BLOOD DRIVE
FRIDAY DEC. 5th
VALWOOD SCHOOL
This Friday, December 5, from 8:00 – 2:00, in the Rogers Performance Hall, the Upper School Interact Club will host its 5th Red Cross Blood Drive, and given the extremely low, current supply coupled with the extraordinary demand at this time of year, your help is critical…literally.
Chef Don has offered to serve a breakfast special of pancakes, bacon, beverage, and grits for $2.25, or you can order ala carte in the line prior to your coming in to donate your pint of blood. Eating a good breakfast is important for all donors.
Give the gift of life this season.
Please donate a pint of blood…Thanks,
Jessie Glassmire, Katie Querin, Kelsey Rowland (Blood Committee)
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
4th Annual Victory for Victoria
SAVE A NEW DATE!
The date has been changed for the 4th Annual Victory for Victoria Run. It will now be on Saturday, Feb. 28th at Valwood School.
It was origninally scheduled for April 11th, which is Easter weekend. I wanted to do it in May since May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month, but May is too busy for the school with it being the end of the school year. The only other weekend we had that worked with the school & other events in town is Feb. 28th.
We will have long sleeved shirts this time since it will probably be cooler. Information and registration forms will be posted soon. Don't forget to mark your calendar!....Feb. 28th
The date has been changed for the 4th Annual Victory for Victoria Run. It will now be on Saturday, Feb. 28th at Valwood School.
It was origninally scheduled for April 11th, which is Easter weekend. I wanted to do it in May since May is Brain Tumor Awareness Month, but May is too busy for the school with it being the end of the school year. The only other weekend we had that worked with the school & other events in town is Feb. 28th.
We will have long sleeved shirts this time since it will probably be cooler. Information and registration forms will be posted soon. Don't forget to mark your calendar!....Feb. 28th
Friday, August 22, 2008
It's just water Mom...
On days like today when it is raining sooo much and I hear people complaining and I see people getting frustrated and rushing around trying not to get wet, I hear Victoria saying, "it's just water Mom..." as she did so many times.
She had a very simple way of looking at things. She didn't get all upset over the little things like adults tend to do. So this morning as I walked through 4" of water and got completely soaked trying to get into my car (can anyone get IN a car with an umbrella and not get wet?), and then got soaked again trying to get out of my car, and then again as I tried to run into the office, I had to laugh to myself and smile. Victoria is right. It is just water. It's really not that big of a deal compared to so many other things.
So this afternoon when I get home from work and find that the kids have been skim boarding in the puddles in the yard and there are dirty muddy clothes everywhere, I'll have to smile again and listen to their stories and just be glad they are here to make the mess. (They're big enough now to clean it up!)
So don't get caught up in the little things or you will miss what's really important.
She had a very simple way of looking at things. She didn't get all upset over the little things like adults tend to do. So this morning as I walked through 4" of water and got completely soaked trying to get into my car (can anyone get IN a car with an umbrella and not get wet?), and then got soaked again trying to get out of my car, and then again as I tried to run into the office, I had to laugh to myself and smile. Victoria is right. It is just water. It's really not that big of a deal compared to so many other things.
So this afternoon when I get home from work and find that the kids have been skim boarding in the puddles in the yard and there are dirty muddy clothes everywhere, I'll have to smile again and listen to their stories and just be glad they are here to make the mess. (They're big enough now to clean it up!)
So don't get caught up in the little things or you will miss what's really important.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Conquer Childhood Cancer Act Signed!
On July 29, 2008, President Bush signed the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act. This will allow for $30 million annually for 5 years to go toward childhood cancer research.
This is from CureSearch:
President George W. Bush has signed into law H.R. 1553, the Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act, at a ceremony in the Oval Office.
This legislation was named in memory of Caroline Pryce Walker, daughter of Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-OH), who succumbed to neuroblastoma in 1999 at age nine, and will dramatically increase federal investment into childhood cancer research.
The bill passed the United States House of Representatives on June 12th by a 416-0 vote and in the Senate by unanimous consent on July 16th.
The original co-sponsors for this landmark bi-partisan legislation include Congresswoman Pryce, Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Norm Coleman (R-MN).The bill authorizes $30 million annually over five years, providing funding for collaborative pediatric cancer clinical trials research, to create a population-based national childhood cancer database, and to further improve public awareness and communication regarding available treatment and research for children with cancer and their families.
"The Conquer Childhood Cancer Act allows for translation of the very best research discoveries into clinical evaluation and practice, in order to improve the cure rates for all children with cancer," stated Gregory Reaman, MD, Chair of the Children's Oncology Group. "On behalf of my colleagues in the Children's Oncology Group and the children with cancer and their families who are our partners in clinical research, we thank President Bush and our nation's leaders. Only research cures childhood cancer."
Thank you to all who helped to make this possible.
