Hair Massacure

Tammy's Updates.

2012-01-21T22:15:00.000-08:00

I haven't written a blog for quite sometime. I miss it, but quite frankly there is no more space in Tammy brain for words at the end of the day, nor time to write it. EVERY day there is a blog in my head.

Lets see... from Jan 10 -

Pink Kick off on Breakfast TV went very well - 50 pinkees! Packed the house - over 20 AAA Hockey players in jerseys, Totem managers, teachers / students, our infamous Paul L to name a few. Bridget Ryan hosted her 8th pinking! Prior to the segment, unloaded more than coffee and cream in front of the hockey players unpacking my car (cream spilled everywhere...), tricked Pat (our school rep / registration Goddess) into kissing a mannequin head, bantered with Romy our photographer, and left "pinked" (thanks Megs and Mel).

FRED's pinking at the shop (Krazy Klipz) went well. Mandy and I did not turn him purple like last year. He is looking "normal" to us now when he's pink and he's touring LOTS of places.

3 year old girl at a school presentation politely asks if she can pet my llama ... wanted to a blog about that.

FRED "self soothing" himself during presentations and tv interviews. If it weren't for the sounds, I may not clue in and tug the leash.

Folks are still asking if this is his real natural colour. I say yes.

We have a new website! Its totally sponsored by Pure Logic (WE LOVE you Carmel) and a new on-line registration page. Few glitches from the switch, but WAY better that before.

Kali and I are both participating. Have no time to solicit for pledges. Hope my head is worth something in the end....

LOTS of schools and teams this year! EXCITING! Kids helping kids.....

This is neat....

One of our cheer kids we coach approached me in practice with pictures from 07 (her first shave).

Little did I know she was the same little girl who missed the Massacure at the mall and found her way to Make-A-Wish to get shaved up (while we were unloading that night). Small world. This is her fifth year participating.

That was a blog in my head about repeats (which BLOWS my mind that folks return year after year).

Drove around with Kali last weekend popping into as many Save Ons, Totems, and McD's as we could to say hi and thank you for selling Kali Bears, Kali Pink, hard hats - took note of passing our many busses and billboards with the 3 boys. Speaking of that (and repeats) - the mom emailed us!

I was so curious if we would ever hear of them or their reactions (they will be returning for their 5th year!). Yay!

I KNOW there is more but I can't remember it all....

Brandi and Jaime, Christie and Pat, Darcy and myself all going nuts trying to keep up with HM - ..... another blog.

Brandi has no time to attend events this year (I feel bad for her) as she's swallowed up by tasks / inquiries flooding in. Jaime's shedding serious pounds just chasing, Pat choked me again last week during a pinking, Christie hair looks like she's been electrocuted (wonder why...) and Darcy is all by himself in Red Deer taming the beast.

I am doing ok. Little tired. Threw out another toothbrush confusing Preparation H (for the eyes...) with my Colgate, showed up for Global interview with "pink eye" - clued in and moved my nose drops away from my eye drops on my night stand, using plastic baggies for dental floss (not a good idea to apply lipstick prior to), still driving around with bottles of hair colour in my cup holders, and auto correct in my phone continues to get me in trouble.

Having an inside battle with "letting GO of things (tasks that others can manage), that shall be an upcoming blog.

On the "not so good..."

My little cousin has had 4 comas since mid December. We are worried sick about that. Visited her today at Stollery. She's my special little kid, always with a smile.

A family very dear to us (who participated 2 years ago) are praying hard for their son Auston as he awaits specialized radiation to hopefully shrink a tumour on the brain stem,

my step mom is going for open heart surgery in a couple of weeks (a possible effect from the 25 radiation treatments last spring on her left breast), and tomorrow I shall take my dad for his post heart attack tests which we are booth apprehensive about.

Lots going on....

Hope to be in touch soon!

Christmas updates

2011-12-28T21:35:00.000-08:00

Hi folks, Merry belated Christmas!

First update shall be about my little cousin Taylor. I am pleased to say that my Taylor was released to our family just in time for a mid afternoon Christmas meal. Still weak and shaken from her ordeal in ICU, Taylor managed to endure a couple of hours of visiting from the couch (with a smile).

Ironically the first thing she came out with upon entering my moms house was "Kali, what did you do to your wrist?" These kids are like that.

Kali really didn't know what to say. A fracture pales in comparison to a coma.

Despite the fact that Santa greeted Taylor (and all kids) at the Stollery - with his full on sleigh, toy bag and gifts - our family felt that his delivery of her to US was by far the best.

It was a great Christmas. I still don't care about the gifts.

But I aint gonna lie... I care about the food.

Jaime is in BC with her family visiting with her dad who was also just released from ICU. I know she is feeling helpless in regards to his health.

As parents we have the authority and ability to control the situation with our children's health, living conditions, exposures, etc.

Any parent that chooses to opt out of nurturing - I personally feel you should be tarred and feathered at the very least .... (just sayin'... ).

As children of older parents, we do not have that control unless it has progressed to extreme conditions where power of attorney takes effect. Sometimes after all of our support, all of our efforts, advice and resources exhausted - all we can do is pray for them and watch for the outcome.

I speak from experience as my own father and step mom are both recently fighting very serious health issues that have turned our family to prayers.

Jaime is praying too and soaking up precious time with her family in BC.

I am soaking my family at home. <3

Unfortunately winter months (campaign season) are not conducive to connecting with family very much, so this break has been very nice.

Brandi... well we believe she is on a lovely well deserved holiday (at least thats was her story when she left). Smoke and screetch from her tires in the Make-A-Wish parking lot Friday at 5 may have indicated she needed a break.

The GPS we fastened to her ankle when we took off the shackles has lost signal. Jaime and I have our fingers crossed... but then again - she really does love us. :)

A few more day after new years and the campaign will explode.

With HM on Feb 3, we have a very short window to cram our chaos into. I suspect lots of caffeine chocolate and Ritalin (for me) will be on the list.

Here are a few updates for you:

McDonalds Corporate Restaurants (BIG returning sponsor) shall be selling Kali Bears again as well as feeding our 400 volunteers (BTW - these paper kali bears were Jaime's brainchild when she implemented them years back as the C.R.)

Totem - our new BIG sponsor shall be selling Kali Bears and Pink Hard Hats (brain child of Paul Liimatainen years back - implemented by Paul Hobbs GM of Totem AB). Just discovered Kali Bears as far south as Lethbridge and north Grand Prairie!

Save On Foods - (returning BIG sponsor) shall be selling Kali Bears and Kali Pink / bleach and hair extensions in all Northern Alberta locations!

Corus Radio - Along with our returning big media sponsor CISN, they shall have CHED and JOE in tow this year - very excited to work with all of them!

West Edmonton Mall - if you haven't heard yet - they have donated the Ice Palace!

Romy Young Photography - will be working with us on creative design (check out our Xmas photos included in this blog), capturing and organizing photos and a promo video for next year.

We have a new social media sponsor (excited to share more SOON) - Pure Logic Solutions!

We have of course more wonderful sponsors that shall be showcased throughout this blog at a later time, just wanted to update on the new exciting items.

Stay tuned for more - perhaps another sponsor or too shall bless us for this anniversary event.

Tam

When Kailey got her wish!

2011-12-27T09:31:00.000-08:00

I would love to share for you my families experience with our daughter being a recipient with Make-A-Wish.

I want to tell you specifically about the day she received the news that she would be getting to make a wish.

My daughter has had to fight for her life, literally since the moment she was born.....12 years ago.

When we first were told of Kailey being selected we were overwhelmed with many emotions. Grateful, Joy but to be honest it was a little sad too. To have your child selected it means they suffer with a "life threatening illness". The reality of this, to be blunt is that if Kailey gets sick or any cold, and it enters her lungs or even if she was to take a sip of a glass of water, we could lose our daughter.

This is something that as a parent of a child in this predicament, you avoid acknowledging. We strive to make Kailey's life as normal as possible and enjoy every healthy breath and once in a while it settles in just how scared you are. For me, her being selected was one of those moments. We knew Kailey was going to be presented with this moment a couple weeks before, so it was a good "processing time". When you have a sick child you are often riddled with guilt, what if's and wish I would of or wish I could just moments. I had time to "process" my crap and decide to take in the joy that this wish was going to mean.

So off to the Make-A-Wish building in the west end of Edmonton with a bunch of the people that could make it that morning and that have been a part and watched Kailey through many battles. Dad, Me, Gramma (my mom), Auntie Christie and Kailey's long time aide Teresa. I knew Marta, (at the time she worked with MAW) and Tammy was our volunteer wish granter. We piled into the office and I am sure Kailey had no clue what was going on. Marta then begins to tell Kailey what MAW is about and delivers the news "Kailey, you have been nominated by your incredible doctor (our beloved angel Dr.McGonigle) to make a wish.

I look at my beautiful daughters face and in that second remember how many times we watched this precious face in sheer pain, held her down for needles and procedures and locked our eyes and hearts on the medical monitors begging God to PLEASE let her stay with me. Instead this time I see absolute JOY. I am thinking about how amazing this child is, thank God for her stubborn nature.

Kailey looks confused, excited and just in awe. We take a minute to clarify, "Kailey, YOU are getting to wish for anything or to meet anyone you want!" She bursts into laughter...it takes her little time to say "I WISH TO MEET JOE JONAS!!!!" I was not surprised! Marta explains that she has to make 3 wishes just in case they can't facilitate one..she looks astounded..."I WISH TO SWIM WITH DOLPHIN's" and "MEET ZAC EFRON"!! As we all cry and enjoy this the happiness my daughter is feeling I realize that she has already begun to change because of this wish and she has not even known for one hour yet! I see confidence bursting from her smile like I have never seen before.

As we walk to the car, I look at her face deep in thought and I ask this little miracle what she is thinking and this 9 year old child says to me something that I will never forget and she has no idea how profound the statement is. But with this statement it exactly describes the reason wishes for children in her position are so vital as we all know the child with spirt and joy has the energy to continue to fight.

Kailey says to me " This is the first time in my life that I have actually been given something because of my disability and not had something taken away". This is so accurate.

This is why I am so passionate about this organization. I saw my daughter change that day and we now have this wonderful memory to focus on when she is having a bad day or is not well. That's a gift I do not know how to ever say enough thanks for.

Praying for Taylor

2011-12-24T10:34:00.000-08:00

I find a lot of irony in this particular blog.

This will be the 2nd Taylor that I have requested prayers for in the past year.

I thank God for the miracluous success with little Taylor (#1) who fought all odds last year with the rapidly growing tumours in her brain that called for an urgent widespread prayer chain. Taylor had an estimated 3 weeks left ... she's been recently captured in the cutest pics sitting on Santas knee (where I believe all children should be sitting close to Christmas time).

Now Im praying for a new Taylor. My Taylor.

She's my little cousin who I adopted as "my little kid" dating back to when she was born. We spend every Christmas together and now Im struggling with the second piece of irony.

My last 2 blogs:

http://hairmassacure.blogspot.com/2011/12/take-it-all-in.html

http://hairmassacure.blogspot.com/2011/12/climbing-out-of-christmas-despair.html

both reflect children suffering in hospital - going through the holiday season.

How could I have known that days after my last blog that another young family member would be taken to this place.... that I would return to this place.

Im feeling torn between my own selfish feelings and triggers and feelings for Taylor and all of the kids at Stollery right now. I shouldnt take this internally, I feel guilty for doing so.

I learned yesterday that its packed in Stollery right now :(

I also learned that Taylor was just transferred from ICU (a good thing) to 4E3 (our old stomping ground - Peds Oncology). Yuck.

I will return for a visit tomorrow and I will wear a smile for her, but inside Im absolutely dreading it. I don't want to go back in there at Christmas time, but again this is not about me.

Taylor was taken in this week by ambulance from her school. From what I understand she fell into her coma right there and then. Taylor is diabetic among other threatening conditions that impede her birthright to be healthy and normal.

When Taylor woke up a couple of days later, we breathed a sigh of relief until we learned that

her condition is still not understood and they are just treating symptoms.

Again, through the sick worry we are all so grateful that she is at the Stollery. She is really getting the best care she could receive in the country.

My last visit with her in ICU reflected a ton of teasing followed by soft little giggles.

I would not go in there and feel heavy, instead I would be the same Tammy that she is accustomed to.

I asked her why she chose this particular method of skipping school, what was up with her hair, why she decides to take "naps" in the middle of the day and why she seems to think she needs a higher IV tower than everyone else? I told her that when she decides to cause some trouble I would help her, and that I was gonna tell on her to my daughter Meagan about the hair thing (Megs is her hair stylist).

Every giggle was like music, every smile was gold.

Still I left feeling like I had been hit by a truck (and I really have - so I know the feeling).

I dont understand why some children are meant to suffer and why "bad guys" often go unscathed.

Like everyone who has lost or been affected by a suffering child - we feel desperate and helpless at the same time.

I will update my Christmas visit to Stollery, stay tuned.

Jaime's Gadgets

2011-12-23T07:30:00.000-08:00

Something you would learn about me rather quickly is how much I love new gadgets. I love iPods and iPads and if my husband had not locked the shopping channel, I will believe that you NEED to boil eggs in little cups and all I need is one more hand blender. I love any kind of object that makes life easier. Why wouldn't I? Life as a working mom is busy and any little job means more time with my kids...lol...or my gadgets.

The problem I have is that the gadgets don't see to like me! I have had my computer crash more times than I can count, I think I may be on a list somewhere to mail viruses to me to see if they work! And they always do! So what did I do to combat this issue? I started learning how to back my files up, the problem with that is that I actually have experienced my back up files crashing! So, to be ahead of this I decide to back up my back up files...now I am so confused as to where the files are and even more confused than when my computer crashes!

Then there is the battery problem, I have spent more hours searching for chargers than the average person spends sleeping! I seem to run out battery power more often than any other person I know. I am quite confident my skin gives off a battery charge that helps to drain batteries! I have owned more cameras than your can imagine due to the fact that I have lose the chargers!

So, is it no surprise then when I get introduced to the world of the "Mac" computers I would suffer serious frustrations?? Thank god for Glen Peters and his super powers of fixing Jaime's computer issues...over and over and OVER again...I think when he hears a DING in the middle of the night he is now accustomed to to thinking, " what did she do now?"

So I finally get up and running and learn some cool tricks and decide, I need to own an iPad! There is this new wonderful gadget called, "iCloud"! Not only does it sound really cool, I am positive this will make my life so much easier! My hubby should have booked Glen for his duration of Christmas holidays before he decided this ipad would be the perfect Christmas gift for me!

Glen made plans to go home with his OWN family for Christmas and I am not sure I will be okay without my super computer fixing friend! So, in the 3 days I have owned this iPad ( we opened presents early in my house due to traveling for Christmas), Glen had to update my entire system on my Mac. His first mistake was sending me home With the computer installing as it was taking a really long time, but he was confident I could handle this and the system would walk me through what to do next! So, I thought I did that right, whew! Quite chuff with myself I decide, I am on fire and I can handle updating the new iPad, then set up the cloud! I discover late at night (cause that's when my computer crashing skills are the strongest) I have lost the capability in the upgrade to use microsoft word or excel files...problem..ALL MY FILES ARE WORD OR EXCEL!!!!

Again Glen hears the DING at 11:30 at night and replies back....again...What did you do????

I know this may sound spoiled but I know not to worry to much, because super Glen, I know, will get me up and running...again...and I am sure in the near future...again.

Thank you Mr. Super fixing friend for all your incredible patience....DING..I need help!

What I REALLY want for Christmas

2011-12-21T14:21:00.000-08:00

Well, here we are just four sleeps until Christmas. As I recently said on Twitter - that count only applies if you are actually sleeping :)

We put so much pressure on ourselves to do more, buy more, be more at this time of year, don't we? Why is that? Truth be told most of us have everything we need. Friends and family ask "What do your kids/you want/need for Christmas?" in genuine hopes of fulfilling wishes. The honest answer would usually be "Nothing". Yes, maybe we could do with a new pair of slippers (mine are actually my crocs) or a new waffle iron (cause I really like waffles) or a new... wait - I can't say more in case my kids read this! But my point is we actually don't need more stuff.

What I'd really like this Christmas is the ability to slow down, unplug from technology, and just be in the moment. I'd like to watch the excitement in my son's eyes when he opens the BIG box behind the tree from his Nana instead of rushing to clean up the paper. I'd like to linger in the moment when my daughter sees the thoughtfully chosen gift from her brother. And I'd like to savour the laughter that I know is going to come when my honey opens the little-bitty box in the corner.

What I often lack is the ability to stop thinking. Stop planning. Stop evaluating. I wish I could just "be". Maybe it's a learned thing. And I'm really trying to learn it. My goal this year is to slow down and not let the little pressures get to me so much. Working at HM, you'd think I would have automatically grown more able to appreciate the little things - considering the families we meet are struggling with such heart-wrenching situations. Don't get me wrong, I do appreciate small victories (mine are often associated with finishing a document or solving a process-related problem). I just wonder why all these pressures still get to me when I should be more grateful for all I have and what goes right.

So, my wish for all of us this Christmas is that we do some of the things we talk about. Hug more, smile more, worry less, slow down and be in the moment. Remember the line that says "Life isn't about the breaths we take, but the moments that take our breath away". I wish you LOTS of those moments.

Merry Christmas,
Brandi

Take it all in

2011-12-18T14:49:00.000-08:00

I have been reflecting today. My rekindled Christmas spirit that I spoke about in my last blog is still alive and well.

I am visiting with my cousin Becky, a dedicated Missionary from South Africa.

Becky has been away from the family for 6 years now, beckoned by God to leave her long standing job with Telus and all of her possessions to help children in a far away land. Her obedience to the divine message has allowed all of the necessary doors to open which have provided her with everything she needs to sustain herself as a missionary.

Coming back to Canada once a year continues to be a culture shock for her.

Children afflicted with Aids and Hep B surround her daily, lives lost weekly, stabbings, corruption and poverty - everyday life. She chooses to embrace. She does not see kids in hospital beds - this is for the rich.

There are no toys, no teddy bears, wishes for kids, Christmas trees, carols, fancy baking, or fundraising events.

The children need food and medicine. They need support, education, and healthy mentorship.

Its all about perspective.

What Im reflecting about is OUR children here.

If you have children, or are an older sibling, or have some type of relationship with a child - give them your time.

Invest in the development of their character.

Play cards or a board game. Its remarkable how a simple game can teach a child so many values and life skills.

A game can provide opportunity to teach a child healthy competition, patience, self confidence, strategy, loosing gracefully and developing genuine excitement for your winning opponent.

Many valuable social skills can be developed within such a simple little opportunity.

So why do we opt for technology as parents?

As society leans towards virtual connections and television, our children and teens are living and playing independently. They miss out on these vital social opportunities.

As Becky pointed out to me - "its like we all live on our own little islands".

In the Christmas season - bake cookies with your kids.

Construct a gingerbread house.

Plan and cook your Christmas meal as a family.

Build a snowman.

Go skating on a pond.

Take in a hay ride.

Visit with friends and family.

Sing some carols.

Pick up some real games for your family.

Then think of the kids that cannot do these things.

There are quietly fighting in hospital beds.

Many of them cannot have family around them due to compromised immune systems.

Many are not wishing for toys, gadgets or things - they have greater wishes.

In a blink of an eye, our kids will grow up and start their own lives.

Grab your kid and play a game.

Climbing out of Christmas despair

2011-12-13T08:30:00.000-08:00

11 years ago, we spent Christmas in the Peds Oncology unit at the Stollery.

Our daughter Kali at the age of 2 1/2 was more aware of her current state of being than most 10 year olds.

She fully understood that Christmas was not going to be experienced in the same way it was portrayed by the visual clues around her.

