Captains debrief meeting at MAW

Today Make-A-Wish was filled with passion, ideas, feedback, frustrations, and an overall sense of unity..... oh and Hockey. (Had the game on too - multi tasking), now THATS dedication!

I love watching these relationships grow, how our captains have grown to be such great friends!

Years ago, we had a handful of burnt out volunteers that would put in their time out of sheer dedication, little direction offered to them, compelled to help out the desperate needs of the event. You all out there know who you are and God bless you for that.

At the finalization of the 2006 Guinness Event, it was brought to my attention that we needed to offer better direction for the volunteers. This was my first year in the drivers seat, so I was unclear how to properly manage a rapidly growing event. It was Nadine and I that scrambled for 2 years without support before we received direction from a few select folks from the foundations that specialized in the area of event management. As much as I hated working with an executive committee, I learned a lot over the past 2 1/2 years. What we have now developed is a healthier combination of grassroots Tammy vision and corporate play by the rules. By nature, this chic is a rule breaker, so I have made impressive progress.

In 2007 Nadine and I spent 2 solid months of developing the volunteer binder consisting of a detailed description of each task that we could think of. We were the coordinators and the managers of all areas until 2008 debrief where is was realized that we had higher needs for the event and Tammy could not manage all event items, so my Mom (Colleen / Nana) stepped in only months after the sudden disintegration of her marriage. I guess this was a healthy distraction because Mom was an amazing coordinator! She worked well with Nadine and I to eventually take over the reins and our volunteers LOVED her.

After the debrief in 08, we realized we required a coordinator that had the computer skills to place our folks into a data base so we could keep a more efficient track of them (as opposed to Mom, Nadine and myself personally calling everyone). Mom was now employed and no longer free to offer her time in the winter to do this for us, so Shelly B took the reins.

Over the fall, I revamped the manual again to include more positions, yet assigned captains to overlook all of these specific areas was still vague.

Selecting captains for each area was progressive, as each person I chose was based on their ethics, reliability, dedication, purity of heart, and knowledge of the event.

Nicki was chosen for the position this year to assist me in the managing of our friendly little monster based on these qualities.

Tyler last year, well what can I say - I just lucked out. Didn't know him when he applied but my gut yelled yes! The man has ethics oozing out of him and now works full time for Stollery.

It is of great importance to me that those I work closely with reflect these qualities because Nadine sure did and I was not prepared to settle.

As I sat in the room with our captains, I realized that we are truly a family. All of them have displayed a level of ownership in this event which means they have invested.

Unlike other situations in past (which I wont mention), hidden agendas to claim control and steal thunder have created a virus within the group and eventually get squeezed out.

Like attracts like and I am a firm believer that collectively, it is our awesome group that makes the dynamics and personality of this event.

The last item I will add is this. To clear up any misconceptions about the roles and responsibilities of a driven Mom (think I'll soon change to Diva), my role is everything (except tax receipting and data entry). Event planning is my forte, money counting and inventory is not. Even the vision - not mine, all divine. Everything that I knew would be beneficial and unique to implementing to the event, I saw before it ever happened. As I said not mine. Combine past creation (Gord's) with my divine and brilliant ideas of others, this is called success!

Thank you to my wonderful captains that have contributed to the fine tuning of the Hair Massacure! This would not be possible.

winning School Concert

Well, I can breathe a bit tonight...

A few fires to put out today, but now it's all good.

I am not going to get into how much work it was to get this concert together (for both CISN and us) and all of the components that pieced it together from the start, but let me tell you in the end it was simply faith that all would fall into place that got me through the winter, particularly this day (where the concert is concerned).

3 years ago Chris Sheetz (program director from CISN) had an idea that would target our demographic - kids. Chris is a very caring man, an awesome dad and a great guy to work with. To have this opportunity for 3 years is very just plain lucky, and I am ever so grateful.

His idea was to provide an in-school concert for the winning school each year.

I set the criteria, and select the winner. Selecting a winner involves several people, data entry, a lot of panic, and myself (with Nicki) to overlook all of the schools to ensure our numbers and participant info is correct (to our knowledge).

This year the goal was "highest participation". This is equally based on number of heads and money raised. One child that potentially brings in half the amount raised will not qualify a school if the participation numbers are not there. Consequently, if a school has 400 kids that bring in 5-10.00 this is not considered a high level of participation. What I am looking for is to reward schools where the children are engaged and putting forth great effort to contribute to the cause.

Brace yourself - the winner announced today was Neil M Ross in St. Albert at $73,000.

http://www.cisnfm.com/Blogs/ChrisScheetz/BlogEntry.aspx?BlogEntryID=10099806

They have knocked this out of the park and re-set the bar.

This number set off a bit of an alarm at the Stollery, which resulted in my 3 hour "pop in" visit double / triple checking numbers with Nicki.

Last year and the previous was little Gibbons school of 300 that raised 44,000. Gibbons graciously invited the 3 running up schools to their concert last year (Emerson Drive).

One of those schools was Neil M Ross, so this year Brett Arlinghouse (their leader) extended this invite to Leo Nickerson and GH Primeau (Morinville).

All of these schools had over 100 participants, with Primeau leading the pack in pink. Leo Nickerson had the most heads shaved BY FAR at 85 kids!

The announcement was made today at the studio where a little commercial was put together with an interview with Mike, Chris, myself, and Chris from Doc Walker. Nice man - put me at ease to know when talking with him that he too is a dad of a 3 year old and is all about helping kids.

The thing with CISN is it has been my station of choice for the last 25 years. Because CISN is a family station - this is a very good fit for us.

Upon his willingness to sponsor, Chris can provide guaranteed advertisement from year to year (which values over 50,000) but cannot guarantee a concert from year to year. This is the part that relies on faith that an artist will agree to perform for free at a school.

What I do know is that Chris is very good at what he does and so I don't worry. This station and their DJ's - awesome, what can I say. Still #1 Station in Canada!

Nicki and I were spent between yesterday and today but we are stoked about this!!

'Twas a good day...

a piece from the past

My mom called me the other night, the sound of stifled tears didn't last long. Her young robust cat that she rescued a few years ago had slipped away in the car as she was racing him to the vet. He had a massive tumour on the heart and we knew it was only a matter of time (at least I did...)

Her biggest issue question was "why?". To her, it appeared that he was improving after the new supplements kicked in. He was back to eating, socializing, then it was over - just like that.

As I tried to explain my take on the situation, it brought me back to a familiar place where I would rather not be.

I have stored these stories for way too long, so I feel motivated to share.

I recall this particular memory one day at the Cross Cancer Clinic (this is where Kali used to go before Stollery housed their own Peds Oncology clinic). Way too many memories at that place (most that I wish would vanish entirely and let me be at peace).

My dear friend was there with her baby girl. She leaned over to me and stuck out her little arms (there's an invite), so off we went for a tour around our second home.