This is from CureSearch:
President George W. Bush has signed into law H.R. 1553, the Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act, at a ceremony in the Oval Office.
This legislation was named in memory of Caroline Pryce Walker, daughter of Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-OH), who succumbed to neuroblastoma in 1999 at age nine, and will dramatically increase federal investment into childhood cancer research.
The bill passed the United States House of Representatives on June 12th by a 416-0 vote and in the Senate by unanimous consent on July 16th.
The original co-sponsors for this landmark bi-partisan legislation include Congresswoman Pryce, Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Senators Jack Reed (D-RI) and Norm Coleman (R-MN).The bill authorizes $30 million annually over five years, providing funding for collaborative pediatric cancer clinical trials research, to create a population-based national childhood cancer database, and to further improve public awareness and communication regarding available treatment and research for children with cancer and their families.
"The Conquer Childhood Cancer Act allows for translation of the very best research discoveries into clinical evaluation and practice, in order to improve the cure rates for all children with cancer," stated Gregory Reaman, MD, Chair of the Children's Oncology Group. "On behalf of my colleagues in the Children's Oncology Group and the children with cancer and their families who are our partners in clinical research, we thank President Bush and our nation's leaders. Only research cures childhood cancer."
Thank you to all who helped to make this possible.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Prayer Request
Becky Gotshall is in need of prayers. (Becky is part of my Mary Kay family.)
This message was sent to me July 22nd:
Becky Gottshall, from Valdosta, Ga was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of breast cancer a year and a half ago. She went through a double mastectomy in January, 2007, and reconstruction. She followed that up with full rounds of chemo and radiation. There were some set backs and complications along the way but we watched as Becky used this disease to grow her faith and be a blessing to others.
Husband Shannon is in the Air Force and they are stationed at Moody AFB in Valdosta, Ga. Becky is in her mid 30's and they have 3 children, 2 teenage boys and their daughter is 10.
Last week, Becky was at her parents home out of town and had been nauseous all week. As she was putting on her makeup, she noticed that her eyeballs were yellow. She made a trip to the emergency room in her home town. After they ran some tests, they discovered a mass on her liver and told her that her cancer had metastasized to her liver.
As I type this; Becky and Shannon are at her oncologist's office at our Cancer Center. He did tell her over the phone that if it had metastasized, there was nothing they could do.
Becky has since gone to Emory and has had more testing done. She is waiting for test results before making a plan of action.
It breaks my heart to hear of another family being affected with cancer again. Please pray for this family. You may visit Becky's caringbridge site to read the journal history and offer your support: www.caringbridge.org/visit/beckysmiracle.
As always, thank you so much for your supprt.
This message was sent to me July 22nd:
Becky Gottshall, from Valdosta, Ga was diagnosed with a very aggressive form of breast cancer a year and a half ago. She went through a double mastectomy in January, 2007, and reconstruction. She followed that up with full rounds of chemo and radiation. There were some set backs and complications along the way but we watched as Becky used this disease to grow her faith and be a blessing to others.
Husband Shannon is in the Air Force and they are stationed at Moody AFB in Valdosta, Ga. Becky is in her mid 30's and they have 3 children, 2 teenage boys and their daughter is 10.
Last week, Becky was at her parents home out of town and had been nauseous all week. As she was putting on her makeup, she noticed that her eyeballs were yellow. She made a trip to the emergency room in her home town. After they ran some tests, they discovered a mass on her liver and told her that her cancer had metastasized to her liver.
As I type this; Becky and Shannon are at her oncologist's office at our Cancer Center. He did tell her over the phone that if it had metastasized, there was nothing they could do.
Becky has since gone to Emory and has had more testing done. She is waiting for test results before making a plan of action.
It breaks my heart to hear of another family being affected with cancer again. Please pray for this family. You may visit Becky's caringbridge site to read the journal history and offer your support: www.caringbridge.org/visit/beckysmiracle.
As always, thank you so much for your supprt.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Childhood Cancer Act Passes House & Senate!
The Conquer Childhood Cancer Act has unanimously passed both the House & the Senate. The act will now go to the White House to be signed by the President to be passed into law.
Thank you all so very much for your support with this very important piece of legislation. It is our hope that this will help lead to more research for more cures for children with cancer. Every child deserves a cure.
Thank you all so very much for your support with this very important piece of legislation. It is our hope that this will help lead to more research for more cures for children with cancer. Every child deserves a cure.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Childhood Cancer Act Passes House!
Great News! Just got this from CureSearch:
June 12, 2008 (Bethesda, MD) - CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation salutes the United States House of Representatives for passage of H.R. 1553, the "Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act," which promises to significantly increase federal investment into childhood cancer research.
During markup of the legislation, the bill was renamed the Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2008, in memory of Caroline Pryce Walker, daughter of Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-OH), who succumbed to neuroblastoma in 1999 at age nine.
