my sails during peak season when adrenaline is over the top.

Anxiety is experienced in everything with HM (with me), even the good stuff, its all highly stimulating.

A shrewd businessman can create business and relationships and leave the "personal" out of it. This allows for extra energy to be utilized for personal use (if he/she chooses to). I'm not shrewd, I'm personal, feeling, sensitive... and exhausted.

If little Johnny was accidentally slighted and did not receive his bear, it's perceived as my fault.

If acknowledgements were forgotten or a commitment not communicated, my fault.

If I was misrepresented in some fashion and this lead to disappointment... still my fault.

We always strive for perfection, appeasing the masses, and reaching all destinations.

I am aware that perfection cannot exist when groups of people work together, the way I feel about that is reflects my stress levels. I want it to be perfectly synergistic.

Im gradually learning (deep down) that it cant.

I'm realizing that charity IS business, and not intended to be about personal reflections of who we are 24 -7.

Bottom line - its the exchange of money from one area (usually of abundance) to another of great need. I want to be a part of that transfer, I want to inspire those that can give to give, I want to educate others about growing issues that need support, and I dont want to get sick doing it.

So, I'm working on it....

Thank God, I was blessed with a sense of humor.

Next post will elaborate a bit about our new project assistant recently hired. Her name is Brandy and it is my hope that she can lighten the load off of myself and especially Nicki (who can taken on many extra duties) as I learn to sit quietly (or quieter) before all H breaks loose in January.

Photos from the Lab Tour

Lab tour

Last Thursday I had the privilege of inviting our Hair Massacure planning committee (consisting of long time passionately "involved" volunteers) to tour one of the 4 laboratories that HM is currently funding.

This type of "touring" in my opinion seems unprecedented in that labs typically don't engage in tours.

Research is highly confidential, or at least thats seems to be the norm... until we met Dr. Shairaz Baksh, and Dr. Persad.

Dr. Baksh believes in collaboration and accountability.

I quote "I hold my competition close, as it is my hope that maybe one day they shall do the same".

Having personally witnessed a level of secretiveness with other labs, this man is a breath of fresh air (oh and side note - he also pinks and shaves). Dr. Baksh has initiated national and international meetings with other researchers to share vital information, and reduce repeat projects. This makes me us so proud to be affiliated.

Cool new thing - they are implementing Zebra Fish into an innovative new project. Apparently these fish get human cancers, carrying the same proteins. I dont understand it all, but the focus seems to be centered around certain proteins responsible for cancer cell growth, and how inflammation is the perfect set up for certain common adult cancers (which can be spotted as early as childhood).

Next week we will tour Dr. Persads lab (with Stollery staff) to see their projects.

She (and Shairaz) were most gracious to receive our funding. It was such an honor to be acknowledged like that (including seeing our logo all over their walls).

We have been funding childhood cancer research for the past 5 years (allocated through Stollery) and I am most pleased to say that we are very happy with where our money is going and how its being utilized.

In 2006 after our world record attempt at WEM Santa stage, I decided to switch our funding from family support (through Kids With Cancer Society) to cancer research. This was to be done through Stollery.

Dont get me wrong, this decision was very difficult as our family has always benefited from Kids With Cancer (and still do).

At the time, they did not have a research program (of this type) in place, so we made the switch to fund a "seemingly" futile attempt at effectively fighting this evil disease.

I met with Diane Young (our previous CEO) and explained why I needed to designate our funds (which is not usually met with encouragement because of other areas that really need more funding). She agreed (but with hesitation) and explained that Stollery did not have much of a cancer research program because their focus was on other projects (like heart) so cancer research was not in critical need. Made sense, but inside I disagreed.

I went into this blindly (ironically feeling strongly compelled to do so), as my beliefs (or preconceived notions) about research were alike with the rest of the country - skeptical.

Gordon's loyalty with supporting drug studies was met with full encouragement.

It was he that reminded me about where leukaemia and other cancers stood 40 years ago. Death sentence.

10 years ago, as our daughter's life hung by a thread, an Oncologist approached us with a request to place Kali in a study that involved using elevated doses of chemo (adult levels) with 3 additional drugs, 2 of which were highly toxic with "guaranteed" side effects. It was

scary enough trying to keep Kali stable - then we were approached with this heavy question.

I remember wanting to throw up. Gordon just analyzed it (which disturbed me at the time), then put it into perspective by helping me see that we were helping pave the path that others started, thus increased longevity. How could I argue with that? I grilled the hospital pharmacist (who allowed me to do so whenever I had questions... which was a LOT) and you know the rest of the story - we bought 10 years, and with Gods grace a lot more.

Today the currents stats are that 7 out of 10 will not loose their battle (bearing in mind - this is in the first 5 years).

Point being, there is progress.

I can say that going back 10 years, the treatment the children are receiving now is different.

I am meeting more children now going through more tolerable treatments.

This pleases me.... but not entirely, until its gone.

Agendas

Nicki ended the last blog with a feel good, make you smile moment. HM has many days like this, BUT like a marriage, its not all sunshine and roses.

Sometimes the clouds and the pricks come out.

I have had a week of those days, which is why I have not posted, nor do I have a funny story .... other than the mouse that has taken residence in my van and has created a driving hazard. And here I've been working so hard at battling distraction....

I wont go into detail about sharing a claimed granola bar with mousy, nor will I try to explain how or why that happened.

So here it is.

My heart has again sunk to the pit of my stomach. I call it politics.

Its not easy to run a fundraising event. I'm not a game player, I do take things personally.

Without elaborating, let me just say that in 9 years of fundraising, the majority of those years did involve politics and this troubles me to an unhealthy level.

I could NEVER be a candidate for Survivor, I won't even watch the show.

Let me clarify... politics can exist within any union of 3 or more people, simplistic or on the corporate scale.

Humans beings that land at the top (or place themselves there) are likely susceptible to addiction of power - and that involves hidden agendas, corruption, dishonesty, distorted vision, lack of empathy, and ignorance.

