A Childhood Cancer Survivor Blogging about the World of Childhood Cancer

Posts tagged ‘Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery’

Stand Up 2 Cancer and Taylor Swift, Turning Tears Into Hope

Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery

“And we wept that one so lovely should have a life so brief.”

~ William Cullen Bryant

“One so lovely”…

The attention to childhood cancer in last night’s Stand Up 2 Cancer production was HOPE for my spirit. Stand Up to Cancer has partnered with St. Baldrick’s to create a Dream Team; research means HOPE in so many ways. There are children who need treatment options now, right now.

PAC2 brought me this great news in my inbox today! I could not summarize this or explain it any better:

“Headed into last night’s show, while SU2C had funded some childhood cancer specific research, it had yet not formed a Pediatric Dream Team (i.e., larger, higher-dollar, multi-institutional research projects).   There are seven existing SU2CDream teams.  

But yesterday’s show and the collaborative efforts of St. Baldrick’s and SU2C are going to change that.  It almost seemed like the majority of the show was focused on kids!  Having Julia Roberts caution viewers that cancer “kills a child every four hours in this country.”  Having Justin, St. Baldrick’s Ambassador Kid, featured so prominently, having Taylor Swift dedicate her song to Ronan, and the hearts touched by Avalanna’s story are all giant leaps forward for childhood cancer awareness!!  Reaching a nationwide audience no matter what channel you tuned in!!  Leveraging our ‘normal’ audience an order of magnitude, or two!! 

 Hopefully a prime example of Awareness–>Funding–>Research–>Cure”

Thank you to PAC2 for always bringing us updated news!

Taylor Swift’s song to Ronan:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ITrd7fM6aY

When we see the faces of childhood warriors, the youngest among us who fight cancer, they seem to always, always have a smile, even when their suffering is great. While they suffer, they think of others. They don’t want others to be sad because of their suffering. They don’t want to be their suffering.

“People know me for my happiness. I don’t want people to think of me for sadness.”

~ Jack Bartosz (August 24, 2012)

And so these brilliant spirits among us teach us strength. They teach us about courage and about what is truly important in our lives. They teach us not to be petty, or mean, or frustrated. Instead, their characters lead us to better ourselves. They lead us to the paths of compassion, gratitude, acceptance, and pureness of love.

I love them. I love these children with every speck of my heart. For this reason, I am one very happy Melinda! Stand Up 2 Cancer has stepped up to the plate for the kids!

SU2C, YOU ARE AWESOME!

Taylor Swift…

I keep searching for the words to thank you for your beautiful song, but it’s hard for me to see the screen while I type– and there are no words. If you could see the tears falling over my cheeks, you would instantly know the extent of my gratitude. Tears of the gratitude type speak volumes. Thank you!

To all of my AMAZING nurses, and to all the others… Thank you!

Did you know you can Be a Part of The Cure?!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A Wish Is…

Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery

A wish is…

 a hope, and a dream, and a leap of faith. One act of love can make it come true.

~Melinda

With summer 2012 fading into the sunset, I find myself with my first two weeks of college behind me. I love it here at Pepperdine! Before time rolls on, I want to complete my Make-A-Wish Hope Tour Story. I believe I left off at the Grand Canyon, which brings us to our time in Phoenix.

I will probably always chuckle when I recall our time in Phoenix. What makes me laugh is remembering waiting for our “shuttle” in the hotel lobby on our very first morning there. Our itinerary showed that a shuttle would pick us up and take us to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. We saw that there was a hotel shuttle out front and then noticed that the shuttle driver was scurrying around in the hotel. As we waited for the driver to finish his business in the lobby, an enormous white limousine—with a big blue star that said, “Make-A-Wish,”– pulled up alongside the shuttle.

Could it be that there is another “Wish Kid” here?

Could it be that that is for me?

Is THIS the “shuttle”?!

I was equally delighted by our ride as by our driver, Modjtaba. What a wonderful man, with a beautiful way, and what an enormous number of children he must have delighted throughout his many years of service to Make-A-Wish!

My “shuttle driver”, Maja

My special thanks go to Jamie, Teri, and Allison at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and to Rachel and Jennifer from Make-A-Wish.