The bill authorizes $30 million annually over five years, providing funding for collaborative pediatric cancer clinical trials research, to create a population-based national childhood cancer database, and to further improve public awareness and communication regarding available treatments and research for children with cancer and their families.
"For far too long, children suffering from pediatric cancer have gotten short shrift on federal resources," said Pryce, original author of this groundbreaking legislation.
"The bill we passed today dramatically expands federal investment into childhood cancer research and education, and will make an historic difference in the lives of the more than 12,000 children who will be diagnosed with cancer each year. A nation with our resources, our scientists, our committed doctors and oncologists, and our inherent and insuppressible fighting spirit can and should do more to put an end to so much suffering."
Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), one of the original co-sponsors of the Carolyn Walker Pryce Conquer Childhood Cancer Act, stated that conquering childhood cancer has transcended partisan politics, and addresses a critical national issue that is finally receiving the attention it deserves.
"I am pleased that the House passed this important legislation, which will bring us one step closer to eradicating pediatric cancer," said Van Hollen. "This bill will enhance and expand pediatric cancer research activities at the National Institutes of Health, establish a pediatric cancer registry, and increase informational and educational outreach efforts to patients and families affected by pediatric cancer. No child should have to experience and suffer the effects of cancer, and no parent should have to see their child suffer."CureSearch supports the life-saving research of the Children's Oncology Group, the world's premier cancer research collaborative. Treating 90% of children with cancer, the Children's Oncology Group includes more than 5,000 experts in childhood cancer research and treatment, located at more than 200 leading children's and university hospitals across North America. "The Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act allows for translation of the very best research discoveries into clinical evaluation and practice, in order to improve the cure rates for all children with cancer," noted Gregory Reaman, MD, Chair of the Children's Oncology Group. "Only research cures childhood cancer. On behalf of my colleagues in the Children's Oncology Group and the children with cancer and their families who are our partners in clinical research, we thank our Congressional leaders.""On behalf of CureSearch, we applaud the steadfast leadership of Representatives Chris Van Hollen and Deborah Pryce and their colleagues in the House who through the passage of this bill have made finding the cure for childhood cancer an urgent national priority," said Stacy Pagos Haller, Executive Director, CureSearch.
Companion legislation in the United States Senate (S.911), sponsored by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), cleared the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee unanimously in November, 2007. The Senate version of the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act currently has 63 co-sponsors; a full Senate floor vote on the bill is expected this summer.
Please continue to contact your Senators. Thank you for your support. It does make a difference.
June 12, 2008 (Bethesda, MD) - CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation salutes the United States House of Representatives for passage of H.R. 1553, the "Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act," which promises to significantly increase federal investment into childhood cancer research.
During markup of the legislation, the bill was renamed the Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act of 2008, in memory of Caroline Pryce Walker, daughter of Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-OH), who succumbed to neuroblastoma in 1999 at age nine.
The bill authorizes $30 million annually over five years, providing funding for collaborative pediatric cancer clinical trials research, to create a population-based national childhood cancer database, and to further improve public awareness and communication regarding available treatments and research for children with cancer and their families.
"For far too long, children suffering from pediatric cancer have gotten short shrift on federal resources," said Pryce, original author of this groundbreaking legislation.
"The bill we passed today dramatically expands federal investment into childhood cancer research and education, and will make an historic difference in the lives of the more than 12,000 children who will be diagnosed with cancer each year. A nation with our resources, our scientists, our committed doctors and oncologists, and our inherent and insuppressible fighting spirit can and should do more to put an end to so much suffering."
Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), one of the original co-sponsors of the Carolyn Walker Pryce Conquer Childhood Cancer Act, stated that conquering childhood cancer has transcended partisan politics, and addresses a critical national issue that is finally receiving the attention it deserves.
"I am pleased that the House passed this important legislation, which will bring us one step closer to eradicating pediatric cancer," said Van Hollen. "This bill will enhance and expand pediatric cancer research activities at the National Institutes of Health, establish a pediatric cancer registry, and increase informational and educational outreach efforts to patients and families affected by pediatric cancer. No child should have to experience and suffer the effects of cancer, and no parent should have to see their child suffer."CureSearch supports the life-saving research of the Children's Oncology Group, the world's premier cancer research collaborative. Treating 90% of children with cancer, the Children's Oncology Group includes more than 5,000 experts in childhood cancer research and treatment, located at more than 200 leading children's and university hospitals across North America. "The Caroline Pryce Walker Conquer Childhood Cancer Act allows for translation of the very best research discoveries into clinical evaluation and practice, in order to improve the cure rates for all children with cancer," noted Gregory Reaman, MD, Chair of the Children's Oncology Group. "Only research cures childhood cancer. On behalf of my colleagues in the Children's Oncology Group and the children with cancer and their families who are our partners in clinical research, we thank our Congressional leaders.""On behalf of CureSearch, we applaud the steadfast leadership of Representatives Chris Van Hollen and Deborah Pryce and their colleagues in the House who through the passage of this bill have made finding the cure for childhood cancer an urgent national priority," said Stacy Pagos Haller, Executive Director, CureSearch.