This exists everywhere.

Its in our churches and schools, anywhere that involves hierarchy.

The ones at the top make all decisions affecting the little ones like us on the bottom, yet where is communication between these two? Does it exist? So how does that work? I LOVE the show

Just so I'm clear... this is a blog about "the daily accounts of a family run event".

More importantly MY blog. It reflects my thoughts, feelings and experiences.

As long as we live in a "free" country, I will have a voice.

Its not within me to sugar coat things, my mother did not raise me this way.

The truth is that some days are a challenge, other days are overwhelming, others make you laugh till you cry, and then reflect. Perhaps next week will be insightful, or a gong show?

This week I rate as very harsh.

Nicki and I are also incredible busy with pressing deadlines, so with that perhaps my reserves for dealing with crap are diminishing.

We just want to help some kids, and offer others an opportunity to do the same.

I go back to my recent blog mentioning my high regard for Jimmy Pattison.

In his 80's, owner of 130 companies, he still works.

More importantly, he is involved, interested in ground level operations which ultimately affect upper management.

He is hope that his examples may touch another, potentially breeding synergy within corporations.

With Jimmy in mind, I am unconcerned that the persons responsible for my topic today will read this and try to hold me accountable because It's unconventional to reveal the truth.

Hold yourselves accountable I say.

Besides, why would my little old blog be of interest anyways? Perhaps out of duty, their assistants may discover, translate and relay a condensed version into something "lacking".

Sometimes you gotta stir the pot. I admire those that stir, not for kicks - for purpose of a greater good.

When I think about a million dollars, I take note of the little Johnnies and Suzies out there going door to door with mittens on, asking for pledges for HM that make up the greater part of our grand total.

I will leave my blog on that note. Remembering the fundamentals, remembering how empires

were built, and honouring the humble productivity that was bred there.

baaack!

I’mmmmm baaaaaaaack! And already in full force again! We’ve already started getting sponsors, stuffing pledge packages, and I have my first (of this year) school presentation with Tammy on Friday. It’s go time!

The topic of this post is that I just wanted to talk about big things. I have joined another fundraising group – for when (if) I have spare time – and they are on such a different scale then Massacure is. I found it hard to sit still during the meeting when other members were talking about their biggest fundraisers raising minimal amounts – in compared to what Massacure brings in.

Yes, things start out small, as did Massacure, and grown into their own to either stay stagnant or to become a huge million dollar event that is going to keep growing. I think it really depends on the people involved that decide which of the two will happen. Yes, the people in this other group are hard working, organized, and passionate but do they have the touch of crazy that we have? Do they have the drive to get bigger? Do they have the chance to see the smile on a little child’s face? I don’t think so, and this is where I think we rose where others have fallen. Truthfully, I think it’s mostly the little bit of crazy.

I can not say how thankful I am personally, and I know others are too, that Massacure has pulled in some wonderful people that truly believe in what we are doing and in helping us to their fullest extent. Never mind the one person who helps one year, and the next they’ve pulled in twenty of their closest friends and family to help the cause (it’s the crazy, people!)

You should all be happy to know that I contained myself enough that I did NOT stand up and volunteer us all to help them, because not only do I see, every year, what a difference our team makes, but I know that all of you would help if I did.

Driving lessons

Well... today I did not wash my meds down with a Timmies and a pound of sugar.

This was success.

Kids were kinda worried yesterday knowing that their mother would be worse ON meds, when the objective was to contain me (a bit...), and organize me.

Consequently.... although surpassing my record of entertainment yesterday, my girls delight in my regular "mommyisms" and are equally concerned that I will soon be reduced to a predictable, boring, dry toast mother.

I guess that remains to be seen, should know in a couple of weeks "who" I'll potentially be.

I woke this morning with a sore thumb and realized I had eaten half of it while I was bouncing off the walls (see post from yesterday). Kyrsti woke with a sore tummy and realized that laughing is better exercise than sit-ups.

Today is calmer so I decided to take the 2 girls out for driving lessons. I knew this was going to be stressful so my automatic response would be to take a few sips of a cooler (a Tammy sip is equal to a normal drink for this cheap drunk) or pound back some chocolate with a coffee. No longer an option, so I ripped though half pack of gum (that I stole again from Kali's halloween bag).

A total of 3 hours for 2 kids, they did ok - but still I burned 3000 calories and ate my other thumb.

We went into town and onto the highway, away from the familiar quiet residential areas they have grew accustomed to.

It was at this moment that I realized how much us parents reminis about our babies "firsts."

First sleep though the night, first steps, first day of school, first date... first car accident..... Gulp.

For the life of me, I could NOT let go of that first part (concerning accidents)

Car is pretty old - is the air bag going to work? OMG - does it have an airbag?

Dang! - how did these stupid Camaro's fair out in prior crash tests?

Door is pretty heavy, can I open it in time if I need to bail?

Oh wait! What kind of mother does that!!?

Racing thoughts...

How much will the premiums go up?

And if the car is totalled (wont take much to write off - not worth anything) .... then what?

Should we have looked for an old Toyota or Honda instead? But dont the old ones rust easily?

I think a speedbump could take this rickety thing out. It sure makes a lot of noise.

Why did I settle for "cool" but easy to destroy as opposed to hearty and boring? Cause I'm incapable of entertaining "boring". (oh... sweet car in front of us... I want that...)

Never did it occur to me that Mandy or Kyrsti could be injured.

Would God actually let that happen after everything we've been through?

Wasn't the 3 girls in ICU enough insurance that we would not endure anymore?

Well that's just dumb and why am I praying right now for my own life?

Thoughts definitely still racing... these meds dont work. Call Pharmacist when we get home.....IF we get home.... Hmmmm what will we have for a snack?

When Kyrsti and Mandy are secure behind the wheel, I will only have one more to teach .... (if they dont make a millionaire out of me first).

Miss Kali, not being the fastest child on the planet will be challenging. I should let her play video games. Wonder if I could just load new apps on my sweet new Iphone? Be cheaper. What if she looses it? Uh oh... where'd I put my phone?