I heard them calling for her, including her mother but gosh she was so cute and we were having fun looking at the Sesame Street Wall that I did not see the point of bringing her back. Eventually we were busted. As we walked back ever so slowly back to clinic I met up with Gord and Kali and our discussion to each other went something like this.... "She looks SO GOOD. Her hair is growing back, cheeky as ever. She needs to be the mascot for this place as she is always happy. I think she's gonna make it..."

You probably know where this is going.

About one hour following that conversation, my friend learned that her child had relapsed and treatment would follow immediately. It was time to pack again. This was something mom was all to familiar with - living in the hospital for months at a time.

3 days after treatment started (chemo had not disabled her yet), she took her first steps (attached to her little IV pole). It's moments like this that give loved ones a false sense of security (hence the cat...).

Our little mascot passed away in her daddy's arms the next day as he rocked her. He was still uttering comments of disbelief, un-accepting of her fate.

Her funeral was in the afternoon. Her bed of rest was a small wicker basket that Dad carried out of the funeral parlour. She was 14 months old.

That morning another young girl was buried. She was 16.

Her wish was to meet (and potentially have a dinner date with) the lead singer of a band that was on tour and scheduled to play in Edmonton. I wont name who, but lets put the category comparable to Jonas Brothers (11-17 year old female demographic). This is now dating back 9 years.

That day the boys were in town awaiting their sweetheart with 10 front seat tix (for her and 9 friends), back stage passes, and a private dinner with the love of her life.

Instead they switched plans and played at her funeral.

We just don't know what hand will be dealt to us. referring back to my blog about "rejuvenation", I learned from a friend that all we can do is ask for Grace to get us through these unexplainable times.

Another day, I will share more.

Have a great day!

Post drop day / another headshave

Today Nicki and I went out to Edmonton Christian school to take in their in-school shave.

I was so excited to see my Wish Child there (who apparently attends this school), as well the young man and his Dad who introduced the concept of a Massacure to the school.

This young man (and my wish child) are "disabled" (at least that is how the uneducated person would refer to). He requires a wheel chair, his legs are impaired. His speech is impaired. Yet he inspired and educated an entire school. There are others that lack desire to inspire, incapable of paying it forward, leave little no no positive impact on others. Theoretically, should they not be referred to as disabled instead? Made me think....

We soaked up the big smiles and squeals of excitement coming from these tw0. The young man in the wheelchair with a 5 o'clock shadow on his head (from the event), clutching a scrapbook of his accomplishments his mom made for him. He was all to eager to point to pictures of his pink shave with dad.

My wish child (also a teen) took a turn at shaving a teachers head. He was stoked to be a part of that! Sat down next to me after, (nice and snuggly) and I felt a hint of a hand at the small of my back. Melt.

7 staff members shaved at this school and a few students. $4,400 went back with us to Make-A-Wish. Thank you Edmonton Christian.

As I've said before, money counting not my forte. I did my part though while Nicki threw pen lids at me. It was relatively quite at the office today (at least after Paul Liimatainen from K3 For the Kids left).

Paul brought in the remainder of the money that his group raised. $54,000. Oh, and I guess there is another 10,000 that is yet to come. This brings this team up to over 85,000! This team is from the Keephills plant and started fundraising for Massacure 3 years ago. One of their brilliant ideas was that the plant purchased 150 pink hard hats for the Massacure. Participants could rent them out for one month for 100.00 and get a tax receipt.

Under the hat, there is still the encouragement for the fundraising (Pink hair that will be shaved off). The hats are returned and used for the following year. Pledges within this group start at 25.00 (for that tax receipt). Many donations are 100 +.

Is this because there is disposable money within the group? Partly.

Could the donations also be a result of the type of ask? There is certainly a lot of passion here and to a construction worker, its a big deal to wear a pink and with pink hair underneath, so the ask is prioritized. A 5.00 pledge says that their sacrifice is only worth the price of a latte. Think not....

Paul has a real soft spot for the cause, for Kali and the fact that he is a proud grandpa is a reflection of his dedication and enthusiasm. Thank you Paul, Linda and K3 for the Kids!

$15,000 from George P Nicholson rolled in minutes after I left. Wow!! This is a repeat school and I am touched that they continue to think of us! Thanks guys!! Closer to the magic number....

As I mentioned, it was fairly quiet at the post drop so we mostly visited and it was awesome.

Nicki and I did not know what to do with ourselves so this is why she threw pen lids at me, and I shot elastic bands at her. Gord and Steve provided the male energy (mostly the cheering for the hockey game). I skipped out early to end my evening with Christie (my captain), Jaime (captain) and peeps at her birthday. My belly already full of Starbucks chocolate covered pretzels - I just hung and marvelled at how amazing this woman looks bald. 42 years old - she looks 35!

Happy non birthday Christie.

rejeuvenation

Have you ever felt so tired or so low that your hope / or plan of recovering from your slump seems unachievable? We have all been there. I myself visit this place a few times per year, but never during Massacure season as this is crunch time and it's prioritized. Not allowed to feel blue, get sick, exhausted or distracted. Nicki is the same.

Yesterday my daughter had to pick up my purse from Second Cup. The day before I ran a red light, and the day before that left my purse at Timmies. They now recognize my purse there, and I suppose most of the towns people do as well. My point being (not necessarily out the the norm for me) that my brain feels fuzzy and all I want to do now is sleep and I cant.

Nicki same position. The two of us want to cuddle in with the Kali Bear and wake up with the tulips and the sound of baby calves.

Reality is that there is a lot of urgent after stuff that does not allow for a proper break, so then what? Yesterday I had a lift.

I had a really interesting coffee with a fellow Cancer / Wish dad. I left feeling rejuvenated and it wasn't the coffee (which was soooooo yummmy btw). Dont tell Nicki....

My thought was that we would visit and he would entertain me with funny stories (which he did partly). What I did not expect was the gift of insight and sharing.

I was aware that his little guy had received a stem cell transplant, much different protocol than Kali's treatment. I learned this last year when the cutest little boy fell into my chair at LOXX (during a mass pinking day). It was here where his mom shared only a hiccup of his story.

His treatment was just over a year, his recovery remarkable - and so I assumed this might have been a milder course. I was wrong.

There did not appear to be any residual sign of trauma within the family as they are all so healthy and positive. I realized yesterday, this was not as a result of a magic happy herb, or happy hypnosis, or really good luck (certainly not that), but one thing - GRACE.

As this dad educated me about only a small portion of their story, I felt a strong admiration for him and his family, so much that I left feeling hooked and wanting to hear more.

Not once did I detect issues or negativity in his presentation. He spoke of issues and certain things that hurt, frustrated, disappointed and angered him (them) but did not reflect in his demeanour. He smiled and spoke ever so casually about their nightmare.

This was testimony to his personal strength, healing, and ability to accept and forgive.

He explained that while their little guy's life was dangling by a thread, their priest offered them this advice: "Ask for Grace and a Miracle. If it's meant to be, you will be granted the Miracle. Regardless of the outcome, continue to pray for Grace."