Companion legislation in the United States Senate (S.911), sponsored by Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), cleared the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee unanimously in November, 2007. The Senate version of the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act currently has 63 co-sponsors; a full Senate floor vote on the bill is expected this summer.
Please continue to contact your Senators. Thank you for your support. It does make a difference.
Friday, May 30, 2008
A sad day...
Last night our friend, Martin Blaisdell, passed away. He had medulloblastoma like Victoria. He fought for a long time. Martin tried all of the treatments we were not able to try. Some worked for a little while. After fighting for 10 years, there was nothing to help him either. It's so unfair.
Martin was a wonderful guy who touched many lives. Please keep his family in your prayers. www.caringbridge.org/ga/martinblaisdell The Blaisdells are now beginning a new difficult journey and will need alot of support. Thank you for your prayers for this family.
Martin was a wonderful guy who touched many lives. Please keep his family in your prayers. www.caringbridge.org/ga/martinblaisdell The Blaisdells are now beginning a new difficult journey and will need alot of support. Thank you for your prayers for this family.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Victoria's Kids Update
Ronnie's JV golf team went undefeated for the season and won the Region Title for JV golf. Ronnie was awarded the Most Improved Player Award at the sports assembly. Everyone says he has a great golf swing. He plans to play golf every day this summer. (Krista & Travis are upset that they have to get jobs! while Ronnie works on his "career".)
Travis has been traveling playing paintball. He recently went to Jacksonville, FL to help set up the fields for the National Professional Paintball League event that was held there last weekend. He was excited that he got to miss school for 2 days to do this. It was a great learning experience for him. He got to see how these national events are put on from the ground up.
He was even more excited when he & some of his teammeates were invited to play in the NPPL event and almost made it to the finals. They were so close. They were disappointed that they missed finals by such a small amount, but they were still very pleased with being so close. This was their 1st NPPL event. They didn't even get to practice and still almost made it to finals. They did pretty good. This weekend Travis & some of his teammates will be traveling to Chattanooga, TN to play in a different seires: the CFOA 5-man event on Sunday.
Krista has been job hunting. She has applied at 2 vets offices and 1 pet store. Most places are waiting for their summer help to get their summer school schedules so they will know if they need to rehire or not. She's going to apply at some more places next week.
Krista won the Academic Acheivement Award for Physical Science for 10th grade at the Honor's Program Wednesday. Her teacher bragged on her that she always has her work and always shows her work- a math & science teacher's dream. We are very proud of her. She works hard. Of course she was completely embarrassed that she had to walk up on stage in front of everyone, and she turned as red as a tomatoe and wanted to act like it was no big deal to have won, but we all saw her smile and know she was secretly proud of herself.
Thanks for checking in on Victoria's kids.
Travis has been traveling playing paintball. He recently went to Jacksonville, FL to help set up the fields for the National Professional Paintball League event that was held there last weekend. He was excited that he got to miss school for 2 days to do this. It was a great learning experience for him. He got to see how these national events are put on from the ground up.
He was even more excited when he & some of his teammeates were invited to play in the NPPL event and almost made it to the finals. They were so close. They were disappointed that they missed finals by such a small amount, but they were still very pleased with being so close. This was their 1st NPPL event. They didn't even get to practice and still almost made it to finals. They did pretty good. This weekend Travis & some of his teammates will be traveling to Chattanooga, TN to play in a different seires: the CFOA 5-man event on Sunday.
Krista has been job hunting. She has applied at 2 vets offices and 1 pet store. Most places are waiting for their summer help to get their summer school schedules so they will know if they need to rehire or not. She's going to apply at some more places next week.
Krista won the Academic Acheivement Award for Physical Science for 10th grade at the Honor's Program Wednesday. Her teacher bragged on her that she always has her work and always shows her work- a math & science teacher's dream. We are very proud of her. She works hard. Of course she was completely embarrassed that she had to walk up on stage in front of everyone, and she turned as red as a tomatoe and wanted to act like it was no big deal to have won, but we all saw her smile and know she was secretly proud of herself.
Thanks for checking in on Victoria's kids.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Blood Drive May 15th
There will be a Red Cross Blood Drive
TOMORROW, May 15th
from 12pm -5pm at
Langdale Forest Products Company
1202 Madison Hwy
Valdosta, GA
Please give if you are able. If you can't make it Thursday, the info about the Valwood Blood Drive on Friday is on the post below.
