2 daughters

This post goes to daughter #1 - Meagan and daughter #3 - Kyrsti

We'll start with the younger one.....

Kyrsti has been referred to as a "super baby" since the day of her birth. A highly motivated and cheerful young lady, she just goes and goes. Has been an honors students since the beginning of her 8 school years, kudos to her because this achievement is rightfully earned. Kyrsti is the type of child that will never require a reminding to do her homework or study. She will disappear into her room and just take care of that on her own. She pays attention in class because its a respect issue for her on both sides - respect for the person speaking / teaching and respect for herself to self improve. I find this remarkable.

Last night was awards night at the school. Kyrsti won 4 awards: the Presidential award (as elected school president - which she took VERY seriously), Best Actress (for the play production), Top Honours (93% average), and Most Outstanding Student. The last 2 awards resulted in a 200.00 cash bonus, compliments of the Knights of Columbus. I was beaming with pride, as I know how hard she works for her achievements. The greatest part of her is that she is such a nice kid. Now having said that, because I am superstitious I may as well jump in the billboard and go to the store to get her some black lipstick, hair dye, and a studded leather collar.....

So lets talk about Meagan. She too a superbaby. Born 3 months early at an impressive 3 pounds, Meagan fought to survive from day 1. Walked before her 1st birthday, and grew taller than anyone in the family - (including the men). The bar not being very high for family height.

The nicest girl you'll ever meet (like her other sisters) but dont you dare push her buttons. Underneath that striking appearance and perfect hair is BERT (from Sesame Street). She has a look that resembles his when Earnie has taken it too far (think its the eyebrows...).

Its Meagans birthday, and I wont mention her age because I dont want anyone doing any math to reveal MY age.... We had a great day with her sharing her day and I couldnt help but go back to the days when she was ever so small. Then I remembered missing my baby shower because I was in an air ambulance on my way to Royal Alex Neonatal Unit. The ladies waited and waited for me to show up for my surprise while I huffed and puffed through my contractions at the hospital. I think my daughter owes me some baby gifts....

but having said that she's an incredible daughter and treats her mommy very well. She refers to herself as my sugar daddy always spoiling me, looking out for me, she always has me back and that shocks me considering she was grounded throughout junior high. Let me clarify - grounded because she is a people person and making connections is on her life's list of priorities - not math or social, or cleaning her room.

Meagan is the stylist captain for the event, and does a stellar job with that, much like her career.

My daughter is now engaged to the nicest and neatest young man I've ever met, so I am thrilled about that because we are now stuck with him.

I'll admit, you may have caught me in a boastful moment but I have 4 wonderful daughters that each have their own gifts to offer the world and I wanted to give them a shout out cause I think they deserve it.

To counterbalance my brags, I will ensure that they have extra chores, may throw in a grounding, and the homemade cookies will be rationed.

Megs and Kyrsti - I love ya!! Thank you for being awesome!

Massacure BBQ

On Sunday we had a small gathering at Lions Park, as an appreciation for their many years of volunteer service to the Massacure.

Typically this would be captains, but there were a few extra that have been around for many years, not classified as captain but as Massacure family.

Last year I held a volunteer appreciation at the Park - nicely catered by Darcy's Meats (who volunteered their time and gave us a deal), DJ'd (by our infamous Dusty) gearing up for a minimum of 250. Many hours of planning, and a significant dollar value went into this event, and when the invitation went out - few RSVP'd and the turnout was around 60, mostly captains. This would have potentially be sweet for the masses

as there was great music (thanks Dusty) and a steak or a Bratt (thank you Johnsonville) for everyone. All 400 volunteers (that gave us an email address) were invited.

After much consideration for this year, I decided to hold a small gathering for only those that are strongly connected to the event. Many of them brought a food item (salad, veggies / fruit), the Brats were donated again (thank you Collin P from Johnsonville), McDonald's provided an orange bowl and apple slices, Starbucks - chocolate covered pretzels (OMG) and I supplied the steaks and the rest.

It was a beautiful day and we sure lucked considering the circumstances. There was another HUGE event taking place at the park (Aboriginal Days), which was very cool. We were nicely separated from them, but close enough that we could take a stroll over and check out their celebration. A shout out to my dear friend Nolan (Mayor Crouse) who graciously allowed us to sneak in and grab a shelter. I have to say this to my readers - this is the world's greatest mayor and the nicest man. He truly is with the people, has St.Albert's BEST interest and I am honoured to know him. He came over a couple of times to say hi and give a hug - that was nice.