It was both that they received. Grace is evident in that family as they have prayed at the bedside of not just one, but all of their children at one time or other. This being all too familiar to me, I reflected back on my own 3 fighting for their lives and wished I asked from Grace back then. What I had was questions and confusion and much resentment for the raw deal that was handed to us. Only until Kali's battle (3rd child - third battle) that I developed the acceptance that all things happen for a reason and a learning. This family certainly one step ahead and very solid in their faith.

Ronald McDonald House has been home to them, so much that they are chosen speakers for the foundation. My dear friend Jaime Caza (from McDonald's) calls on this family for speaking opportunities, as I will in the future.

I sign off today with a sense of soul rejuvenation. I still want to go to sleep, (and I likely will on my way to my meeting)....but I feel blessed for yesterdays gift - a reminder about why.

Bald is Beautiful

Today I am stoked about our bald is beautiful photoshoot! Every year, this is a highlight for me! A capture of why we do this (shave) does not only occur at the event.

This project was started in 2006 when I borrowed the concept from a film producer that had flown down from North Carolina to shoot footage of our event. The idea was born on the day of our World Record breaker and so it was a scramble to find subjects, a venue and a photographer. That first year 780444-9467 (Pat, our registration captain - and victim to Tammy's prank calls) posed with a small group that also included Kyrsti and Kali, Gord and Myself.

2007 the shoot was hosted inside K-Rock. Bill Cowen (photographer and DJ for K-Rock) did an outstanding job enhancing shadows. This shoot had Luke and Harman (Third Street Beat), Dylan Wowchuck (DJ from the Bounce), Hilary Anaka from Stollery, Amy Killips (teacher - who helps me put together our yearly videos), Tara Pinnell (teacher), Mike Hauptman (principal), Josh Bornia (karate peep), my mom (Colleen), Kyrsti and Kali (and peeps). Some of these images I had on my van and are still used for promotion (Luke still on my van) and Kyrsti and Kali's shots still used for various banners, etc.

2008 Curtis Comeau (www.curtiscomeau.com) shot our project inside a bar. Lighting was conducive and I think the kids thought being there was kinda cool! That year we had the infamous Weazie with her ongoing shenanigans, my little sister Aimee (which totally warmed my heart), myself, Jason Roberts (DJ from Capital FM) Marlese Richards (our yearly shave and Telus Queen), my wonderful neighbour Suzanne Borque (principal), dedicated volunteers Wendy Griffith, Carol Reilander (leader for Elmer Gish Massacure), Tina MacQueen (home page queen and merchandise captain), the two crazies with big hearts (Christie and Ginger - my captains), Christies daughter - Hannah Banana, and Kyrsti's peep - Natashi (my adopted tall daughter), Mels daughter Carlin, and more beauties that can be appreciated on our website.

http://hairmassacure.com/photo-video-galleries/bald-is-beautiful

That year, I had a lot of outstanding money that rolled into the shoot from our subjects. With no purse and no place to tuck the cash and cheques, we decided that Weazie could stick it all in her brazier. Officially Weazie could have told people that her had a $5,000 set of jubblies. Not sure how we got it all in there, but we did (while she posed). Anyone that knows Weazie would appreciate her humor and references to her boobs. I'm not in the club (for obvious reasons) so I can just laugh from afar.

That year I brought my trimmers and asked Mel to help me carve in some designs (hair tattoos). Now tattooing has become a signature trademark for our event (on a bald head).

2009 was shot by Claudine Lavoie (www.claudinelavoie.ca). This particular photographer allowed me to be (as Nicki described) - a "backseat photographer". I have now decided that this is what I want to be when I grow up!

2009, I invited the Paziuk fam (including 2 little adorable girls). This was CUTE because the youngest girl stuck her tongue out (kept that!) and cheered when Dad left the picture (Yay!! Daddy's out!!). Brett Arlinghouse - Claudine drew on his back -(teacher and leader for Neil M Ross Massacure), Dusty (my adopted son and cancer survivor - sported his survivor tattoo and a quote from Kyrsti), Nadine (my dear friend and long term Massacure member) and her daughter, Bryce Mason, Emily / Joseph and Julia (siblings, volunteers and Kyrsti's peeps), Staceys daughter Liessa (also volunteer), Gina (my peep / karate / Hair Massacure enthusiast), Gord and the rest of the fam.

With exception of Gord, that year was the first time since 2004 that all of us girls had hair.

Those pics can be featured on our 2010 video (along with all corresponding years of video and bald is beautiful galleries). The midway point of each video will feature selected bald is beautiful photos.

http://hairmassacure.com/photo-video-galleries/videos

NOW.... For the exciting part - TODAY!

Back to Claudine Lavoie (because she is amazing and so hospitable to us, and.... lets me be a back seat photographer).

Today, I invited Ginger and Christie to come back (these sisters are both gorgeous and wear their hearts on sleeves), they also LOVE the camera...

Christie was unable to come, so we improvised. I was able to coerce Ging to strip down and give us her beautiful back to draw on. She was absolutely reluctant to do this and reminded me that it was only because she loved me..... or possibly my persistent begging. The shots were nothing short of art - captivating.

Gina came back with her son Ian (a loyal proud Victim) - his shots revealed "why it's cool to shave your head". I can't think of any guy his age who would not want to have that look.

Jarod Latendre (teacher and Massacure leader of Leo Nickerson) - another eye catcher with a huge heart! (Claudine drew on him too)

The Marano fam (whom we met at the Rush game) and the Potato Heads (Moore fam) were my chosen group shots (besides our own). The Moores have already been in a previous blog as I met these folks at our Spruce Grove Sobeys day. They had 2 twins missing today (from illness), so would have been 6 in total!

Emily and Sara from Primeau School are both is grade 8 (a testimony that a young teenage girl does not need hair to be striking!).

Our Steven and Megs had beautiful shots as a couple (with Megs hair in tact), and what can I say about Steve- the camera LOVES him!! Any pose, any face any way - he's candy!

Then there is little Jaime Buckley (Kali's long term peep).... Where do I start??..

I refer to Jaime as the hallway girl because she has spent a good chunk of her school years there. I say this affectionately because despite her "little Johnny" tendencies, you gotta love her! Jaime is a great kid with much charisma and also a repeat shave (who recruited mom as well!). Ironically, Jaime was chosen to wear angel wings in the shoot. She joked as she posed that she should have had horns.... we all found this choice of pose extremely funny (but captivating).

Last was us - this year with 2 additions. Steve and F.R.E.D. As usual he was a very good boy (referring to Fred), and posed very well for us although was inclined to do the belly show with his tongue rolled onto the black velvet. F.R.E.D was groomed at Krazy Klipz in Morinville by our friend and Mandy's boss Jen. 2 hearts on his sides, his nails painted pink....jen is meticulous with him. My next comment - "yes - he loves this". Poodles are show boats and this particular dog loves being pink because he knows he's a chic magnet and that really works for him.