With Rachel Jimenez from Make-A-Wish

Speaking at Phoenix Children’s Hospital

While I was at Phoenix Children’s, I was able to speak with patients and staff, have visiting time with patients, and was able to take a tour of their brand new facilities. The cafeteria at Phoenix Children’s Hospital wins my personal grand prize (thank you for lunch, Allison, and thank you to Jennifer from Make-A-Wish, Phoenix, for all your hard work!) One more of the many things I love about Phoenix Children’s Hospital, is that they have a therapy dog program! What would I have done without the therapy dogs at Cottage Hospital?!

I love therapy dogs! Phoenix Children’s Hospital

The staff was exceptionally kind and caring. I loved meeting each of them. You would imagine that anyone who would choose the field of caring for children with cancer would have qualities of gentleness and compassion, and this is exactly what I found at each of the hospitals I visited on the Hope Tour. I have within me even more respect, even more gratitude, for each and every worker who helps the children than ever before. Each of their jobs is important in the lives of the kids.

With Teri Lane at Phoenix Children’s Hospital

I want to hug them all! Phoenix Children’s Hospital

Ashton getting ready to go home!

Thank you for what you do!

Hope Tour Video Day 24

Hope Tour Video Day 24 Part II

Day Two in Phoenix brought more surprises. I was very excited for this day. I knew from our schedule that we would be meeting Elizabeth Reich, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Arizona, and David Williams, President & CEO of Make-A-Wish. All I could think about was how I could ever express my thanks to them. How could I ever tell them what Make-A-Wish has done for me? How could I thank them for all that Make-A-Wish does for children with cancer?

These thoughts stilled swirled about in my brain as Mom and I entered the Ritz-Carlton in Scottsdale to meet them for lunch. It’s a good thing my brain was swirling a bit, because I was totally unprepared for what awaited us as we entered the beautiful building. As the doors opened, I noticed the staff was standing on either side of me, forming a path for me to walk through. And they were clapping.

Melinda Food at The Ritz-Carlton in Scottsdale

The swirling of my brain escalated, as we entered an elevator with Elizabeth and David that opened its doors to a room filled with my favorite foods! Really! Chef Jeff (I love saying that!) greeted us and then gave us a tour of the gourmet delicacies that awaited our lucky taste-buds. The food was delicious beyond word-description. It included a frozen yogurt for dessert (with berry topping!) that I swear had to come straight from the cow.

Lunch with David Williams and Elizabeth Reich– Chef Jeff at the Ritz-Carlton in Scottsdale

I loved meeting and talking with David and Elizabeth. I could have enjoyed their company all day long, and if there was room in my tummy, I could have enjoyed the food all day long! I send my sincere thanks to everyone at the Ritz-Carlton for everything! When we finished our lunch, we headed across the street to Make-A-Wish Headquarters. With this stop near the end of my Hope Tour, I had so much to thank everyone for that I could hardly wait.  

With Elizabeth at Make-A-Wish Headquarters

After speaking with everyone and signing books, Mom and I had a tour. I loved meeting everyone at Make-A-Wish. I was touched by the love in everyone’s hearts. I was touched by the photos on the walls of other Wish Kids.

With Frances and Jennifer at Make-A-Wish Headquarters in Phoenix

To anyone who has ever worked for or supported Make-A-Wish, I need to thank you. You helped grant so much more than my wish. You sent love into my heart and into the world.

Thank you!

Thank you Make-A-Wish!

 Hope Tour Video Day 25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Making The Weak Strong

Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery

“Even the weak become strong when they are united.”

~ Johann Friedrich Von Schiller

Thank you, Mr. Von Schiller. I agree. Unification, to me, means each individual can bring their own specialty/resource to the group. Unification means strengthening of all our bonds. Most importantly, unification of the childhood cancer community will translate into less suffering and more lives saved.

Oxford Dictionary definition of Unification:

The process of being united or made into a whole

Doctors,hospitals, foundations, please accept this invitation to form a strong fortress of purpose along with this growing list of others.  Peter C. Adamson, M. D., Chairman of Children’s Oncology Group, has since joined this “Dream Team.”