This weekend will be my first weekend off in quite a long while, so I am enjoying the break thoroughly. Weekends off and evenings are few and far between during Massacure season.

Will update early next week.... Have a great weekend!

Ronald McDonald House Tour

The girls and I (Nicki and the kids) met Jaime at RMH this morning. Nothing short of awesome.

2 years I have been wanting to support them, its now a reality.

Before I get started on the description of our trip there, I am going to share a small detail about myself and how my morning started.

I have A.D.H.D. and yesterday I finally succumbed to the decision to take medication (Ritalin).

The funny part about that was I was diagnosed accidentally as I sat in on a counselling session with one of my daughters. Apparently I had enough symptoms just sitting....

Scored very high. Second opinion, again very high. I was shocked... my peeps were not.

I decided to take my first dose this morning.... with a cup of Timmies (not a bright move on both counts). Guess caffeine and stimulants are not a great mix... OR they are a great mix (if you're pickin up what Im puttin down). I then added to the mix with sugary home baked goods from their gorgeous kitchen (regularly donated by a Hutterite family)... and some pocketed M&M's I snuck from Kali's Halloween candy, rinsed down by another coffee.

Thankfully it did not kick in until the tail end of the visit at RMH.

Back to the House...

It's absolutely beautiful. There are 3 HUGE stylishly designed kitchens that would each support 19 Kids and Counting... or Sister Wives.

There is a HUGE main eating area with a sweet little train smack in the middle. Families congregate there, connect, socialize, and enjoy coffee, baked goods and either donated food (which is always in demand) or their own food stored in several double wide fridges.

We met a couple of kids with their parents - seriously fell in love with both. How I am a sucker for the baldies, I just see such beauty.

This will be my favourite part in future - is connecting with more kids regularly, and not in the hospital environment.

The new addition to the house (just 1 1/2 years old) is now set up for 30 families, 3 levels to the house with playrooms, exercise room, huge laundry.... oh I could go on forever. Furniture all donated by lazyboy. (I'm not mentioning any other sponsors yet because I am not 100% familiar with their set-up - I know there are others).

The staff is very warm and hospitable and the environment is positive, welcoming and comfortable.

When a parent has a child with a serious illness, financial instability is an assumed certainty, bankruptcy is common.

If a family lives out of town, I cannot imagine not having proper accommodations, nevermind any accommodations.

Hotels are cold, expensive and not suitable for children with compromised immune systems or disabilities, even staying with family has its own complications.

We only had a one hour drive to the Cross or Stollery, I thank God it was not any further.

The house meets every need that one could think of for these children.

There are still 15 families on a waiting list. This explains the building of a Red Deer location and a possibility for a north location if opportunity is right - we know the demand is there.

Check this out

http://www.albertalocalnews.com/reddeerexpress/news/Ronald_McDonald_more_than_just_a_house_107039538.html

I was looking forward to saying hi to the baby girl Oxana, who my daughter Kyrsti and I met at the Apple store last week.

Jessica - our friendly tour guide (and staff member) shared news about her... goosebumps. Oxana has been waiting for a heart for 1 year. She is only 1 year, she's been living at the house on a list for that long. She got it yesterday. At first this is a celebratory moment, then one reflects how she attained her new heart. Still... we are all very happy.

Folks - this is the good stuff that keeps fundraising going.

So we feel excellent about our decision to bring them into HM, and we hope you do too.

It's now 11:30 pm. The stuff I took has finally worn off and I am blinking my eyes again.

Dont think I blinked for like 6 hours and I figure I burned at least 6000 calories today.

If you have ever seen "The Fly" with Jeff Goldblum, you can appreciate how I transitioned into this super fast thing with a side order of erratic behaviour, uncontrolled blurting, and atrocious table manners. Although I did not turn into a fly, I now know what one feels like.

I may even stop judging flies for being annoying.

Kids tried to tuck me into an inconspicuous corner at McDonalds, hopeful that we would not be recognized, Nicki brought extra napkins and tried to keep me quiet.

I still feel a little tear in my esophagus tonight from the sharp corners on my fries.

I am hopeful that the side effects will fade away reasonably soon.

Unlike being intoxicated the traditional way, I was fully aware of myself and simply could not control it.... or chose not to care about controlling it.

I also recall all of it - thankfully I have a tendency towards childish behaviour so I likely will not shock anyone that already knows me, and I am pretty much immune to embarrassment.

I only blew up a stove tonight, a big improvement from burning my kitchen down years ago, so I am seeing this a progress. While Gord and Steve repaired the stove, I watched my daughters on Rockband and remembered what the doc said - ADHD is hereditary.

Think it will be good to have the ability to contain my thoughts and possibly organize some of them, and hey - maybe I'll make Nicki's job easier this year and loose a few pounds.

Lots to do, to think about

So here is an update on the progress of that chaotic event that makes my people twitch.

Sunday night we had a registration meeting that lasted only 3 hours. Melynda heads up this area, 2nd in command Joelle, in tow for input - Nicki, Dianna, Pat and even Jessica (our senior youth volunteer). We quite like coffee with our meetings, so we chose Second Cup, and normally I would have made cookies but my girls were fasting (every fall), and I could not subject them to the sinful aroma that makes Cookie Monsters eyes roll.

This meeting was a result of the last meeting that consists of a select few - better known as the planning committee. This is the first year they have a name, after many years of bossing me around (kidding peeps... ).

I really should called then the ownage committee, these folks really DO own a piece of this event. THAT meeting was a few Sundays ago, Jaime Caza hosted at the McDonald's corporate office and once again we were over fed and fussed over.

The meeting consisted of 17, including some of our senior juniors (Kyrsi's peeps of forever who have volunteered since grade 4). We had another lengthy meeting, productive, enjoyable and for the first time EVER I chaired and stuck reasonably to the agenda I created.

Typically I do not chair because I go off in so many directions and become involved in (actually initiate) many simultaneous conversations. My challenge was to attempt staying on track.