Last shot was Nicki and I (yes, both with hair - THIS year). Nicki with her hands around my neck (but not in a loving and supportive manner...). Still I love her.

I love this shoot, as I feel it has a very special and intimate component to it. I have opportunity to connect a bit more with the folks that have participated. As we all know, the Massacure is chaotic and Tammy is spread in 6 directions. Bald is beautiful is casual, creative and as I said - intimate. I love that.

The subjects I invite every year - well thats just plain difficult to choose! There are so many beautiful heads, beautiful souls. I don't wish to slight anyone, but I have to make choices.

My choices have a variety of reasons and not always involving a picture perfect model.

This photo shoot really got Kyrsti and I thinking. Kali will be donating next year. Possibly time to shave again?

Special thanks to our warm and talented and photographer Claudine Lavoie. Hope she takes us back again next year!

http://www.claudinelavoie.ca/galleries/families.php

post Massacure

This morning Nicki and I rejuvenated over sinful things at Starbucks, then procrastinated before going to task on the storage room we have for our Massacure stuff at Make-A-Wish.

This is a yearly procedure, as we need to take inventory of what we have leftover that can be used next year. I think I escaped a broken nose a couple of times attempting to stack heavy old t-shirt boxes on top of each other (to the roof). Nicki most amused with my brush with a Massacure landslide, AND the trying to maintain a phone conversation..... sheesh! My daughter Meagan, most excited that she booked the reception hall for her wedding - jumping with excitement, made the call (while I had the phone to the cheek and a box to my face). It's all good, my chin kept everything from falling over. Good news is that we found a little box of stale Cookies By George AND Nicki didn't want any!!!

There is a massive list of urgent items that need to be dealt with immediately following the event, and when one is battling exhaustion, it's very difficult. Both of us just want to crawl into a cave like Kali Bear and sleep for then next 7 months. Data entry of all participants, groups, teams and schools is now being addressed by Nicki and our peeps at the Stollery, while thank yous, follow-up, website updates, emailing pictures, creating lists for debriefing, ect is mine (and hers...).

We will be jugging many items until mid April when Nicki leaves back to her spot on the Riverboat. Thats when I will be sucking up a lot to ensure she comes back in the fall. I plan on installing that chip in her arm (tracking devise) so she does not end up back in Europe.

Today at Make-A-Wish, while we made a huge mess cleaning up while 27,000 rolled in and was counted by MAW staff. Mo Duval showed up (a repeat Massacure enthusiast) raised 6,300 this go (at the bars with his pink nails and locks). This guy is hilarious! Last year, he collected over 10,000 in a can that was passed around. Crazy!

Next Wednesday will be a post drop at the office (hint hint for those of you with ourstanding $$) and I plan on being there, but am banned from counting money. My captains made this decision a few years ago while observing the fish out of water. Not my forte, so I'll stick to what I do best like distracting folks who are trying to count.

I remember the days when Gord and I had 300,000 spread out for a month in our basement. We would count every night, and on weekends bring in friends to help. This is when my inabilities were exposed. I thought as long as I was counting out loud and money was leaving my hands no one would see that I had counted the same pledge package 4 times, resulting in 4 different amounts. So then I was assigned to coin rolling. Please kill me - same thing, counting involved. Next was deciphering illegible printing (takes one to know one theory) and organizing packages according to groups. That I enjoyed because I could get a sense of each person and their efforts behind their package and eventually memorize, or recognize the names. Did that up until last year when Stollery got behind it. Now I memorize pictures.

My last task this evening was teaching 3 karate classes. I don't know how my Sensei (Steve) does this 4 days a week??? My body is absolutely spent and my voice is gone from projecting . Happens every time I teach more than one class. I would never admit to the students that I felt like mush - like the cat that gets injured and disappears behind a chair to lick it's wounds. I am afraid that I will get caught with my leg over my head in the change room licking the underside of my knees.

We have a great group there. Most of our security for the event is from our school - they are incredible! Thanks guys for exhausting yourselves at the Massacure!

With that, I am gonna finish my stale cookie and hobble off to bed.

Loss that motivates

I'm gonna sidetrack today because I was inspired by another story today that motivated me to touch on this.... loss.

If you had opportunity to admire our "Love Wall" at the event, you would see various names on it of those that offered inspiration to our participants. Not off of them were a loss, but many were. This wall was the brain child of my dear friend Ginger (one of our amazing captains).

Last week I shared a story about my visit to our last school who was fundraising as Team Spencer. Last year Spencers friend raised 5,000 going door to door in Spencers name. These two boys (joined at the hip) were at the event last year and eagerly shared the story with Chris Sheetz as my photographer (Chantelle) and I snapped photos. Spencers parents were at our event this year again - GREAT people, STRONG people.

So was his little friend - this year 3,000 raised for Spencer. Incredible.....

Unprepared, I did not realize that Spencer passed away in December. Composure had to come quickly before my little speech to this ignited school last week.

Inspired by loss is my blog today. There are many stories inside of me but I will share 3.

I learned about a young boy at one of our repeat schools today that raised 5,000 for the event. His mom was his inspiration. You see, she was lucky to have made it past Christmas, and thank God because her son is incredible and she was able to bear witness to that. From her wheelchair at the event, "mom" was able to admire the result of a decision her son made to make a difference in her honour. There are more of these children that participate in honour of their parent.

When we think about cancer (relative to our event) we associate the young patient. What happens to the children that loose a parent to this terrible disease? My heart sinks thinking about this.

It seems every year there is a Massacure child out there that is experiencing this type of loss.

In Kali's class, an enthusiastic little boy repetitively participated with us and LOVED the pink hair. His mom was a kind soul who loved our event and story and was a strong supporter of it (that was before she became victim to cancer). I connected with her at Timmies one day, taken back that she was "trying" to eat there in her jammies. The IV (broviac) gave it away. From her grey complexion, I knew. She educated me on her condition and asked if it would be ok if I would offer some nutritional and supplemental advice to assist her. I happily agreed, but my eyes could not contain the tears. It took her quickly. I didn't know and waited for her call. Shortly thereafter, I asked this little boy how his mom was doing and his little head dropped. "She died". I had a lump in my throat that would not go down, so I just hugged him.

Another young family from Morinville lost the mom just a couple of months before the event in 08. I knew about these kids because I had heard about a new salon in Morinville that was pinking, so I phoned and asked to speak to the owner (Genevieve - GV's salon). I thanked her and asked if she had started pinking yet. She told me that a boy and girl (siblings) were in as we spoke. I decided to make the time and pop in to meet the kids. Normally my schedule would not allow me to do this, but this day I felt compelled to do so. This is where I learned their story from their Dad. The wound was so fresh, their strength admirable. The brother and sister sitting so proudly in their plastic caps as the pink took over the transition.

