Grateful Human

We are catching you up quickly on Make a Blanket Week: Walled Lake/Novi, our upcoming Golf Outing in May, a call for runners across the country for a big running/walking event we are in, a HUGE event with a major credit card company, and conversation about the measurement of success vs. effort.

Updates on this episode include:

• Grab n' Go Volunteer Shout Out!
• New Volunteer Support Position and Communications Intern, Alexis
• Virtual 'First Wash' Party
• Golf Outing 2021
• Partnerships with: Nurses Inspire Nurses, Oakland University - LEAN, and Fairway

Updates on this episode include Giving Tuesday, the Washing Machine, Virtual Blanket Making, our Holiday Blanket Bundle, and, most importantly, having an attitude of gratitude!

"Discipline will take you places motivation never could." Alyssa and Nicholas break down discipline vs. motivation and how the FTY year has been!

Working for a grassroots nonprofit, you have to wear a lot of hats, and sometimes it can feel like you're juggling swords, fire, and apples all at the same time. Listen to Alyssa and Nicholas talk FTY updates AND have a dialogue about running a small business. 

Rabbi G has a story for the books. As an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Wayne State University and the Founder of Kids Kicking Cancer His life's journey has taken him around the world speaking and serving in the area of pediatric illness and helping children cope with pain. Rabbi G and Kids Kicking Cancer is on a mission to bring hope to 1 million kids in the world. This is a conversation you don't want to miss, and he even gives us a power breathing lesson to use in our own life!

For more info about Rabbi G and Kids Kicking Cancer, check out kidskickingcancer.org. If you benefit from power breathing, send an email to [email protected]!

After suffering from heart problems early in life, Tommy was diagnosed with a particular type of leukemia that patients who have had a heart transplant are more prone to. Hear Tommy's story and his tremendous bravery and positive attitude to battle through a childhood cancer journey. 

Updates on this episode include:

• Prank Wars
• STEP Birthday Karaoke
• Washer/Dryer Delivery
• Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
• Make A Blanket....WEEK!

From the words of JohnJohn's mother and father...

"Before JohnJohn's diagnosis, we had never even heard the word retinoblastoma. This cancer is scary because it's rare (approximately 250 cases per year in the US), because it occurs primarily in children under the age of 5, and because there are only a select group of doctors and hospitals that know and understand how to treat it. 

​

But we are lucky because it is treatable, and there have been incredible advancements in the treatment options within the last decade. Just over 10 years ago, the most effective, and pretty much only, way to treat retinoblastoma was through enucleation (removal of the eye). Sometimes this is still the best treatment option based on size or stage of the tumor(s). Systemic chemotherapy and radiation were also commonly used in different combinations.

​

Then in 2006, Dr.’s Abramson and Gobin developed a method of treatment that delivers chemotherapy directly to the eye via an intra-arterial procedure. This game-changing treatment has been remarkable in saving vision, and eyes, in patients that qualify.

​

We were fortunate to have a very supportive network of family, friends, and colleagues that made it possible for us to seek cross-country treatment with Abramson and Gobin at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. But even with the financial and emotional support this journey has not been easy, it’s expensive, time-consuming, and physically draining.

​

JohnJohn completed his IAC treatment for his one large tumor in September 2018. Since then he has received laser treatment for 4 additional small tumors in his other eye. Even though we are in a good place right now, there are still immediate and lifelong risks.

He has eye exams under anesthesia (EUA's) every 4-6 weeks until age 5 to check for additional tumors, bi-annual MRI's to make sure the cancer has not spread beyond the eyes, and will be monitored for the rest of his life for a handful of other related cancers. As he grows he will also need PT/OT to help with his development and vision impairment. Because of our experience, we want to do our best to pay it forward and support other families who are facing the same struggles."

You can learn more about JohnJohn and his journey to support kids facing retinoblastoma at eyefight.org.

​

Our family members founded Eye Fight for Kids in JohnJohn's honor, to provide financial assistance to families with a child or children who are undergoing treatment for retinoblastoma. Funds will be given directly to selected families to offset the medical, travel and personal costs incurred while in treatment.

Hannah was a normal teenage girl that started suffering headaches on vacation. Thrust into a battle with brain cancer, Hannah overcame the obstacles associated with a childhood cancer and is sharing her lessons with us.