Surviving With Style

One day in February my phone rang, I glanced down to see that our SCCA nurse was calling, instant panic set in, I wasn't expecting a call from them.  This panic must have come through as I said hello, our nurse quickly said, "this is a fun call"... um, I thought, I didn't know those came from the SCCA.  She went on to tell me about Gilda's Club and how there are chapters of this fantastic non-profit organization around the country who offer support to cancer survivors and their loved ones.  Every year Gilda's Club has a fashion show and luncheon called Surviving With Style, all of the models are cancer survivors.  She asked if she could pass our name along to the coordinator, after a few questions I gave the okay and the next day got a call to discuss the details.

Last week we met with Ann Marie Louie, she is a local designer who is making a special dress for Georgia to wear in the show.  That same evening we attended our first Gilda's Club meeting about the fashion show and met a room full of incredible cancer survivors.  At the time of the meeting Georgia was the only child in the show, since then we happy to hear that our friend Anna will be modeling as well.  They don't intend for a two-year old out on a runway by herself, so I will be walking with her.   On the way home from the meeting Georgia said several times, "people, very loud"... hmm, wonder what she's going to think of the Westin Ballroom full of people, I may be carrying her down the runway.  As each model walks the runway their story is told, it's sure to be inspirational and emotional all at the same time.  The fashion show and luncheon is hosted by Cynthia Nixon and sounds like it will be an incredible afternoon. 

Here is more information:

Gilda's Club

http://www.gildasclubseattle.org/

Mission Statement:

Gilda's Club Seattle offers a broad, community-based program of social, emotional, and educational support for cancer survivors, their loved ones and friends that provides sustained support, education and resources on-site in the Seattle Clubhouse and off-site with collaborating partners. Free of charge to participants, and nonprofit, we offer a Five Core Component program that includes a variety of support services, educational opportunities, classes and workshops, social events, and resources and referral. Our program serves anyone touched by cancer across the cancer continuum -- from diagnosis, through treatment and post-treatment, survivorship, and bereavement, including children, teens, and whole families.

Ana Louie Apparel

http://www.analouieapparel.com/

Fifteen Months Post Transplant

Georgia,

You are becoming so independent, picking out your clothes and dressing yourself, climbing into your car seat, overall wanting less help with everything. 

You are full of conversation, last night as we were looking at a book you pointed to a purple car and said "buy one".. I said, "you want to buy a purple car?" you scrunched up your nose, tilted your head to the side and said "umm, ya!"  The conversation continued and when I asked how old you need to be to drive a car you said, "ahhh, ummm four half." 

You are learning your colors and have purple and orange down.  You are counting higher and higher, and can go up to 15 then start to skip around until hitting 23.  You have almost mastered your ABC's and are very proud of this.  Your favorite game is hide & seek, you run to your closet, hide behind the curtains and call for us to come find you.  We come in and say things like "Where's Georgia, is she at the beach?  You'll reply "no" with a giggle... "is she at the store?".. laughing harder "NO!" then finally we say "is she in the closet" and you pull the curtains back, and with a huge smile exclaim "YES!" 

We are working on identifying feelings and often talk about things that are frustrating and things that make you happy. The other day you told me that you were frustrated that Lauren has a cold, then said "Lauren cold, all done!"  You miss your cousins.

At night you talk about who is going to sleep, you start to name off several people, stop and say "ahhh, ummm.. who else?" then name several more.

You continue to grow, seeing your pants get shorter is so thrilling, and we (finally) had to buy you some new shoes!  Last week we started the re-immunization process, necessary but not fun.  Life is moving forward and it feels so good.  We are looking into some kids classes for the summer and continue to count the days until cold and flu season is officially over.

Happy 15 months post transplant my love, we are so very proud of you.

 Tiptoe through the tulips

 Swimming in the bath has become a favorite activity

Your hair is getting so long it gets in your eyes

but you rarely let me pull it back.

 Where is Georgia?

 Ta-da!

Georgia O'Handsaker?  Not quite an O'keefe but I love it!

A little video of you doing what kids should - run!

Heavy Heart

I am so incredibly sad to post that our friend Mia died this morning.  This girl, this amazing child was such a fighter and so full of love.  She fought for three long years and all I can hope for is that she is free from pain and suffering forever.  Please send thoughts and prayers of love and comfort to her parents and her twin brother Noah - this is such a special family.

Spring!

It's spring time in Seattle and flowers aren't the only things that are sprouting up... we have smiles and ponytails too!