Another little guy from out of town was a huge inspiration to me. Lost his mom months before, Dad was not capable of any type of support system. Shortly after his loss, the boy had googled in search of an event where he could take over his mothers legacy and found us. He was the only one in his school to pink and shave, but they rallied around him and made him feel 10 feet tall. He had several little pink ponytails that were cut off one by one before the clippers finished the task. I keep one in my camera case to remind me of his story. You see, this boy takes care of dad. He makes the meals, does the laundry, cleans the house, reminds dad about the bills and walks him through the payment process, makes the shopping list and places the needed items in the cart as he pushes to the till. This boy was a chip off the old block. Mom was very involved in her community, and now he needed to be. He is my hero - at 9 years old.

ANybody that slights the power of a child is missing the boat. Well over 1/2 of our participants are children. I don't see a lot of them being dragged to the mall by their parents - they are leading them. Children are making a difference. Let's empower them.

hair massacure 2010 (part 3) Proud Victims

I'm back.....

The girls and I have returned from a much needed 2 day escape to the Rockies. It was nice to have a quiet phone, and a chance to just unwind a bit. I did find it interesting that my 5 hours drive still lead us to pink heads from the event (in our hotel).

For the majority of my volunteers, the commitment rests here until next February. For our captains, a debriefing will follow, and for Nicki - her commitment will end mid April. For myself, this goes all year. The few days following the event IS the break until it slows down in the summer, but not entirely as I am pondering the idea of a dance, a Volunteer BBQ and / or maybe a chilli bake off.

The money will continue to roll in for the next 2 months, so I will be releasing an official total by May 1.

Now... for my continuation of part 3.... Proud Victims!

Please bear in mind - this is still only MY personal greeting of the many that flooded in that day (and I only met a portion of them as I was in 6 places at once at any given time).

Please, if you are reading this and wish to add your story or a comment - I would LOVE to hear from you to add to my personal knowledge of who attended that day).

From the thousands of pic I receive (and take) at the event, I have several months to study faces and meet with folks to enriches my knowledge of the Proud Victims that came to us.

Here is who I greeted (and photo'd) that day:

A baby - I think 8 months old came to shave!

A native family from Saskatchewan saw us on the news prior to and the boy was inspired so they left at 5 am and my daughter took his hair donation. Wow!

The Potato head Family! A family of 7 pinkees, oldest boy had a brain tumor and they are remarkable.

The Bennett family (3 times a charm!). Their little guy Benson (too cute for words) - pinked and shaved - a stem cell transplant success!! That's where our research is going folks! Great Fam!

The Maranos (whom I met at the RUSH game)

Neil M Ross School (lead by Brett Arlinghouse - he's on my van) I think close to the same amount. 53.000.00 was what I heard that day.

Leo Nickerson School (90+ kids shaving!), lead by Jarod Letendre for the 4th year!

Familar faces with these mentioned schools - 4th year of participating! Sturgeon Heights - Collette Hartmetz (the twin to Colleen Durand) leader of - G H Primeau. These 2 gals are NEAT!! Gotta love them!

Morinville Christian School (lead by my wonderful neighbor Suzanne Borque), and Vanier School (the beautiful Marlene Peltier) - all familiar kids in my neck of the woods. Its great to see these faces coming back to the event. Some of these children have returned to us year after year. I have no words to describe what an honour that is. Their leaders - also shaved!

Minor hockey teams!!! WOW!! I was at the entrance and watched in amazement as they folded into the event. 5 Teams in uniform - SUPER cool!!

A family came from Okotokes! How they heard about us is beyond me, but I am thrilled they felt we were worth the drive (much like the fam from Saskatchewan).

A head reporter from the Edmonton Sun came out. Link is http://www.edmontonsun.com/news/edmonton/2010/02/12/12861996.html

OH!!!! Marlese Richards - like Gord - THIS IS HER 8TH SHAVE!! She is the Telus Queen. Marlese brought her dog Spanky in 2006, as she and him had signed up as a team. Guess what stemmed from that? A Beamer (Stollery Therapy Dog) and then a F.R.E.D! We shaved Spanky that year, and his owner comes back and asks Kali to shave her. Those clippers get smaller and smaller in my daughters hands as the years go by, and her workmanship with the shave is cleaner and faster.

Speaking of Kali requests - Theodus is a boy who is without sight and returns year after asking for Kali. This year this young man was noticeably taller and older, much like Kali.

Paul Liimatainen is from Keephills at the Genesee plant. He came to personally get his bear, hat, toque and hug from Miss Kali. Last year he personally raised 20,000. His team (K3 For the Kids) raised 48,000. This year I am told it's going to be around 60,000. This will remain the single highest team yet.

The Research team came out too!! VERY COOL!! Dr. Basch heads up our lab and this is his second pinking (which I had the honor of) and 2nd shave. His entire team came out to the event (pinked up), they spoke a bit about where our money is going and then they each took a turn and shaved him. I'd like to see THAT kind of relationship in other labs with their donors.

Tory Bertrand - my little Global celebrity! Wrote my blog on Tory (a young survivor) a while back. She donated her hair and Su-Ling cut the first braid, I got the second and Kali got the third and Mel cleaned her up. Check out Health Matters - Feb 12 archives. Wow!

Speaking of wow... a young man came in with a sweet little mohawk. His girlfriend works for Carrie at LOXX (a participating salon) in St.Albert. Raised 12,000 and he too a brain cancer survivor. Had his surgery pics with him. I was awestruck.

Oh. close to my heart - my Karate School (Rooke) - Lead by our security Captain - Sensei Steve Rooke. They came out and supported the event again. did security and shaved. We are a big family much like my Massacure peeps - now we are all one!

Then there are my volunteers and captains that shaved again!!

Christie and Ginger - where do I start with these two? Not only exceptional people but crazier that I could ever describe. They both made such a fuss getting shaved down.... I told them I was busy and needed to be in several places at once so I leveraged time and did a two for one. SO my left hand is not as steady as the left? No reason to holler and squirm. Anyways the polysporin took care of things and the stitches should be out in time for Bald is Beautiful.

Tina... our merch captain. Shaved again - with her aunt. Striking woman, goes over and above - but also a nut case and a great lady with a fascinating story (much like the 2 crazy sisters). You can appreciate her on our home page with the peace sign.

Gina Macarthur - my multi peep. She is an eager beaver!! Convinced Dave Roulston (from CISN) to pink at the event and he did! Gina spent the rest of the day with pink hands.

Pat McMinn (780-444-9467) who takes registration for the past 3 years, this is the one I prank call cause I love her... She too posed again for Bald is Beautiful and looks marv pink (with a heart on and pink tips) and bald!

Wendy Griffith, and Nicki's parents (Dennis and Doll) all shaved again. First ones to show up - last ones to leave and always there to lend a hand. Remarkable people. Lucky to know them.

Then my 2 adopted sons,..... Dusty and Steven. Holding hands through their shaves. Cute!