TOMORROW, May 15th
from 12pm -5pm at
Langdale Forest Products Company
1202 Madison Hwy
Valdosta, GA
Please give if you are able. If you can't make it Thursday, the info about the Valwood Blood Drive on Friday is on the post below.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Blood Drive
Red Cross Blood Drive at Valwood
Friday, May 16
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Eager Sports Center
Please donate a pint of blood this Friday. There is a critical blood shortage across the country, and specifically in Georgia. The Southern Region uses 1,200 pints of blood daily. Due to low donations rates our region has to import 45,000 units of blood every year to meet our needs. Donating a pint is quick, virtually painless, and can save up to three lives. Schedule an appointment by calling or e-mailing Chuck Glassmire: (229)242-8491 or cglassmire@valwood.org . Walk-ins are also welcome. We hope to have a big turnout at this drive, and we need your help.
You’ll want blood available for your family when they need it…so please give now!
I can't tell you how scary it is to need blood and not have it. Too many people take for granted that it's just there when you need it. Several times we had to wait for blood and platelets to be flown in from other states because there was none available. Many people depend on blood products to live each week. It's not just for emergencies or surgeries. Please give if you are able. You must be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. If you are not sure if you are able to give due to health concerns or medication you may be taking, please call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (800-448-3543)and they can answer any questions you have. Thank you so much for helping with this worthwhile cause.
Friday, May 16
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Eager Sports Center
Please donate a pint of blood this Friday. There is a critical blood shortage across the country, and specifically in Georgia. The Southern Region uses 1,200 pints of blood daily. Due to low donations rates our region has to import 45,000 units of blood every year to meet our needs. Donating a pint is quick, virtually painless, and can save up to three lives. Schedule an appointment by calling or e-mailing Chuck Glassmire: (229)242-8491 or cglassmire@valwood.org . Walk-ins are also welcome. We hope to have a big turnout at this drive, and we need your help.
You’ll want blood available for your family when they need it…so please give now!
I can't tell you how scary it is to need blood and not have it. Too many people take for granted that it's just there when you need it. Several times we had to wait for blood and platelets to be flown in from other states because there was none available. Many people depend on blood products to live each week. It's not just for emergencies or surgeries. Please give if you are able. You must be at least 17 years old and weigh at least 110 pounds. If you are not sure if you are able to give due to health concerns or medication you may be taking, please call 1-800-GIVE LIFE (800-448-3543)and they can answer any questions you have. Thank you so much for helping with this worthwhile cause.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Prayers Needed
We have added a new friend to our list. Please pray for the Culpepper family. Little Olivia has leukemia and is preparing for transplant. They have had many obstacles to overcome recently and could really use alot of support. Please pray that they are being led in the right direction to help Olivia stay in remission and be cured. Her link is to the right.
Also please pray for Cindy (the mom). Caring for a sick child 24 hours a day and trying to fight for the treatment they need is exhausting mentally, physically, & emotionally. Please pray for her strength as she continues to fight for Olivia.
There are also 2 siblings and a dad at home. They are left behind as Cindy & Olivia travel for treatment. It's hard on the ones at home. They often need things but have to wait. They have to help pick up the slack around the house & often have to grow up too fast. The ones at home need a great deal of support too. It's hard to stay behind & wait to hear what's going on. It's hard to go on with life when your sibiling is so ill.
I remember so many times taking Travis, Ronnie & Krista to school & not being able to tell them that I would be there at 3:15 to pick them up. I just never knew if I would be there. So often we had to leave in an emergency situation & would be back in Atlanta before the kids were even at lunch that day. They had to put up with alot. And for the most part they didn't complain. Of course they didn't like it, but they knew we couldn't help it. It wasn't easy for them. We were very lucky to have had so much support from our Valwood School family.
Yesterday was the 2 1/2 year mark since Victoria died. It still just doesn't seem possible. It seems like just yesterday that I was right where Cindy is now. Fighting every minute of every day, searching for anything, anyone to help. It's so unfair that children have to go through things like this.
I am going to Washington, D.C. for the Reach the Day campaign in June. (visit http://www.curesearch.org/ for info) There we will get to meet with lawmakers and express our concerns for funding of childhood cancer research. I am also attending an event in September in Wilmington, Deleware. It's a childhood cancer awareness & education symposium. Many top researchers from around the country will be there. Please remember to write to your Representatives and ask them to co-sponsor the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act.
Thank you for your prayers for Olivia and her family.
Also please pray for Cindy (the mom). Caring for a sick child 24 hours a day and trying to fight for the treatment they need is exhausting mentally, physically, & emotionally. Please pray for her strength as she continues to fight for Olivia.
There are also 2 siblings and a dad at home. They are left behind as Cindy & Olivia travel for treatment. It's hard on the ones at home. They often need things but have to wait. They have to help pick up the slack around the house & often have to grow up too fast. The ones at home need a great deal of support too. It's hard to stay behind & wait to hear what's going on. It's hard to go on with life when your sibiling is so ill.
