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!