September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

We have been sporting our gold shoelaces and gold heart necklaces all month for Childhood Cancer Awareness month. No family should ever have to hear the words "your child has cancer".

http://www.braintumour.ca/5176/childhood-cancer-awareness-month
https://www.facebook.com/kidscancerawareness

MRI Clear

What a relief. Another clear MRI, no sign of disease!

For the first time Liam did the MRI without anesthetic! It was just a head MRI, so it takes half the time of head and spine. Plus, no lumbar puncture (maybe no more ever!). Liam was able to listen to music, so Troy quickly downloaded The Lego Movie soundtrack. Part way through the MRI, they put the IV in Liam's arm, but it was a non issue because if the magical numbing cream. (Although Liam ran around screaming because he didn't want the cream) They still need the IV for the contrast to get better detail on the MRI.

Unfortunately, the hydrocephalus increased again. It hadn't increased since a year ago, so we thought it had resolved. We will have to go visit the neurosurgeon, but it isn't urgent. Sounds like we'll go late August.

Date wise, we are off schedule, but on the roadmap, this is the 1.5 year checkup.

And today was only $6 for parking! Record time in oncology. The nurse found Liam a Han Solo Lego figurine, Liam was very excited.

Dairy Queen for celebration!

10 Days Until Tour For Kids

A little bit of panic, and a lot of excitement about the upcoming Tour for Kids!

We received the official route, day 1-105 kms; day 2-103 kms; day 3-59 kms. The event takes place July 18, 19 & 20.

That means only 10 days left to donate to my ride! I am selling these beautiful necklaces donated by my talented Mom.  http://www.lorrainefontaine.etsy.com/

She made them gold, as gold is the color that represents childhood cancers.

Please send me the address to ship to:  karlablackwell @ gmail . com
Donate here:  https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/FundraisingPage.aspx?registrationID=2216273&langPref=en-CA#&panel1-1

100% of your donations goes to Kids Cancer Care and Camp Kindle, a very wonderful organization. Thank you everyone for your donations!

Survivor Day

Today is Cancer Survivor Day. Liam doesn't care what day it is, he just wants to jump in bouncy castles.

Thanks Kids Cancer Care for the celebration.

Kids Cancer Care Video

Kids Cancer Care produced a beautiful video with local families showing some of the services they provide. They have become a big part of our lives, providing support to Liam and our family.

Kids Cancer Care Video

THANK YOU for all the very generous people who have already donated to my ride with the Tour for Kids! You are amazing. 100% of your donations to the Tour for Kids goes straight to Kids Cancer Care.

8 more weeks until the big ride!

Approaching 2 Years Since Diagnosis

So many small reminders. Easter traditions. The crazy weather as we wait for spring to come to Calgary. So many little things that bring back painful memories. I'm not sure how many years have to pass before we stop getting the painful reminders of this time of year. Obviously the day of diagnosis is a painful day, April 30, 2012. But we also are reminded of the stressful months before Liam's diagnosis. Why is Liam vomiting? So many tests, but why can no one tell us what is wrong with our little boy? Spring is a time of hope... but it brings painful memories too.

The good news is that Liam is doing wonderful. We are so grateful that Liam gets to just be a normal 5 year old boy now.

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter.

Tour for Kids for Kids Cancer Care

I have decided to take on a huge personal challenge. It has been a long time since I've been on a bike, but I've decided to take on the Tour for Kids Alberta ride. The ride is 3 days through the beautiful Rocky Mountains. The ride is 100 km (or more) per day July 18-20. 100% of the money donated to the ride goes directly to Kids Cancer Care.

Here is the website with all the details of the ride: Tour for Kids Alberta

Why am I riding? For Liam and all the other kids and families who have had to face a cancer diagnosis. Kids Cancer Care has been there for Liam and our family since Liam's diagnosis with brain cancer. They are such a blessing in our lives. Liam gets rehabilitation through his PEER exercise class through KCC. Our family has attended many fun events for Halloween, a family ski day and many others. Last year Liam attended 1 week at Camp Sunrise, this year Madison will get to go to camp as well. 


Please consider sponsoring my ride and donating to this wonderful organization.


Link to donate to my ride:
https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/FundraisingPage.aspx?registrationID=2216273&langPref=en-CA#&panel1-1

A few pictures of Liam last year when we picked him up from camp. He absolutely loved it! Camp Kindle is a truly wonderful place.

Just a sample of what Liam went through from diagnosis until a year later... KCC Camps are really a wonderful opportunity for these kids to meet others who have been through similar experiences.