I remember so many times taking Travis, Ronnie & Krista to school & not being able to tell them that I would be there at 3:15 to pick them up. I just never knew if I would be there. So often we had to leave in an emergency situation & would be back in Atlanta before the kids were even at lunch that day. They had to put up with alot. And for the most part they didn't complain. Of course they didn't like it, but they knew we couldn't help it. It wasn't easy for them. We were very lucky to have had so much support from our Valwood School family.
Yesterday was the 2 1/2 year mark since Victoria died. It still just doesn't seem possible. It seems like just yesterday that I was right where Cindy is now. Fighting every minute of every day, searching for anything, anyone to help. It's so unfair that children have to go through things like this.
I am going to Washington, D.C. for the Reach the Day campaign in June. (visit http://www.curesearch.org/ for info) There we will get to meet with lawmakers and express our concerns for funding of childhood cancer research. I am also attending an event in September in Wilmington, Deleware. It's a childhood cancer awareness & education symposium. Many top researchers from around the country will be there. Please remember to write to your Representatives and ask them to co-sponsor the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act.
Thank you for your prayers for Olivia and her family.
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Happy Birthday Victoria
Today would have been Victoria's 11th birthday. When she was 3 we had cupcakes at the lake. I don't remember right now what we did when she was 4, but when she turned 5 we had a party at Mckey Park. That was her favorite park. The kids ran around & played on the playground equipment. Victoria loved to do the monkey bars and swing. Victoria made her own cake for her friends to eat that day. When she turned 6 she was so excited to have a party at the bowling alley. She made her own cake then too. (I helped some.) When she was 7 she was back in the hospital for 28 days straight after having been home only 5 days after a 35 day stay. She had bacterial meningitis. The hospital staff got her a cake with a Barbie in the middle. The Barbie's dress was the cake. They made her a huge poster that everyone signed & all of the nurses came & sang Happy Birthday. All she wanted was to be home with her family. That wasn't too much to ask for. When she was 8 she had a Strawberry Shortcake cake from Sams. She wanted to have a party with her friends, but her counts were too low to be around a group of people. Her physical therapy family had a party for her when she went to therapy & we had our own celebration at home. She was in Heaven on her 9th birthday.
Victoria was the one that really loved special occassions and holidays. She always got so excited. She enjoyed everything and was always so full of life, even on an ordinary Monday. She would always find something wonderful about each day. She always saw the good in things, even when she was battling cancer in her little brain & spine. Her sweet smile, sparkling blue eyes, and gentle hugs could make any day better.
On this day, please remember to stop being so busy and spend time with your kids. You may not get a tomorrow. Live life every day. Enjoy the little things. Listen to what your kids have to say after school. Stop and play a video game with them or go outside & play whatever they want to play. Sit & color or watch a program on TV. Let them help cook supper. Even a 3 year old can pour something into a pot. Hopefully you get the point.
Thank you for remembering Victoria.
Victoria was the one that really loved special occassions and holidays. She always got so excited. She enjoyed everything and was always so full of life, even on an ordinary Monday. She would always find something wonderful about each day. She always saw the good in things, even when she was battling cancer in her little brain & spine. Her sweet smile, sparkling blue eyes, and gentle hugs could make any day better.
On this day, please remember to stop being so busy and spend time with your kids. You may not get a tomorrow. Live life every day. Enjoy the little things. Listen to what your kids have to say after school. Stop and play a video game with them or go outside & play whatever they want to play. Sit & color or watch a program on TV. Let them help cook supper. Even a 3 year old can pour something into a pot. Hopefully you get the point.
Thank you for remembering Victoria.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Results from Victory for Victoria Event
Finally!...thanks for being patient.
We raised a total of $7,387 to be sent to St. Jude's Brain Tumor Program. We collected over 1300 toys to be sent to pediatric cancer patients & their siblings. The toys will be sent to different floors of Children's Health Care of Atlanta (Victoria's hospital), The AFLAC Cancer Center (Victoria's clinic), Wolfson's Children's Hospital in Jacksonville, FL, and The Ronald McDonald Houses in Macon, GA & Gainesville, FL. The used movies we collected will be sent to the pediatric floor of South Georgia Medical Center. (At Egleston they have a pretty good selection of movies but at SGMC they had very few...only 2 when we were there.) We also have a list of children to send things to at home. If you know of a pediatric cancer patient that you would like to send a gift to, please email me their information.
Below is a list of winners for the runs:
1 Mile Fun Run Winners:
Overall Winner- Ronnie Newsome....barefooted!
1st Overall Female:Hannah Allison
2nd Overall Female: Kelsey Rasmussen
1st Overall Male- Ronnie Newsome
2nd Overall Male- Holden Holley
1st place 10 & under Female- Kaylah Gupton
2nd place 10 & under Female- Chloe Harris
1st place 10 & under Male- Blake Goodwin
2nd place 10 & under Male- Hank Evans
There was some confusion with the female finishes. When the prizes were given, Madelyn Clyatt was called for 2nd place. She actually finished 4th. Chole Harris was 2nd and Micaela Wood was 3rd. We think maybe the girls didn't put their name/score cards in the basket. A trophy has been made for Chloe.
