Message from HopeKids

"Anniversaries and Milestones"

"We are fast approaching that hectic time of year when we celebrate Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year all in the span of just two months. These events make us busy—with so much time, effort and money devoted to them. Do you ever take a moment to stop and remember the special anniversaries and milestones that are important in your own life? What if you were to celebrate them with the same effort as you do the holidays?

There are many events in our lives that help shape us as individuals and as families. Perhaps the event is one you that you wouldn’t have chosen; the loss of a loved one, loss of a job, or a betrayal. Even though the memory may be painful, remember that it is through events like these that God helps mature us and prepare us for the future. Taking the time to remember specific anniversaries or milestones, to reflect on how far we have come, or what we have overcome, is important.

Maybe for some of you today is the anniversary of a significant moment that is worth remembering or celebrating. God’s desire is that we live our lives in such a way that despite the good or the bad, we are able to take joy in seeing how far we have come.

Whatever the reason or whenever the date, take some time and make an effort each year to remember the moments that have special significance to you and your family.

- Josh Taylor, HopeKids President"

Trip to Bear Lake

This weekend we were privileged enough to be sent away to Bear Lake for the weekend. We stayed in a little cabin not far from the lake. It was unbelievable how beautiful it was there. The way the orange and yellow leaves contrasted with the turquoise water was remarkable. I decided I wanted to move there! :) If I can convince Jorja tha the Bear Lake Monster is not real she just may agree to move.

We had a wonderful time thanks to HopeKids and eTrade who made this weekend possible. To see the excitement on the girl's faces when they saw the cabin and the log bunkbed they were going to sleep in was priceless. They had so much fun. This was the first time in a really long time that our family had nothing else to do but play, relax, and have no worries!

Gold Ribbon Ordered!

Raylee's gold ribbin for the Awareness Tree at "Light Up The Holidays with Hope" which will be held Saturday, 12/3/11 in Washington DC.

Local high school students in the Washington DC area volunteer their time to make all of the gold ribbons for the Tree. The tree is covered with thousands of gold ribbons which bear the name of a child with cancer.

"Every year, a 23-foot tree is erected in the Old Post Office Pavilion in Washington D.C.. This tree is decorated solely with gold ribbons, the symbol for childhood cancer. Each ribbon bears the name of a child who has or has had cancer, and families from across the nation send in their children's names to be part of the tree. This is a powerful symbol that is seen by thousands of people every year.

Passersby are touched by the sheer volume of ribbons and names."

Once this event is complete and tree is taken down the ribbon bearing Raylee's name will be mailed to her.

Raylee--Update with Urology

Raylee had a follow-up appointment with Urology today. When they called her name to go back to the patient rooms there were around 5 staff members standing outside of the waiting area. They were surprised to see Raylee so happy and playful. All of them said, 'She must be feeling better; she is so happy!' Raylee was happy and her mission while we were there was to play with all the toys possible. If you have been blessed enough never to have experienced Primary Children's hospital like we have, you must know that in every office, corner, little area, or just anywhere you can fit toys....there are toys. This place if full of every toy imagined. Since Raylee has experienced pretty much every floor and department (expect the burn unit and NICU) she knows when she is there she will be playing. She know calls Primary Children's "Her Hospital." She obviosuly thinks all the staff are there for her and her needs. The great thing about the staff there, they really do make her their focus and love her. They are wonderful as they express their excitement to see her and their happiness that she is feeling so well. They really do make it seems as if they came to work that day just for her--now that really is something remarkable!! Her urologist said she looks as if she has grown. This is true. Raylee has gained weight and has ground taller. Her face and arms are not that of a scrauny child who looks as if they are starving, but one who is filling out. Her cheeks use to be so chubby and would jiggle when she slept in her car seat during a trip in the car.

Prior to visiting the urologist Raylee had an ultrasound on her bladder and kidneys. The results couldn't have been better! Her bladder, larger than normal, is doing great and draining as it should be. Her kidneys look healthy and better than they did a month ago! This is all great news and such a blessing. We do not have to visit Urology for an entire year!! What a releif.

Whenever Raylee has an appointment I notice I experience a type of anxiety and fear that I cannot describe, but it is HELL. In November Raylee will have her first follow-up with Oncology as it will be her 3 month checkup. I am excited for them to see how great she is doing but fear and probably will always fear the CT Scan and all the tests that will be completed to ensure her cancer is not returning. This is my biggest fear. I never want her or my family to go through this again. This checkup will be done every 3 months. Every 3 months I feel as if we will be at God's mercy in a way I never thought I would be.

Light Up the Holidays with Hope

The American Childhood Cancer Organization sponsors a Christmas tree every year which is decorated in gold ribbons bearing the name of a child who is experiencing or has experienced cancer. This Christmas tree is located in Washington DC. I will definately order Raylee's ribbon, she deserves to have her name placed on this Christmas tree for everyone to see. What an amazing way to spread awareness of Pediatric Cancer---please read the information about this below:

""Light Up the Holidays with Hope" has become our nation’s largest annual childhood cancer awareness event. Each year during the December holiday season, a 23 foot tree is placed in the lobby of a building in Washington DC. The tree is solely decorated with thousands of gold ribbons (the symbol for childhood cancer). Each ribbon bears the name of a child who has, or has had cancer. The tree glitters strong in our nation’s capitol for all to see. Thousands each year are touched as they are reminded of our nation’s youngest cancer patients.

Each year, a lighting ceremony is held to light the tree, honor our cancer children, and enjoy some fun activities with our families and friends."
This information was taken from the ACCO's website: https://www.acco.org