Thomas Jefferson Memorial
Labor Day Weekend with The Truth 365

From The Truth 365 Website

 Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation

Awareness Beads

Band of Parents

BASE Camp Children’s Cancer Foundation

Battle For a Cure Foundation

The Brad Kaminsky Foundation

Brooke’s Blossoms

Caleb’s Crusade Against Childhood Cancer

Candlelighters NYC

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

Children’s Oncology Group

Ethan Jostad Foundation

Get Well Gaby Foundation

Healing Hunter Foundation

I BACK JACK Foundation

Isabella Santos Foundation

Jessie Rees Foundation: Never Ever Give Up

Kaely’s Kindness Foundation

Kids of Childhood Cancer

Kids v. Cancer

Kyle’s Krew

Melina’s White Light

Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

People Against Childhood Cancer – PAC2

Pierce Phillips Charity

Press On to CURE Childhood Cancer

Seattle Children’s Hospital

St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital

The Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation

The Coco Foundation

The EVAN Foundation

The Maxwell Lacewell Foundation

The Sierra Rayn Foundation

Tucker Arnold Foundation

United in Grace

Wonder Capes

 More keep adding to the list each day. By uniting all of our “pieces,” we can create a strong, productive “whole.” With The Truth 365 campaign about to begin, this is a brilliant opportunity for the awakening of our communities, our nation, and the world we live in.

Please join in unity.

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

~Helen Keller

Could that be a Monument balancing on top of my head, with a car going through it?  Yes, thought so! 

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It Takes Two to Speak The Truth

Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery

“It takes two to speak the truth—one to speak and the other to hear.”

~Henry David Thoreau

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This past weekend, I had the opportunity to participate in a project that is bringing together the entire childhood cancer community– a project I believe will change the future of childhood cancer. I remember my oncologist, Dr. Dan, explaining to me how the cure rates for childhood cancer have improved remarkably, because of the sharing of information through Children’s Oncology Group. I have since learned how there are multiple childhood cancer foundations working hard to raise money for pediatric cancer research, many of them started by families whose own child has fought cancer. By taking a stand alongside one another, we can have a larger impact, and make a greater impact faster. By joining together, we can learn and share The Truth.

The project, The Truth 365, seeks to create “One Voice” for all. In creating One Voice, we can “speak the truth,” creating the opportunity for individuals, private corporations, and for our elected representatives to “hear.” With all of my heart, I have hope that our Voice will not bounce off of numb ears and numb hearts. I want each one to accept a bit of responsibility when they “hear.”

The Truth is, childhood cancer research is overlooked and underfunded. The Truth is, childhood cancer researchers must spend many of their working hours applying for grants. I don’t want brilliant pediatric cancer researchers spending their precious time writing grant applications; I want them in the lab, finding causes and cures. Sadly, in the world of pediatric cancer research, this is The Truth. If funding for research is the greatest obstacle standing in the way of ending the suffering of thousands of children, what are we waiting for?

The Truth is, funding for pediatric cancer research is an extreme, high priority for us as individuals, as a country, and as a world. Let’s stand together for action now. Time is of the essence. Children are dying… seven each day in the United States alone.

This is a pledge to our children of today and a promise to children of the future. We are looking into the face of greatness here– greatness in the form of ending human suffering.

That is, our Baby Humans.

                                                                        Photo/Image by Mike Gillette

 

 

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Discovering the World — Make-A-Wish Hope Tour at the Grand Canyon

Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery

“Your work is to discover your world and then with all your heart give yourself to it.”


– Buddha

 

Without a doubt, one of the great joys of my Make-A-Wish Hope Tour was the opportunity I had to discover the world. I discovered more about the world of childhood cancer, about the patients, those who take care of them, about childhood cancer research, and about our healthcare facilities. I discovered new friends. Traveling by car, and seeing this country we live in, was a breathtaking education in itself! When Linda, my INCREDIBLE Make-A-Wish coordinator, told us that they would have to “put” us somewhere between Salt Lake City and Phoenix over a weekend, I had no clue that the place she would “put” us would be the Grand Canyon!

After a very long day of driving through sight after sight that drew our gasps, we approached the Eastern entrance of the Grand Canyon near the time of sunset. We had been driving through Navajo Land, and the circular huts we kept seeing had piqued my interest enough to Google them. (Yes, Google them!)

Make-A-Wish Hope Tour at The Grand Canyon

We pulled over at the very first look-out point after we entered the park, Desert View. No words or pictures, or anything Earthly could have prepared me for my first view of the Canyon. Rather than try unsuccessfully to re-capture my thoughts and feelings at the time…

Day 21 Video

Grand Canyon on the Hope Tour

We cried. Mom and I cried. We cried tears of joy for this place of unspeakable beauty before us. We cried tears of joy for life. We cried tears of joy for the love we have for each other. God’s presence and His love were overwhelming. Overwhelming.