We had about 60 people, and the same number of dogs. Yikes! No dog ate another and that was thanks to the little squirrel that taunted them for 4 hours, they were all focused on j

him and not each other. Kali Bear even showed up briefly. Didnt realize he had a tongue until that day, guess it was a little hot for him as he usually hibernates at this time. After 30 minutes of visiting children in the park, he too found the squirrel and left.

It was nice to reconnect with some of our peeps. Really missed some as when they are all together the dynamics are off the wall. Its a difficult time of year to get everyone together with the summer beckoning a holiday, or family event.

So thats that. Will do this again next year.

For those of you who celebrated with us, thank you for coming! For those who helped by bringing food, or tearing down - thank you.

I feel pretty lucky to have such great people in my life!

Mandy

Today’s post is dedicated to my daughter Mandy. Mandy is the catalyst that brought me to study natural medicine, and develop an understanding of our medical system.... Mandy prepared me for dealing with Kali.

I am currently sitting in the office of Mandy’s Psychologist who will be working with her on a weekly basis for an extended period of time. I am feeling extremely thankful that her seizures were manageable during those chaotic Massacure months. Now that I have a bit of time to think and breathe, I can tend to matters that affect the family.

I am indebted to my friend Mel (our crazy stylist captain) who pointed us in the direction toward some answers and treatment. Finally. (Thanks GF)

It’s been 21 years since Mandy had a near fatal head injury, and the journey ever since has been interesting to say the least. Like myself – Mandy is accident prone and has a total of 8 concussions in her lifetime (where I have only had 2). She endured 13 of the worst years of her life in the school system where she fell through the cracks of the “education” system and fell victim to the ongoing brutality of her peers. Some misguided children can be very cruel to those struggling with developmental or physical disabilities, needless to say Mandy did not have a favorable childhood (between school and ongoing health issues). On the medical side, not a great experience. Frustrating, and often patronizing. One tends to feel guilty for wasting their precious time, or God forbid asking questions about potential side affects. Any parent who has a child with a long term serious medical condition knows exactly what I am talking about.

Mandy has always had health issues. In 2005 she was placed in Peds Oncology for a tumor spotted on her right kidney. Ironically her room (and bed) was where Kali was diagnosed in and spent her first month of treatment. Complications from that surgery and kidney complications lasted for 3 years.

My daughter has a crazy tolerance to pain, but her feelings are a different story. Those bruise quite easily and we understand why. I am happy to say that she is very happy at her place of employment as a dog groomers assistant – her boss (Jenn) is wonderful to her and has become a friend of the family. Mandy's gift is working with animals (hence - the pink F.R.E.D), and most importantly entertaining her loved ones. Funniest kid EVER.

We are hopeful that she can find relief for the continual head pain and seizures she endures.

It's most amusing when Mandy is exposed to unnecessary drama coming from individuals that can't seem to find their big girl (or big boy) panties. Dare anyone whine about trivial and ridiculous matters, they may get put in their place!

Kids With Cancer Walk / Relay

This Sunday the fam attended the 14th annual Kids With Cancer Walk/Relay at Hawrelak Park. We hadn't beed for some years, and it was long overdue.

Our infamous Dusty was DJing, and the weather was so inviting, seemed like the perfect conditions.

A little while back I had decided to step back from Cancer Family events because it was becoming harder to cope emotionally (for me personally). Every little bald head, or broken parent was a solemn reminder of a place I did not wish to return to, nor had the coping skills to deal with in a healthy fashion. Seemed like my tolerance had diminished (unlike the year when I ran a support group with my friend Carol).

My last trip to the Peds Oncology (with the dogs) was the breaking point for me (past post).

Oddly enough, this day I wanted to be among fellow cancer families and those beautiful little baldies. I saw kids there that I knew from past, some looked great (like normal healthy kids), others had deteriorated significantly since the last time I had seen them, and 2 in particular (miracles) are still with us. These 2 children each had good bye parties (5 years back), both has only weeks to live. Amazing.

A flood of memories filled me as we approached the grounds:

I remembered carrying Miss Kali on my shoulders for 2 of the 2.5 km. I remembered how some of the nurses made such a fuss over her, my friend Claire attending the walk with her (despite her loss - young Megan), and my other friend Robin who performed regular and numerous Reiki treatments on Kali (and myself) during those 3 rough years of treatment. Then I recalled this event being a 'feel good" one, for some reason i cant make out - it just is.

We always opted for the walking portion (2,5 km) the loop around the lake due to Kali's legs, BUT next year if the conditions are right (we are ALL fit enough) I would like to try the run (5 K). We have been jogging every night with the morons (dogs), so this may be possible.... I think this would be a great testimony to healing, for Kali and her leg issues, and myself with my life long lung issues. I think we can do it!

