Among angels

Last weekend, we went to a family camp in Portage la Prairie that's put on by the Candlelighters Association (a support group for families with children who have cancer). It was a great event. The best part for me was seeing the kids having fun, building friendships, and being kids. The pool was crazy and wonderful - tots to teenagers. Every one of them (siblings included) have suffered through so much and I've probably seen most of them at their low points - so to be with them in this environment was good for the soul (thus the blog title).

For the parents, it's an opportunity to share with others who have walked in our shoes...or just listen to people who are facing similar (in many cases worse) challenges. My heart goes out to all of the families who are battling so hard with no end in sight. Leukemia, and particularly ALL, has a defined protocol - it's treatable. Others are blindly forging ahead and praying for the best...too many have relapsed (our unspeakable fear). The unknown is terrifying...but I left feeling oddly grateful for leukemia (messed up, huh?).

So for all these families and many more who couldn't make it, I want to help the volunteers that organize these amazing events...where bald, frail, little boys with battle scars don't stand out. I hope you'll help me. If you're not doing anything on Friday, Oct. 16, please come out to the Bud, Spud, and Steak at the Tijuana Yacht Club, in support of Kids Fishing For a Cure. Call me for tickets - $15 each - at home (668-5989), work (943-3474 x3121), or on my cell (333-7187). Tom's cell # is 999-4152. If you'd like to donate something for the silent auction, that's great too. And hey, if you can't make it, don't sweat it...there will be other opportunities.

Hayden's due back at the clinic tomorrow to see the doctor - his Day 29 appointment. If his counts have rebounded, they'll likely back-off his oral, at-home chemo and he will continue with the lumbar puncture and IV chemo on Wednesday at the PDU. Otherwise, we may be back in wait-and-see mode. As always, I'll keep you posted.