Thank you again, Make-A-Wish, for giving me the opportunity to discover the world. I promise to give all my heart to it.

Thank you to Grand Canyon Squire Inn for our wonderful stay and for your kind support of Make-A-Wish!

From PA2 Events for September National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month...

http://curechildhoodcancer.ning.com/page/pac2-september-2012-national-childhood-cancer-awareness-event-cal?xg_source=msg_mes_network

 

 

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Hope Tour– Long, Winding Road as we Dance to the Music

 

Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery

 

 

 

“If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there.” 

― George Harrison

 

 

If I had to choose the most spectacular drive of our Make-A-Wish Hope Tour, it would also be the day of our longest drive. It would have to be our drive from Salt Lake City to the Grand Canyon, a fourteen-hour day on the road. We left Salt Lake City early in the morning, with Herbert The HopeMobile loaded down with our freshly cleaned clothes. Mom and I were excited– really, really excited to see what wonders of nature were waiting for us to explore!

Although Bryce Canyon was a bit out of our way, there was no way we could drive past the sign pointing to the side road without turning. Mom had been there with her family when she was a teenager, and she had told me about the spectacular beauty. As we climbed out of the car and headed up a hill for our first view of the canyon, I had no idea what awaited me on the crest of the hill. It took awhile to fully comprehend that what I was looking at was real!

Bryce Canyon on Make-A-Wish Hope Tour

I watched the teeny-tiny-sized people hiking in the canyon below and wished we had more time here. I felt teeny-tiny. I felt like the whole entire world was spread out before my eyes to behold. I felt blessed to be standing there looking at a sight that appeared way too special to be viewed by mere human eyes.

Can You Hear the Music?

 

 

 

 

“And those who were seen dancing were thought to be quite insane by those who could not hear the music.” Nietzsche

A dear friend sent me this quote. I love it on so many levels that I don’t even know where to begin telling you how much I love it! Taken literally, it is a gorgeous way of explaining why dancers dance. Not only do dancers “hear the music,” but we need to dance when we hear it. Taken figuratively, this quote is a beautiful explanation for why there are growing numbers of people joining together to stop childhood cancer. They are people who “hear the music.” They are people who hear the call to “dance.” It makes no difference what type of “dance” they do, whether it is ballet, modern, lyrical, hip-hop, or jazz, as long as they “dance to the music.”

One extraordinary example of this is 46 Mommas. Someone with little or no understanding about the great need for childhood cancer research would look at these women who shave their heads to raise money for this cause and think that they were “quite insane.” Those who “hear the music” know that these women are not only much more deeply connected to it than the rest of us, but they are “dancing” as gracefully as they can to “the music.” These women who have a very personal connection to childhood cancer also have a clear understanding of the great need for swift, strong action. Their selfless “dance” — raising money by shaving their heads– helps those who are currently “deaf” to hear. It turns The Unaware into The Aware. Thank you to all of the “Mommas,” and to one “Sister,” Leah Mireles, for Shaving for the Brave and for raising money for St. Baldrick’s and childhood cancer research!

Road to the Grand Canyon

The Glory of Nature on the Hope Tour

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Make-A-Wish Hope Tour Meets Dr. Josh in Utah and Hope for Talia

Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recover

How do I ever thank

Make-A-Wish?

The Hope Tour was so much more than a wish come true. It is memories to last a lifetime, and seeds of hope planted that I hope– in my lifetime– to see sprout into flourishing research that will bring an end to the suffering of children with cancer. 

Yes, Mom and I were “those crazy people” at the side of the road who stop to take photos at the state sign. Hee hee, we would try to anticipate the sign coming up, and we were only disappointed one time. Although we looked and looked, there was no sign that welcomed us to Washington. How could this be, when Washington was so welcoming for the Hope Tour?! We did drive right past one state sign and decided to turn back for a photo. No, it was not this one, it was Arizona!

Utah!

By the time Day 17 of the Hope Tour rolled around, I admit I was sleepy… really sleepy after the drive from Boise. As we got closer and closer to Salt Lake City, we could see there was a big fire in the mountains ahead. When we arrived at our hotel, we turned on the news to discover that the fire we had been watching develop was being called “The Quail Fire.” Really? Did you know that my nickname is The Quail?