Dusty also a survivor, volunteers for everything Massacure related, heart is HUGE and shaves every year. Steve, new to shaving, and will be marrying my daughter. I figure he is truly a keeper - a has a nice head (Bald is Beautiful subject). He will make nice grandchildren, quite suitable for shaving....

Julia and Jaime - our adorable volunteer kids. I want to squish them!! CUTE BALD!!!

Last, Gordon. His 8th shave! Sported a 3 part mohawk till the end then the girls shaved him down. Think his hair has already grown back.

Well folks, I will likely add to this particular blog, but it is late and I am completely fried. As I remember various folks, I will include. Thanks for reading. next blog - VIP's and such!

Hair massacure 2010 (part 2)

This post I'm gonna cover Entertainment.

In 2007 it had occurred to me that entertainment would enhance a headshave, so I introduced the concept and it worked! That year I invited Wayne Lee (who hypnotized the crowds, and some of my stylists and volunteers), Third Street Beat (3SB - Hip Hop that would BLOW your mind) and Bernard Quillala - one incredible Canadian Idol - both are still performing for us, and a variety of highly talented kids from Visionary College in St.Albert.

We are now filled with 12 hours of outstanding local entertainment (with the exception of CMA winner Jessie Farrell last year).

The whole plan in my head was to have a really BIG SHOW, non stop action that would attract folks to come on down and take it all in.

This year our feature act was Quanteisha, a local rising star that is frequently played on the Bounce, as well as across Canada. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCHyMcVMkno

Bernard Quilala opened for us with "Reach Out" a song that was written specific for the Massacure in 08, and his talented young singers in tow.

The return of 3SB and the Shadow Twins and Jonek (interactive Hip Hop and Rap) are is always huge crowd pleasers! Check out Hip "Hop for Hope" (a benefit for the Stollery) sometime, as well as "Shadow Twins".

New to the event this year was our dance school (Dance Connection). Asha Tomlinson (morning anchor from City TV) is a our hip hop teacher and Miss Nicole (the owner and teacher) teaches Kyrsti.

I am a working progress, but agreed to dance our routine at the Massacure inside a pink bear.

It was great -no phone and no bugging for a good 20 minutes!

Kyrsti did her routine with Asha - sweeeeeet!! My goal is to one day perform outside of a bear and not look like Elaine off Seinfeld. I try to convince myself that Kyrsti gets this from me, but then I think of Dirty Dancing and stop myself.

A performance of cheerleaders that are very well managed by 2 of our captains (Melynda and Shauna) - very impressive there 2 ladies!

Next was the return of Coaster 44. This is Gord's band. They were the last performance and really very good! Gord performed with his parted mohawk, and that was cool and everything but I refrained from throwing my Haynes Her Ways at him. Gord's been performing since his teens and has passed his musical ability onto Kyrsti and Kali.

Speaking of.. they too performed for the 3rd year with Kyrsti's peeps (Shayla, Alyssa and Emily). Practises at my house sure paid off!

Kent Wong came back with more interactive magic (levitation and such). His act is sweet, has trained and performed with Chris Angel in vegas. Kent did a rush wish for me last year and performed for a boy who received a brand new set of lungs!

Visionary College came back with more exceptional talent - its great to showcase our local talent, one never knows where they will end up and they are damn good!

Next was Harman B and DJ Quake from the Bounce! That was pretty cool having them come out (on Nickis invite)!

Hansen's Genes is a remarkable family put together by our sound man (Bill) from our big sponsor - Axe Music. Awesome!

Last but not least - a very special local celebrity that was not on the list but we were stoked that that he stopped by. Dancing Dan (or 178 street guy). We know Daniel, and were quite surprised that he agreed to jump on the stage. Danny is not exactly comfortable with dancing outside his comfort zone (literally outside....), but this year he did it! In 08, he came out to say hi, but was too shy to dance. This go, my daughter and son-in law hopped up there with him and shook what their mama gave 'em. I must have given her a LOT cause there is little left for me (hence the classes.....).

Well. think I've get em all (I hope!). I could easily fill 2 full days of entertainment, as this seems to be a popular area of our event.

Thank you to all entertainers that gave of their time and shared their talents!!

Next post - headshaving!

Hair massacure 2010 (part 1)

Hi folks, looks like an event of success!! Think I will break this up into several separate posts so as to do this some justice. If you were at our 2010 event, you would get more of this, as one needs to be there to experience it. Words and photos or clips will not do this justice to the feel and understanding of a "Massacure".

I have to admit, as exhausted as I feel (and I am not alone..... the rest of the fam, my captains, security, Chantelle, staff at our charities and a select few dedicated volunteers recognize this) - I am stoked!! I know that we will surpass last years totals (a consistent accomplishment). I think we will be close to a million!! It will take until the end of April to release the final total as the money continues to roll in over the next couple of months.

Before I lead into description - I would like to thank all of our wonderful captains & veteran volunteers / stylists (who come early, leave late and stay with us year long), our new and repeat volunteers, Steve and Michelle's security, supporting staff at the two foundations, our talented entertainment and photographers (especially my cousin Chantelle who drives 6 hours and shoots for 13), our sponsors (see website), schools, teams, and participants. Also... Gord (who wore a few hats that day), Megs (who rocked it out as our stylist and stylist coordinator, Kyrsti (our co-youth coordinator and entertainment), Mandy (my unsung hero and FRED pinker, and Miss Kali - our inspiration), my mom (nana), and will save the best for last (in terms of keeping Tammy / and event sane, organized and happy) - that's Nicki.

Now lets see..... where do I start?

The day started early for set up. Executive Royal Inn kindly put us up (including my cousin) so that we could chisel off 45 minutes off the early morning and leave with an easy start. 2 early mornings in a row with exhaustion already in place warranted extra Visine, Preparation H (for the eyes) and Starbucks caffeine (with a Dilly bar and chocolate covered pretzel on the side).

By 7:30 am, we arrived to the set up crew (thank you Glen), captains and half of the fam working in synergy - it was awesome and for ONCE I did not feel instant anxiety. From the night before to early morning the transformation at the mall was drastic. The Ice crew at WEM worked through the night covering the ice so to be ready for us by 5:00 am.

Security met us there and never left our sides until we drove out of the parkade at 9:00 pm.

People were already lining up at 8:00 am. After intros and speeches, the buzz WAS at the mall!

For the first time ever, the flow of Proud Victims in chairs was steady through to the end.

I believe it was the biggest turnout yet with literally thousands taking it all in. The lower and upper tier around the ice had a steady audience around it watching the cutting, entertainment (which was FANTASTIC) and the antics below.

From our perspective, it's hard to get our head around the transition from our first event in 2003 with 42 people to a full sized rink that seemed to shrink by the hour.

We also had a steady flow of media present throughout the day that had a surplus of striking footage and hits in any direction.

The photographers kept busy and moving quickly, in awe of what was being captured at any given moment. Even between Nicki, Kyrsti and myself running with big honkin lenses around our necks, I am sure we have at least 3,000 photos.