Christmas is cosmic fun and excitement to a child. Families celebrating, visiting Santa at the mall, singing carols, eating goodies and the heightened anticipation of Santa's visit (whats inside my presents?) is magic for kids.

Children aught not to be praying for their lives so as not to devestate their families in their permenent absence during the festive season. We saw plenty of this with the older kids.

With our Kali, it was simply a crushing of her little spirits that we watched helplessly.

A child needs their family around them during celebration and crisis - not in Oncology.

Sadly, the presense of family to a child lacking an immune system will place their fragile lives at great risk.

Cancer patients cannot enjoy home baking due to handling (germs), therefore festive baking must be secretly consumed by immediate family members away from the patient.

To ask family and friends to leave the hospital or your home is beyond awkward, in some cases it destroys relationships due to a lack of understanding its severity. Its also very lonely without ones peeps.

Visiting the mall to see Santa and Christmas displays is not an option when white counts are critically low (which is often).

Lining up with other children to sit on Santas knee is simply out of the question.

So then what is Christmas? It's redefined.

It means "Im too sick to get out of my bed to watch the snow fall, too sick to eat Christmas baking, to weak to sing or celebrate with family .... (hmmmm .... celebrate what??),

I just want Christmas to be over".

To be surrounded by such despair can truly impair a parents perspective about Christmas or any other celebratory occasion.

I can't speak for Gord, but for myself it has taken me 11 years to find the festive spirit and embrace it.

Our first Christmas, (inside our modified lifestyle) lead me down a path of holiday resentment.

I did not want any exposures around me - no tree, no decorations, no carols, (baking... well I compromised).

Treatment left us flat broke with no opportunity to leave our child to shop, so the salvation army paid a visit to our home with a Christmas meal and gifts for our kids. It was humbling to say the least.

Gifts and baking flooded in from our community and karate school.

My mom (who's all about Christmas) bypassed her grinch daughter and brought over a tree and decorated it for the other girls left at home.

I had selfishly robbed my other kids of their right to celebrate.

Mom was NOT ok with that. I received her gentle kick to the derrière with humility.

Appreciation and gratitude for these kind gestures were fully experienced, but not enough to lure me into the festive spirit.

Even the surprise visit from Santa at Stollery Christmas morning - via a real sleigh (assembled in Stollery), and an authentic massive bag bursting with gifts for the young patients was stirring... but not enough to move me.

I have been quietly boycotting the movement ever since. Containing my feelings (or lack thereof) Ive played along with my ho hum attitude each year so as not to totally demolish my family's right to feel holiday pleasure.

I guess time eventually heals.

Im proud to say that this year I have a REAL tree, as I desperately wanted to take in Christmas with all of my senses.

The smell of the tree when I walk in my front door reminds me of what I have missed out on for so long. My home decorated early this year, my choice (not begrudgingly - for the sake of the kids), and Ive even hummed along to a few tunes. Baking is coming along nicely and I'M cooking this years turkey.

Yesterday we did a neat little Christmas photo shoot for Hair Massacure (which will be revealed very soon) and tomorrow we are having a small gathering of HM peeps to celebrate the season.

I can't ever say that Christmas has returned to me in the same fashion.

I will always feel annoyed with the hype, exagerated marketing, unnecessary financial pressures and obligations, and wasted focus towards aspects of Christmas that do not reflect spirit.

my wish for all of you to feel spirit as did the Wisemen who awaited the miracle that ultimately created CHRISTmas.

Goin' to Grande Prairie

2011-12-08T16:01:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Jaime and I ventured out to Grande Prairie to spread a little Massacure around. Neither of us had been there, the size of the city surprised us.

Prior to our early departure I updated my GPS to ensure that I would not get us lost (it pains me to say that being a trappers daughter did not influence my sense of direction).

Tracking my mileage, I realized that we travelled further within the town limits than travelling to it - GPS you are NOT my friend.

"Save On Foods" took us to a school, "Totem" took us to a residential area, "McD's" took us clear around the town - the long way, as did the hotel which lead us on a dirt road, and the "movie theatre" was 271 miles away.

Jaime became the navigation with her blackberry uttering verbal directions to a person with ADHD who is directionally challenged.

Meeting at Save On Foods went very well. We referred to ourselves as Divas of Massacure and the staff there seemed to be the perfect fit for us - they're nuts too :)

As Jaime spoke of sponsorship details, I drifted off into my phone in desperate search of every stupid picture I could find - a story HAD to be told.

Of course I had pics of various Save On events - my fav being "dudes in dresses" day.

Regional manager bearing his oranges (squeezed from behind) whilst wearing a pink dress and sporting pink hair. He just happened to be up there yesterday.... I needed to share.

Oh and here's one of an armpit shave, here is a hairy chest and check out this guys legs.....

An impressive hair donation, ya'll know Dawn Marie? I could have went on and on...

They are very excited to sell Kali Bears for their walls. I could not find the actual version of the bear - only the revised version where I defaced by adding braces and pimples. Kali wasn't hugely impressed, but I think they liked it.

Save On will also sell Kali Pink and hair extensions, following suit of the stores out here.

Next we hooked up with a friend Kalie, a high achieving charasmatic participant of Red Deer, now resident of GP. She became inspired by the concept, the story and my daughter - now compelled to share in new territory. I remember being mesmorized by how pink had complimented her face, then her hair came off - another wow.

After our enjoyable hook up with Kalie, the movie theatre beckoned us. We needed to decompress. The theatre that hosted Breaking Dawn did not have heat, over an above a draft that caused visible breath and ovaries to shrivel. My full visit to the mens washroom must have been influenced by hypothermia, we opted to change theaters.

Over late supper Jaime's name was dropped and recognized (from her previous career) by a young man who revered her in the highest honor. We all agreed with him that she is very nice (for someone who so prominent). He proudly informed us that he knew her. She did not know him.

I have had this happen to me a few times. Most interesting to have a discussion about yourself with someone who apparently knows you.

Supper was eaten in the car, both of us still thawing from the theatre - unprepared to leave a heated car with a heated seat. Checking into the hotel was kinda fun.

Hotel staff assumed we were a couple. Resembling the movie - pale skin, blue lips, dark circles... we were Bella and Edward. Or maybe it was the discussion about sharing a bed and wanting a jacuzzi?

Hotel room was a tad chilly as well. At 4 am our lips were still blue, we both shivered off the calories we had consumed at supper. By morning - an epiphany.

The big space heater lured our bums over to have a seat atop a blasting surge of heat, Marilyn Monroe style. Did not want to leave our spot for a cold seat in the awaiting vehicle.

Off to Totem Building supplies. Lost and late, thanks G.P.S. (initials now have new application....)

Another success, more paper Kali Bears sold, and a concept launched as a result of a highly engaged participant Paul who's brain child became the pink hard hat campaign.

Speaking of brain child - Kali Bears originated in Jaime's brain years back when McD's launched that in their restaurants.

Now we have grocery, hardware, fast food and pubs selling these.

Kali baby, you are sure getting around.

The ride home was carefree, singing along to itunes and reading aloud Brandi's tweets, and blogs (which are developing some nice flavour and interest). Brandi darling - YOU ARE FUNNY.

Jaime you are a great travelling companion. Brandi you are coming next time!

Grande Prairie, we will visit you again.

Thank you for the enthusiasm and support!

A helpful volunteer

2011-12-08T08:52:00.000-08:00

You know, sometimes I wonder what makes a person volunteer. I mean, we're all busy right? Why on earth would we want to give up what precious little time we have, and what's more - not get paid for it?

OK before you start rolling your eyes THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS (though that will come in January...).

I'm actually pondering this because across my desk earlier this week came a volunteer application from the spouse of a long-time supporter of HM. The application said she'd like to help pre-and post-event. She's apparently got great admin and organizational skills (which means I already like her and we haven't even met yet). In essence, this amazing woman is saying "What can I do to help you?" just like that. No strings attached - because there are no perks to volunteering in the office. No dilly bars, no chance encounters with celebrities, and not even any pink hair... yet. So, it got me to thinking about how small acts of kindness can make such a difference to another person.

Of course, at this time of year lots of people are thinking they should do more, be more appreciative, and show others compassion. But you know, I get the impression she's just that kind of person and it has nothing to do with the "season".

I've worked with a lot of volunteers in my lifetime. Some do it for the perks. Some do it because it's the "cool" thing to do at a high-profile event. Some do it to get credit at school. Some do it because their companies pay them to volunteer. Some do it so they can teach their children the value of giving to others. Many have come to the realization that sometimes their time really is more valuable to someone than just their money.

So, I am very much looking forward to meeting Sherry this afternoon. I am already grateful for her generous offer of time and an extra pair of hands. I just hope she can count... we'll be doing LOTS of that :)

December!

2011-12-01T14:26:00.000-08:00

Holy lightning! How did it get to be December already? I can't hardly believe it's been almost one full year since I joined this crazy team. I do recall telling Nicki to "bring it on - I can handle it". Well, they brought it, alright. And I'm still here.

These days the office (and by that I mean the phone, the email, the texting, meetings, running around) is buzzing. Literally. There are days when I don't think any of us stop to catch our breath. I suspect there are days when we forget to eat/drink/pee... Never mind - that's probably too much information :) I know for a fact there is some thumb-sucking going on in some houses these days.

We are frantically trying to learn the world of social media so we can keep up with Twitter and Facebook. Insert sarcastic "thanks Carmelle" here.There are some of us who don't quite like Twitter yet (me) but I am trying. This old dog can learn new tricks, she just isn't happy about it. Hey - maybe FRED should tweet for me! Some others are pretty good at it (Jaime) and some of us are afraid (Jaime and I) of what the other (Tammy) might tweet about! Follow us @hairmassacure to see if anything embarrasing gets said. Bets anyone?

So, I guess what I'm getting at is this: it's only December 1 and we already have 100 registered particiapnts, 16 teams, just over $10,000 raised, and we're just starting to hit the schools. This 10th Anniversary year is shaping up to be a pretty incredible machine.

If we can keep up with it, that is...

By the way, now that it's December, I can turn on my Christmas lights, right? YAY!!

Happy thoughts everyone!

Hair Massacure crazies

2011-11-27T13:01:00.000-08:00

Let me introduce you to the team that has been working strategically on the event since October.

This isn't all of them, we have several planning committee members. These guys put a ton of hours into this project and I love them for it.

You all know Brandi- she is the project coordinator.

She works ethically and is focused, diligent and passionate about process. She also laughs at us a llllll the time and demonstrates an impressive level of patience.

Last week over coffee she nearly came out of her chair (like a Chris Angel levitation) as she described experienced successes in various meetings with our captains nailing down procedures. Her heightened excitement regarding registration details waisted as the signage at Starbucks captures Tammy attention. Mmmmmm... Candycane Mocha...

My brain does not gravitate into those areas of Brandi's passion - I absolutely need her.

Then we have Jaime. Our Project Manager.

Jaime is half Tammy, half Brandi. She LOVES process (one of her strengths), so these two make a great team whilst lost in discussions about budget items and sponsorship details. I'm lost too....

At the same time, Jaime can get sidetracked, and I like that.

Drop a word like "hockey", "Edward" (Twilight), "Coach" (as in the purse), "coupon" (as in extreme couponing), "family / friends" (as in anything to do with), "sick kid", or "McDonald's" (her roots) and she's promptly exited the current conversation to engage in a new one.

Jaime is highly productive and motivated, has ALREADY accomplished miracles and will likely burn out in the next 5 years.

Jaime does not smoke, nor do I - but like our friends here, we do love to pose in a good photo op.

Next we have Christie. I refer to her as Peters. Christie adds a lot of flavour to the event. She is our new volunteer Stylist coordinator (who has replaced the efforts of my lovely daughter Meagan and the infamous Mel). Christie is a take charge kinda gal, highly driven and passionate about all that she believes in. Her sense of humour makes up for the many ribbings endured. If Chris sees a vision - GET OUT OF HER WAY. Christie is Ukrainian, she believes food must play an integral role in all areas of life. The stylists love her already.

Next we have Pat. Pat is our school liaison (coordinator) and appointments diva. Pat has been with us since 2006 (same as Jaime), takes this event very seriously and knows a LOT about HM. Pat says she used to feel afraid and intimidated by me (back in the day when I taught karate) but those days are over. This makes me sad. :(

We like to identify her as the one with the heart on (thats annunciated .... sorta).

Tina is our merch captain. Tina is an expert in the retail industry and gets very excited about our merch (which she has purchased for the last few years on her line of credit). Tina is very driven to find the BEST prices for our participants, I so appreciate that. Tina is a funny girl with a huge heart, typically attached her her funny aunty Donna -with the huge heart. Tina is featured on our home page - the peace symbol. :)

Last we have Darcy. Darcy runs the Red Deer Massacure. I don't have a goofy picture of Darcy YET, but my obvious goal will be to get one in the near future. Fundraising is engrained in Darcy, always room in his hectic schedule to help out a friend our a cause - and always with a smile.

Nicki - my project coordinator for the last couple of years has stayed connected (yay!), however agreed to stay on year round with the River Queen as manager. We miss her, but she's still heavily involved as a planning committee member.

You all know what I do. A bit of everything, often a LOT of everything (certain folks say I could think about doing less of certain things...). I don't like to stay on one subject for too long, lists make me shudder, documents I find painful, counting Im not good at, distracting others Im very good at, I hold a LOT in my memory, I don't take notes, I struggle with delegating (although improving), I hate meetings that don't encourage my stories and I love inspiring people over a small table and a great cup of coffee. Painfully unconventional but somehow it works.

Its funny as I write this blog Im reflecting on what we all have in common.

We all are loopy. We all love to have fun. We all wish to make a difference because:

all of us have endured life altering trauma in our immediate family either by loosing a child / family member, or nursing a child through a disability and or life threatening illness.

Almost all of them have been with me for a minimum of 5 years and typically pink and or shave.

Now when I look at this even closer I realize that most of our planning committee members share this too.

Its true that like attracts like.

I wouldn't give these guys up for the world....

Coffee spills

2011-11-20T22:34:00.000-08:00

Remember when Tide sticks came out? I recall thinking "oh, another gimmick".

Thanks to Kali's relentless urging to purchase one, I am forever grateful.

Ive since upgraded to a Tide BRUSH (it comes in industrial sizes) as Ive had a few mishaps over the years.

My first coffee mishap (rescued by the stick) happened on a hot summer day, in white pants at the traffic lights, mocha in hand, avoiding a sneaky left hand turn.

I used almost the entire stick, said thank you to Kali under my breath and set off for my meeting with a wet crotch.

Could have been worse - brown stain makes more of an interesting first impression.

Found a washroom with a hand dryer that you can manipulate - aimed it in the appropriate place and waved sheepishly as the washroom door opened. Had it not been the donor I was going to meet with, Im sure it would have been less intimidating.

A few years ago while meeting with a volunteer I learned that the family was lotto winners..... twice.

As Elaine would do (from Seinfeld) I over demonstrated my astonishment .... "GET OUT!" -

knocked my coffee clear across the table with such speed and force it nearly broke the sound barrier. Tide stick didn't cut it that time.

At a karate tournament, I approached another blackbelt during intermission with the intention of engaging in childish play (while he was trying to eat his lunch). I used one one my "moves" on him - to teach him a lesson for always ambushing me with his "moves".

The plan was only to intimidate by just grazing the skin. I was over zealous and he was drinking a coffee. I roundhouse kicked his coffee clear out of his hand. He competed in a brown Gi. Was really glad we weren't paired to fight.

I met with a vice principal in his office prior to my presentation at a junior high school. Just getting acquainted. He provided me with a coffee. As he spoke behind his desk, I fell into his charming soft spoken voice.

The conversation turned to me as he asked questions about the event.

I got comfortable, real comfortable as if to dazzle him with my really great story. I leaned heavily with intention on my left arm, on the arm of the chair, real cool like - Sue Sylvester face, coffee in left hand.

Should have checked first IF the chair had an arm. I went down, feet and coffee went up.

I don't recall fretting about where the coffee went. I think I might have lost a minute of my life as I must have blocked his reaction. All good. I don't need to remember that.

My most recent coffee episode was a Stollery meeting with our CEO. We shared a coffee at a small coffee shop at a small table. As Jaime was sharing her story, I fumbled around with my lid. Didn't seem to fit.

First 3 sips dribbled down and inside my shirt. 4th sip was the winner.

Time slowed to a halt as I watched frame by frame the cup go down and my java inch its way toward her covering the table.

My instinct was to throw my body onto the large brown pool (like putting out a fire), and be the rescuing sham wow. As I got up to proceed with my plan I felt the warmth. Waist to knees soaked, reached inside the purse. I wish I hadn't dumped 5 sugars in.

I have thought a lot about this and put together an emergency kit, only different than most.

Mine has 12 Tide sticks, towels, paper towels, baby wipes, pants, a shirt, socks, scarf and socks.

Now Im prepared.

Is this relevant to Hair Massacure? Yes and No.

If you - in the future choose to meet with me, bring protection.

Saying farewell to a committed Proud Victim

2011-11-12T15:06:00.000-08:00

This weekend we said goodbye to our friend of 9 years - Marlies (better known as the "Telus Queen). Marlies is moving back to the Netherlands and we will miss her.

We met Marlies in 2003, under the clippers at our first Massacre held at Canada Post. Gord had approached her husband who shared this event with his wife who was battling her own illness (Lupus) and experiencing her own hairless. Coupled with her deep love for children, shaving seemed to be a perfect fit.

In the following years Marlies returned with a new title "the Telus Queen", complete with a crown and banner. Her boss accompanied her a couple of times (with a nice juicy cheque) taking the honour of assisting with the shave. Typically Kali would assist with the others as this was a special thing between those two.

Marlies developed a deep fondness for the event, particularly for Miss Kali.

In 2004, I invited Marlies to volunteer for our support group "Families Helping Families" - a monthly fun gathering for fellow cancer families ran by myself and girlfriend Carol.

Marlies loved being surrounded by these kids as she did not have any of her own to care for.

Every month Marlies would return to us at the City Arts Center (where we hosted FHF) and every year she'd find her yearly haircut under the clippers.

In 2007 Marlies hooked up with "Spanky" and joined our event as the first registered duo.

This became the catalyst for implementing teams and canines into our blossoming event.

Marlies concealed Spanky under a blanket in a baby carriage and discreatly wheeled him down past the HMV stage to the cutting area where my daughter Meagan met them both with the shears. A mixture of Marlies hair and grey tufts of fur (off the top of Spankys head) left evidence of what I would encourage for years to follow.

The following year we had registered teams, 3 pink standard poodles (including FRED), a pink bichon, a retriever and a bulldog.

Now rethinking the dog thing at WEM (as this has now caused a few glitches that I did not foresee), I am grateful for Marlies's innovative ideas.

Spanky prompted my invitation of Beamer and Paladin which prompted me to acquire a F.R.E.D. which prompted General (our pink horse), and so forth.

Perhaps this may eventually lead to a "Fur Massacure" .... who know?

Best of luck on your travels Marlies and thank you for your heart.

You will be hugely missed.

Hoofin' in in the malls

2011-11-06T13:29:00.000-08:00

I was at WEM yesterday, had a date with Apple. Re-arranged my Saturday to account for some shopping time for the girls while I had my Iphone looked at.

Now I have to say, Apple has been very good to me in terms of quality of product and excellent customer service (free plug there Apple - hint hint)...

I braved the lengthy line-up only to discover that my phone was NOT with me... just as my name was called.

I can feel the beads of sweat collect under the hair line as I negotiate a plan of giving me 5 minutes to hoof it back to my vehicle to collect my device. Apple person seeming unimpressed grants me my 5 minutes and I barrel out of there like a quaterhorse galloping down the crowded halls of WEM, darting between shoppers like I was in an agility competition.

By the time I reach my vehicle (parked way to h - - down to tim buck two), Im so winded I could pass out but thats not an option for me so I proceed to hoof it back, only not so sturdy on my feet.