I managed to extract myself from the bed that was calling my name to make…

Day 17 Hope Tour Video

The Quail Fire Greets us as we arrive in Salt Lake City

Fourth of July in Salt Lake City Hope Tour Video Day 18 Trying to show you fireworks!

Hope Tour Video Day 19 You never know who you will meet!

Salt Lake City is the home of Dr. Josh Schiffman. Dr. Josh was my “substitute doctor” for my fourth round of chemo at Cottage Hospital. I will never forget how he stepped into the unknown path of what he would face with Melinda and how he was genuine, caring, and he even went to the place of MelindaSilliness that I really, really needed at that time. Dr. Josh even wore a crown for my last hospital chemo party. Yep. What a guy! When I thought about who would be the very best person who could write a foreword for my book, my mind immediately went to Dr. Josh. Dr. Josh survived Hodgkin disease as a teenager. Dr. Josh is a pediatric oncologist. Dr. Josh is doing incredible research at the Huntsman Cancer Institute that is looking at genetic factors involved in, not only curing childhood cancers, but in detecting pre-existing conditions that will tell us if a child is more at risk for certain types of cancer. It’s horrifying when I hear over and over and over again how late cancer is detected in children. Can you imagine if we could actually have preventative tests and diagnostic measures to nip cancer in the first place? 

I left Dr. Josh’s house with my mind full of possibilities for the future of treating children with cancer, with my heart full of new-found loves after meeting Dr. Josh’s adorable children, and with my belly happy from a delicious meal prepared by Dr. Josh’s gracious wife. 

With Lily and Dr. Josh in Salt Lake City

My Mom’s Uncle Bruce had a wise and wonderful talk about The Dirty Laundry Pile of Life. It was his way, as a minister, to advise my mom and dad before marriage about life not being A Bed of Roses all the time. Well, life was no different on the Hope Tour. After over two weeks on the road, The Dirty Laundry Pile of Life was taking over Herbert the HopeMobile. Yes, I really did do a daily video from Liberty Coin  Laundry in Salt Lake City. Not only did I do a video from this lovely location, but Mom and I also called Poppy and sang Happy Birthday to him. The raised eyebrows from those waiting for their own laundry were more of an amusement than a deterrent!

Hope Tour Day 20 Part I Yes, I am doing laundry!

Liberty Coin Laundry in Salt Lake City

No, not Santa Claus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 20 Part II Time with Dr. Josh and family

I cannot end this post without fast-forwarding to the present to tell you about Talia. 

“Talia is a 12 year old girl who loves fashion, dancing, her family & her doggie Bella. She is fighting Neuroblastoma Cancer.”

From Talia:

 “Okay so I have two cancers in my body at once. Well pre leukemia wich is a start of leukemia in my bonemarrow. There are not realy any treatments for it. Its very rare to have neuroblastoma and leukemia at the same time. The doc wanted to do a bonemarow transplan but they said it will be the hardest thing I have done. Also we could do a vacseen. But all of these are very very low chances of me surviving. In the mean time while we wait to find the next step they r puttin me on a low dose of oral chemo to make sure my cancer doeznt grow. The docs gave me the option of doing treatment or dont do the treatment and just live life for the time remaining. Having cancer has been an amzing yet horrible journey but ever journey has an end. Im tired of doing shit to my body, my friends, family, nabers, pets… I will enjoy every minute I have with the world. Docs said maybe a couple mounths to up to a year left of preshious life. I told both parents I dont want them to hold anything bak if u they something tell me. Doesnt mean I aint scard as fu**! I love u guys ♥”

As those who love and support Talia read this post, we do not want to believe this bad news. If you have not liked her Facebook page yet, “Angels for Talia,” please do!

https://www.facebook.com/angelsfortalia

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Unlocked Doors, Waiting to be Opened and Hope Tour in Boise

Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery

Everywhere I look I see doors….

and they’re all unlocked,

waiting to be opened 

My experiences of meeting doctors, nurses, social workers, hospital staff members, ChildLife specialists, patients, and cancer researchers during my Make-A-Wish Hope Tour gave me not only a snapshot of life for children with cancer in the present, but a vision of what needs to happen next. The “doors” we need to “unlock,” or in my best of visions, knock down completely, is the lack of funding for childhood cancer research. I realize we live in tough times, where funds for many services are lacking. When we speak about funding for childhood cancer, we are speaking of the number one disease killer of children in our country. We are talking about seven children each day in our country who are murdered by the ChildhoodCancerBeast. 