With our photographers, I think I will have close to 6,000 to sort through.

In the near future check out on my Facebook - Chantelle Turgeon (Memories for Life), Romy Yamsuan (romy young photography), Lynn McRitchie-Fields (Bin Photography), and of course Nicki (Wohland), and I will have our own!! In the next couple of weeks look for Claudine Lavoie for Bald is Beautiful shots. You will be wowed!

Apparently I am taking the weekend off....(say Nicki). Writing blogs and looking at event pics is not work, so I'll be back tomorrow.

Part 2 blog to follow.....

Last day

Well folks, tomorrow!! I am changing the slogan to the Buzz in is my Head!". Three television

spots today, 2 of them being at James Mowat School in Ft. Sask.

I wish I had prepared myself for today. I had knowledge of the fact that this school had chosen the Massacure in honour of a child recently lost from cancer (hence their on-line name "Team Spensor"). What I didn't realize was that I knew him. Not that I feel the loss is more significant when you know who the person is, but it just hits closer to home. Last year at the Massacure Spensor came in with his little friend who was fundraising a TON of money in his honour (5,000 going door to door). I have many pictures of him being interviewed by Chris Sheetz. Both boys were bald but it was evident who had the cancer.

Today his parents were at the shave with their twins and grandmothers. It was heartbreaking to see them strap on their game faces as they cheered on the kids and smiled at the crowd cheering back at them. What strength. Really, I have no idea what I would do in that position.

My heart goes to every parent who has lost their child to this disease. IT HAS TO STOP.

Tomorrow, I too will have a game face - many faces as there are so many kinds of extreme emotions at this event. It's rejuvenating and exhausting at the same time, but at the end of the day it always goes back to LOVE. I hope you will join us in our cause and help support our kids. One million - still my wish......

Kidnapping

I am a day behind, so I will talk about 2 things.

First off, I was kidnapped by an interesting mix of peeps (that I did not realize knew each other). Good old Facebook. I was taken hostage dropping Kyrsti off for hip hop. They (mostly karate peeps) surrounded my van in the parking lot with the bankrobber - bandana get up, held at gun ap point downloaded on Mels iphone. Kyrsti and Nicki accomplices to Gina's scheme.

The rules were for 2 hours - no discussion of work, no pink attire, no work hoodie, and no checking of emails or texts. It was WONDERFUL being kidnapped, much like my first wedding. Problem with that one then was they brought me back (ba da bum!).

My next topic is hip hop. Along with karate, this has become my most recent interest. I started in September and I suck and will for a long time. I am gonna endure the feeling of embarrassment as over time I know the big L on my forehead will fade and I will be good. I have the build - no bust, choppy thighs and a hiding 6 pack. Likely not as good as Kyrsti and not half as good as Asha (my teacher). Asha is also the best morning anchor that CITY TV has ever known - she's like a ray of sunshine every morning, and definitely in class!

I have white girl syndrome, BUT put a pink bear around me and I have moves. Kali Bear took a class last week to practice for his debut at the Massacure at 4:00. Kyrsti had to peel the bear off me, my tall Marge Simpson hair stuck to my face. Between spending time in the bear and using my hot lap top on my lap I am convinced I may have stumbled onto the best weight loss program ever. All I have to do now is cut out the 1/ 4 cup of cream and honey I consume in 5 green teas per day.

Our school will be dancing at the event. I am a chicken something so thats why I chose the bear. Along with our school we will have Jonek (amazing interactive hip hop) and Third Street Beat (3SB) - INCREDIBLE, Kent Wong magic and the rest is musical talent. 12 hours of headshaving, 12 hours of entertainment.

I'm gonna cut er' short here and get some shut eye (with my nightly dose of visine and Preparation H). Apply prior to and after a crappy sleep. Good night folks! One more day (gulp).

Chocolate

So.... after writing my blog on the weekend I was emotionally wiped. How would a single 42 year old chocoholic coffee lover respond to that situation anyway? I was entitled....

I have been a good girl obeying strict instruction of my acupuncturist (no coffee / sugar / chocolate cause that makes me more tired) BUT she lets me have chocolate once a month (if you know what I mean), it was once a month.....and I think I burned 2 inches of fat off my lap anyways with the heat of my macbook. I could have fried an egg on the bottom kinda like non invasive Smart Lipo. I do think my legs have shrunk a bit in the last 2 months since the kids complained that I spend too much time in my office. SO I ignore them from the couch at night with my laptop instead. Thats ok, by next week I will not obsess so much and mix up their names when I say goodnight.

As I was saying....after the uproot of memories, I admittedly crept into the Valentines Day stash, then my van found it's way to brave the Timmies line up. "Double Double" in the voice from exorcist, my hair dishevelled and very tall like Marg Simpson (damn perm), and wild eyes like the boy raised by wolves. I just peeled the lid off and poured my coffee down like a pitcher of beer. Splattered the inside of my windshield and probably should have contained the belch until after my phone rang.

Dont tell Nicki any of this....

Today was an ok day. Mandy and I, and Gord picked up 3 huge loads of our killer HM toques and baseball hats all donated by Unicon Concrete. Man they are sweet lookin'. We brought them to Make-A-Wish and piled with the boxes of 450 donated volunteer shirts - also compliments of Unicon Concrete. They have been donating with significance to our cause for 5 years. Brett Desroches, the owner (and relative by marriage) has pinked for 4 years, his brothers, staff and family have participated as well. Amazing people! He is one of those sponsors that just gives kindly without hoops or expectations, much like the others that have joined our cause. All in it for the kids.

Last minute items are creating much stress. I worry something will be forgotten and then I will beat myself up forever about it. Nicki successfully plugging away with her "lists". One day I will conform, but the way I see it Alzheimer's runs in my bloodline and I want to strengthen the noodle while I still CAN. Now where were we?

Oh, last item. Does everyone out there have a loved one(s) that bring out "special feelings"?

The feelings that make us feel warm, but not fuzzy. I am sensing that this loved one might experience a sudden detox if they are not careful. Remembering that I am a Herbalist, I still have access to Eye of Newt. You will see a laxative blog in the next while if I decide to go through with my plan.

Makes me wonder why the ones we feel we should count on the most are not necessarily the ones that we can. I have met so many wonderfully generous caring people in these past 10 years, quite often just find us by the grace of God. I am so thankful for them.

Kali's battle part 1

Last post I spoke about Kali's last hairloss and how this initiated the creation of the Massacure.

I've been thinking about her battle a fair bit lately, as this reminds me to try to push glitches and fatigue aside for a moment and reflect on why we fundraise.

Running an event of this magnitude in your child's name is no walk in the park. It's hugely taxing on myself (as the operator) and the entire family. Aside from the exhaustion of it all, the emotional component is at the forefront. Reliving our story is extremely painful, leaving no opportunity to rest from it's memory. It's a continual rub of salt into an old wound, and I don't believe the child or their family completely heals from that. In Kali's case she has blocked most of these memories, and I hope for her sake that she can remain in the dark, but somehow I don't think it works that way. Eventually they will resurface.