The second reason I like to chair is to ensure everyone is heard. The success of this event is based on input, and that interests me.

Back to the registration meeting....it was suggested that we have a follow -up meeting working out only issue of registration. A highly complicated system used to streamline, improve accuracy of participant information and decrease participant wait time.

I took notes and tried to absorb every aspect of this area so I am well knowledged of it.

On a side note, did you know that Jimmy Pattison (who is in his 80's), and owns 130 businesses alongside Pattison is still working, and by working I mean he takes time to involve himself (on ground level) with the mechanics of his many contracts, getting to know (and remember by name) his many associates.

When speaking with a manager from Save On Foods today, I learned that Jimmie pops in occasionally to connect and work in some of the departments of the store so he can learn more about the companies and corporations that do business with him (in this case a grocery store).

He came into one of the stores with his wife one morning and asked if he could stock the milk and work in the dairy and meat section.

Where does that exist other than in Jimmies world? I think we all know the answer.

I want to be THAT.

To make decisions at the top, one must understand what occurs at the bottom.

Registration is by far be the most complicated aspect about our event and it drives many associated with it to want to drink.

So I was thinking.... maybe I should look for a sponsorship for that?

Wonder if future donors and participants would be turned off if © R & A Bailey & Co appeared on our logos page?

Im sure Starbucks would be ok if we had a few complimentary bottles of Baileys sitting next to their urns at the volunteer table, under the registration table... and close to the stylists.... and under the merch table.... We ALWAYS joke about it, maybe they were secretly hoping?

So if you arrive at the event and everyone seems superovercheerful, items of clothing are scattered all over the Ice Surface and perhaps interesting things are being shaved in the clipping area... it wasnt me.

Besides this area, I am also focusing on salons (with my daughter Megs and Mel), Kali Pink distribution (with Collin Parker), pledge package (which have been re-written 10 times), updates in the lab, launching a hard hat campaign with Paul L (possibly through Trades Union?), website stuff (sorting through the mess I have created), hiring a part time assistant to help Nicki and I, schools/ teams, sponsorships, marketing / promotion / media, changing phones, cleaning laptop, making another video (with Nicki), planning the map of the event and so forth.

So things are gong show right now and when anyone asks "whatcha up to?" I just quietly twitch and say "oh... stuff".

Tomorrow, I'm gonna focus on our freedom. As much as we complain that many of our God given rights have been taken away (and to a point, this is in fact true...), we must realize that without our soldiers that had loyalty, vision and the courage to save our future - we may be living under some form of communism (far greater than what many of us believe we are digressing towards).

Because of them, I have the freedom to write a blog, you have the freedom to comment.

I can choose my career, my life (to some extent), my faith, my beliefs, and so forth... and you can choose yours. We have charities, electives for healthcare and education and political choice. Please say a thank you to them that.

Friday, we will tour Ronald McDonald House - update on that to follow.

Taylor Dance Party

This post is a couple of days late, but life is spinning fast again and Im doing my best to keep up.

My girls and I had the privilege of attending little Taylors dance on Saturday, thanks to the invite of our mutual friend Natasha who is Taylors daycare provider.

It was a wonderful collaborative effort of friends and family that each brought something to the table and the result was a magical little celebration that brought a charismatic little girl onto the dance floor... and to the slurpee machine, popcorn machine, jumpy castle, candy floss machine, McDonalds, Christies cupcakes, Natasha / Tamara face painting, toy table and a walk with the mini winnies (get to that in a bit).

Ive been to a LOT of celebrations, but I have to say this one was especially heartwarming in that many of the guests were children (also daycare kids of Natasha), and fellow Taylor peeps.

This child lit the room when she entered the Mayfield School gym with her parents.

It is obvious why Natasha chose a dance party, as Taylor busted into moves on the dancefloor.

The DJ had a very appropriate selection of songs that warm the blood, some crowd pleasing "cheesy" stuff that no one admits to loving like the Bird Dance and YMCA.

Kali Bear came out too, and by the end of the day was sopping wet (from busting moves too).

3 kids - Kyrsti and Kali - (old hats at playing the Bear) and Hannah Banana (new to the Bear) all did a remarkable job of bringing him to LIFE.

No need for me to repeat all of the details as they are in the family blog http://landonmindytaylor.blogspot.com/2010/11/taylors-dance-party.html

I remember when Kali was 2 and had finished her first month of induction, people in Cardiff had thrown her a dance. She was just loosing her hair and was very bloated beyond recognition. It was a fundraiser, and we sure needed it!

Landon (Taylors Dad) spoke to me briefly about how overwhelmed he felt from the outstanding support.

He could not get his head around "why their daughter .....to receive all of this from folks that barely knew her, to attract media, to reach so many people?".

I sat there absorbing the entire conversation as I drifted back 10 years, feeling the same thing and asking the same questions.

The only answer I could come up with was "Divine Intervention" - it will all make sense in 10 years. Plus... she really is incredibly cute and charismatic... and special.

I really enjoyed being invited to be a part of contributing to the dance. It remains as karma for me, and giving back in this capacity is food for the soul.

Looking at Taylors "Wish List" I recalled years back when these nice people from Morinville wished to do something nice for a Wish family (us).

Kali LOVED horses (still does) and the surprise for her was a day with the Mini Whinnies (teeny tiny horses - so small you can put one in the backseat of your car). Get this - they even pull tiny carts. I had a feeling the Holte family would jump at the chance to do this again.

A call was made, and after several negotiations of plans - the horses came to the party to visit Taylor. An adult to pull the cart (for a guest to ride) and a baby that was very vocal and whinnied the entire time. Squishable kind of cute. In tow, a big ol English Sheepdog.

Taylor was not too keen on riding IN the cart, she's strikes me as the kind of kid thats into LEADING the horse. This spoke volumes to me. Now I understand why this child has defied all odds and has continue to thrive. She "owns", you can just see it and one cannot help but marvel at her spirit.