I was shocked to discover a while back that 3-4% of NCI’s budget is allotted to childhood cancers. From the American Cancer Society, 1 penny from every dollar of public support is targeted toward childhood cancers.

(For more information about childhood cancer–where funding goes and doesn’t go–I recommend PAC2)

What I know:

There are brilliant researchers who will find the causes and cures for childhood cancers, given the funding they need to do their research.

Can you tell that I am advocating for childhood cancer research?!

I believe we can do better for our children. I know we can do better. So why don’t we do better?

There is a serious lack of awareness about childhood cancer.

According to the supermarket tabloids and periodicals, childhood cancer is not something we need to concern ourselves with. If I could shout it from a rooftop—or even better—dance upon a rooftop to bring awareness about the great need for funding for childhood cancer research, I would. There is no known cause for childhood cancers, which means any child, at any time, can hear, “You have cancer.”

It could be your child, your grandchild. We should be concerned. We should be looking for causes and cures like it is the war it truthfully is. This is especially true, because I hear again and again that a cure is within our reach.

With adequate funding, a cure is within our reach…

And now… rewinding to Boise, ID on my Make-A-Wish Hope Tour…

Idaho Shakespeare Festival

Our drive from Kennewick to Boise was a beautiful journey. The Columbia River was a gorgeous sight that kept surprising us along the way. Herbert was feeling peppy, so he HopeMobile-ed us to Boise in about six hours. (I promised Mom I would drink more so I would not get dehydrated, which resulted in more potty stops!) Not long after we arrived at our hotel in Boise, we were back on the road again to attend an outdoor theater, the Idaho Shakespeare Festival where we saw Mousetrap. Go ahead, try to get me to spill the secret of the true murderer! Hee Hee… not me! This was a wonderful gift that Make-A-Wish planned for our Idaho arrival!

St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital

The next morning, Mom and I met Becky Wiskus at St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital. She greeted us warmly, and I had the opportunity to speak with staff and patients, and get a tour of their facility. They surprised me with a very, very special gift. They gave me a calendar made from the drawings of their patients! I don’t think it gets any more special than that!!!

My Very Special Calendar from St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital

At each hospital I have visited, I always love hearing about the unique ways that the staff has of making life better for their patients. At St. Luke’s, it was obvious to me that they see their patients as “whole people,” not just treating the illness, but treating all that the illness encompasses.  I loved my time here, and I hope I get the opportunity to return in the future.

With Colin, the schoolteacher, in the St. Luke’s schoolroom

Feeling the love at St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital

One final Hope Tour adventure filled our day in Boise. Mom and I met Trevor Schaefer from Trevor’s Trek Foundation. Trevor survived a brain tumor as a young teen and has been fighting back against childhood cancer in many ways. We talked about his advocacy, my advocacy, and ways we might work together in the future. One very, very interesting thing that Trevor is working on is “cancer clusters.” I look forward to learning much more about Trevor’s work with Barbara Boxer on locating cancer clusters. I loved meeting you, Trevor! I send you my very best wishes for all you are doing!

Trevor Schaefer of Trevor’s Trek Foundation

Thank you to the Hampton Inn in Boise for supporting Make-A-Wish!

Hope Tour Video Day 16

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GfUdUSse6A

 

 

 

 

 

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Awareness for Childhood Cancer and Hope Tour in Kennewick, WA

Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery

If we truly care about children with cancer, we need to understand—or at least try to understand—what they go through daily. Hearing their stories firsthand, like I had the opportunity to do on my Make-A-Wish Hope Tour, or reading their stories, help us to realize how deep the need is for us to act swiftly, hugely, and boldly toward cures for childhood cancers.
 