5k Winners:
1st Overall Female: Jennifer Rasmussen
1st Overall Male: Masked Avenger
1st Masters Female: Kim Megow
1st Masters Male: Jamie Welborn
12 & under: Female/Male
1st: Maggie Scruggs/Holden Holley
2nd: Taylor Grantham/Gary Cannon
13-18:
1st: Caroline Scruggs/Bailey Goodwin
2nd: Megan Wetherington/Casey Gilliams
19-29:
1st: Jennifer Cole/Ryan Bass
2nd: Erin Bell Tyler/McAllister
30-39:
1st: Jody Durham/Toby Kerner
2nd: Kim James/Doug Harriman
40-49:
1st: Cathy Helms/Tommy Goodwin
2nd: Robin McLendon/Rick Stevens
50-59:
1st: Pam Williams/Lars Leader
2nd: Rhonda Hammon/Rob Wise
60-69:
1st: Carol Brookhauser/Buddy Coleman
2nd: Nancy Wooten/Chuch Glassmire
10K Winners:
1st Overall Female: April Scruggs
1st Overall Male: John Seppala
1st Masters Female: Carrie Weyant
1st Masters Male: Mark Steele
19-29: Female/Male
1st: Diana McAlroy/Masked Avenger
2nd: Tandy Alderman/David McAlroy
30-39:
1st: Karen Cauthen/Jay Riven
2nd: Zane Eppes/Bobby Yarborough
40-49:
1st: Sherri Welch/Ferrell Scruggs
2nd: Tracy Cannon/Ted Welch
50-50:
1st Female: Linda Wood
70+:
1st Male: Leonard Cato
Special thanks to the staff at Valwood School, all of our volunteers, and our sponsors:
The Shoppes at Baytree, Langdale Ford, Miller Hardware, Kimberly W. Megow, M.D., Guardian Bank, The Park Avenue Bank, Peavy Properties, The Floor Shop Inc., Colson, Bass & Tomberlin, Southern OB-GYN, Accelerated Builders, The Valdosta Daily Times, Black Crow Media, The Dee Rivers Group, Professional Printing, Astro Exterminating, Air Jump Depot, Steele's Jewelry, The Pool Store, The Ravine Grille & Dinnerhouse, Kinderlou Forest Golf Club, The Wooden Nickel, Crystal River Seafood, Red Lobster, Steak 'n Shake, Kent's Salon, Chris Vu, Sublime, Locos, Wild Adventures, Carlton Outdoors, Brewsters Ice Cream, The Pegg Family, The Jackson Family & Granddaddy.
Thank you all so much for your support!
We raised a total of $7,387 to be sent to St. Jude's Brain Tumor Program. We collected over 1300 toys to be sent to pediatric cancer patients & their siblings. The toys will be sent to different floors of Children's Health Care of Atlanta (Victoria's hospital), The AFLAC Cancer Center (Victoria's clinic), Wolfson's Children's Hospital in Jacksonville, FL, and The Ronald McDonald Houses in Macon, GA & Gainesville, FL. The used movies we collected will be sent to the pediatric floor of South Georgia Medical Center. (At Egleston they have a pretty good selection of movies but at SGMC they had very few...only 2 when we were there.) We also have a list of children to send things to at home. If you know of a pediatric cancer patient that you would like to send a gift to, please email me their information.
Below is a list of winners for the runs:
1 Mile Fun Run Winners:
Overall Winner- Ronnie Newsome....barefooted!
1st Overall Female:Hannah Allison
2nd Overall Female: Kelsey Rasmussen
1st Overall Male- Ronnie Newsome
2nd Overall Male- Holden Holley
1st place 10 & under Female- Kaylah Gupton
2nd place 10 & under Female- Chloe Harris
1st place 10 & under Male- Blake Goodwin
2nd place 10 & under Male- Hank Evans
There was some confusion with the female finishes. When the prizes were given, Madelyn Clyatt was called for 2nd place. She actually finished 4th. Chole Harris was 2nd and Micaela Wood was 3rd. We think maybe the girls didn't put their name/score cards in the basket. A trophy has been made for Chloe.