I speak for my close peeps, it was definitely easier to keep busy at the dance than to think too much about the reason for it.

At one point when the family was leaving, this child reached out to my friend Christie for a kiss. Christie know's Taylor - so I get it. But then she reached out to me. Not sure why, but I was honoured she did.

I cant describe the type of melt I felt, all I can say is that I urgently had to find some chairs to put away and areas to clean.

On the way home, reflection was beyond exhausting but enriching at the same time. I could only imagine how the family was feeling after - only times 100.

The parents (Mindy and Landon) are young and you could assume they have been parenting for years. Very impressive, and such positive influences for their young daughter. Compared to the deadbeats Ive seen over the years on the ward, it was VERY refreshing and admirable.

Times have not changed, I would assume this couple has seen the same kind of thing all of us "involved" parents have.

On a more positive note... it was a great time with great friends. Jaime over fed us again, but hey, I would not expect anything less from her. Christie, Jaime, Natasha - when we get together, what can I say - its productive, and entertaining.

Collaborative relationship between charaties

Today was "bring your kid to work day". All grade niners across the nation are invited and encouraged to participate.

Today my daughter Kyrsti was very happy that I chose not to maintain septic tanks for a living.

Instead she had the opportunity of a lifetime....

to sit in on an executive meeting for Hair Massacure with the president of Make-A-Wish (Bruce Bevan), Executive Director of Make-A-Wish (Cathy Gabucci), C.E.O of Ronald McDonald House (Larry Mathieson - who I met for the first time and is very nice btw), Brian Shea (V.P Corporate Giving Stollery), and last but not least - Jaime Caza (C.R. for McDonald's Restaurants of Northern AB), and Lize her wonderful assistant (who also brought her daughter to work).

I am most proud of this day as it proved that my vision years back was real - charities CAN work together collaboratively.

It also proved that short people are not to be reckoned with. By that, I am referring to Jaime.

She is really the unsung hero here and would blush if I told her so.

Jaime Caza and I met in 2006 when I was looking for a sponsorship to feed our volunteers.

That year we got cheeseburgers.

The following year, we moved up in the world and received some Big Macs and Quarter Pounders.

Moving on, we received a varied menu with a sample of nearly everything McDonalds has to offer.

Meanwhile Jaime and I became well acquainted due to the meetings around the needs of the event.

I quickly realized this woman (of my height) was going to be friend.

I did not realize that I would eventually learn that she too had a child with a life threatening illness.

She became a wish mom, and I the Wish Granter for her daughter. I learned that we share quite a lot in common and life has not been the same since I met her.

Jaime has had a soft spot for the Massacure for years now, her wheels constantly turning with regards to how she can better support us through her job and connections.

In 2007, Jaime inspired and created "Team Hope" who raised 25,000 for HM. Her daughter (wish kid) and son even shaved. This is how I met the infamous Christie and her sister Ginger.

In 2008, Jaime came up with the paper Kali Bears campaign, sold in the corporate restaurants in Jan-Feb.

More dollars for H.M., improved awareness, and credibility to have the backing of McDonald's branding (which is almost unheard of).

I know Jaime stepped outside her comfort zone (to put it mildly) to put that into motion. It was not an easy endeavour to convince the restaurants and upper management to support a charity that is not their own.

Jaime knew that supporting Ronald McDonald House would solve the continued sponsorship issue with our 5 year contract up for renewal. Hair Massacure will continue to receive increased support from McDonald's and in turn we will give back to their charity RMH. Nice!!

With adding another charity, we are hopeful to grow by reaching another demographic, thereby helping more kids and families in need.

The day ended in the apple store. I was on my desperate hunt for an Iphone 4 (oh dont get me started...) when Kyrsti and I spotted a 1 year old baby in a stroller with tubes in her nose. Like flies to honey, I made my way over and discovered that she is a heart patient staying at the RM House.

I am most excited to go for a tour that Jaime arranged for next week. We will get to meet more families, and under better circumstances as opposed to the hospital.

I will end my blog with a huge THANK YOU to my dear humble short friend, who made this all possible.

I will also mention how I enjoyed hanging with my kid today, who will one day likely take over for me once I start chasing sea gulls and sucking my thumb.

Today will go down in history as a great day!

dying young

This post is dedicated to a 7 year old girl who I visited in palliative care last week.

I havent done this for some time now, and quite honestly it was about time I stepped that far outside my comfort zone to return to 4E3 (Paediatric Oncology Unit). This used to be a regular thing for me, as sometimes I was called in to pray, visit or do a little Reiki. A bittersweet experience.

As much as I dreaded it, I was equally drawn to it - in fact running toward it - feeling an intensely strong connection to those young beautiful bald heads. It was fuel for the soul and poison at the same time ... ("poison" being the sadness of the situation).

This beautiful little girl is chemo resistant, and does not have much time so the family is celebrating all of the upcoming holidays with her so she can have part of the experience before she goes home.

I observed that she seems angry and frustrated, perhaps unconsolable.

I can only imagine what is going through her mind these days - is she scared, confused, sad, lonely, feeling cheated...?

At this point in time, there is no stuffy or prize that is going to comfort this child. Lets hope its Gods grace that finds her and puts her at peace.

Just when I thought the situation could not feel more forlorn - I learned that besides this little girl (and 2 year old Taylor), there is still another 3 children who just received the same news "its over".

The only thing left for the hospital to do is to keep them comfortable.

I have several friends in my life that have lost their children due to illness. While we hold these little ones in our thoughts, lets say a prayer for the parents too.

Im a solid believer in the power of prayer and attitude. This does not mean I believe this will override fate, but perhaps sometimes it can, especially if collectively the prayer is powerful?

I believe it helped my Kali, Natasia, Alexis, Mackenzie, Eli, Robert, Rachel, Drew (to name a few fragile cases) and now hopefully little Taylor (who's recent lumbar puncture resulted as "normal").

I'll say it again....