Vinny DiGerolamo – in my heart…

From his Caringbridge site:

 ..”On Friday we went back to the hospital for our out-patient chemo, Vincristine, and blood counts. I met 3 newbies there and it never ceases to make me remember the shell-shocked days when we were new. It is amazing how much things have changed on the ward after being there for so many years.. and how many new faces walk the hallways. At one time, I knew everyone there. At one time, I could call to request my own favorite room number, right next to my friend. At one time one room would call the next room on the phone to whisper that a “newbie” had just arrived… and all of my friends in my first circle of friends are gone. Out of nine of us, Vinny and one other Survivor are the last two alive. And Vinny is one of the last few out of my 2nd circle of friends… and now I am somewhere in the middle of making my 3rd round of friends. The other day one of the doctors joked that Vinny is the most popular child they have and everyone asks about Vinny. I said no, Vinny is just the one who has been there the longest…… .and in a way, I am so grateful that he is alive and still is well enough to go in for chemo almost every week… but sad enough to admit that 4 1/2 yrs is a very long time and not such a fun way to live with the constant worry, the stress, the pain, the sadness and fear of the future. 

But we keep making plans and taking baby steps to look forward to little things so we can enjoy what we are given. On Friday I asked again about the breathing… he had been wheezing and breathing hard for 2 days prior to chemo. But Vinny wasn’t breathing hard at the moment that the Oncologist listened to his lungs and chest. There is more blockage, of course, in the collapsed lung with the tumor, and breathing is more clear in the one lung… but nothing we could pinpoint Friday at clinic. 
On the way home from the hospital, we had our usual Sponge Bob Popsicle from Toys R Us (the only place that sells them), and when we got home, I called clinic for blood count results and found out that Vinny’s ANC was horrible, he is neutropenic and not allowed out in public, and can’t be with people until he repeats counts tomorrow. His hemoglobin was great (10.6) but platelets were 23. They transfuse at 20. They said to watch for bleeding, if any bleeding of the gums or nose, we would have to bring him in immediately. Bruising is bad and legs hurt. They were not sure if counts are climbing up again, or going down so we will go to Dr. Rickett’s office tomorrow for more counts and hope that platelets rise so we can skip a platelet transfusion.” 
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/vinnydigerolamo

If more people knew about Vinny– if more people knew the true, day-to-day stories of children fighting cancer, we would have an army of people supporting childhood cancer research. If people could feel a fraction of the suffering, cures would be right around the corner. I believe this with all of my heart… and so… I am grateful for everyone who takes the time to open their heart enough to take time to learn. With awareness, change will come. I wish we could rewind at the time when “the change” comes, so we could recapture the beautiful lives of the children we have lost to cancer.

I wish this could be true. Since this is a wish that cannot come true, my wish is to make a difference for the children who are now fighting. My wish is to make it so there will be a day– soon– where children will not have to fight. This is why I wished for a Make-A-Wish Hope Tour.

This brings me to another Hope Tour update and another huge thank you to Make-A-Wish AK/WA for our final Hope Tour stop in Washington. Mom and I arrived at Kennewick General Hospital on a Sunday morning. This was not a “scheduled stop,” but Amazing Meredith at Make-A-Wish arranged for this visit. When I walked in the doors of the hospital, it took a moment for what I was seeing and hearing to register. When I saw signs that read, “Welcome Melinda,” and heard the clapping, I realized the warmth and love and welcome was for me! In a billion years, I never, ever, would have expected anything like this! The warmth of the staff at Kennewick General Hospital heated up to a fire-y glow when I walked into their cafeteria and saw a beautiful and colorful cupcake welcome display.

Kennewick General Hospital Welcome

Kennewick General Hospital Cupcake Welcome

I had the opportunity to speak with their staff, eat cupcakes (yum– by the way,) give away books, and have interviews with a couple of news stations. I am always very, very grateful for the opportunity to raise awareness for childhood cancer in the news. The people of Kennewick, WA were wonderful for helping me do this! Thank you to Dan Thesman, KVEW (ABC) and to Jane Sander from KNDU/KNDO (NBC) for your support. 

I was able to visit with a couple of patients; I will always remember our conversations. My time with patients on my Hope Tour is the core of my wish. Wrapped tightly around that core is the desire to help raise awareness for childhood cancer. Thank you to Make-A-Wish and to everyone at Kennewick General Hospital for helping to make my wish come true!

I LOVED meeting everyone at Kennewick General Hospital– Trish– and Jane in the background

Thank you to Lisa Teske and to Nicole for all you did to make my visit to Kennewick General Hospital such an enjoyable and meaningful time!