Im now back in the mall, gasping and weazing and staggering demonstrating a feeble attempt to effectively dart between the shoppers.

I'm so very close.... how could I have seen those little boys sharing a popcorn with all of that going on, focusing on my target. Popcorn in the air was the last thing I saw in my peripheral as I rounded the corner. I guess my purse might have slipped off my shoulder.... the good news is I made it.

Unable to communicate my issue with my technician, I fumble inside my purse to dig out my inhaler and in sign language proceed to indicate that my phone needs servicing. I will get a new phone on Wednesday.

Now Im thinking as I reflect back on this, its not the first time I have taken someone out whilst on the run in a store. I recall a jar of pickles shooting out of an elderly gentlemans hands like a torpedo in Safeway as I blew past him to the dairy section where I in fact caused a pregnant woman to drop a large yogurt as I skidded into base in to collect mine.

Years ago at WEM, I connected with an actor from North of Sixty (TV) rounding the corner near the HMV Stage, and again at WEM near the ICE Palace I knocked Wayne Gretsky's hockey bag clear off his shoulder. Being on the run, quite the inopportune time to apologize before asking for an autograph, I proceeded on.

At the Stollery, with Kali on 4th floor, I would run up and down the stairs as an ideal method of maintaining my karate figure. Eventually that stopped when I blew out the 2 doctors on my acceleration down the 2nd floor. Had they not had their lunch trays in hand I could have squeaked past them.

Then there was the time I face planted the mirrors in Kingsway, and the pole in the parking lot where I chipped my tooth....

So what is the point of this blog? And really what was my message about my last one - the cat?

Nothing profound. Just sharing a day or two in the professional lives behind HM.

Bring your Kid to Work Day

2011-11-02T15:39:00.000-07:00

So, it is traditional at this time of year that thousands of grade nine kids go to work with their parents. We, the parents, have decided that it's actually the teachers getting revenge on us because our kids come to their work every day.

So, at the office today we had my daughter Natasha, Jaime's son Tyler, and (because she didn't want to be left out) Tammy's... well... we had FRED. Tammy does not currently have a kid in grade nine so FRED filled in. And was a huge hit as usual.

Between us, we had kids at four different meetings today. They were great - respectful (mostly because they didn't want to talk at all) and probably more than a bit bored, to be honest. I don't know about Tyler, but here are Natasha's thoughts after a day "behind the scenes of Hair Massacure":

I would probably explode if I had an office job. There is not enough space... I need room to spread out and think
FRED looks funny when Tammy puts his fur in a ponytail
Meetings make my head hurt
Who knew dogs (FRED) could actually burp?
My mom needs a new computer so she can get her work done instead of waiting... and waiting... and waiting...
I wish Take Your Kid to Work Day had happened on Massacure day - it's a lot more fun than being in the office

I did feel for the kids; after all it's not all that exciting to sit in meetings that don't concern you (though mini chocolate bars did help), or looking at documents all afternoon. The good thing is that they do have a unique perspective and it was great to see that they do have some critical thinking skills.

I am glad my kid came to work with me - her whole life she has come to events with me, but has never actually seen the "other side" of it - it's not all fun and games and there is a lot of planning involved with events. So, all in all, while she may not be destined for an office job, at least she can say she understands mine a bit more tonight.

I'd be interested to hear Tyler's thoughts on the day - they were headed to a meeting with a sponsor who also had his kid with him today. I wonder how they did?

And on that note, I'd like to thank the teachers for forcing our kids into what we condescendingly call "the real world", and I will thank Tammy, Cathy, Paul, Bryce, Carmelle, and all the other people who welcomed grade nine's into their workday today. It was a neat experience :)

Hello Everyone from your new Project Manager

2011-11-01T08:46:00.000-07:00

Hello Fellow Massacure Lovers!!!!

My name is Jaime Caza and I have recently joined the Massacure team as the new Project Manager. I am very excited to meet all of you! Although I have been around the Massacure for several years now and consider many of you really good friends! I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a little about myself. I am married to my best friend Mike who I met when I was only 16, we have been together ever since. We are parents of three children, two dogs and one fish. My son Tyler is 14 , my daughter Kailey is 11, and our youngest daughter Sydney is 10. Our two dogs are Lisa, she is a 14 yr old retired greyhound, and Buddy our 4 yr old golden retriever, the fish.... has no name. I have been so blessed with a wonderfully supportive family and many very good friends. My favourite colour is purple and you will see me in this colour often (of course pink is a runner-up). I love McDonald's coffee (two milks thanks!) and I have not yet met a potato chip that I won't enjoy. I am not ashamed to admit that I am a "Twilight" fanatic and Taylor Swift's biggest fan.

Most importantly, I am so excited to join the Hair Massacure team and I can't wait to see you all at the event as we work towards the goal of this 10th Anniversary event being the biggest yet!

I would like to share my story of the first time I experienced the Hair Massacure. It was 2006 and I was working for McDonald's as the Community Relations Representative. We sponsored this event by providing some food for the volunteers and I wanted to go to the mall and check out the event. We had banners and many other obligations to meet regarding the event organizers and McDonald's. I was waiting for the kick off to begin and I was not sure what to expect. That is when I saw something so profoundly amazing happening, I knew INSTANTLY that this event would change me. This was the best I had ever seen . What I saw was hundreds of children supporting other children who were battling Cancer. This was such a beautiful way to help each and it took my breath away. Hundreds of pink haired children marched proudly towards the staging area ready to shave it all off. Boys and girls with long locks of hair , their teacher's and parents all pinked out and preparing to follow through on their commitment. I just couldn't believe they were shaving heads! It was fantastic! In unity they began, girls were braiding their hair to donate. The beautiful locks of blonde and brown hair would soon be wigs for children suffering with hair loss. What impacted me the most was all the pink heads and proud little faces. The school was bursting with energy and pride as they had raised an enormous amount of money to benefit charities. I knew on a personal level that I was joining in some how and I still thank God for that day.

How would I know then that this would eventually lead me down this path. I can assure you this impacted me to my core. Those adorable kids were not able remove their friends pain or help ease the sickness but, they WERE able to represent what cancer cannot achieve, no matter how strong it is … THE JOY OF BEING LOVED. That day during the Hair Massacure THE KIDS WON!

I am a Stollery frequent flyer Mom, I am Wish Mom and I have been first hand witness to what Ronald McDonald House does to help their families. My daughter has been a recipient for the charities and that gives me a first hand understanding of how important these charities are and a hunger to serve and build this event to its highest potential. Thank you to Tammy and Brandi who have really opened up their arms and embraced me. A special call out to Brandi who now has another ADHD brain to work with! HERE WE GO!

The cat

2011-10-28T08:16:00.000-07:00

For those of you who dont know, my oldest daughter (Meagan) recently married and I am the luckiest mother-in-law out there. Steven is the bees knees (even though he's an American, but as Kyrsti said - we can work around that.. :)

This past week my kids went on a well deserved honeymoon to Maui. (I say well deserved as they are both gems, and its hard pressed to find finer young people who just give and give).

Anyhoo, as they disappeared into the land of bliss, we took Meagan's cat (Sassy) - the other love of her life.

I am a happily retired cat owner. My last cat took me out of the game, and now Mel has her (blessings to Mel for rescuing me), but I love miss Sassy even though she looks grumpy and bites noses. Looking after this cat is quite the endeavour. If I loose her, Megs will KILL me. If the dogs stress her, not good - so we are very cautious when she is in our care.

Yesterday was their return day so I wanted Sassy to be back at home to greet Megs on her arrival. I planned extra early to collect Sassy, litter box and things so as not to be late for my lunch meeting.

As I am carefully loading yucky litterbox into my vehicle, I see Sassy on the driveway. Heart in throat, I proceed to gently call her " oh sassy".... Im sure she felt my pulse racing. Of course she would bolt (that what cats do...)

I followed her to the park, praying and keeping calm so I can sneak up and pounce on her.

Ever so close... she waits until Im just grazing the top of her back and she bolts again. This time there is no "oh sassy" business ... %#@*&% CAT

Run home uttering vocabulary highly unsuitable for my neighbourhood, jump in the car, 2 wheels around the corner - I find her halfway to the next park.

Like a cheetah stalking a baby gazelle, I tippy-toe to the mound of fur hiding in the grass and I pounce. Success!

Now how does one deal with an angry Edward scissorhands - loading THAT into a vehicle successfully without loosing their eyes? And whats the deal with these claws - I KNOW Mandy just trimmed those down. My carefully laid out plan is to throw her in like a frisbee and let go very quick as I shut the door. Like throwing a velcro ball, cats tend to stick onto the area they land on, so the head rest it is then.

Im feeling pretty smug. Megs doesnt have to know about this and Im sure my friend will forgive me for being late for lunch.

Return home, carefully slip out of vehicle, pop back in to get my purse and meow. Miss Sassy in the house already to go.

I have someones else's cat.

SO I get rid of cat #1 to make room for cat # 2, who spiderwebs as Im loading her (likely the smell of cat # 1 set her off).

I proceed to drive off and become distracted by the scritching noise in the back.

I slam on the brakes - thump. Sassy falls off headrest. Leather and cats not good mix.

Im late, and in the negotiating process of "do I return home and reload cat into old car" or will she settle down and just lay there like a nice cat. I opt to keep going....

Spread out my jacket for her to lay on (which is a HUGELY nice gesture on my part as Im allergic to her) stroke her fur (not so gentle this time) and proceed to drive off again.

A little further down the road Sassy bolts for the back .... scritch scratch scritch scritch on Tammy's nice new seats. Climbing back up not working out so well, no traction.

Plant foot on brakes again, Sassy sinks her nails IN so as to avoid another plunk. Pull a u-turn to proceed back home causing her to make half a dozen turns around the headrest.

We switched vehicles. I was late for my lunch, but my story more than made up for it.

I havent checked my nice new leather seats yet, dont think I want to.

Whats the morale of the story? Cat carrier.

2012 Promo video

2011-10-26T21:52:00.001-07:00

Well folks I am thrilled to say that the DVD is FINALLY done!

I use this little 9 minute video to showcase our event, particularly at schools or for various teams / workplaces and also displayed on our website.

In past, a coworker of Gord (Joe - at Canada Post) created 2004-05.

Following and up to current, I have recruited talent to pull divine creations out of my thoughts (that really aren't mine).

Up until last year, Amy Cornet and my daughter Kyrsti have extracted a vision and endured my plentiful and persistent edits and skillfully displayed beautiful moments of our history.

THIS year, my Dusty took this project on (God love him) and I shall proudly say.... he did a fine job. :)

At some prophetic moment over the last 6 summers (while I'm driving) I will literally "see" the video. It comes all at once - the songs, the pictures, the atmosphere. Then I go home and make it happen before I forget.

Like many of these hairbrained ideas, I take little ownership as they are given to me. Ive just learned to pay attention to what's a Tammy idea and a God inspired idea.

I cant argue with an inspired idea, it simply works and we dont mess with it. I'll fight for it to the bitter end and historically this has caused some heated arguments over certain areas of this event.

My own ideas are negotiable. Sometimes I can hit one out of the park on my own, others take harsh ribbings from certain folks (you know who you are...)

This years video did not come this summer. It was worrisome.

I had to start from scratch, with a basic idea of an anniversary theme, but no vision.

I procrastinated, and eventually pulled ideas out of my -- until it finally came this month. I panicked as I realized that Kyrsti has a ridiculous schedule like mine.

I thought of Dusty and he enthusiastically said YES (that was before he knew what he was dealing with...).

The anniversary video is not high tech. Like the others, I am not too concerned about looking professional - Im focused on reaching the people. Its homemade, grassroots and the message brings it home.

Next 10 years, Jaime can take over the creative and Im good with that. I have officially run out of hospital pics of Kali and other young survivors (pics taken that once were frowned upon) were used for this. Interesting looking back...

Poor Dusty, each facebook post, text and tweet reflected "YAY - its DONE!".

Heheheh, my daughters warned him - when I say "sweet - you're done" - this means I will edit it another 3-4 times before our next viewing when it's done.

So its done.... Unless I hit the pillow and realize that I forgot to send a certain pic, or found a certain pic, or that Dusty could shave off a fraction of a second off something so I can add another something.

Dusty if you are reading this - just burn the DVD's man - dont answer your phone, dont open your email.

I'll tell ya. I could not deal with a me. I'd strangle it.

We Libra's really should be punished for a lifetime of changing our minds for the sake of balancing ourselves and everything around us.

I'll betcha 5 minutes after I hit "publish" on this blog, I will edit it.

Then I'll shut down laptop, pee .... and edit again. My head will hit the pillow, and just as I sink into the memory foam, Ill make my way in the dark, trip over a dog and ...you get where Im going.

I shall be posting on website as soon as DVD's are in hand (Thank you DJ FISH!) and notifying the schools that presentations are ready to go. :)

Have a good night folks.

Some Ritalin with my coffee please?

2011-10-24T22:22:00.000-07:00

Today we had a HM meeting at Peters house (this would be crazy Christie's) and "we" would be Jaime, Brandi and myself.

Christie has just been recruited to be our full on stylist coordinator (who shall relieve the past responsibilities of my lovely daughter Megs, and offer support to our 2 dedicated captains Mel and Sam).

Christie may be a character, but she takes her roles very seriously (and I'll tell you this was the case this morning). She was on a mission and you dont mess with her when she's got that goin on.

Chris had all of her notes piled up and was adamant in getting to ALL of them.

Jaime sat across from her, new stages of learning the language of "Apple" on my old macbook (which is now her "new" laptop). Its missing a key and the little wheel just spins and spins.

Brandi sat next with pen in hand in a mad scramble to document and organize the ADHD conversation that billowed around her.

Her laptop weighs a hundred pounds and was built in the 80's. The occasional poof of smoke that came off her pen indicated that this was quicker than a keyboard.

Christie insisted that I stay focused... on 14 things, meanwhile Jaime is texting me across the table (as I am clearly not responding to her).

Reviewing piles of notes - NOT my favorite thing ... I decide to escape to the coffee and fixin's in Christies kitchen. That gave me about a minute of reprieve before the chains secured me back down.

I have reviewed the pledge packages more times this year than EVER before, its exhausting for a girl like me.

Please peeps find a new way to torture me, make me count money instead or how about lick stamps?

As I sat cuffed to the table I realized that I was not alone. I always knew I had these friends afflicted with the same traits as I, only today .... not so much. I couldn't keep up.

Having taken my pill this morning, I realized I was struggling.

It was like I was put outside myself so as to appreciate what my kids have weathered their whole lives, what Brandi and Nicki have endured. Its a LOT to process in one haul.

I looked over at Brandi and thought "how is she keeping up... and she's GOOD".

She's not even crying or chewing the skin off her hands.

Brandi, I gotta tell ya, it takes talent to organize these whirlwinds. Your sense of humour well in tact, youre golden girlfriend.

Meanwhile Christie has a vision for her area, I think she's owning that quite well. Im blown away actually. Chris and Jaime have been with me for 5 /6 years - enthusiastically and passionately.

Jaime is creating a sponsorship request - in Mac language, and addressing her points fighting for air time with Peters. I cant keep up with Jaime either.

Tammy called to task to hopefully approve a hundred ideas and edits.

After 2 1/2 hours, I left Christies with an urgent need to crash a buffet and put my face under a chocolate fountain.

Having shared, I have to admit we got a LOT accomplished.

Im very lucky to share this event with these levels of talent and enthusiasm.. and PASSION.

I do however think a sponsorship of Ritalin might be in order....

Getting going

2011-10-10T20:45:00.000-07:00

Jaime survived her first week with us and away from a very familiar McDonalds Corporate restaurants.

I knew that it was going to be an easy transition bringing in a project manager who was so well acquainted and knowledged with HM. I believe the level of training Jaime will receive will equal the learning we will receive from her (she's a bit of a firecracker).

Last December Miss Brandi - (aka - Secretariat) hit the ground running. (She's not so fond of her nick name but its true...) There is certainly no ease time with this event.

After these 5 punchy days, I reflected on my drive home Friday (from a lengthy session of torturous checklists, potential sponsorships and the implementing of heightened social media) I realized I had blinked in probably a good hour.

I believe we acquired 2 new sponsorships this week. I wont reveal yet until confirmed but my insides are all squiggly. After a successful exciting event, I go through a period of shock or disbelief (likely because Im used to jumping through a million hoops first).

Dont sleep, want sugar, no blinking, somewhat catatonic - really messes me up until I process my excitement.

The last sponsorship meeting was with a social media company. It was Friday mid morning and Brandi had previously put us to task combing over the pledge packages.

Anyone that knows myself (and Jaime) knows that we have a limited attention span on just one item, so Brandi was put to the challenge to keep us focused.

It was Friday and I was in a Tammy mood. Luckily I met another crazy like myself (lets call this soul sister, ummm Carmel), and it was awesome that she got me, otherwise it might not have worked out.

Friday afternoon was all checklists, oh I no like those dreadful things.

I entertain myself by counting the 'looks" over the glasses received from Brandi.

On the good side, she laughs and lets me throw in an anecdote every 30 minutes or so - its like recess.

Thank to her strengths - being organization, checklists, combing documents we are further along than we've ever been. Mot my forte, that's just plain torture. I do do it and can do it, but it knocks out my mojo.

In the same room as Jaime, I realized I can easily recruit a partner in crime to attempt to distract Brandi. Hehehehe. I know exactly how far I can push before I sober up and grab a coffee.

When her eyebrows stretch above her glasses, its time to check back in. Its actually a Godsend that we have someone that focused in the group.

Nevertheless, Im thinking Brandi should bring us treats for good behaviour and effort. Maybe she could leverage her efforts.... or not.

I figured out this dynamic - Brandi is Yang, I am Yin and Jaime is both (chi).

She has the love for check lists, procedure but its so easy to get funny story out of her like nobody's business, and sway her off topic ('cause the old one became boring).

Now, even IF Brandi brings treats, let us have recess - once we incorporate social media (like Twittering) could be interesting to maintain our attention spans. The new plan might be to forfeit our phones and purses to the big grey bin prior to any future meetings.

Our first week with Jaime - a success, but its gonna be busier due to new implemented ideas and plans.

I am bringing Fred's doggy bed with me to Make-A-Wish so I can curl up and suck my thumb during those upcoming "Hey! Lets do this... moments".

Kidding aside, Im feeling good about this year.

Its a little belated - Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Check in soon!

Moes Poker / Bike Rally

2011-09-11T20:13:00.000-07:00

Moe Duvall is a Hair Massacure fundraising enthusiast.

Weve had the pleasure of having his involvement for the past 4 years.

This weekend Gord and I attended Moe's Motorcycle and Poker Rally at R Pub in Castle Downs.

We were in awe of his efforts and creativity.

Moe had 100 bikes in attendance, along with a little girl (Emma) who donated her hair in support of the sick kids (even though she herself has a rare blood disorder which parallels Leukaemia) and our first Proud Victim of the year!

Moe has a young nephew that has conquered 2 different cancers twice. He's invested. He melted in Emmas presence.

Breakfast was provided by the pub at 10:30 following registration (25.00 per head - all clear cash to the cause).....then Moe delivered his speech.

I feel its important to include that THIS man was quite nervous being the M.C. - the same man who dolled up as a woman and sold his fake nails at the bar one year (all for the kids), proudly wears CRAZY pink hair (as a biker and business owner), and chose to wear a pink wig ALL day yesterday. Another year he raised 10,000 one year in a huge coffee can at the bar.

Gord and I were warmly greeted by all of his participants and sponsors. They fed us breakfast, and invited me back with the girls for supper. Enjoyed sneaking my 14 year old daughter into a pub, but the highlight was their awesome homemade burger. Had to unhinge my jaw to eat it. All food provided and donated by R Pub. Moe seems to be quite popular with his peeps.