Our children in this economy and advances aught to be worrying about their marks in schools, doing their chores and not getting grounded... not their mortality.

Hidden Blessings

In my prior posts, I have managed to paint a sad, bleak picture about our personal story with Kali.

All true, .... however I neglected to mention the many blessings along the way.

It occurred to me the other day as I sat in an audience while my friend Carol talked about their battle with daughter Natasia... we have both experienced these blessings that have forever changed and enriched our lives. They made us better people. They made us want to inspire, share, love stronger, build character, develop courage and determination, work endlessly at giving back ... and then some. Our children saved us.

I'd like to share a few of the "perks" along the way.

First and foremost - it is the people and "true" friends who have touched our lives along the way, select family members who stepped up, and the prize winner being the kids we met (and sometimes their families).

In 2001, Kali was chosen as the Miracle Child for the Stollery. She was pulled out of hospital for an evening and the family was invited to the Snow Flake Gala, no cost to us. It was a magical evening away, and Kali felt like a princess in her little dress, instead of those striped pyjamas she had grown accustomed to. For us, it had been such a long time since we had an outing, and never one to that caliber.

Although each holiday seemed to end up in isolation, Santa came, the Easter Bunny came, Edmonton Eskimos, Oilers wives, mascots, Wayne Lee (illusionists), Natalie McMaster (violin in tow), and of course Beamer and Neil.

In fall 2001, Kali received her wish at Make-A Wish. She was now 3. She wished to pet a black and white dolphin and a crocodile (go figure...??), so Make-A-Wish kindly sent us to Florida where Kali got to do those things and so much more. Included was accommodations, food and a minivan at "Give Kids The World" (check that sometime... http://www.gktw.org/), Disney, and any attraction in the area at our fingertips. I have no words to describe that experience, but let me just say it was pretty much being in a fantasy for a week. Life changing.

Kids With Cancer Society and Make-A-Wish always thought of us when there was tickets to Oilers Games, Baseball, movie nights, concerts, or random entertainment and events - all donated from donors who just wanted to give.

Of course, soon enough, we ended up giving back. So glad we did.

In 2003, Hair Massacure started. So did working with media.

This provided more opportunity to meet local celebrities and high profile celebrities, as well as invitations to various events throughout the city. We attended a lot of fundraising events (still do), which fed into the ripple effect.

My friend Carol and I also started a support group for kIds With Cancer. Incredible honor to be so involved with fellow cancer families, and the kids.... what a gift.

All of these experiences were highly emotional for us, but so very enjoyable.

That fall we all held the Grey Cup, and hung with Eskies Goldie, Gizmo and Ed Hervey.

In 2004 my second oldest (Mandy) was diagnosed with a tumor on her kidney.

A few months after the complications of her surgery has dissipated, we were invited by Kids With Cancer to meet her TOP favourite celebrity in the world - World heavyweight campion Chris Benoit.

This was set up as a surprise for her. We spent several hours with Chris (who, for the record was a very nice man) in the Mayors office (Bill Smith at the time), we had a nice lunch and following that Chris flipped us ringside tix to the show. We kept our chairs with Chris Benoi's face on the seat. So cool.

Mandy needed that, particularly after several months of home care due to infection and her incision not closing.

Following that we had opportunity to bowl with P.O.D. and Blindside. Later that evening the girls attended their concert. Mandy even jumped into the mosh pit.

In the summer that year, Kali and Natasia were invited to go to Disney for a day through Dreams take Flight.

2006 Massacre provided us opportunity to work with CISN Country, and a lot more media. More opened doors. Bridget Ryan was our host that year (including our 2 years prior) and continued to be very involved with the event.

2007-2008, we worked with 6 radio stations (including CISN). Pepper and Dylan (from the Bounce) both pinked on air and we shaved them up on the HMV Stage.

Paul Brown pinked (a lot of hair...) on the Paul Brown Show and at the event I shaved his beard, arm pits and chest hair all televised. Too funny!

That year we had General - our pink pony who attended the event.

Larry, the Clodhopper guy came out for 2 years running and we waxed a heart off his chest. Bridget and I had the honors of yanking... what a thrill! He then fed everyone Clodhoppers.

In the fall of 07, Third Street beat became heavily involved with our event and our family.

I was asked to help organize two annual "Santas Kids" performances (benefiting Make-A-Wish). I selected some cancer kids (including our fam) and after 2 months of hip hop practice (please appreciate - all of us were GREEN at the time), we were thrown into the show as the opening act. Since then, Third Street Beat has performed for us at the Massacure. That experience resulted in my Kyrsti's love and incredible talent for dance.

2007-2010 Edmonton Rush supported our event by pinking out (on a televised event) then shaving at the Massacure. We attended Rush games, our event heavily promoted, and Kali Bear Weazie and myself) present in the crowds an on the field.

In 2008, the Edmonton Oil Kings all "pinked". Yes - the entire team.... at Stollery. We made a huge mess, but the experience was unforgettable and absolutely fun! Same deal, invitation to the games, Kali Bear present (and misbehaving..... tee hee). Following that 2009 - 2010 Edmonton Oilers involvement. HUGE media events around that.

In 2009, Kali and I were invited to attend a fundraiser in Vancouver (Skate for the Cure - Michael Cuccione Foundation). We are great friends with Michaels parents (God rest his soul), and so they flew us up and pampered us. Following that, we are invited to check out Michael's lab at the BC Childrens Hospital. I was inspired. Guess where that opportunity lead us - into our lab out here, where we could develop the same type of relationship with our head of research (the amazing Dr. Shairaz Basch).

In Jan 2008, Kali had opportunity to meet with Natalie McMaster again, where she admired her from the front row at her concert, later by the dressing room where she signed Kali's violin.

Also that year I had opportunity to speak at length with the original founder of Make-A-Wish (Linda) Her little boy Christopher was the inspiration behind the cause. What an honor. We spoke on a very personal level about her involvement with MAW today, her book (Little Bubble Gum Trooper), and how life has changed for her.