KVEW TV Kennewick, WA 7/1/2012

http://www.kvewtv.com/article/2012/jul/01/kgh-helps-make-wish-patients-dream-come-true/

Kennewick, WA 7/1/2012

http://www.kndu.com/story/18928222/cancer-survivor-author-visits-kennewick-general-hospital

Kennewick, WA Tri-City Herald 7/1/2012

Tacoma The Tribune News 7/1/2012

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2012/07/01/2201700/make-a-wish-recipient-visits-young.html

When Mom and I left Kennewick, we left filled with all the love that the staff had given us. I left with a new, special knowledge from the patients I had the blessing of meeting. We left with anticipation that the journey ahead would bring new hope. We surely left Washington ready to share the hope in our hearts. When we plopped down on “our” beds that night, we found ourselves in the state of Idaho…

Idaho!

Hope Tour Video Day 15

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hgRg2k0kX0

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Hope Tour at Seattle Children’s Hospital

Grace: A Child’s Intimate Journey Through Cancer and Recovery

“Oh my gosh. My heart pounded. I could not believe what was happening to me. After suffering so much, I almost felt it was too good to be true, like I didn’t deserve it or anything. My mouth hung open, my breathing was awkward, and my face was hot and red from crying. I lost it—completely lost it. Burying my head in my arms, I cried so hard that it hurt. Never had anything touched me in such a way. To hear encouragement to keep fighting from someone who I admired was breathtakingly unimaginable.”          

Copyright/Melinda Marchiano

After a morning that began with meeting Dr. Sanders and then Dr. Hartwell, how could my thirteenth day of the Hope Tour encompass even more excitement? It could, and it did!

Mom, Meredith, and I left Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and headed for Seattle Children’s Hospital in a light rain that ended before we hopped out of our car at the hospital. Dr. Molly Martyn met us with a warm welcome and led us to a conference room where everything was ready for my presentation. 

Dr. Molly Martyn, Chief Pediatric Resident at Seattle Children’s Hospital

Before I spoke with the residents, we all enjoyed a delicious lunch, thanks to Jayson Levich and Panera Bread in Seattle! Panera Bread has been unbelievably supportive of my Make-A-Wish, and I thank the company and the employees!

Thank you to Panera Bread for supporting Make-A-Wish and the residents at Seattle Children’s Hospital

This was the very first opportunity I have had to speak with a room full of residents. Some of them were at the end of their residency and some were at the very beginning. My time with them was filled with meaning. Their questions showed a true concern for understanding their patients so that they could better care for them. I am grateful to Dr. Molly Martyn, and to Meredith and Make-A-Wish, for this opportunity to share insight that will hopefully lead to better care for children with cancer.

Speaking with residents at Seattle Children’s Hospital

After speaking and signing books for the residents, their Child Life Specialist, Austin, gave me a tour through pediatrics. We suited up in our finest yellow garments to visit Jenna, a cheerful, lovable girl who is recovering from a bone marrow transplant. I loved the signs on the walls of her room… my favorite… “Jenna Rocks!”

Child Life Specialist, Austin, at Seattle Children’s Hospital

 I was able to visit a couple of other children while I was there. Childhood cancer is moment to moment, so I never know until I walk in the door of a hospital if there will be children there who are up for a visit. I… of all people… understand this. I was very happy to meet all of the children I met this day, and I want to share about one more very special boy and his mama that we met. Duncan really did grab my heart and take it away with him! Mom and I talked with Duncan and his mom about love and about faith. It was just minutes of time together, but the heartfelt memories will last forever. Duncan and his mom taught me about love, about life.

Duncan Stole My Heart

As we left the hospital, it was time to say good-bye to Amazing Make-A-Wish Meredith. This was very, very hard to do; Mom and I wanted to pack her up in HerbertTheHopeMobile and bring her along for more Hope Tour adventures. It’s hard to say bye to someone who has given your life experiences that you have only dreamed of. It’s hard to say bye to someone who has worked her tail off out of the love in her heart. I miss you already, Meredith! Thank you, and thank you to your entire office at Make-A-Wish Alaska/Washington for making my time in Seattle unforgettable.

Bye Meredith!

 Thank you for cooking up a huge batch of Hope while I was there in Seattle!

Day 13 Part II Hope Tour Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dO0i3V0twZ8&feature=youtube_gdata_player

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