Now on a separate note, it was a little tugging for me to watch all those bikes roar by. I want a bike, have wanted one since the day I was thrown off (as a passenger) and run over by the car. Not sure why that inspired me to ride, took 2 years to heal from that boo boo.

So I'm putting it out into the universe. If our creator foresees that Tammy will will get another boo boo from riding, then Im hoping he will prevent me from acquiring one (likely through the bank that wont loan me the money). The other factor is that Im 5 ft tall. (actually gained half inch from the accident) - I may not even fit one - unless I ask a Shriner about one of the wee ones they ride in parades.

Not sure what Moes final total will be from his first annual September riding event, but Im anxious to find out.

Will update you on his success!

Thank you Moe, for everything you do!

New to our team

2011-09-11T18:56:00.000-07:00

It is with great excitement that I announce a new addition to our team - Jaime Caza.

Jaime will be our Project Manager and is taking on a huge role as I pass some of my personal responsibilities to her. She shall be representing me in the front line in many areas so that I can breathe a bit better and have time for effective strategic planning. Im not leaving my role entirely, you will still see me, but hopefully not with my hair straight back - that will be Jaime -lol.

Jaime is actually not new to HM. She's been with us in the sponsor role for 6 years (as our "Big Cheese" from McDonalds Corporate Restaurants), a fundraiser for 5 years (initiating as Team Hope) and as a volunteer for 4 years. Last year Jaime took on a huge role as our volunteer coordinator which required many extra hours coordinating our few hundred volunteers.

In my recent post titled "Im back", I alluded to passing my hat to a certain someone that I had wished for and prayed about for the past few years. Well it came true.

I really dont know how the stars lined up, but I definitely know why. It was part of a greater plan.

On Friday Jaime signed on with us and said a very difficult goodbye to her position as C.R. for McDonalds (of 20 years). This decision was incredibly daunting as she has worked her way up, in charge of over 2200 employees, all corporate restaurants in N.A. Jaime has remained faithful to her commitments, however her heart has beckoned her over to something familiar she wholeheartedly believes in. She, like myself (and all of our HM Peeps) wants to use her position to make a difference in the lives of kids.

Jaime is also a Wish Mom. She has shared a similar journey with her daughter living in fear and prayer. Her fears are still in the forefront - in fact it was my last post (A Happy Outcome) that reflected a recent incident with Kailey.

Paired with in-debth experience pertinent to the position and an outstanding work ethic - Jaime is a perfect fit... and it helps that she's FUN.

Now some more good news for me. I can stop sucking up to her (as my biggest sponsor) and she'll have to start sucking up to me 'cause I'll be her boss (and I might just try and have some fun with that...).

Brandi shall have some work cut out familiarizing Jaime with the impressive HUGE binder that she developed over the summer organizing this beast.

We have not had an opportunity to have a Brandi to extract years of info from Tammys brain and revamp past documents, dont know how she tore though all of that and made it look sexy. Great job on that Brandi, and thumbs up on some brilliant strategies!

Think its coming together....

My goal this year - no thumb sucking in the fetal position.

A HAPPY OUTCOME

2011-08-21T15:59:00.000-07:00

My last post on thursday was long overdue. It reflected hidden struggles this past year, and my involvement with Hair Massacure.

Just as I finished and hit "publish" I received a disturbing text.

My friend who was at the Taylor Swift concert with her 2 daughters was now in an ambulance on the way to Stollery with her older daughter. Her o2 dangerously low, she was blue. This is a unfortunate and familiar occurrence in this family. They were only 2 songs in when the episode happened.

Kailey is my wish child, and her mom Jaime is a very dear friend, volunteer and sponsor of Hair Massacure.

I have a soft spot for this girl and her family. Her story is phenomenal because Kailey does NOT present as a child with life threatening conditions. She plays hockey and lives life to considerable normalcy (for a girl with lung disease who cannot drink as liquids are fatal for her). Her attitude (her spirit) strikes me as her saviour (next to her family) - a common trait seen in these children whose mortality stares at them in the face.

On Tuesday we learned that 3 children passedon from one of our charities this week. Really brings it home, the harsh reality of a situation that could be your own.

My friend filled with trepidation as she prayed in the ambulance, like many times before.

There is a happy ending however (to this story)....

Learning about the concert nightmare, and feeling my friends heart break as she texted in the hospital prompted a phone call to a friend from CISN, my sponsor of 6 years.

Chris Sheetz, being the warm heart he is, put in a few calls and the result was a call back to me from Rexall. My angelic contact there was moved by the story and made magic happen.

Kailey, mom and little sis would get to meet Taylor after a second opportunity to see her performance.

The next day, I received a phone call from Miss Kailey. She was trying to say thank you, but the tears won that conversation. HIGHLIGHT OF MY DAY was the picture emailed of Taylor with Jaime, Kailey and Sidney. HUGE smiles.

I also took note of the fact that Taylor is almost a foot taller than all of them! Not the first time I have heard how nice Taylor Swift is.

My only disappointment was the confiscation of the Kali Bear that was to be presented to her at the meet and greet.

So back to normal?? Sure hope so... at least for a while.

I'm back

2011-08-18T19:42:00.000-07:00

Hi folks, I've missed connecting with all of you. It's been several months, but the words simply were not there.

Forgive me if I jump around, I'm struggling a bit with where to start.

First off, I'm proud to share that my lovely daughter Meagan was married in July. A chip off the old block - she planned with annoying precision and ownership as I referred to her as "Bridezilla". The result - BEST wedding EVER! Oh we had so much fun, not a boring moment.

I also have the best son-in-law anyone could hope for. Steven - you are warmly welcomed by many. Highlight of my summer!!

4 days later, my invincible dad had a massive heart attack. 4 days later - my Grammas 90th birthday celebration. A bit of a rollercoaster.

I also traded in the MassaCAR (My billboard Van). I struggled with it, but it was time, and we were missing our privacy. I'd like to thank Mayfield Toyota for your support through the years.

Wedding aside, and million dollars aside - its been a difficult year, Im not gonna sugar coat it, so here it is.....

Last Summer I fell ill with exhaustion and incurred a few "Tammy type" injuries - needless to say this slowed me to an abrupt halt. I had time to reflect, feel worried and stressed about managing upcoming chaos.

By September when HM abruptly kicked in and all my fears came to fruition, I was on the ground running.

As Christmas approached I was into my first week of stress leave and by Jan 5, I was on the ground running again - on 5 different medications. My ticker took a licking.

I struggled with sharing my situation with most of the folks in my life as I found it embarrassing that a seasoned herbalist would have resort to such desperate measures.

I also set an unnatural standard for myself that I could not show weakness, and any of my human flaws would be only displayed as humorous anecdotes.

By the end of February I was filled with such exhaustion that I could not effectively manage my headspace.

I continued to stuff emotions until I hit depression, and even that I hid. Meanwhile

event follow up tore at my insides as I became aware of every little hiccup that occurred on Feb 13.

Desperate efforts to avoid hiccups in fall and winter, strategic planning was not bullet proof.

For some reason my unrealistic goals of perfection cannot foresee error, nor except it when it happens. This is my recent admission to myself.

400 volunteers, 1,800 participants, 250 VIP's and entertainers and 3 charities - how could one not expect glitches.

I talk about it like I was prepared for it. Emotionally I cannot deal with letting anyone down in any capacity whether Im directly responsible or not. This is one of my demons, and I have accepted that I have a long way to go before it goes away.

By April, I came to a painful realization - I approached the charities and asked them to take over Hair Massacure.

I knew I could no longer tackle the beast, particularly as a single mom. I could not manage the enormity of the pressures I felt. I was spent and desperate to live a life of normalcy.

The charities kindly agreed. I am certain they saw this day coming.

I cannot put into words how guilty and embarrassed I felt for giving up.

I was letting so many down, including myself and my family. What would I say to my peeps, our team?

What are my kids thinking - are they disappointed? How do I address myself in future - "Tammy the who????"

I was going to loose my identity. I was now the mom who walked out.

All summer I worked with Brandi creating documents, extracting everything about HM that I stored in my head and in various journals.... mostly in my head - 9 years worth.

For the first time I felt comfortable and ready to relinquish it all, almost like I was harbouring this well kept secret.

The haunting question lingering over my head all of these months - WHO would replace me?

I had no intention of leaving (just so were clear). My plan to linger in the background in an advisory role, continuing on as the ambassador (along with the rest of the fam).

I have had thoughts in past, much like us parents pondering who would take their children in the event they were abruptly yanked off the earth - it was much the same. WHO would take our baby?

I wont go as far as to divulge, however I have thought a lot about that and in the past few months have said many a prayer over it.

With the shock of my dad's recent massive heart attack, efforts of trying to sell my house (due to annoying reoccurring intrusions) and the "WHO" hanging over my head, I came to a place of acceptance that the lessons attached to these events were intended for personal growth.

A balance of fighting for what you need and letting go of what you cannot control has been extremely difficult, but the point has been received.

I am ending this blog with this message - Unless the aliens beam me up, or I get hit by a truck (again), Im not going anywhere. I will strive to find balance between surrendering and executing.

I am coming to peace with my work and on Feb 3, I will be exactly where I need to be - beside another "Tammy", and hopefully not running with hair straight back.

As Brandi mentioned in her post - This is our 10th ANNIVERSARY. It HAS to be special.

Some of you may have noticed the positing for this position - I hope this provides a better understanding. Will keep you all updated on who that shall be when all interviews have been completed.

God works in mysterious ways. I am praying for success.

Updates and Anniversaries

2011-08-16T14:16:00.000-07:00

How can it be the middle of August already? How is that possible?

We've had a busy summer around here. Vacations, workshops, weddings, and unfortunately lots of rain! But, aside from the fun and frivolity, we have been working hard behind the scenes on the next Hair Massacure.

Do you all realize that 2012 will be the 10th Hair Massacure? I asked Tammy the other day if she had any idea - even just 4 or 5 years ago - that it was going to get this big. She said heck no!! (okay that's sort of what she said). When it was created 10 years ago it was just supposed to be a supportive gesture for a young girl, and maybe it would raise some money to help the kids and families that needed it. Look at it now! Goes to show what you can achieve from a simple seed...

We are busy with websites and Facebook pages and sponsors and pledge packages and agreements and all manner of things that the MacDonald family didn't even dream of in 2003. It's amazing. The amount of support we get continues to amaze me. I am very pleased to be on this Team.

Speaking of websites and Facebook pages: our website is coming along nicely, with lots of changes that we hope will make it easier for you. The registration and donation area is undergoing some changes right now but should be up and running very soon. Our old Facebook page is going to be discontinued soon in favour of a new, more interactive one (the link to the new page is on our website - on the contact us page). Make sure you bookmark it - we are going to use it for sending updates and photos.

As for you, I hope you are having a fabulous summer full of love and laughter. I think we take those things for granted when we have them, but feel their absence deeply when they are gone. Oh, that sounded sad - sorry - I just really want us all to be "in the moment" and celebrate the joys that life provides.

And, we want you to celebrate 10 years of making progress, inspiring children, and helping families.

Those are my thoughts for the day... enjoy the sunshine!

Leo Nickerson Rocks!

2011-06-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

Schools have so much energy at this time of year - especially on a sunny day. We haven't had many of them lately, so it was especially nice on Wednesday.

Leo Nickerson Elementary was our second-place school in fundraising this year. We surprised them with a quick Dance Party on Wednesday afternoon, and they did not disappoint. DJ Fish provided some rockin' tunes and crazy lights, and the kids provided a heap of enthusiasm! A quick appearance by the Kali Bear and a few conga lines later, the gym emptied of hyped-up kids and teachers.

Sorry to those who really had to try to get something done with the kids after we left...

Anyway, it was a fun afternoon and we just wanted to say thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make LN's Hair Massacure 2011 a rousing success.

Have a great summer kids (and teachers)!!

a Miracle

2011-05-03T13:23:00.000-07:00

Hi folks,

Its been a couple of months since I've blogged. Although I wanted to, the words were not present simply because the brain wasn't either.

For 5 consecutive years our family (primarily myself) have experienced event exhaustion.

Our love for the event is what keeps us involved, however I must be frank - its also overwhelming.

Hair Massacure is synonymous with the MacDonalds. Its our story, our creation, our vision.

We cannot shelve it as it resonates within us, it represents us - it also consumes us.

Comparing with a colicky baby or hyperactive child - every mother feels the love but needs a break now and then. After 7 months, we need a break.

Typically after an event of this enormity, the sight of a finish line becomes the motive to push through and collect all of the necessary data to wrap up, say our thank yous, issue acknowledgements, plan debrief meetings, distribute photos and update website.

In and amongst all of that, there is a captain and youth volunteer appreciation event, school concert and a media release issuing our triumphant success of surpassing the million.

Although sad that Nicki is gone (and back on the River Queen), I am very appreciative to have Brandi for the summer and through to next year. I can no longer manage the upcoming responsibilities throughout these months.

Its a lot to process after the fact when one simply wishes to find a corner to curl up in (in the fetal position) and suck a thumb.

I am relieved to say today... (after an ultra relaxing check-in with Brandi, while sipping on a delicious chocolate banana latte) that we are over the hump and perhaps the production of adrenaline can stabilize (until fall...).

April 30 is our year end. As of 5:00 pm this day, all money collected represented this total.... 1,053,482.40. Yay!!!

This was also the day of the school concert at Neil M Ross where Gord Bamford sang his heart out to a spirited, high achieving group of elementary students who raised 74,000 (again).

Our Gord and daughter Kyrsti gave rave reviews of this performance, and how Gord B interacted with his young audience. The highlight being the signed guitar gifted to two brothers who demonstrated exemplary efforts with fundraising. I am most pleased to hear of this great success!

Sadly, Kali and I did not go to the concert as we were awaiting a difficult decision about Kali's dog Shooter.

Shooter suffered a severe stroke the night before. He left us and came back.

His fate laid in the hands of friend (and HM captain) Marina - our family vet.

Our daughter Kali, frozen with despair, felt that her entire world had just crumbled.

To offer some insight:

During Kalis treatment, getting ready for another 8 hour session of intravenous poison at the Cross Cancer Clinic - a bomb was dropped by our 4 year old that will forever haunt me - "Mommy, if I live through my treatment, can I have little doggy?"

I replied... "we'll get you a camel.... anything for you Kali - just keep fighting".

We went little dog shopping in those last remaining months of her treatment.

Through a miraculous series of events, a friend of a friend hooked us up with "Shooter" - a grand champion puppy (a financial jackpot for his breeder).

Shooter's original destiny was to generate a successful career for this world renowned Papillion breeder (who's puppies are on a 3 year waiting list).

I think fate (God) had a different vision for his calling. He was to be an incentive companion for a little girl battling cancer. Shooter simply stopped growing and was disqualified from the show ring. At 6 months old, he was retired.

Kali received 2 gifts on her 5 th birthday (which was 8 years ago exactly at this time).

She was finally released from her 33 month daily chemotherapy regime AND her wish came true - she got her little dog.

Shooter came to us at 6 months old, all of 2 pounds soaking wet.

At 7 months he was neutered and it was discovered that he had kidney disease. We were encouraged to return him to the breeder as his treatment would be very costly, life span estimated at 6 months. Confirmed by 2 vet clinics, we made the decision to face the music. Shooter was Kali's dog and a part of the family.

Over and above - he was an exceptional little dog that mirrored our daughter in so many ways.

I took him home and made his food (laced with the same herbs I had placed Kali on following treatment).

Shooter overcame his disease 100%. The veterinarians in disbelief.

Broken bones, degenerative arthritis and disjointed knees over these past few years prompting disabling episodes which warranted "final" trips to the vet.

Each time, a last minute plea with "gut feelings" caused Gord and I to reconsider the fate of this special dog and override professional opinions.

Last Thursday night, after a freak traumatic accident, Shooter suffered a massive stroke and sadly collapsed in Mandys arms. His vitals faded away.

The house filled with tears of shock and despair.

I collected Shooter from Mandy and laid him on our kitchen floor. His bladder let go, he was gone.

During this time, our friend Marina (HM captain and veterinarian) slipped into our home, offering her support (I had just called her upon hearing Kali's panic stricken screams).

As moments passed, miraculously his heart resumed, no reflexes. Then reflexes. Gradually he was back, then deteriorated again. The whole family came and surrounded him. He was clearly fading and suffering

The kids all said their good-byes (again). Gord and I made a late night trip to the emergency clinic. It was the most humane thing to do.

The drive there felt like a roller coaster ride in a smooth riding van.

Shooter had a different plan and perked up in the parking lot. His reflexes scrambled to allow him to walk. Perhaps he knew...

We brought him home.

The decision to let him go waffled back and forth several times over these few days, as our vet friend referred to his roller coaster conduction as "bi-polar injury".

Kali and I missed the concert as we sat at home in crippling silence awaiting a call from the clinic.

On Sunday we brought Shooter home and we are no longer waffling. He is at great risk for another upcoming stroke, however... we are looking straight ahead - striving for quality of life.

Shooter is on herbs again. I am happy to report that 5 days later he is running, playing, begging, barking and wagging.

Kali's birthday is next week. We are hopeful.

As for me, I feel compelled to share with all of you my thoughts about these recent afflictions that hit our family.

I have come to believe that everything happens for a reason.

I feel our dog was a catalyst for lessons for each of us involved in the family.

On that note, after HM and prior to Shooter - my girlfriend and stepmom were diagnosed.

My attention took a sharp turn in the direction of friends and family.

I will humbly share that I have not been in a healthy state of mind following our amazing and incredible event. Simply put - burnt out.

Im not too proud to admit that I was succumbing to a depression (understandably after months of high adrenaline). This does not embarrass me to be human, however this recent upheaval felt like a sharp, well deserved kick in the pants.

I have obviously forgotten the miracles I witnessed on 4E3, and the celebratory triumphs over lives spared like the Taylor's, and the Eli's, MacKenzie's, Kali's, Kim's, Cayne's, Robert's, Shirley's and Shooters...

Sometimes I think we get so caught up in the day to day difficulties and adversaries that consume our lives, we become blinded, missing those little miracles and lessons that exist as well.

Because we are living a human experience, I am certain that my epiphany will eventually fade, roping me back into another reminder and a kick in the pants.

Until then .... I am present and filled with a renewed appreciation for life.

An amazing year

2011-04-30T16:43:00.000-07:00

Well, we did it. We broke the million for the second year - and we surpassed it too! As of Friday, our 2011 Hair Massacure total was $1,050,000. Of course, we did it with a LOT of help from a LOT of wonderful people.

It was a truly remarkable thing to see all the people who came to the mall, who donated, who pinked and shaved, who volunteered. Answering all those calls and emails. Sending out all those tax receipts that got lost...

We have to say a special thank you to Gord Bamford and his band, manager and crew. The concert at Neil M Ross (our top fundraising school at $74,000) yesterday was a great big love-in. They loved him and he sang his heart out for them. High-fives and smiles all-around.

I am glad to have been a part of this process and I look forward to what we can accomplish next year by working together.

Way to go team!!!

$5,630,000

2011-03-29T10:18:00.000-07:00

When you reach the million one year... and you’re in the middle of the next and wondering if you’re going to make it this year too... It keeps you up at night, it makes you count everything ten times a day to see if anything has changed and by how much, it makes you think about donating a very large amount – even if it means I’ll be paying off my car for another ten years… you need to have a plan – any kind of plan – in case the worst happens.

There are some cases where worrying makes sense, and when I think about WHY we do the work we do – my worries pale in comparison – and yet it doesn’t make them disappear. They’re still there and they’re still real (at least in my head). But I should have known… with the team of staff, board members, captains, volunteers, and participants that we have – I should have known!

I don’t have to worry about it anymore! We have done it – we have raised the MILLION! Plus. Now we can concentrate on bigger issues – like the worries of the families staying at RMH, or the ones of the parents whose kid is in the Stollery, or the parents whose child might not make it to their Wish. These are real concerns and they are justified in worrying.