In 2009, we met CMA winner Jesse Farrel who kindly perfomed for us at our HM. I picked up Jesse and Jesse (her guitar player) at the airport and delivered them to Fantasyland Hotel, where I later hooked them up with our friend Shayne Chartrand (personal chef to the owners of WEM - Germesians).

Shayne was titled the Iron Chef of Canada and now creates for the fantasy Grill at WEM. Shayne treated them to a 5 star meal. On that note, Shayne invited one of my Wish families and our family to a 5 course meal, where Kyrsti, Kali, and the wish kid were invited into his kitchen to cook with him. That experience lead us to do a piece on Global where we treated another of my wish kids to an afternoon in the kitchen with Shayne. It was a hit on TV with much viewer feedback.

Back to Jesse - she is amazing by the way. Great person, great performer. Huge heart.

The following year (09), Quanteisha performed an outstanding performance at HM. Quanteisha is a young local artist who's popularity is growing rapidly across the country. We enjoy hearing both of them frequently on the radio.

In 09, we also had another opportunity to attend the Snowflake Gala. It was very different from the first time, as we were not shellshocked with a sick child in tow. A secret donor provided us the tickets, and to top it off - a gift card that helped us slip into some dressier clothes (which we were lacking) appropriate for this type of occasion. It was like winning the lottery.

For HM that year Patty O'Neil - The Home Improvement Guy on Breakfast TV shaved his mustache for the first time in history. This televised, but prior to that Bridget, Paddy and I did a funny skit commercial where I shopped for hedge trimmers to "speed the process" of the headshave (and Paddy's shave). We winged it and it was funny.

Then we (Meagan and I) pinked Mike McGuire on air with our head of research Dr. Basch. More mess, more chaos, more fun!

Oh, here's something big - CISN Country has provided incentive school concerts for Hair Massacure for the last 3 years. These concerts are high end, up close and personal. For 3 consecutive years the CMA artists we met were Johnny Reid, Emerson Drive, and Doc Walker. These 3 acts pro-bono'd this for the cause. Johnny Reid signed autograph for EVERY child, and was VERY nice to talk to. Doc Walker high fived every child. Of course, we had interaction with all 3 acts, which was super sweet.

Later 09, I was awarded Woman of Distinction. This summer Kyrsti was nominated as Young Woman of Distinction. We wore our Snowflake Gala clothes, and with among close friends and Stollery / Make-A-Wish peeps. (This is where Tammy told her famous "feeding roadkill to in-laws story...)

Last year, I also had the privilege of working with Snooky (part owner of Manic Panic) - manufacturer of Kali Pink on a personal level. She was going through breast cancer treatment, and I was inspired so much by her attitude and strength.

On the weekend Kali and I spoke with Ed Stelmach for a spell, then re- connected with our good friend Kent Wong (Founder of Edmonton Magic Club, renowned magician of Western Canada, friend and college of Chris Angel). Kent has kindly performed for HM a number of years now, supported a rush wish I was working on by providing a little boy with a high end magic show for him and his friends. Later we were invited to a Magic show with some of the top magicians in North America performed. Going back stage was neat, as we mingled and enjoyed hearing very interesting Chris Angel stories.

There are many more to tell... but I think I'll just leave it at the Magic part as it's so fitting for this post.

Folks have asked, "would you ever go back and do it again?".

Part of me would say "yes - in a heartbeat." (knowing what I know now, and how our lives have been enriched).

The other part says "not on your life would I ever allow my child and our family to suffer like that again."

Good thing I dont have to choose.

Cause for Celebration

Today we attended a celebration for the Dizak Family at Sherwood Park's Festival Place.

Passionate, ethical, spiritual, unselfish, knowledgeable .... remarkable and I'm honored to know them.

Todays celebration recognized Natasia's journey, Carols journey, the family's journey - but honoured those that supported. The family took care of the cost and treated 130 friends and family to a day of outstanding entertainment, followed by a meal at Sherwood Park (Festival Place). In attendance amoung 130 was Ed Stelmach, Kent Wong, Shumka Dancers, country music artists, Make-A-Wish peeps and Kids With Cancer.

I met my friend Carol Dizak in 2001 at the Cross Cancer Clinic. Her 2 year old daughter Natasia had just started her chemo, was clearly on steroids and had the "look". I am referring to a particular look characteristic of Leukaemia treatment, one that you never forget and are never wrong about.

My introduction to Carol was "Decadron face - how long has she had Leukemia?" Instant connection, instead friends.

At the time Kali was now 3 and had endured the first of three years of chemo. Kali and Natasia hit it off too and we all became instant friends.

In 2003, when we kicked off our first Hair Massacre at Canada Post, Carol and Dave brought Natasia to our event. I cant tell you how much that meant to us to have a fellow cancer family there cheering us on. The following year, the Dizaks kicked off their first of 7 "Small and Mighty" Celebrations (fundraiser for Kids With Cancer and Make-A-Wish). Needless to say, we attended and since we have always attended each others events.

Carol and I decided to run a support group together in 04 (Families Helping Families) that would compliments efforts of Kids With Cancer Society.

We did this for 2 years - one Sunday per month. We took this rather seriously and with both of us thinking 'big", it was a pretty sweet group we started with entertainment, pizza, motivational speakers, volunteers (to do crafts with the kids), Shriners, and sharing circles. We worked harmoniously with each other, loving every minute of our time together, thinking like minded and each filled with passion to help the kids. I miss those days.

Carol puts on quite an event (Small and Mighty) with the Mayor, our Premier, high end magicians, singers, DJ dances, fun themes, Nurses and Oncologists, Ukrainian dinners, March of Champions (cancer kids), silent auctions and more.

Carol put her heart and soul into these yearly events, and eventually fell victim to the very disease that consumed her daughter - cancer.

I fully understand how consuming an event can be. It really does rob your health, but for Carol it eventually stopped her from creating the type of chaos she so loved. Carol is officially retired from fundraising, and this was part of todays celebration as well - to honor her with Natasia.