Regarding our affiliation with Kids With Cancer. As some of you may already know - Hair Massacure supported this organization for 4 years. I made a switch in 2006 because I was interested in funding a specific research program for childhood cancer, which at the time they did not offer. This is when Hair Massacure switched to Stollery, however this decision did not come easily, and there was certainly a level of guilt experienced when one leaves a cause to support another. In the end, children diagnosed with cancer continue to benefit from our cause, but family support no longer continued. One day, as we expand - I hope for possibility to include more.

Earnst and Young - nomination for Entrepreneur of the Year. Finalist for Edmonton Region

So.... I have been nominated for Entrepreneur of the year (through Earnst and Young). My category is "Social Entrepreneur" and I am a finalist in the Edmonton region in this category. There are

2 more from the prairies (Calgary and Saskatchewan). Whomever makes the finalist position of us 3 will move onto represent the Prairies

I attended a nominees reception on June 10th with Nicki and Jaime. Jaime came as one of my major sponsors, and Nicki was contacted by the V.P. of E and Y (Darcy) a couple of months back. He wanted her to fill out a nomination form on my behalf, as he had heard about our event, studied it and felt I was a perfect fit for this category. I was interviewed last month at the office by the VP and CEO (see post). Nicki would be considered my nominator. The winner last year in the Social Entrepreneurial category was Gloria Meldrum (founder and chair) of Little Warriors. We had a sweet opportunity to hook with her at the reception (she was the speaker for the evening). After 2 minutes of conversation with this lady, I felt immediately at ease. I was very nervous preparing for the evening, and considered a barf bag propped up against me on the drive there. I realized that I did not necessarily have to completely behave for the duration of the evening after my conversation with Gloria, she is very much at home anywhere which I like every much and have adopted into my own personal life (with exception this this particular situation being amongst the "suits"- very intimidating).

I wore black this day, not white (for obvious Tammy reasons), stable shoes (tripping sometimes an issue), applied Dry Idea twice (just in case), and spit out the gum. For 2 hours, I tried to look professional and put together, until my hair got stuck in the curtains. Then I put my plate of food on the ledge (just behind jaime) and she leaned her bum against it, we snickered during speeches only a bit. Then I didn't know where to go when they called my name to pick up my certificate, got confused and headed for the stage instead of the back wall. Then we met Gloria, and like I said - I was able to relax. This lady is amazing.

We also met a gal who owns Gravity Pope (Louise Dirks). Very nice gal. Generously offered to help the cause (as Gloria did)

Apparently Ellen LOVES her shoes and endorses them on her show. I NEED Ellen - desperately. Had to hold back sharing this information with her.

SO now, I wait until July sometime when the judges review all of our information and select one per category. The finalists that represent their category will go on to Calgary in October for a finalist Gala with over 1000 people in attendance.

Anyhoo... I can breathe a bit now. Regardless, this is great opportunity for Hair Massacure.

Women of Distinction Gala

I would like to dedicate this post to 3 incredible Women of Distinction:

http://www.ywcaofedmonton.org/pro_distinct.php

My 13 year old daughter Kyrsti (who wows me every day)

My friend Jaime Caza (Community Relations for McDonald's Corporate Restaurants)

My friend Deborah Mckinnon (Associate - prior Senior Manager, Corporate Giving Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation).

I'd like to start with Kyrsti.

Kyrsti was always a "super baby", an over achiever, excelling at nearly everything she attempted, and game to try nearly everything. Always positive, never moody or difficult, and

very conscience about quality of life.

In her group (18 and under), she was among 5 18 year old girls, a very difficult category. Kyrsti's nominator was Jaime Caza, and received supporting letters for her nomination from myself (Hair Massacure), Stollery, Make-A-Wish, and her school.

Her qualifications include: School President, 2nd degree Black Belt (and assistant instructor) in Uechi Ryu Karate, 5 years in Hip Hop (choreography and volunteer experience), basketball league (school), photographer/ youth coordinator / member-planning committee for Hair Masscure, and various volunteer opportunities for charitable organizations such as Kids With Cancer, Make-A-Wish, Children's Miracle Network and Ronald McDonald House.

Kyrsti did not take home the trophy, but handled the situation very well and immediately went over to congratulate the chosen nominee. That spoke volumes on the type of young lady she is.

To us, she won. Those that know her would support this.

Next up is Deborah. 3 1/2 years ago, Deb and I did not mesh very well. I was assigned to her as one of her largest accounts, so we had to work closely together. I was not fond of this interference. I drove her crazy with my Tammyisms and lack of organization. She drove me crazy with her "demands" and silly rules. I stored every piece of information about the Massacure in my little head (and MY computer) and did not like to "share", making tracking an impossibility for Stollery. Deb followed protocol, Tammy changed (or tried to change) protocol. Tammy hugged, Deborah showered after hugs.... Somewhere along the way we managed to meet in the middle, and have been great friends ever since. She hugs me now.