I hope that by my small contribution to Massacure (in regards to the grander scheme of life) I have helped alleviate someone’s worries when it comes to their kid. I hope that their worries will be lessened by my worrying and planning and working to make it to the million again this year.

Thank you to everyone who helped in the 2011 Hair Massacure! WE DID IT!

Nicki

Aloha

2011-03-24T18:17:00.000-07:00

Aloha - to greet with genuine affection. Aloha represents love in Hawaiian.

Mahalo - to thank or acknowledge, show of appreciation.

Its been a few days since our return, and all I can think about is how do I make it possible to go back... indefinitely.

FYI... from my findings this morning on West Jet, I see that the awesome deal we took advantage of months back is still available if one can make the selected sale dates work.

I don't know how or why luck seems to find me in the travel dept but Im very grateful, as it has afforded us the opportunity to see places and learn things that are not commonly found in a text book. I consider this highly valuable in the human experience.

20 years back, Gordon coerced me to go to California (as I believed it would drop into the ocean (guaranteed if I were there). Cancer had taken my favourite aunt that year.

She had lived in CA for most of her interesting life and often spoke about meeting the stars.

A new desire to pay proper respect was met with success considering she had beckoned me to visit for many years. Needless to say we didn't go glug glug.

The coast kept a piece of my soul that summer and every year I must return to feel balance.

As debt compiles, Im ok with that.

My luck with deals serves me very well and until it runs out, I will continue to chase airplanes to find my Zen.

My girls share the same passion for the ocean.

Our home exhibits beach paraphernalia, once stuffed in Kali's pockets and knapsack. Stinky treasures discretely make their way into the garbage, as the contents of our luggage reveals gag worthy sea odour.

As I have shared my affection for the west coast, it pales next to my love for the Hawaiian Islands. Maui in particular, has an energy that leaves one lost for words.

The beauty is indescribable and the climate is comfortable and inviting. Imagine your ideal temperature (you have set the thermostat to it in your home) .... it doesn't seem to change - day or night, indoors or out. Our automatic response to adjust to temperature change out here was not required out there. Sigh....

I think the biggest impact left on us was the Aloha Spirit. A level of respect and recognition for fellow man, animal and planet theoretically should exist globally. On these Islands - not only exists, its the way.

Recycling is habitual, water preservation is priority.

The hotels we visited do not waste. Near end rolls of toilet paper and near empty boxes of tissue reflect an awareness of waste disposal.

Refusal to replace disposable cups and plates (corn based and biodegradable) is communicated with friendly assertiveness on tours.

The locals are proudly protective of their island.

It puzzles me how they welcome us pesky tourists who may not necessarily share the same mindset for the environment. The intrusion of developers who raped their coastline with recreational properties must outrage them yet they remain friendly and personable offering outstanding customer service.

Maui drivers - courteous. The Aloha spirit appears contagious as the spread of genuine cheerfulness and consideration infiltrates the island.

A noticeable difference from the commonly demonstrated road rage and lack of courtesy in most places, including here. A activated signal light is often interpreted as a challenge to cut off and pass. Not there. Not ever. Honking discouraged, not considered "aloha" and is used only for distress or a cue to round a one lane corner. Much appreciated to save the white knuckling for the 700 sharp turns on Hana as opposed to dedicating energy to cursing other drivers.

Speaking of those turns.... common - high elevation, one lane, without shoulder, without guard rail, NOT without prayer.

Efficient burn of calories....more shave ice please (thats a high end slurpie in a bowl with sweet cream). Mmmmmmm.....

Before I ruin the rest of your curiosity, I encourage you to check out my seat sale tip on West Jet and check it out yourself.

Perhaps if all of us experience a little "Avatar", we may collectively discard our disregard for saving our planet and our people by assuming the Aloha Spirit.

Mahalo

Visit with an angel

2011-03-01T20:35:00.000-08:00

Today FRED and I spent at time at Stollery foundation, reconnecting with staff, nice coffee with our CEO and follow up with Brandi and Nicki (who are working on many levels of wrap up including data entry, documenting, debriefing, and recognition).

The staff at the foundation LOVE the pink beast. He was a good boy as usual, although inching his way back to that embarrassing habit of "self soothing" he acquired 2 years ago.

We'll have to work on that.

Fred was thirsty when we arrived and had a bit of a tickle in his throat causing him to cough.

Anyone who has heard a big dog "cough" knows that distinctive glack - yack that would make one scramble for paper towels. Its almost too gross to be human, but today it was assumed that a human (staff member) pulled that off. An easy assumption when FRED is tucked away in a cubicle, with few privy to his presence. Sometimes gross really does have its place, as it makes for great stories.

Nicki babysat the beast while I connected with a few, namely my friend Kim across the street at the U of A.

In a recent post, I shared sad news about our remarkable karate friend who was diagnosed with Leukaemia back in January.

I only had 35 minutes to spend with my friend, and the worlds slowest elevators stole 15 of that - my rationed 20 minutes needed to be 2 hours. It was incredibly wonderful to see her.

I don't know how to articulate the impact she made on me today.

All I can come up with that makes any sense is that I had a visit with an angel.

Kim sat on the edge of her bed - obvious signs of treatment, her eyes grabbing mine as they reflected a high spirited enlightenment.

Kims mother was taken from her at age 12 - cancer. I would imagine this is her worst fear as she too is a mother.

Her state of mind and spirit not common for a person who has recently been educated that she has a resilient type of cancer.

I sat in awe as I immersed myself in her reaction to the cards she had been dealt.

She has chosen "not".

She is not a victim... and furthermore she does not have cancer.

She is a catalyst, and was chosen to be the catalyst for change or someone else's enlightenment.

Can you imagine if everyone held this belief and did not waiver from their faith?

Kim, you are my inspiration. Even though you may again crush my thighs with those infamous roundhouses, I still revere you as an earth angel.

Thank you for the lesson. I needed that.

When I arrived home this aft, I received a text from Kim and hubby Steve - Kim was delivered the news shortly after I left and was packing to come home. Tonight she will be welcomed by her family, her home and her familiar bed.

Kim is in remission.

leading up to .... Kali Bear sightings

2011-03-01T17:01:00.000-08:00

I have to thank our friend Clifford (the gentleman in the 2010 HM video with the pink ponytails), Carrie Roulston (owner of LOXX) and Tina MacQueen (our merch captain) who became the catalysts of this brilliant idea of a "Kali Bear Sightings" page on our website. http://hairmassacure.com/kali-bear

I met Clifford last year in Loxx where he was pinking his hair for the first time.

Prior to this year, I have always had opportunity to take a few days in a salon (LOXX) to throw on a smock / gloves and wear a different hat.

Forgive me for sidetracking again (most of you are used it it).... I'll elaborate before I get to the Kali Bear point.

When I was 18, my chosen career was to be a hairstylist. Marvel would have been my school of choice after the completion of Highschool .... however my first born (Meagan) had a different idea.

It was deja vu for me when I walked my 18 year old daughter into Marvel for the first time to register.

My daughters passion for the hair industry once allowed me to live vicariously through her UNTIL I found opportunity to make my own experience.

Attending hair shows, researching product lines, absorbing Meagans "take" on latest trends, hangin' with the stylists is most interesting to me, however now I realize that this may not have been the best career choice for me as I get side tracked easily. Big surprise, I know.

With only one thing to focus on, I tend to get into trouble more often.

HM allows me to wear many hats.

Some of the salons we work with have allowed me to pose as "hair stylist" over the years (namely LOXX), where I can go in unmarked and sometimes unrecognized, occasionally mistaken as an employee.

Funny thing is I am actually good at this stuff. I even cut and perm hair.

As I am bleaching and pinking, I am picking up tips (educational "tips"), and connecting with our participants on a whole new level.

Its allowed me to fully grasp what happens in the salon, another area of the event that I believe I need to have knowledge of.

I have met the most interesting "Proud Victims" while altering their hair. This is back to where Clifford comes in....

Meeting Clifford last year was memorable. He is a quiet man with a subtle and unique sense of humor. This year I had the honour of running into him again at LOXX at the sink.

As Carrie pinked, Clifford shared his vision of turning the Kali Bear into a Flat Stanley.

Clifford was leaving the following morning as he had tix to the Craig Ferguson show, following - Golden Globe Red Carpet walk.

Clifford was VERY successful with a number of well known celebrities agreeable to hold and pose with our bear including Jay Leno and Nicole Kidman.

Outside of those efforts for fame, Kali Bear was placed in the most imaginative poses on the beach, in the wax Museum and on the Walk of Fame.

Kali Bear - now getting out into the world may eventually bring us to meet Ellen De generous.

Since Clifford, Kali Bear has been to Banff with us, skiing with Tina Plsek, to a RUSH game, and I hear he is off to do an Afghanistan Mission, and a vacation to Australia.

I now have a wear 'n' tear bear that sits on my dash awaiting his next adventure.

I look forward to seeing more of his journeys. You can be a part of it - help the bear reach his fame.

Please send your Kali Bear pics to tmac@hairmassacure.com.

2011-03-01T09:48:00.001-08:00

Congrats to a very special and hardworking novice hockey team – the St. Albert Shock! They had 17 participants on their team – including their coach – and raised over $8,600!

These guys were sooo cool and so happy to be a part of Massacure. I spoke to them only briefly – but they were pretty pumped – and they have reason to be!

Bald is Beautiful 2011

2011-02-21T12:51:00.000-08:00

This Saturday our wonderful and talented Claudine Lavoie hosted our private little Bald is Beautiful shoot in her in-home studio.

This was Claudine's 3rd shoot for Hair Massacure, all donated to us (much like our amazing events photographers - Romy Yamsuan and Chantelle Turgeon)

Claudine's ability to re-capture the moments of why people shave is the very reason she is chosen for this project. Her warmth and hospitality puts our subjects at ease and gives each of them opportunity to connect with each other prior to their shoot.

I feel this is vital in putting them back into the moment.

There is a particular look that is present when most participants (Proud Victims) shave. Its indescribable, but I know intrinsically from shaving 4 times myself (having a motivating reason to do so - Kali).

Our event photographers (when in the shave area) often capture this .... when were not goofing around. (I LOVE those shots too).

In Claudine's peaceful home, with a black and white background and opportunity for each to reflect, the shots are very rich.

Bald is Beautiful was created in 2006 (during the shave) where a suggestion and an afterthought prompted me to scramble to make it happen.

The subjects that I choose each year are random.

It literally happens as I walk around in the shave area or spot a bald head walking by, sometimes chosen beforehand (as I get a feeling about a person), or a suggestion from one of our peeps.

There are hundreds that will get missed who are absolutely stunning, or that have a heartwarming story (that would be reflected in their pictures). I feel for all of these beautiful people who really should be photographed, but we don't get to them due to the chaos of the event.

The shoot is also very small (I prefer it cozy), so unfortunately this does not offer opportunity for all to be invited. This is why is random.

Claudine thinks about her next shoot all year, working up her creativity to apply to a couple of select subjects.

This year, Morgan (our first creative subject) - a student from Eveline Charles Academy was chosen to wear a pink chiffon wrap that flowed glamourously with a fan placed to the side.

How Ironic that Morgan was threatened to be terminated by her employer if she went through with the shave and did not wear a wig to work.

I'll be sending her employer her photos once I receive them, along with a message expressing my disappointment.

Another family drove 4.5 hours one way to attend the shoot. Met this lovely girl in Red Deer (pervious blog) and I was quite moved when she fell to tears in the chair. She (Sabrina) was donating and shaving. She and her family left an impression, so I invited them as both her dad and brother also shaved. Very nice family. Had no idea how far they had to travel, but glad they did. During our visits , Nicki and I both discovered that we each knew them through mutual acquaintances.

My Sensei (Steve Rooke - who heads up our security team at the event) posed with his son Jorden as a means to honour Kim (wife and mom to them, friend to me) just diagnosed with Leukaemia (recent blog). Kim is now without hair. Its most unfortunate that a day pass was not possible for her to be present in the shoot with her 2 men. Now THAT would be a gripping photo. (Still praying for you Kim... )

Flat Christie (who's not in real life) was able to attend this year as last year she was unable.

The woman of a thousand faces, she's so very photogenic. Im looking forward to seeing reflective, humorous, and strangled (with myself behind the ends of her pink scarf). Christie's sister Ginger posed last year with her back exposed and a beautiful drawing down the torso.

Both of these sisters - stunning inside and out.

Jaime Caza (our McDonald's sponsor and volunteer coordinator) brought her son Tyler who sacrificed his hockey hair to shave. Prior to the event, attending pinking at RMH, a few moments of boredom fell upon me. I happened to have my peanut (mini clippers) with me, and felt compelled to get rid of half of his hair, leaving him with a mohawk. It was there when I envisioned his black and white.

Last but not least, my son in law Steven popped in for the last shoot.

I warned him that Claudine had something special in mind for him. His response was "anything", but no feathers.

Im looking forward to see our topless dark angel.

I wasnt sure what Claudine was seeing for Steven until she put it all together... Im thinking this may be one of my all time favourites.

In the meantime I have to be equally creative to make it up to him (until he sees his photo).

Thank you Claudine Lavoie for sharing your talent with us, and to our subjects - another thank you for sharing a reflection of your soul.

www.claudinelavoie.ca

Trip to Banff

2011-02-20T21:31:00.000-08:00

For the past few years, the girls and I have planned an immediate trip to Banff, day after HM for some R & R.

The concept sounds great at the time, but I think after a few rounds of failed attempts in my desperate search for that R & R, I would learn that its not the best idea.

6 weeks of no rest leading up to our hectic event and I decide to drive 6 long hours the following morning to an overpriced location of party animals and tourists.

Before discovering my spiritual connection (and addiction) to the ocean, I have always associated "spirit rejuvenation" with the rockies.

For years during and after Kalis treatment, I would take day trips by myself to Banff, climb a mountain and drive home - exhausted but balanced. On Kali's "good" days this was opportunity for me to collect my thoughts and feelings.

I made a few of those trips and it really helped.

It is still my belief that this will rebalance me if I drive out there and take in the magnificence of the mountains. I think its the element of how insignificant I feel in their presence that really does it for me.

This particular trip did not balance me (the last 2 previous did not balance me either).

Had to wear double toques to keep the snakes in my hair at bay.

Our traditional HM celebration at Chillies in Banff ended abruptly when my new IPhone was stollen right off of our table.

I was choked at how expensive THAT dinner was going to be, but paled in comparison to how violated I felt.

I could not call or text my Massacure peeps to say thank you.

I worried that media would call for updates or maybe a potential BIG sponsor would try to reach me as they had just seen the event.

All of my new pics and videos of Kali Bears on the walls at McDonalds, pinking photos, new contacts....my life was in my phone and it was gone.

In disbelief, we left. Braved a snowstorm and made our way to our hotel.

Every muscle in my body had ceased up from the event, the outdoor hot tubs were beckoning me.

The wild partying and drinking changed our plans to soak and relax our achy bodies.

Kali's legs were aching at the event (a side effect from treatment) - she needed this soak as much as I did. Hotel offered no assistance.

In the morning, Billboard (HM Van) was dead. Had my first meltdown while waiting for a boost.

Back brakes picked up rocks between Banff and Jasper resulting in a trip to the mechanic at 8 am the next morning. We hadn't slept anyways in our noisy musty hotel room.

On the way home I left my purse at Shell in Edson.

The kids rarely see me cry. 4 times that trip. I was embarrassed that I had broken down in front of them while we were "supposed" to be rejoicing instead.

So why am I sharing this?

This is my blog - about a family run event... the highs and lows.

On Feb 11 - Our high was our 9th annual Hair Massacure, and all of the good stuff that came to it.

Feb 12 - 15 - low.

I struggled with why I felt like I was being punished after doing Gods work.

Why were we chosen for the dark cloud of bad luck to find us while we were celebrating the successes of our efforts of something positive?

My dear friend (Mel) later shared that things get stirred up to teach us something and perhaps if we are still for long enough we can decipher the message that is coming to us.

My reply to her was: You and I have both ADHD. How are we to be still?

I went to Banff to be still and see what happened?

When I think about that, I realize that I could never go to the mountains to be still.

Nor do I go to the ocean to be still. We are climbing all over stuff, driving all over Gods green earth to investigate every possible corner that can be captured on film and in memory.

Theres no still.

Interestingly, another observation from a good friend (Darcy) who pointed out to me that there is no middle ground in our lives amounts the the highs and lows

As he shared his theory about our exposure to extreme Yin or Yang, it made me realize why I (we) suffer exhaustion.

Our exposures overall seem to involve meeting amazing people, hearing amazing stories, collectively accomplishing amazing feats, laughing till our guts hurt.... then theres the other side.

"Uneventful" almost seems foreign - post Kali years.

On the up side - what I will leave for last is the great things in Banff (that were clouded at the time) - like the deer we came across that wanted to eat the Kali Bear (from Kali), the mechanic that donated the services to fix the van (because she recognized us), my new fun preoccupation with searching for opportunity to implement a pink bear into interesting photos (even if it means crossing a gorge to do so), rolling in the snow in our bikinis, the delicious meal and great service at Chilis, and the 2 hour walk in the canyon (that I promised Mandy would only be a few minutes causing her to make yellow snow on a trail), big horn sheep, ice wine chocolates, and a tour of haunted Banff Springs hotel. Oh... and I had a nice break from my newly recognized addiction - my Iphone. Lesson learned.

The scenery of the rockies was outstanding and once again we came home with 400 photos.

Meagan left a beautiful bouquet of roses and chocolates, Gord left chocolates upon our return and the morons (dogs) ecstatic to see us.

The warmth of our peeps to welcome us home melted away the cloud in Banff.

Our life - Yin or Yang.

Hair Massacure 2011

2011-02-19T19:57:00.000-08:00

Hi folks, thought after a week (post event), it was time to check in with yawl.

Before you read further, bear in mind - this is post event. My apologies if I have missed something, brain cells scrambling to recover, and my blog typically all over the place at best so.... here it is.

I see Brandi has survived after her first year and has enough brain capacity to count money, data entry, and blog.

I'll start with this... THANK YOU. I mean that with the most heartfelt sincerity.

It takes teamwork to put on an event of this nature, and an even bigger team to build it to a million.

The captains - phenomenal. They really understand this event and what its about.

Many of them there at 5:30 am for set up, and post 9 pm for tear down.

Nicki and Brandi scrambling to juggle 3 things at once, and our family wearing so many different hats, they could not keep up with the event.

2011 event was heightened in many areas.

Most media, most FUN, most chaos, most organization.

Consequently, this was also the year for most things going sideways. Not sure why,

but it felt like we were dealing with a full moon for a good 6 weeks.

New interest from Premiere Ed Stelmach, Edmonton Police dept, Spruce Grove Fire dept, Gord Bamford, Edmonton Eskimos and 7 Edmonton Oilers resulted in a media frenzy.

Our own event photographers (Romy Yamsuan and my cousin Chantelle Turgeon) had to fight their way through cameras lined up to capture all of the Oilers getting shaved.

Over 20 interviews, I started to sound like a tool with my rehearsed pitch, compelling the people to "come on down to the mall".

I was so fortunate to have Weazie with me all day as my trusty companion.

My meds and phone in her back pocket catering to my every whim and entertaining me the entire time. God love her, what would I do without the crazy uninhibited Weazie's, Mel's, and Christie's? Come to think of it, the majority of our team consists of crazies and I LOVE it!

FRED was a hot item again this year. Think he must have had over a thousand hands on him, Mandy bombarded with requests to pet him or have him pose for a photo.

There were moments, well most of the day where I felt like FRED.

There was no opportunity for thought.

I relied on instinct that day (which is dangerous for me) and surprisingly I did not embarrass myself too bad ....