I'm just gonna see how long Carol is able to stay away. Its just not that easy to walk from something that tugs at one's heart.

Both of our daughters are beautiful young ladies who have grown up into this unique world of fundraising, awareness campaigns, meeting celebrities, delivering speeches, media, events....

two of the shyest, sweetest, most humble girls you'll ever meet.

Who would have thought..... 10 years ago.......

Women's Day Out

Today I was invited to speak at a "Womans Day Out" convention in St. Albert.

Bridget Ryan and I were the chosen guest speakers. Regretfully I did not have opportunity to hear B, but Im sure it was insightful and most entertaining.

Typically the way I role with these kind of things is to focus on my shpeal just prior to, and then shoot from the hip while its fresh in my mind.

I warn my audience of my challenges with bouncing around and politely ask them to try to keep up. It usually works out for me. If I create confusion, I know I can rely on humor in a pinch to get me back.

My 4 wonderful daughters asked to come to support me.

My initial thoughts were that they were coming to bail me in the event I were to share a certain "roadkill for supper" story or go off track so far that I could never recover.

Well... I DID share the story about feeding roadkill to my in-laws, and I did say dumb and a few times, shmuck once, but refrained from the word pooh (or anything worse) and the best part is that Meagan and Kali didnt shrink in their seats.

Overall I stayed on track, kinda... and I think I was able to get my point through. That point was through telling my "story", I was able to prompt reflection about self reflection, self empowerment and appreciation for life. Profound for a girl that says pooh.

I recall the days when I was trying so hard for my brownbelt (this was 15 years ago). My Sensei said to me that I had all of the moves nailed - it was my confidence that lacked. Attitude is everything. Back in the day I was very shy, not a candidate to be at the front of any audience.

I desperately wanted to teach class, so I made an "on the spot" decision to change.

Who would have thought where that moment would have taken me.

Several years of teaching karate, projecting my voice, looking at the people ...... I still trip up over myself. Ha!

So thats what I'll leave you with today.... standing in front of groups, whether it be teaching, training, or speaking - I can always rely on this.... a warped sense of humor, creativity, and prayer.

Ronald McDonald House

I'm most pleased to announce the recent inclusion of Ronald McDonald House as a recipient of our proceeds for 2011.

Hair Massacure's mandate is "Supporting Children with Life Threatening Illnesses". RMH is a perfect fit as 80% of its guests are childhood cancer patients. Following that, organ transplant, and a lengthy list of afflictions that place children at risk who need a place to stay while in treatment.

8 Years ago, my niece was born premature (runs in the fam) and my sister who lives out of town was invited to stay there. It was my first introduction to this facility. My impression was "wow", because it was so much more than accommodations - it was a warm, inviting environment that encourages families to unite, connect and support each other.

Speaking from experience, I fully appreciate how costly dealing with a sick child is. I can't imagine leaving my home, my town, to put my child through treatment. The house does a fantastic job of supporting families through this process. I'm most excited to start working with them, as well as meeting the new families that come through.

900 families came through last year in Edmonton. Thankfully we have a Red Deer Massacure too, as we have a new RMH going up there as well.

In January / February, please proudly purchase paper Kali Bears at McDonalds restaurants. Each 1$ bear will go to support the house, and this adds up. Our hope is to help raise 100,000 for both houses without impacting regular funding for Stollery (our lab) and Make-A-Wish Northern Alberta.

We grow, we help more. This is what is all about folks.

Loosing battles

I am dedicating this post to a 2 year old girl who is loosing her battle with cancer. Let me correct that statement... is no longer responding to conventional treatment.

I believe in miracles (as I've witnessed a few myself), and so I withhold this belief until proven otherwise. This is the doctor's theory - "loosing her battle", so this was the opening line Ive chosen to prove a point - the fat lady hasn't sung.

This troubles me in so many ways and on so many levels.

My first point, Ive said it a hundred times.... children of this age need to worry about superficial things like "where did I put Elmo", or "why am in the time out chair", and "why do I HAVE to eat vegetables". Certainly not "what does dying mean, what does it feel like and why am I doing it?". I'm sick about it.

Secondly, Taylors story has been televised and is all over Facebook. This is very good to educate the public about a tragic situation of this nature (I get it, as Kali's story has been splattered too for the last 9 years). The not-so-good part is the other Taylors out there (and believe me, there are quite a number of them) who will slip away quietly with no prayers, no gifts, no wishes, and no recognition for their short life.

It makes me sad for the other children who have had no support system, not even parents that had the courage to stick with them to the end, holding their fragile frightened little bodies. Instead they ditched and let the nurses and fellow cancer parents witness the last breaths of their childs life. I'm gonna step out on a limb here and shout out "Shame on them!".

Any parent that ditches their child to nurse their own weaknesses, fears, addictions, inadequacies and freedoms needs to experience karma ten fold, and is no friend of mine.

I applaud Taylors parents, family, and friends for scrambling to make things better for her. This warms my heart.

Taylor has touched many hearts, and will receive many prayers (including ours). While we pray for her, we must also pray for the others.

Last... how many times do we have to say this - I hate cancer! Won't you just go away already?

I am very proud to announce that this year the lab we are funding at Stollery is including Paediatric Leukaemia. Yay! I have regular contact with the wonderful Dr. Baksh, and will have opportunity to take out planning committee to the lab and see his work. We HAVE to make this go away.

Last night we buried my uncle. Cancer. :( He was a remarkable man. About every 3 seconds we are burying someones uncle, aunt, mom, gramma, father, brother, friend, child.....

I just dont understand the injustice of why good people, children, are made to suffer while others who disregard life may escape crippling pain and circumstance.

I'm sad and I'm frustrated.

As I mentioned about miracles, I hope there is one for Taylor.

I hope there is one for every child who's life is in jeopardy - whether it be cancer, neglect, organ transplant, diabetes, abuse, and so forth.

We need to try to save them.... all of them.

Please check out this great blog for Taylor http://landonmindytaylor.blogspot.com/