Like the onion on Blindside, Deb has gradually revealed herself to the point where my fondness and respect for her is huge. I was her nominator. Last year, she wrote a supporting letter for me. Deb did not bring home a trophy in the business category, but we all feel that she is still the winner for all of her business accomplishments over the years. Deb was responsible for managing over 2000 acounts, as well as pairing Stollery and Make-A-Wish together (my wish came true). She should have won. Now Deb is working for Toronto Sick Kids Hospital, and managing the Children's Miracle Network. We all miss her.

Jaime Caza. I met Jaime in 2006, looking for sponsorship from McDonalds. For 2 years I knew Jaime in that capacity - as my sponsor. I often make a point to get to know my sponsors on a personal level, so occasionally we would hook up for coffee.

Then one day she invited me to her birthday party and everything changed. I saw Jaime in another light.... and I knew I loved her! She's crazy too! Jaime shared her friends and family, which I consider a huge honor. It was quite some time after that when I figured out that she qualified as a wish mom (her daughter Kailey a wish child). I was Kaileys wish grantor and the relationship continued to grow.

Jaime's involvement in her community is huge, particularly with Ronald McDonald House and Hair Massacure. She has sponsored and supported many an organization (and individuals) over the years, and she herself has had an incredible journey. Her category was Turning Point. This was mine from last year. I am her nominator, and knew last year as I was chosen that Jaime was a perfect candidate. I think she should have won based on her impact her in Edmonton, but whatever....

Jaime handled the situation very well also (although a little different than Kyrsti...) - 3 bottles of wine and the funniest pictures taken in history. Christie and Natasha accompanied (and empowered) her, while her mother and husband watched the action. We all feel that had she won, the mood may not have been so "relaxed".... lol (had to be there...).

The judges see only what they are presented with, and make a decision based on a few support letters and a brief bio. This is all relative to how the information is processed (on paper), and I dont feel this is an accurate way to decide who is a winner - they all are.

This particular evening was one of the funnest events I have ever attended. Deborah and Jaime were footloose and fancy free, Kyrsti and I could not stop laughing (at Jaime, Christie and Deborah), our entire family in tow and friends from Stollery and Make-A-Wish (next table). It was a blast! Cheers to the nominees!

Red Deer Massacure

Well, Red deer is officially Massacured! 37,000 later and it still rolls in.

On Saturday, the girls and I boarded the billboard (Massacar) and hauled our somethings out to the Costco parking lot (Red Deer) where the event was to be hosted. I had been checking the weather all week and despite the grim forecast, felt optimistic that the sun was going to grace us with its presence. Darcy (marketing manager for Costco, and more importantly - the host of this Massacure) was highly optimistic and reminded me to bring the sunscreen.

As we left home, the wipers rapidly shifted from slow to fast, the rain had slowed down all traffic, still unlike the conditions as we moved closer to Red Deer. White-out. It's the end of May for Pete sake!! Again, I will wonder why my ancestors managed to migrate all the way from France and stopped here?

The Costco parking lot was missing 25o cars (from the Show N Shine that was planned in the parking lot that day - with Massacure in the midst of it). Customers were having much difficulty pushing their buggies to their vehicles in the 5 inches of slush. I felt for Darcy as this man had worked so hard to make this event really show and shine.

The Massacure was held inside instead (where the carts are stored), the back wall decorated with balloons sold for the Miracle Network in this "Miracle" month of May.

Tina (our wonderful Merch Captain) dragged 40 boxes of merchandise with Aunty Donna in tow, and sold 1,700! Well done ladies!! This is the same woman who insisted all of her staff at Walmart "go pink", then the following year hauled her 5 day old baby girl out the event for the entire day and sold merch. Crazy (and admirable)!

Many employees at Costco were involved with the event, and were so nice to us - we felt very welcome there. One young girl in particular stuck out in my mind - 19 year Kaley (who asked Kali to shave her pink locks just one month ago). Sometimes amongst the many I meet on an ongoing basis, there is one that pops - its her. She's definitely going places!

They stylists from "The Cat's Meow", and students from Marvel (including the instructor Kim) were very warm and treated the Proud Victims like gold.

Overall a great experience for all involved and the warmth in the building largely made up for the chill outside.

Well done everyone, particularly Darcy the driving force behind establishing a new location.

Thank you for your hard work and sacrifice, I am certain that there will be more to follow.