....except for the moment with Bridget on Breakfast TV. Didn't see the mic pointed in my direction waiting for my response. Guess I was busy stuffing a long pink hair clip in the back of Weazies jeans (wanted her to have a tail). Good thing B knows me.

Umm.... and then there was the incident(s) with my hand making their way onto mens tummies.

Lost count of how many times THAT happened, but I did catch myself around the Premier while lost in conversation about our research lab. My inhibitions seem to be, well lets just say up to this point been fortunate its worked out.

Speaking of inhibitions....

Flat Christie sporting her "troll hair" always bring interest to the event - fit right in with some of the wacky hair that rolled in that day. Awesome!

Jaime did an outstanding job with her many hats that day, both as sponsor and volunteer coordinator. Kyrsti and Shauna organizing our youth volunteers.

Glen Peters and Steve Rooke saved us all with set up / tear down and security. HUGE job.

Thank you Glens Team, Rooke School of Karate and additional security!

Gord Mc'd the entire event after setting up, assisted with sound, then tore down.

Steven and Dennis (Nickis Dad) - set up, tear down and everything you can imagine in between.

Miss Tina and Aunty Donna - 17. 5 THOUSAND in sales for merchandise. Nice job ladies!

Marina and Mark Dell in charge of set up and pick up of food for our 300 + volunteers,

Dusty (D J Fish Productions) - 'Possibly the worlds Greatest DJ" rocked us in between acts,

and Lynn Fields came with massage therapists in tow to work on our tired backs in a secret room for captains.

Most complicated areas - Shaving area, registration (which overlaps to many other areas) and banking.

Mel and Meagan (and stylist captains) after set up, dedicated to the haircutting area looking for potential issues, hugging, flattering, high fiveing, damage controlling, shaving, hair donating, teaching, intervening, meet and greeting, posing .... busy day for those girls.

Registration area was the smoothest its even been thanks to the leadership of Melynda, and support of her captains Joelle and Anna. Flat Christie, Ginger, Pat, Olly and Diana manage the chaos with the aid of several outstanding team members.

Banking - thanks to our Roni (who brought ATB to us years ago) and Cathy from Make-A-Wish a refine system has been developed. 50 ATB volunteers helped us with our event this year!

I wont go into full detail about all of our 20 some areas, as this blog would take forever, BUT I will say that each area has been fine tuned down to an art and our captains were ON IT. Thinking back to years past - huge improvements every year.

Entertainment was awesome again.

Had small windows of opportunity to sit in bleachers for brief moments to admire the talent coming off the stage that Axe Music and Axe Music Productions kindly donated to us (along with sound). ALL entertainment donated their time as well, including the infamous Third Street Beat, Jonek, Bernard Quillala, Kent Wong, and Coaster 44 (Gords band).

Our school Dance Connection, and Visionary College wowed us with their students (including Miss Kyrsti) and my cousin Danita Lin who wowed us with her powerful voice. Speaking of being wowed, I discovered that day that my daughter could sing. Gave me goosebumps Kyrsti.

2 Cheque presentations: ATB Financial 15,000! Save On Foods 24,500!!

Darcy's Red Deer efforts collectively added up to 80,000!

McDonalds money - yet to be determined.

A number of cancer kids came out this year, including our little Miracle Taylor. Its great to see our kids out there to bear witness to the efforts made to supporting their conditions.

Many members of our charities came out, THAT was so nice to see their interest and support.

Now lets get to the REAL reason for this event. Fundraising.

Participants rolled in all day, HUGE money raised collectively and for some individually there were some that raised thousands. Incredible and commendable.

I know first hand what kind of commitment that takes to raise big bucks. My first shave was 3.5 grand. By the 4th shave, it was not possible for me to get the same kind of money as the first. It blows my mind to see return participants come back year after year, not to mention schools and Hockey teams.

My last point - Leo Nickerson - came in at second place at 42,000! THATS amazing after 5 years of continued support! GP Nickleson, repeat school - over 30,000! Wow!

First place school.... You'll have to tune into CISN for the announcement on Monday. :)

In the meantime, money still rolls in. We are not quite at the million yet. Think we'll hit it, we have to hit it! Make-A-Wish will accept money until end April to to towards 2011 event.

Its NOT TOO LATE for new sponsorships or donations. We'll happily take them!

Will keep you posted on our growing totals!

Currently at 935,000 with a few more schools yet to turn in money, and 2 more doing shaves in March / April.

WE DID IT!!!

2011-02-16T18:40:00.000-08:00

Friday was an amazing day. Nicki and I (along with the amazing set up crew) got to the mall at just before 5 am. A frenzy of tables and chairs and boxes signage and papers and a few tense moments and all of the sudden it was time to open the gates.

Music and dancing, magic and shaving were the order of the day. We had a few celebrities, and a LOT of regular people. What amazed me was how humble people were - when asked how much money they raised, most people shrugged and offered their number. When asked why they were shaving or donating their hair, they proudly told us their stories.

My first (and only) cry of the day came about 6 pm. A lovely woman came in with pink bangs and long blonde hair. She had come to donate her hair for a wig. She looked a bit nervous, so I went over to talk to her. As she sat down in the chair, she started to cry ever so slightly. We talked about how the wig would come back to someone in this community, and that seemed to help. I was overwhelmed by her story of not having a haircut in over 2 years, and how her plan to donate it started a year ago. Now that's dedication! I was also in awe of her cheering section - at least 20 people stood on the outside of the rink and cheered as the first locks were cut, and again when her head was shaved. Truly remarkable.

There is an amazing team of volunteers at this event. Captains who put in countless hours before, during, and after the event to make sure it all works out. Groups who volunteer together, and individuals who come just because it's the right thing to do. I won't go on about all the great support we have from sponsors and the like, because everyone who knows about events knows that sponsors are vital and ours are no different. Ooops, did I just go on?

Anyway, I wanted to share a little bit of what my impressions were from this, my first Hair Massacure. I was exhausted (as was everyone else) by the time we got the last boxes unloaded, and I don't remember too much of Saturday, but by Monday it was business as usual - and lots to do.

Thanks to everyone wh0 raised money, donated money, shaved, donated hair, or came to provide support to someone else. Thanks to everyone who helped in any other way - and there are lots of you. You made it a great day.

Our FIRST official Pink Oiler

2011-02-08T21:34:00.000-08:00

Well folks - IT FINALLY HAPPENED!

Our new partner - Ronald McDonald House brought this brave pink Oiler to our cause.

Thanks to Jessica, who spoke to Steve Mcintyre's wife this past weekend, I can say another item is scratched off my bucket list.

I've been wishing for a pink Oiler for years.

2 years ago, thanks to my good friend Hilary, we acquired our first Oilers - Ethan Moreau and Ales Hemsky.

The shave was hosted by Make-A-Wish and MC'd by Chris Sheetz (our CISN sponsor).

3 Wish kids (including Kali and Jaime's daughter Kailey) had the privilege of the initial shave, media and crowd so thick that it was difficult to see.

My lovely daughter and BF Mel cleaned up the boys with the trimmers, taking a much longer time than I recalled to shave a head.

Salivating women quietly circulating like buzzards, wishing for a lock of hair to put into their purse, and dreaming of opportunity to touch an Oiler.

Myself, guarding the hair (cause I had dibs on it), my faithful camera capturing the moment....

including the signature Mel comment .... "hey buddy, how do you like the 2 girls on one guy action?"

This was my favourite pic EVER.

Shock, hysterical laughter (from audience), confusion (from Oiler).

Unfortunately my pic blurred as I dropped to protect my bladder from letting go in the middle of Make-A-Wish. Gotta love our Mel.

Last year (thank you again Hilary), we had the pleasure of a very brief blink of a Pink Oiler.

This was hosted by Eveline Charles Acedemy. Again MC'd by Chris Sheetz. Patrick O'Sullivan.

I pinked our Oiler while we negotiated his involvement to be pink for literally 10 minutes before we shaved it off. Still, all good. The experience was cool, and we have the pics to prove it.

Mel unfortunately held her tongue that day - nothing crazy to report so we'll move onto today.... drum roll....

It all happened last minute. I received a call from Jessica (RMH) to meet our new Oiler - Steve McIntyre at Marvel College.

Megs was free so off we went (Kyrsti and Kali in tow).

Meagan works so hard on our event every year as Stylist Coordinator, what a nice perk for her (and for him, as my daughter is lovely and very good at what she does).

There was no time to notify media, so it was quiet and I actually preferred it that way.

Great opportunity to visit with our newest "Proud Victim", and educate him (and his beautiful wife) about our crazy event.

Jessica is new to Alberta, but you'd never know it.

Not only did she motivate an Oiler, but the rookies (to shave with Steve at the mall) and 2 members of the RUSH (who we will pink on Thursday at the House). Awesome.

Steve - better known as the "tough guy" is hoping to draw some national attention to his new do.

He is living up to his title, as he is gearing up for the ribbing he may receive from other players.

He doesnt care. He is bringing it on. We warned him that his jersey will stain.

He smiled (unconcerned)... then we melted cause he has a cute smile.

The man is very personable (and very tall) and truly engaged in our cause. So was his wife.

I watched the interaction between him and Meagan as she shared candid stories about pinking certain gentlemen in past - great way to break the ice.

Marvel students hovering around our area with intense curiosity.

An instructional demo on rinsing out dark hair colour (on someone else right next to us) may not have had the level on education that was planned. Our pink rinsing (right in front of them) hugely distracting, was also educational, so that was good.

We parted ways saying to each other "see you at the mall". Our FIRST Oiler at the mall.

WOW.

Red Deer Massacure / Save On Massacure

2011-02-08T18:06:00.001-08:00

This past weekend 3 events took place.

Saturday was our Red Deer Massacure held at Bower Mall, hosted by our friend Darcy Ouellet.

Nicki, Brandi, Tina, Aunty Donna, Kali and I braved slippery roads to witness our first mall event (that we had not directly organized).

Darcy did a fine job duplicating our efforts in his first year of "Massacuring" people, and it's seems that he will do this again next year.... (including his sporty Mohawk).

He will still not reveal the amount collected (so far), as he wishes to present a huge cheque to our event on Friday. Gotta love his spirit.

Miss Tina and Aunty Donna took orders for merch, SHAW TV and The Craze (radio) offered lengthy interviews, including my shy girl, Miss Kali.

My highlight of that day was the little girl (15 years old) who sat in chair trembling under her cape.

The huddle of stylists around her, making desperate efforts to console beckoned me to come over and talk with her.

It brought me back to my first year shaving when I was terrified.

I then recalled the first year Kali shaved and how griping that felt watching those pink locks hit the ground, Gord and I choking back tears... ok Gord choked back, I bawled like a baby live on tv.

My arm made its way around the girl and as I reminded her about "choice", I noticed how striking her features were.

We talked about it being "ok" to back out, and how this event was not about pressure and inflicted obligation. She stayed firm with her decision, she was just afraid... understandably.

She was quite agreeable when I asked her if I could shave her beautiful head, with my personal promise that she would look beautiful like the bald little girl in the picture I was holding (Kali's Bald is Beautiful shot). Her realization of who I was lead me to invite Miss Kali over - to display her long hair. It grows back, and with or without it - your'e still beautiful.

I have to say, in the many years I have shaved heads, this particular one I will hold close.

THIS is the guts of this event folks.... the life altering sacrifice for others.

I was right, she was stunning without her long hair. It was an honour for me to meet her.

I wished she was not so far away from our traditional Bald is Beautiful shoot (featured on our website). This shoot (with the right photographer) really captures the "why" of our event.

http://www.claudinelavoie.ca

The ride home resulted in passing 22 cars in the ditch and 2 semis.

Onward to Save On Foods Elerslie for their manager shave.

Fighting event fatigue (and I speak for Brandi and Nicki), it was a bit of a struggle to pull it together, slap on a game face and hit another event. I was glad I did.

Kali and I arrived with enough time for lunch.

Not sure what happened but my coffee tasted a wee bit bummy.

Exchanged it for a tea that resembled the coffee and exchanged that for an odd tasting carbonated ice cream. Think there was an oops.

My panicked polite daughter practicing every measure of distraction she knows in hopes I will not approach the staff with "description" of my order.

Gave the kid and DQ staff a freebie and hightailed it over to Save On for their manager shave.

The energy in the store was crazy (fuel for this soul).

8 managers shaving (chests and legs included, almost an arm pit) and one very long hair donation.

Laughter penetrated the building as various types of hairs hit the floor - it was awesome.

My friend DM looks 10 younger with 12 inches off - this is common.

Tomorrow I will attend one more Save On shave that will entail dudes in pink dresses!

3 More day folks!!

Media Day

2011-02-03T23:28:00.000-08:00

Wednesday was media day for myself and the girls.

Global, CISN and CTV. Was great to get it done at once as I find it extremely nerve wracking.

Being in front of a camera is not the issue for me, its adhering to a script of chosen questions (that I choose) in a period of 3 minutes. Throw 2 more kids into the equation, the challenge heightens.

Miss Kali - God love her, is as slow as a turtle. This girl struggled with our commercial for this very reason, she cannot speak fast. Ask her a question and I start biting my lip as I desperately want to intrude by speeding her along.

THIS particular day, she was amazing. Timely, precise and spoken from the heart.

Now Kyrsti- my little frenchi who converts english to french stumbles a bit, unless she has rehearsed in her head what the subject of the matter is.

We had exactly 3 minutes to talk with 6 questions.

Kyrsti's turn to talk resulted in a little love tap in the shin...

Now if youre a parent or a wife - tell me you've never done this.

Good thing my kids can read sign language, as I was able to get to the last question (#4 out of 6) and finish the interview.

The second challenge I have with media spots is whether my Preparation H will work under my eyes that day AND bad hair AND bloodshot eyes AND if I present well.

I usually dont sleep the night before as I am stressing about these points, particularly if I create a Tammyism right on camera.

I recall several years ago on Global (Kali was 3, sitting beside me, arm in sling with a collar bone break). Kyrsti was invited to stand behind me with a group of little cancer kids. I was sitting on a step during the interview with Mike Sobal, the viewer and tv prompter smack in front of us.

My wonderful Kyrsti sees herself in the viewer as I am attempting to share our story...

At age 5, she thinks this is kinda neat to have this nice "mirror" in front of her and begins to pose. It started with faces, leading to pulling my hair UP into a mohawk and a few sharp tugs on the ear. At one point I feel her elbow rest on the top of my head as her other hand is over both of my eyes.

Against better judgement my eye wanders to check out what's going down.... this is all live.

Think you know the rest...

Good part was that it turned really funny.

Thankfully these 3 media spots resulted in success.

Still looking for a replacement for Preparation H...

Gettin close...

2011-02-03T16:17:00.000-08:00

Its been a trying past few days since the heavy day on Monday. Our hearts go out to our karate family who had been hit hard by cancer.

It never ceases to amaze me how small communities come together, for all occasions but particularly when adversity strikes. Our Karate family is as tight knit as our Massacure family - we take care of our own and this makes me very proud.

Monday's shock resulted in attempted recovery on Tuesday. Tuesday was yucky and difficult, spilling into yesterday (not so bad) and today which has been a whirlwind of glitches, deadlines and issues... how do I get this body to stop twitching?

I dragged my sorry something to karate and taught a couple of classes, worked up a good sweat and seriously felt better. Hernia didnt bubble, so were golden. Back to class I go!

Consequently here are a few positive moments (besides class) that I'd like to share with you.

In this past 2 weeks we have had 5 salons approach us and ask to be involved. Being we are a non-soliciting group, this was like hitting Gold. Meagan, Mel and I very pleased to say the least.

Speaking of gold... a new school contacted me late last night. After a scramble to bring them a presentation (today), I was able to unload the last 100 pledge packages that I had in my possession. The children demonstrated deafening screams as Fred and I entered the gym.. guess they liked it.

Nicki, in a panic to find poly for our hair area, acquired a new sponsorship - Totem!

They had asked why we haven't approached them before and were thrilled to be involved.

Look for pink hard hats (and orange trousers) at the event - they will be there!

Saw my pink dog hit the Edmonton Journal. Heres the link:

http://communities.canada.com/edmontonjournal/blogs/animalattraction/archive/2011/01/29/in-the-pink-fred-the-poodle-ready-for-annual-hair-massacure.aspx

Paul Kane High School (St.Albert) surprised us as they paired up with Leo Nickerson Elementary to pink the students in their cosmetology lab.

http://www.stalbertgazette.com/article/20110128/SAG0801/301299997/st-albert-starting-to-turn-pink

Our friend Paul Liimatainen offered a pleasant surprise with the news of his 5,000 donation he solicited on our behalf.

This is the same gentleman that rounded up the team K3 for the kids - at Keephills and raised 74,000 (with Paul's personal contribution of 25,000 in pledges). Paul is an inspired Pink grandpa who's been involved with us for 4 years.

Then there's Darcy...

I hear from Darcy Ouellet at least once everyday - he is the superhuman gentleman who is heading up Red Deer Massacure at Bower Shopping Center this Saturday.

Back in May, Darcy held a smaller event right in the front area at Costco. He raised over 35,000, and 8 months later this man is back at it again with unleashed enthusiasm.

Darcy has interesting news everyday for me. Something he had donated, someone he inspired, a new school, a new salon, a new radio station... reminds me of me a few years ago before workload took over the excess energy.

Tomorrow I will wash and load my billboard with toques, bears and event supplies in preparation of Red Deer.

We have one week left folks.

If I am correct about my procrastination theory (where most folks perform best under pressure), we should have one last influx of inspired participants (who've been pondering involvement), donors fulfilling promised pledges, and maybe - just maybe more unexpected sponsorships that will help us get over that million.

Heavy day

2011-01-31T21:34:00.000-08:00

How does one describe heaviness?

Its all consuming, crippling our ability to experience and process joy, humor, excitement, gratitude.

I felt heavy today as I sat in Peds Oncology at the Stollery awaiting results of Kali's blood tests and the final verdict from the doc regarding a suspicious lump.

I felt heavy for her, reflecting on the number of relapses I have witnessed over the years, admiring her beautiful long hair and trying to get my head around how we would handle a second go.... how would she.... more importantly - how could she/we? I felt sick.

I felt sick for 2 reasons, for 2 people.

Meanwhile Kali sat quietly for a long spell with a hospital brochure in hand (studying a younger picture of herself on the front cover).

Her thoughts were: I know Im fine, and I'll take the day off of school any day to hang out with mom. She worried, but for someone else - our friend who was recently diagnosed this weekend with Leukaemia.

Its true that ignorance is bliss.

After bloodwork, pager in hand - we were released for a bit to grab a bite and visit our friends (on that note, after 8 years I am finally able to eat at the hospital again).

We connected with our friend and learned a bit more about his wife's condition.

She was too weak for a visit, but we listened intently while he talked, voice trembling trying to keep strong.

Back to "ignorance is bliss"...

I knew what was ahead of him. I wished I hadn't, and I knew that in time he will wish he hadn't either.

Today is his birthday, and his biggest hurdle of this day is telling his boys.

I wanted to tell him it will be ok. I knew it would be a lie.

I raced back and forth in my head from Kali to my friend. Deep down I felt Kali was going to be ok, but I didn't trust it because it tricked me the first time.

For my friends, I spent the day wondering what we could do for this family. They have done so much for us, in fact very much involved in Hair Massacure.

Kali was released with no traces of evil in her body.

I felt a huge weight off, then felt bad that my friend would not feel the relief I was granted.

I thought about the new research project our event is now funding - Leukaemia.

I wanted to share this news, explaining that adult cancers benefit from paediatric research.

I decided to leave it alone as it is not relevant at this time and will not release the pain this man is feeling for his wife, his family.

I fished for something positive to tell him. All I could say was that we would pray.

I could not offer any of the resources that I have affiliations with (as the patient is not a child).