I rarely do this, but divine intervention has again messaged me to share a bit more of her story.

In Sept of 2000, we were up in Lac La Biche (Plamondon) visiting my dad. It was the yearly local celebration that ran over the long weekend. Kali was playing at the park with Kyrsti and she fell with her sister landing on top of her. As I consoled her, I noticed she looked quite unwell.

As I drove back to Dads house, I looked back at her in her car seat and noticed blood trickling down her neck. It was coming from her mouth.

Further investigation showed the blood to be coming from her gums. It stopped quite quickly so we believed she has sliced a piece on the gum, but over the next two days Kali became lethargic and grey, unable to walk. Kali miraculously got an appointment the next morning with our doctor (whom is a good 4-6 week wait). That morning her little body was covered in little red dots. I had never seen those before. Petechiae is what they are called, a symptom of extremely low platelets (hence the bleeding gums). I sensed her doctor knew just looking at her and sent us for bloodwork immediately. I felt a chill go up my spine. The docs body language and the fact that she told me to go straight to the lab at the hospital and not to stop for coffee gave it away. It took 30 minutes to get blood from our daughter. Her veins had collapsed and she was fighting the nurses. It took 3 of them to hold her down. I went to my moms in ST.Albert directly from the lab and waited. I knew it was going to be bad - but honestly not as bad as what I was told. Within 30 minutes I received a phone call from our doctor telling me to bring Kali to the Stollery to the oncology ward. Leukaemia. Gord came immediately and we took our child in, still believing this was sounding and feeling much worse that it was going to be. After all, Kali nursed for 16 months, ate organic food, and lived in a chemical free home. With my background in the wholistic field, the unspeakable could not be possible.

Then reality hit. A nice young doctor explained to us that we needed to prepare to be there for the next month, and once the pathology report was sent, it would take 12 days to determine what type of Leukaemia she had. I was still just trying to get me head around the fact the we were not leaving, but literally moving in. Still, must have been a mistake. Couldn't be cancer. That happens to children who's parents smoke around them, only feed them junk food, and fail to nurture (was my perception at the time).

A technician came in to take Kali's blood. Not the warmest or the gentlest soul you would ever meet. Not a good representation of the amazing staff we later experienced at the Stollery.

2 1/2 hours and 4 people (including Gord) to hold down our panic stricken little girl while this heartless robot pursued with the torture. I couldn't do it. I broke down while Kali begged her dad to make them stop. I desperately wanted to hit the technician, harder than I've ever executed a punch in my many years of karate. I don't know how Gord resisted the same temptation, but deep down he knew this had to be done.

Her 4 extremities looked like hamburger from the many attempts to put in an IV. Later the nice young doctor was heard tearing a strip off of this technician. Our daughter was soaked with sweat and shaking from the fear and pain of it all.

Parents are supposed to be there for their child, protecting them from harms way. Knowing that our baby begged repetitively during the course of her treatment, for protection from her parents, while we continued to be involved in the acts of force is heartbreaking. The look of hurt and confusion in her face each time we assisted in holding her down for procedures have scarred us forever. Many a time Kali cracked syringes and spit the chemo back in the nurses faces. She was a feisty girl back then. Eventually her spirit left her and she just became weakened and complacent. This continued for many years after, developing as the shy person she became for so long. (thank God that's changing).

The first month of aggressive treatment was to hopefully get Kali into remission. It was shaky and there were many prayer chains for her. Upon arrival her white cell count was at 99% cancer, her red cell count was at 45 (that explained the crash cart next to her bed), and platelet count at 13 (should be a 450). Cardiac arrest and bleeding internally and were prioritized. The nurse later told us that had we waited any longer that day to bring her in she would not have made it. It was many blood and platelet transfusions that first week that saved her.

That month was simply a nightmare (but not that last). There was 33 of them, chemotherapy everyday. Kali's frail little body ballooned up, gaining 10 pounds in 3 weeks from steroids. It seemed that the ongoing morphine could not touch the pain. Sleep only found her (and us) for moments at a time between pain and ongoing IV alarms. Kali's body was continually soaked with sweat that smelled like chemo. We would wrap her up tight in blankets as she had chills and could not seem to warm up. We changed those little striped jammies 3-4 times a day, but within moments - soaked again.

At the time there was only 2 rocking chairs (out of 14 rooms). (We later donated 12 chairs from our first headshave). We would fight for a chair as this seemed to be the one thing that took the edge off, even though she continually moaned non stop. We never left our daughters side through her entire treatment.

This resulted in the immediate loss of my job and the collapse of Gord's thriving business. In no time, we were left with no resources. We watched parents leave their children without a thought to it. A 4 year old boy died with my friend Claire and a nurse at his side because his parents couldn't be bothered to be parents. There was quite a lot of that. Even in emerg, parents would drop off their children on the way to work and pick them up after. I was a real eye opener. It was also eye opening to realize how many of our closest loved ones ditched when we we in our darkest moments.

Kyrsti missed her little sister desperately, and likewise. She celebrated her 4th birthday in the hospital with her best friend who was too sick to help her blow out her candles. Kali only managed a smile when she saw her "Kirtsi". During the really rough spell, Kyrsti felt that Kali went away for a while and this "other Kali" was not really her. Meagan being 14, was in charge for the next 3 years and took care of Mandy and Kyrsti. She was already a responsible helpful kid so this was not too much out of her element. The girls became closer I feel as a result of this trauma in our lives. They were hurting so bad that they could not bring themselves to talk about it with anyone.

Kali's hair started to fall out in chunks. Much like the other kids, it's heartbreaking to watch. One little girl we roomed with (who is on 2 of our videos - who shaved, mom is crying and holding her) lost her hair in hours. Woke up from a nap and half stayed on the pillow. The rest gone by the end of the day.

Kali's took one week. She had only a few sprouts left and I knew I needed to clean it up (it looked awful). I had a friend walk me though the process of shaving over the phone. It took all the strength I could muster to shave my daughters head. Tears were falling down both of our faces as the few remaining wisps hit the sheets. Kali did not understand what was happening to her, much like everything else. She believed for years that it was my fault that she was bald. We had carefully hid the hair from her and with no access to a mirror, she did not know. It's interesting but to this day the sound of the clippers brings me back.

You can imagine what we went through when Kali chose to shave in 06. Despite our desperate attempts to talk her out of it - we endured it all over again. (It amazes us that she wanted to and enjoyed the experience so much, she did it again the following year).

The next 33 months were mostly difficult with a few perks along the way. I will elaborate more in posts throughout my blog. Make-A-Wish was one (that I will also include sometime).

For now, I can no longer continue.

For the record, we run this event because it's the right thing to do. I don't want to come today across as though we get nothing back. We do. There have been many great and wonderful things along the way to offset the difficulties.

Thanks for reading our story.