Could not mention Ronald McDonald House when they go to Calgary for 3 months for a bone marrow transplant, no Kids with Cancer Society, no Make-A-Wish.

I felt that I had nothing to offer other than a crash course on what to expect with Leukaemia (when they're ready).

Thats not very positive.

The outcome may be (and I pray it is) but the roller coaster ride is not.

I thought about all of the issues with Hair Massacure Ive been griping about this past few weeks.

In retrospect, I'll gladly take 'em.

Reasons....

2011-01-30T21:34:00.000-08:00

This week was another twitcher. No posts due to procrastination, however I am here now an in a state of sheer emotional exhaustion and yet I feel compelled to write. This is why...

I watched a video today, sent to me by my adopted son Dusty http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9pHISnIj2Y&feature=youtube_gdata_player.

It gave me that extra burst of drive to get me through these next 2 weeks of insanity. This video (which I encourage you to please watch) was created by a cause in B.C that benefits young cancer patients.

The talented young lead singer herself is a survivor - very compelling, very sad and highly motivating for me when I reach that exhausted state.

Not to mislead you, my love for the event is not to be confused with my level of endurance. Sometimes our children make us tired too, yes even exhausted - but we still love them.

Sometimes we need a little something that offers us the strength to get across the finish line.

For me, consistently when I reach this state, God sends me reminders...

I received news today from a good friend who's also quite involved with the event.

As I received the phone call, I felt an unusual surge of tears trying to force their way out (I say unusual because I typically dont cry as I have trained myself in the most unhealthy and unnatural manner to choke them back).

Hearing the words Leukaemia is difficult enough, however when applied to a friend or loved one, its unbearable.

I will be making a visit tomorrow to the U of A hospital for 2 reasons.

1 - to visit my friend.

2 - to take Kali to her Oncologist to have a lump in her armpit checked.

Kali was hesitant to show me this lump as she knew this would stress me, especially after the news of my friend and watching the video.

Honestly, I feel that I could throw up right now, so I focus on writing and it seems to help.

It will be a long night until morning hits, the only thing that will sooth the situation is that its probably a little cyst (for Kali) BUT this does not make me feel any better about my friend.

Going to the hospital will typically set me back for days. I dont have days to set back - the push is NOW and the event is next Friday.

My focus to this point is two things: Raise over one million dollars and pray that everyone involved is happy.

Real quick update this week:

Monday - Bought wedding dress for daughter. Returned ladder to Canadian Tire....

Primeau in school pinking. Lots of fun but I was a little disappointed that Emily would not let me pink her Sheltie, boasted about my creative "pinking" to stylist daughter (Megs).

Tuesday and Wednesday - more twitching, damage control, stocked a staff member at Stollery, recharging Iphone halfway through the day, eating Baileys liquor chocolates, pacing,

excessive gum chewing, re-pinkings, and bad driving (in billboard).

Thursday - school presentation in Devon. Brought Pink Dog, shocked entire school, Kinehan family shared their story. Daughter with pneumonia.

Friday - Billboard needed brakes (back in November actually....) workday with Nicki and Brandi at Starbucks (our office last year) and picked up toques from Unicon Concrete to bring to Make-A-Wish. Hernia not happy....

Saturday - Pinking at Save-On Foods. Pinked Collin Parker (our sponsor for Johnsonville and distributor for Kali Pink) pink tipped my girlfriends sister (LONG LONG hair).... who I will make MY friend too.

Flat Weazie and Flat Christie in attendance - obviously NOT a dull moment there. Laughed to much, hernia still unhappy. VERY motivated employees at Save-On. Really cool....

Today.... just sad, and tired.

Week 3 / Miss Gina

2011-01-22T20:34:00.000-08:00

I am relieved to say (as I knock wood) that the week from H E double hockey sticks is over.

Tonight - in discussion about this nuts week (and the full moon) I discovered that January 18 is the most depressing day of the year (that is for anyone who would not have a legitimate reason to be depressed on this day). Ok, makes perfect sense.

I literally contacted our registration captain Pat (who's lovely AND amazing at her job) and asked her if I could register a time to cut my head off.

I wanted to know if I could still get a toque for my head and if I could donate the head (not that anyone in their right mind would want mine), then asked if I could register a time with a friend (Nicki) - cause she's ready to cut her head off too.

Pat is quite used to my crank calls, but this one was for real, and it came from MY phone - undisguised.

Its been that kind of week.

My "Full moon post" explained Monday and Tuesday. Brandi said it would get better on Wednesday and it.

Our commercial shooting went well, however planning was still chaotic through till Friday.

Friday we (Nicki, Brandi and I) met at WEM to sign contract and go through the entire Ice Palace. We ate lunch at Timmies over top the Ice Palace and planned some more.

Nicki told a story about her mom almost leaving the house wearing 2 different shoes.... I felt it was wise to just shut up. How would I have known that I would do that again today?

A lengthy Executive meeting at Make-A-Wish finished off the day. Its gruelling, but necessary and a good thing I like everyone. Its a great group that consists of us 3 gals, senior members of the charities, Gord and Jaime (rep for Ronald McDonald House). Typically before these monthly meetings, I eat poorly and expose myself to available viruses in hopes of a legit excuse to reschedule. Im never successful.

There are always many issues to resolve (which I why I hate meetings of this nature). More often than not, we collectively find solutions BUT its still yucky going through the tedious process.

At the end... relief.

Today I was simply unmotivated to do any work. We ditched house cleaning and enjoyed a farewell coffee with Miss Gina (Gina Macarthur).

I met Gina 4 years ago when she took over the new editorial position at our local paper.

I called her up, referred to her as "the new girl" and suggested she come to my house for tea as we were going to be working together so we aught to get to know each other first.

She heard we ran a charitable event and likely rolled her eyes on the phone with me, BUT she humored me and came out to the house. What a good sport.

WE just got FRED and Gina not only fell in love with him, but our story, the event and my girls... and I think me too. It was reciprocated. Her articles about HM were outstanding.

I was very sad when she left her position for a Spruce Grove opportunity ...

ironically the switch lead to me hiring Brandi. (Brandi was a co-worker of Gina and came highly recommended. After several applicants - Brandi was chosen. I trusted my gut, I trusted Gina).

in 2008 Gina joined Rooke Karate School (our school).

During tests I got to hit Gina and make her wince - it was fantastic. Her bruises were my trophies.

Gina was the funny Newfie in the class and livened things up - soon had a following.

She always supported the Massacure (with her son Ian) and last year was involved as a co-captain helping out in the planning process.

She fit right in (considering the personalities of our group) offering great ideas and her crazy sense of humour.

I invited Gina to pose in Bald is Beautiful for 2 years running. This is featured on our 2011 video (with her son in the black and whites) AND in the funny pics as her crazy self.

In 09 Gina tried to convince me to write a book with her.

With her strengths with the English language and my memories, we would partner up.

We attempted a couple of writing sessions (her note book on hand) at Timmies.

I wasnt emotionally ready to spill AND usually too felt too scattered or exhausted to organize a thought.

On a good day with me (prior to Ritalin) I cant imagine retrieving single organized memories and thoughts - I've always had 10 going on at any given time.

Gina announced last summer that she was likely moving back home to Newfoundland.

She and I both knew that this book was never going to happen (unless she followed me around 24 - 7 picking my brain for memories). This became the catalyst for my blog.

On November 1st last year - Nickis first day - I wrote my first blog with her in Second Cup. Nicki walked me through it. I was ready.

I believe one day I will select these entries, organize them (well... with help) and create a book.

I will think of Gina.

My friend flew back home today (after a well deserved trip won through our largest Sponsor CISN Country). I (we) will miss her more than she realizes.

Miss Gina, thank you for everything. I love ya, and for the record ...I really did enjoy hitting you.

TGISaturday

2011-01-22T09:26:00.000-08:00

So you know those days.... the days where nothing is going wrong per say but it just takes you three times longer to do something than any other day. That was me yesterday.

It stated off by trying to put my boots on..more than once. I was on the phone, and trying to put them on at the same time (don't shake your head - I'm a woman I think I can multitask) after realizing that I was trying to put them on the wrong feet I waited until I hung up to try again, unfortunately my cell rang again as I grabbed my left boot and then proceeded to try to put it on my right foot. Again! After the second time I conceded that it was going to be a one thing at a time kind of day.

I'm driving to my first meeting with Tammy at West Edmonton Mall when I finally put my phone down. Now I'm almost there, and for those who don't know - I normally put my phone in between my legs when driving (not as weird as you'd think - but think twice before borrowing someone else's cell...) and I feel a little cold. I realize that the plastic on my phone cover is actually touching my leg where I should have pants. So now my day is full of meetings and I have a hole in the thigh of my pants. Great. Well... it's kinda the crotch of my pants. Even better.

Get to West Ed and met with Tam - who didn't have any mishaps with peeing on things today - PHEW! and the meetings went well. Met with Brandi, went over the ice surface - that's all good. We all went to Make-A-Wish and had our Executive meeting, which went good... so the day is shaping up .

I then try to head over to Gologo to pick up a sweatshirt... and please remember that I'm back to being on the phone for the next hour and a half solid... I take a "shortcut" because this long way is crazy with traffic... run into a dead end. So I do a couple quick "well that looks like a real road" and take those until I hit an actual main drag. Just get to Gologo and realize that the building is empty. The only thing in there is some paint and a ladder... Tammy tells me that they've moved. Oops. Guess since I'm ten minutes late and at the wrong location, that I'll pick it all up on Monday.

Get back on the phone - and the road - and head to meet my dad for supper. Im running late due to traffic, and then as I get out of the car.... oh look there's ice, so I've already chipped one of my new bright pink nails. Darnit! I love falling in the middle of parking lots. ARGH!

The rest of the night was supposed to be filled with checking email, changing passwords, and the like, except my typing skills had completely left me and it was taking a half hour to write a two minute email. Needless to say, I quit early and went to bed.

Thank goodness that today is already shaping up to be a bit easier...

Commercial

2011-01-20T21:56:00.000-08:00

Today I attempted again to take the morning off to find a state of zen before our trip to CTV to shoot a psa kindly donated by the station.

What silly portion of my brain thinks this is possible?

This is day 3 where I notify Nicki and Brandi that I need a day. Seems relatively simple - just shut off my phone and stay away from the computer. At this point, the price of the step away is far greater than daily twitch is what I'm thinkin'.

The building (CTV Globe Media) is a familiar place in January for Kali and I as we do our yearly noon hour interviews, or radio spots on the Bear, or Easy Rock.

Today we had a Kyrsti in tow. I opted out of the commercial as I felt the kids could knock that out of the park (14 takes later they did).

Kyrsti was a natural up there, no surprise. Kali, tentative - eventually overcame deer-in- headlights. Erin Isfeld and Maria Orydzuk demonstrated much encouragement and patience for the gir.... uh Kali. I could not help but wonder if Kyrsti was in her niche (media), although she seems to have many niches - this one fit so well it was almost a premonition.

Kali has had media in her life for the last 10 years. What would seem like "old hat" to her is not necessarily the most comfortable. I still believe its a genuine humbleness, and thats not a bad thing.

We were all treated very well, it was so nice to feel the support in the building - Maria in particular (who's lovely), showed a level of investment in us and our cause - it surprised me.

Erin is absolutely flawless in presentation, yet quite done to earth.

I wondered how she'd deliver a speech in my environment (belching dog, hair clippings in bra, random kindergarden shout outs, farting dog, falling zipper, mall chaos, pinking distractions, Fred nurturing himself) ..... my thoughts today were - with perfection.

After editing and approval, CTV will air the clip until the event. Next week Kali and I will come in for an interview at noon. Kali wont blink and I will fidget. Wonder what Kyrsti will be doing?

Thank you CTV for the great promotion.

The Pink Takeover

2011-01-20T16:19:00.000-08:00

Well, I've been here a month now and PINK is taking over my life! I think I'm even dreaming in pink...

I don't want to be the first one to state a countdown, so I won't. But suffice it to say that momentum is growing and we are closer to Feb 11 than not :)

I love watching this campagin grow. Every time I'm in a school there are a few pink heads. And then a few more. And even a young man at the bowling alley last week. It's taking over the whole region.

I've now made it through the pink kick-off, the volunteer orientation, two school presentations, one school pinking, my OWN pinking, my kids' pinking (that was fun), and am anxiously awaiting my first Board meeting and an onsite meeting at the mall tomorrow. I have met stylists, captains, survivors, sponsors, and FRED. They're all great - though most are not quite as cute as FRED (sorry). I have answered a few dozen emails aboaut registering online, how do I donate my hair, and where do I find the pledge package? I have been able to be there for the announcement of two great incentives for schools and teams. I can feel the excitement and energy growing on a daily basis.

Tammy thinks I am mere days away from the "twitching" but the truth is, I love it. Yep, there's LOTS to do. Yep, there are fires to put out and stuff to figure out. Yep, it seems like there aren't enough hours in the day, but when I see how pink is taking over everywhere I look, I know we are doing alright. Our message is getting out there, and we're going to be GREAT!!

Are YOU pink yet?

Full Moon

2011-01-19T22:31:00.000-08:00

This was my Facebook status today: "Full Moon, please take some Ritalin and quit creating chaos".

Thankfully Brandy reminded me about the full moon thing yesterday and today - so Im not going crazy... or am I ..... and using little planets as excuses?

The great parts of these two insane days:

The school pinking at Sturgeon Heights school.

I enjoy that very much - connecting with the kids / parents / staff. Pinking is always fun for me as I get to play "hairstylist" for the day, and "accidentally" pink any promising new victims.

At suppertime Kali and I scooted over to McDonald corporate office to eat (thank you Jaime) and present HM to all of the corporate managers. The goal - to inspire all of the restaurants to sell in access of 500 Kali Bears each.

Jaime Caza - I call her the big / little cheese (cause she's the boss, BUT she's short) lead the meeting. This is my remarkable 4 hat friend I spoke about in a recent blog.

Kali Bears were her brain child among other ideas and offers she's implemented into our event.

Think the restaurants will do well. Should feel for an Angus Burger (best burger EVER btw), or a yummy salad, please consider buying some bears and tell your friends to do the same. The more bears we sell, the more we can give to Ronald McDonald House. They also have yummy new banana chocolate pies - feed the pie hole, buy a bear or two - feed the soul.

Went home feeling pretty good about the meeting. Of course Flat Christie entertained us again. What I have learned about McDonalds is that its a great company to be involved in, oh and in case it didn't register the first time - they have amazing Angus burgers.

The not so great parts: Driveway played joyride with billboard. Billboard scraped Mandys car.

5 ft residential snow wall blocked billboard from leaving driveway. Shovelled. Said colorful words, felt better. Used hammer to break up ice mountain on driveway, hammer found shin. Said more colourful words. School bus kids waved at me.

Ugly dog brought frozen special treat into house, think it belonged to FRED this morning. Brushed ugly dogs teeth, said colurful word.

Bad bird screaming. Searched for spray bottle, bird repeated colourful word.

Website and HM emails down, back up, down, back up, down .... phone not working.

Daughter sick, 1,500 bottles of Hair dye still missing, lost count of glitches and problems (attached to HM). Had coffee with Baileys - Baileys sour.

Ended evening with tea with Ginger (captain). Had a great visit. Felt inspired.

Drove home, snow wall removed, house cleaned up, bad bird sleeping...

Could tomorrow be nicer? Gosh I hope.

OH! The good ol' Hockey game, is the best game you can name. And the best game you can name, is the good ol' Hockey game.

2011-01-18T09:27:00.000-08:00

Last year, massacurians were pleasantly surprised when hockey teams came out of the woodwork in droves! All of a sudden 20 kids with matching jerseys were shaving their heads – for other kids! It was a wake up call for us, as organizers, that there is another group of people wanting to participate and we should not only accept, but encourage their participation.

This year we wanted to do something special for our hockey teams!

May I present to you - - JASON STRUDWICK! He is our number 43, he is our 6 foot 4 inch defenseman for the Edmonton Oilers!!! So the winning hockey team – chosen by most money raised per team member – will get a practice and signing session with Jason.

This may just be a small thank you from us, to our hockey teams for all the things you do, but we appreciate it all!

Oh take me where, the hockey players, face off down the rink.
And the Stanley Cup, is all filled up, for the champs who win the drink.
Now the final flick, of a hockey stick, and the one gigantic scream.
"The puck is in! The home team wins!", the good ol' hockey game.

*Thanks to Stompin' Tom Connors for the wonderful lyrics.

Neil M Ross

2011-01-17T19:02:00.000-08:00

This morning we braved horrendous roads to attend a plaque presentation to Neil M Ross (our winning school - elementary - in St. Albert).

This particular school has always been a "thing" I do with my daughter Meagan.

Meagan insists on playing the Kali Bear (only for this occasion) while I chat up the kids. We have fun and the energy is quite high.

My daughter leans on the quiet / polite side... until she slips into a bear.

Like Jim Carrey in the Mask, she takes on special powers where all the rules fall out the window.

The many lectures I have received when my levels of immaturity surpass the last should be held against her as she pole dances at an elementary school or puts children into head locks.

The bears personality is crucial. He's a "he", determined that in 07 when I developed his personality at a RUSH game (what happened at the RUSH game stays at the RUSH game).

There are only a handful of us that can portray him as Dennis the Mennis with fur - its so much fun when its our turn. Every year I fight over him with all of my girls.

Back to Neil M Ross...

Brandy came out for support, camera around neck.

She's learning rapidly on this crash course and despite her many talents, I anticipate the twitching will eventually find her.

The kids at the school were pumped and again we were greeted with screaming. Gotta love that.

Meagan forewarned me that IF I announce again to the kids "where my daughter works" (to pink their hair) she would hurt me. Apparently she's already a little busy with pinkings.

Whether this school reaches top fundraising again (as they set the bar pretty high) is irrelevant.

The fact that they are still wanting to support (after 3 years) is really meaningful.

The kids genuinely love the event.

Had a nice little visit with Brandi and Meagan (after loosing them in St.Albert),

then a trip to Megs salon where I lost at least a pound of hair to her scissors.

Years of bleaching and pinking eventually caught up and the decision was made - I looked like an old witch.

Combine witch hair with bloodshot bags under eyes... not cute.

If only Preparation H worked on pink straw. Next to shaving (which is NOT an option or she will for sure seriously hurt me with wedding coming up) was the next best thing.

Tomorrow, Pinking at Sturgeon Heights school.

Talk to you soon!

A Wish for Taylor

2011-01-17T09:33:00.000-08:00

http://landonmindytaylor.blogspot.com/

A blog following a true miracle and her parents. It's moving and insightful and wonderful.

Volunteer Orientation

2011-01-16T21:28:00.000-08:00

Today we all braved what now seems to be our traditional "snowstorm orientation". Gross.

A great turnout considering. Thats dedication.

This cause is most fortunate to have such a following, and I am lucky to associate with these people.

The sweet surprise today was to see little Taylor and her pink parents (Mindy and Landon). I write about Taylor in a previous blog back in November, and how ironic that her dance was held at the same location as our orientation. Guess we have a mutual friend to thank for that - the infamous Miss Christie (who is involved in everything).

Taylor was intrigued with the pink pooch and I think Fred liked her right back. Who wouldn't - she's just so cute.

This little girl has won the hearts of so many, it was most effective for all of us to see 3 survivors in the room today (with Dusty and Kali). Thats the reason we were all there.

Most of our captains were in attendance, but they usually are cause they are awesome.

Jaime Caza (bearer of 4 hats - friend / sponsor / wish mom / volunteer coordinator) was introduced to day as our new coordinator, with my 14 year old daughter as youth coordinator and sidekick to Jaime. Its a HUGE job, and they are doing a superb job organizing it, with the personal touch that accompanies this cause.

There were representatives from all 3 charities, this impresses me to feel their support.

For the first time EVER, I was able to attend an event such as this with minimal stress and responsibility.

In years past, after creating and documenting the volunteer positions and selecting my captains, I would arrange the meeting, solicit for a venue and food, pick up the food, round up the troops, send out reminders, and create a list of to do's (that would keep me up at night).

How far we have come.

Delegation is possible when you have great people in place. Im blessed to have a Nicki and Brandi who work so hard, a great team of captains, busy daughters, and recruited members of our charities. Less twitching, more fun.

A shout out to everyone who supports this event. Thank you and God bless.

Now get to work...

CISN Announcement / Marvel Mass Pink Off

2011-01-16T10:50:00.000-08:00

This Monday we had our yearly "Mass Pink Off" at Marvel College where 35 "pinkees" united for the shear purpose of initiating the campaign.

Our host of the past 8 years - the infamous Bridget Ryan brought us live to CITY TV viewers on Breakfast Television (http://video.citytv.com/video/detail/745812710001.000000/its-time-to-get-pinked/),

Shaw TV (Angelika Gawronski) and CTV (Maria Orydzuk) were also present catching clips of the morning for later promotion.

Romy Yamsuan (Romy Young photography) graced us with his presence and true to his outstanding reputation - took creative and incredible pinking shots! Check this out:

http://blogromy.com/2011/01/2011-hair-massacure-pink-off-edmonton-event-photographer/

Before I ramble on about the details of the pinking... how do these media personalities get up in the wee hours of the morning and perform?

I realize there is likely coffee involved, which is the very reason I started drinking it regularly a few years ago.

We were up at 5, as it is a good hour to get to downtown edmonton. I have a system for early morning media spots, which my daughters are now using consisting of Preparation H (for bags under eyes), cover up (f0r zits and shiners), visine, sweet coffee, cookies, Vicks (when applied on select tender spots - is quite effective), even Mr. Fred was groggy and unmotivated to leave his spot to pee on an icicle at 5 in the morn. Torture...

In attendance of the pinking Im going to mention a few folks of particular interest (not that they werent all), but that would make my blog too long.

Darcy Ouellet - or Red Deer organizer for Hair Massacure at the Bower Mall (Feb 5).

He braved a snowstorm the night before with bleached hair to appear on BT with Bridget (as I requested an interview). Darcy is on some funky vitamins, not sure where he finds the energy to collect 8 schools and 11 salons his first year. Im worried that he's gonna kick my butt and make me look like a slacker.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=105928922784360

The editor of City TV - that was a cool surprise! Full on hair and beard! Check out these details:

http://video.citytv.com/video/detail/745812710001.000000/its-time-to-get-pinked/

The Kinahan Fam (benefited from all 3 of our charities - they are interviewed on our home page (http://hairmassacure.com/main) all 3 boys and dad Brian (an edmonton police officer) PINK!!

Bennette and his brothers have done this before, I believe its a few years now. The boy is such a ham, its great to see considering he is a cancer survivor, more importantly a recipient of his own stem cells (so he is considered a cure). Bennette's most striking feature has got to be his tongue. I have been taking his picture for years now, the tongue showcased everytime!

Next - Paul Liimatainen and his sister and nephews. This grandpa / boilermaker is on his 4th year of participation and is the personal organizer / inspirer for a total of 150,000 (called K3 for the kids, collected at Keephills, AB). Huge.

Sturgeon Heights School (their 4 year of participation), an insanely organized school where every child earns a Kali Bear (with the support of the staff).

Mayfield School (lead by Miss Christie - our charismatic captain). We feature several pics of Christie simply because she's a poser and quite good at it. She wonders where the serious pics are of her.... hmmmmm (do we have any?) Christie is a ham but also is very involved in the event (as a planning committee member). Look for her on roll up banners as "Flat Christie".

Gord - his 9 year preparing for his yearly shave, 7 th pinking, and our whole gang including FRED, despite the frequent belching, stole the hearts of many of the students at the College.

So here's how it rolls...

Marvel College is offering free pinking (to offset the cost of parking), and our list of salons on the website are raring to go - just book your appointment.

Thank you Marvel for being so accommodating!

Kali Pink is distributed in most of the Save-On foods (including 2 in Red Deer), and 4 participating Sobeys.

Pink Hair is a great way to show you care, so lets got it our there. Sounds like a Country song...

SPEAKING OF WHICH

Drum roll please....

On Friday an announcement was made (which Nicki last blogged about)

CISN Country (our largest sponsor) has announced our school incentive.

This particular wish comes yearly with prayer, crossed fingers, begging to the heavens - that an artist would say YES to providing an in-school concert. Of course one cannot count on this 100% (unless there is painful coercion involved, and I cant go there cause its not nice).

Chris Sheetz does an incredible job of promoting the cause and the idea of the concert - so without further adieu...

GORD BAMFORD!!! Male Vocalist of the year (for the CCMA) and participant. Yes - not only our entertainment at our chosen school (with highest level of participation) , but he will be at the Massacure under the clippers.

The previous winning schools who have shown the highest level of participation for this concert have been Gibbons School 2 years in a row (with 44,000 and over 50% participation, mostly shaves), the Neil M Ross last year with 74,000 and 117 students!

We have had Johnny Reid, Emerson Drive and Doc Walker (and lets not forget Jessie Farrell who flew out to perform at HM, and Quanteisha - outstanding young girl with a big voice and big reputation). Wow!! Its overwhelming for me to process this...

This year the schools are already gearing up for winning this incentive. The concert will take place in their gymnasium and due to the timing (early March or early April) an outdoor concert will not be possible.

In past, the 2 follow up schools have been invited to partake (a noble gesture started by Gibbons school), however with head count this may not be possible depending on the size of the gym in the winning school.

Details will work themselves out at a later date.

I am stoked! Let the competitions begin!

Was anyone listening to CISN this morning?

2011-01-14T09:52:00.000-08:00

Well…. Today was the big announcement that GORD BAMFORD is going to be giving the winning school of HM 2011 a free in-school concert this year. He joins an amazing group of performers who have done so in the past – Johnny Reid, Emerson Drive, and last years Doc Walker. These performers give an amazing concert, full of high fives, t-shirt signings, and hugs along with the upbeat music with the kids (and most of us adults) singing along.

Last year, with Doc Walker, I was incredibly sick and only remember parts of the concert – thank you to extra strength Advil – but I remember the feeling. There was constantly a buzz about the place as the stage was being set up and the mics checked… and then when they came out.. WOW! And you think your kids are loud?!

I am so excited to welcome the CCMA’s 2010 Male Artist of the Year to our little event! Word has it that he’ll be at the mall on February 11^th to shave his head too…

First Week back

2011-01-08T22:10:00.000-08:00

I have officially survived my first week back from a short leave due to health issues back in December.

Admittedly I was concerned with how I would manage my this first week in January (considering the pace and chaos that erupts immediately after Christmas break). Well, I did, and actually I feel pretty good compared to one month ago.

While Nicki, Brandi and Darcy Ouellet (Red Deer Massacure) dealt with 101 items, my week went something like this....

Adrenaline Monday morning 8:00 am - emails and phone calls flooded in and out as I scrambled to get ready. Put eye liner on one eye and picked Kyrsti up from school for 2 volunteer meetings. Slipped on 2 different boots and attempted to leave my house 4 times that morning.

That evening, calls to volunteers - Jaime Caza (our new volunteer coordinator) and Kyrsti touched base with all volunteers that had contact information.

Tuesday Meagan pinked my hair so I'd be ready for the pink off on Monday. Phone stuck to face entire time, daughter patiently prepping me while I worked on my little black prosthesis called IPhone.

Wednesday - morning meeting prior to 2 school presentations. Tried to dazzle V.P. with my "plan of action", leaned real hard onto the arm of my chair (to create the illusion of comfort) and fell off. Note to self - check future chairs for arms.

Met a friendly girl who knew the 3 girls on my van. Her mom is dying of cancer. Did a web cam presentation, transitioned into deer in headlights, said "um" a hundred times. Distracted by the girl. Had a really nice visit with my friend Christie who has the BEST stories about her oldest daughter Rayne. We were both burnt that night but motivation drove us to each other as we compared notes of our bodily and personal disfunctions. Christie did her first school presentation and rocked it out.

Thursday had a Kali Pink meeting with Collin. All Kali Pink in place in Save On Foods (including 2 in Red Deer) and 4 Sobeys thanks to this nice man. Stollery was my next date. Hadnt been to the charities in a while so it was nice to touch base there and see my peeps. Next week Make-A-Wish.

Adrenaline Friday more running around with prosthesis stuck to face. Left house 3 times.

My daughter Megs and son in Law Steven did deliveries to schools and salons, both spilling adrenaline. Our phone calls sounded like this "hey...yah... un huh... uh huh....kay...love you bye".

Answered and delivered 37 phone calls and 58 emails while on the fly.

Picked up hoodies from Go Logo for Monday's tv spot and raced for Morinville to PINK the dog (F.R.E.D) at Krazy Klipz (Fred's stompin ground) THE place to get a great groom.

In black clothes I made my way there with 6 bottles of food colouring, 2 spray bottles and coffees.

Mandy and I had a system - each of us with a blaster (high pressure blow dryer) and a spray bottle with diluted red food colouring. We sprayed and blowdried at the same time. Fred stood still for 3.5 hours while we accidentally turned him purple (perhaps the wrong mix), washed him out, panic called Melynda for extra set of pink hands, and voila!

As much as Fred drives me crazy, he really is a great dog. He also knows he's pretty and soaks up the attention particularly after a groom.

With pink hands and face, I dropped off pink splattered daughter and pink dog and made my way through a snowstorm to meet my friend Tina (whos in charge of our merchandise). Even with a hernia, I was able to suck up half litre of a frozen lime margarita in what seemed like 5 minutes (neither of us drink...).

Today - slept in (ahhhhh) and woke to a 3 ft snowdrift on deck against back door. Wiener dog looking worried about where (or how) to pee. Kali and I frantically hip checked door until it opened, shovelled path off deck while wiener paced (wishing she could cross 2 inch legs).

Meanwhile a kind neighbour cleared my driveway with a snowblower so I could get out. Made cookies for neighbour and off to meet my friend Andrea who owned the late Paliden (our 3rd pink therapy poodle mascot seen at the Massacure). It was great to sip coffee with another woman who has ADHD worse than I.

I got everything she said. I was inspired by her and her energy, as I dream about getting all of my mojo back.

Tomorrow... I will pink my Mandy and my Nicki so we're good to go for Monday. From what the weatherman is saying looks like I will be shovelling again.

Touch base Monday!

A date with Santa to RMH

2010-12-23T22:00:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

Today was extra special.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My First Week

2010-12-23T08:09:00.001-08:00

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

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

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

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

Brandi (posted by nicki)

2010-12-22T13:03:00.001-08:00

It's that time of the year...

2010-12-22T10:56:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

nicki

More Pre- Christmas

2010-12-21T22:14:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be in touch...

Cheers!

Pre- Christmas

2010-12-19T12:30:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God bless my cousin Becky.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cheers!

Speeding up means slowing down

2010-12-14T20:12:00.000-08:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Im gradually learning (deep down) that it cant.

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

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

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

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

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

Photos from the Lab Tour

2010-12-01T10:02:00.000-08:00

Lab tour

2010-11-30T19:54:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-22T17:32:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-11-17T10:14:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-13T15:23:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-12T22:13:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-10T16:02:00.001-08:00

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?

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

2010-11-08T17:38:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-03T18:24:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

That year we got cheeseburgers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today will go down in history as a great day!

dying young

2010-10-27T20:39:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I'll say it again....

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

Hidden Blessings

2010-10-27T18:44:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good thing I dont have to choose.

Cause for Celebration

2010-10-24T20:29:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Women's Day Out

2010-10-23T22:41:00.001-07:00

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

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

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

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

My 4 wonderful daughters asked to come to support me.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ronald McDonald House

2010-10-23T22:22:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Loosing battles

2010-10-23T21:21:00.000-07:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I'm sad and I'm frustrated.

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

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

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

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

HM Promotional Video

2010-10-13T18:29:00.000-07:00

I am pleased to say that my vision for a professional interview / video became a reality. :)

Ignition Media has been very good to us over the years.

In 2008, our HM commercial was created

(which is located on our Home page - hairmassacure.com), and our logo (which I had drawn about a million times on a napkin before releasing my final version).

Ignition Media recorded video interview from our family and two others speaking about personal experiences and our involvement with the Massacure. Ours was taken outside in a park, which was good for F.R.E.D as he needed to run off some energy before sitting still for the shoot.

The 2 other families involved were the Kinahan family (beneficiaries of Stollery / Oncology, Make-A-Wish Northern Alberta, and Ronald McDonald House). This family has been involved with HM for a few years now. The boys pink and shave and may I say - they are a HOOT! Its impossible to tell which one fought cancer, and this is clear evidence that treatment was effective!

The second family is the Caza family. I have spoken of this family a few times in my blog, primarily about my dear friend Jaime (who wears the hat of friend, sponsor, wish mom, and now volunteer captain). This family participates and volunteer for HM, and is beneficiaries of Stollery and Make-A-Wish.

The shoot took place at McDonalds Corporate Regional Office (Jaime's work). We were fed and then chaos hit like a ton of bricks -ha! - but done get me wrong - we enjoyed every minute!

The kids were most entertaining!

I am so excited to see how these interviews turn out. Once the editing is complete, the interview will be attached to the slideshow Kyrsti and I worked on this summer.

Things are falling into place....

Stollery / Sobeys / Pat

2010-10-06T22:11:00.001-07:00

Today I had a meeting with Collin Parker at Sobeys corporate office to discuss their participation in carrying our Kali Pink.

They agreed to remain involved, however no magic solution for the system of distribution and management unfortunately. Still will involve a great deal of follow up, checking in, and frequent visits (more so on Collins Part) to maintain stock, and ensure its visible for our consumers.

Stollery meeting was lengthy but good. Lots to do. Pledge packages (update AND find new sponsor to donate them), finding yet another part time assistant (who, what, when, how....),

and sponsorship levels. Yikes!

Last meeting with my friend Pat this evening (God love her for still talking to me after the many crank calls this January). Pat is another newly acquired sounding board that I bounce ideas off, she is also our registration gal who books your shave time at the mall.

We have both named our brain tumors (from our prosthesis's - cell phones).

I take my girls to meetings sometimes so they stay in the loop - its fun. :)

I guess I love the choas... kinda.

Here we go....

2010-10-05T19:59:00.000-07:00

Hair Massacure has officially kicked off for its planning for 2011.

In my last blog, I wrote about various plaguing health issues that interrupted
my ability to perform "normally" (that would be Tammy's normal, not normal normal).
Still working on those, but with fingers crossed I am happy to announce that I am finally off the couch. After tying up my ankles with my blackbelt and hanging from the banister, leg pulling sessions (with kids taking shifts), I was able to relieve my back and am walking around again, so far pain free.
Still fatigued, but determination has stepped in. Its full on Massacure season, no time to think about uncooperative body parts. I've decided that my herbalists pride can go on the shelf (along with the coyote ear and eye of newt) and the colourful pretty spread of pharmaceuticals on my counter will have to be tolerated.
So...... as of Sept 1, HM suddenly became very busy with planning for 2011.
Video is nearly done with last minute tweaking - Kyrsti and I pooled our efforts this summer, working with thousands of photos to implement with our chosen song which will be attached to an interview with our fam, and 2 others affected by childhood critical illness.
Really hoping to expand the event into Northern Alberta, reach more schools, hockey teams, work places.

I also hope is to get more day to day support during the nuts months (Dec-March), so that management of the event will be a bit easier.

Nicki will be back with me this year, however if she calls me OLD one more time....

All seems to be coming together, with the glitches, worries and chaos.

Physio

2010-08-10T15:27:00.000-07:00

I started physio yesterday.

Normally I'm a "go to the chiropractor - slam my bones" kinda girl.

I dont like wasting time healing, just reef on me - got stuff to do.

But the doc sent me to Physio instead. I'm thinking "if they cant make me cry, is it worth my time?", but I go anyways because doc no longer negotiates with me.

Yesterday went pretty well. I wondered if my therapist was 12, so I asked her. I feel better that she's a bit older. She did help me... enough that I was able to drag myself to the Back Street Boys concert (all thanks to gramma for the handicap parking, and my friend Loc for the tix).

Supposed to be on bedrest, so therapist girl agreed that seeing the boys was cause to do something stupid (well, I knew she was thinking it so I went).

They were definitely worth it (except the 4 bimbos sitting in front of us caused such unpleasant distraction). Good news was that I found places to dispose of my gum.

Yesterday after the heat, ultra sound and current, therapist talked about stretching my spine.

Makes sense....

Gord mentioned hanging by the knees on the monkey bars so I thought I'd give it a whirl after my treatment. Why not? I felt pretty good, and the pain meds were very kind.

I picked up Kali and we went to the park with a chair. I knew she could be of assistance being my height and weight. I got sand in my hair, and the dog poo beneath made for cleaver measures getting down, but she was able to help me, not without a smirk on her face.

So today I was placed on a stretching table where I where an uncomfortable harness (like a corset) imprisoned me for 10 minutes. I thought about my first wedding...

The person is belted across the ribs and hips. Being flat chested, the harness slips right across the jubblies like butter, on the south end causes a severe case of plumbers crack.

I dont fancy this treatment, and much prefer the park with the sand and the poo.

I am determined not to waste what little summer we have, creating a sink hole in my couch.

All I think is " imagine if this occurred over Massacure season?". Cant afford THAT to happen, so Ive got to get crackin to get moving again.

Im thinking laxatives may get me limber quicker than physio, at least running shorter distances.

Will keep you posted with the progress.

Our story

2010-08-08T12:18:00.000-07:00

Well folks,

Ive realized a few things in the days that I have been laid up and sprawled out on my couch....

First... about this attention deficit thing- it may actually hold some truth, but Im am still in active denial so don't bring it up with me if you see me on the street (wait.... I'm NOT on the street). :(

Also, I really do like Golden Girls, and I think I have hit a wall in regards to retelling our "story" over and over from Fall to February.

I know these subjects have no relevance to each other, but this is my current thought process these days (besides meeting Ellen and snagging a punchy entertainer to perform for the event).

I think it's because I am halfway through "Eat Love Pray" and it's been eye opening.

My daughter always picks the best books for me, so after reading this particular one, she was enlightened to enlighten me.

I do not share the same story as the author (for those of you who are familiar), however what I relate to is "hitting a wall".

Cancer has been in predominantly in our lives for 10 years now, and although I am thankful for our many blessings (resulting as the silver lining) I have that gut feel that in some ways it's time to move on.

Cancer has also taken our home, our lifestyle and our marriage, so moving on encompasses so much more.

My thought process is this:

What I'm prepared to do is remain with the event as the executive director, diva, or big cheese...

I'm prepared to work hard with my magnificent team (and hopefully have some fun doing it....)

I'm prepared to torture my hair every winter by bleaching, pinking and bleaching again....

I'm prepared to carry Preparation H around in my purse for television spots (dontcha love HD)...

walk around with a large pink dog, wear a black hoodie with my name on it everyday for 4 months, drive a billboard, create unorganized chaos, lint brush KaliBear hair off of everything, miss sleep, not drink coffee or ingest sugar for the entire champaign, time with family and Christmas (as it rightfully should be celebrated).

I am no longer prepared to live in the past, pull my daughter out of school every 3rd day, establish her soul identity as the "little girl who fought cancer" and retell our story - her battle.

We all agree as a family that its time to move on and put her cancer behind us.

Now, I'm not quite sure how to do this as "cancer" is the very motivation behind the event and the "story" is the fuel that makes this event popular. So this is my assigned brain storming while I lay on my couch getting fatter by the day. How to promote the event without our story (as this has become signature).

This worries me, but I am desperate for change.

Would love your feedback....