5k Winners:
1st Overall Female: Jennifer Rasmussen
1st Overall Male: Masked Avenger
1st Masters Female: Kim Megow
1st Masters Male: Jamie Welborn
12 & under: Female/Male
1st: Maggie Scruggs/Holden Holley
2nd: Taylor Grantham/Gary Cannon
13-18:
1st: Caroline Scruggs/Bailey Goodwin
2nd: Megan Wetherington/Casey Gilliams
19-29:
1st: Jennifer Cole/Ryan Bass
2nd: Erin Bell Tyler/McAllister
30-39:
1st: Jody Durham/Toby Kerner
2nd: Kim James/Doug Harriman
40-49:
1st: Cathy Helms/Tommy Goodwin
2nd: Robin McLendon/Rick Stevens
50-59:
1st: Pam Williams/Lars Leader
2nd: Rhonda Hammon/Rob Wise
60-69:
1st: Carol Brookhauser/Buddy Coleman
2nd: Nancy Wooten/Chuch Glassmire
10K Winners:
1st Overall Female: April Scruggs
1st Overall Male: John Seppala
1st Masters Female: Carrie Weyant
1st Masters Male: Mark Steele
19-29: Female/Male
1st: Diana McAlroy/Masked Avenger
2nd: Tandy Alderman/David McAlroy
30-39:
1st: Karen Cauthen/Jay Riven
2nd: Zane Eppes/Bobby Yarborough
40-49:
1st: Sherri Welch/Ferrell Scruggs
2nd: Tracy Cannon/Ted Welch
50-50:
1st Female: Linda Wood
70+:
1st Male: Leonard Cato
Special thanks to the staff at Valwood School, all of our volunteers, and our sponsors:
The Shoppes at Baytree, Langdale Ford, Miller Hardware, Kimberly W. Megow, M.D., Guardian Bank, The Park Avenue Bank, Peavy Properties, The Floor Shop Inc., Colson, Bass & Tomberlin, Southern OB-GYN, Accelerated Builders, The Valdosta Daily Times, Black Crow Media, The Dee Rivers Group, Professional Printing, Astro Exterminating, Air Jump Depot, Steele's Jewelry, The Pool Store, The Ravine Grille & Dinnerhouse, Kinderlou Forest Golf Club, The Wooden Nickel, Crystal River Seafood, Red Lobster, Steak 'n Shake, Kent's Salon, Chris Vu, Sublime, Locos, Wild Adventures, Carlton Outdoors, Brewsters Ice Cream, The Pegg Family, The Jackson Family & Granddaddy.
Thank you all so much for your support!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Victory for Victoria Event Update
Saturday's event was a great success. There were over 200 runners. Together we collected over 1200 toys!...and that's not all...there were several boxes and bags not yet counted. We are still counting donations and hope to have things finalized by the end of the week.
Ronnie won the 1 Mile Fun Run...barefooted! He ran his little heart out for his sister. I could hear her saying, "look at him go Mom!" like she used to at their ball games.
I hope to have a complete list of all of the winners to post by the end of the week. I will do a complete update soon.
Thank you to all who helped to make our event such a special day.
Ronnie won the 1 Mile Fun Run...barefooted! He ran his little heart out for his sister. I could hear her saying, "look at him go Mom!" like she used to at their ball games.
I hope to have a complete list of all of the winners to post by the end of the week. I will do a complete update soon.
Thank you to all who helped to make our event such a special day.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
BOSTON BUTTS ON RACE DAY!
Ric Squires of Hawg Wild BBQ will be cooking Boston Butts for us on race day. They will be $25. Order yours today! Call Margaret Anne at 229-300-6102, post here, or email to manewsome@victoryforvictoria.org. They will be available for pick up from 8am until 1pm on April 12th at Valwood School. See you there!
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Victory for Victoria Update
Things are going well for the run. The kids at school are bringing in lots of toys to give to the kids at the hospital. I think right now the 4th grade has the most. They are all very competitive.
An art class from one of the local elementary schools volunteered to make pictures to send to kids in the hospital. This will be great. All kids like to get mail. And kids' drawings are always so cute.
Some of the items collected will be sent to the kids after they go home from the hospital. Their journies will continue for a long time. Their brothers and sisters will also be included. It's easy for the sick child to get so much attention and sometimes the siblings get left out. We want to remember the siblings too.
Air Jump Depot will be bringing a bounce slide and bounce house on the day of the event. And also a dunking booth. I am still trying to find volunteers for the dunking booth! We will have snowcones, popcorn & cotton candy too.
Remember that if you can't come to the race you can sign up as a ghost runner and still get a T-shirt & bag.
An art class from one of the local elementary schools volunteered to make pictures to send to kids in the hospital. This will be great. All kids like to get mail. And kids' drawings are always so cute.
Some of the items collected will be sent to the kids after they go home from the hospital. Their journies will continue for a long time. Their brothers and sisters will also be included. It's easy for the sick child to get so much attention and sometimes the siblings get left out. We want to remember the siblings too.
Air Jump Depot will be bringing a bounce slide and bounce house on the day of the event. And also a dunking booth. I am still trying to find volunteers for the dunking booth! We will have snowcones, popcorn & cotton candy too.
Remember that if you can't come to the race you can sign up as a ghost runner and still get a T-shirt & bag.
Monday, February 25, 2008
3rd Annual Victory for Victory
Come run the Victory for Victoria!
10k/5k/1 Mile Fun Run
April 12, 2008
Valwood School Campus
Registration is open now until April 7th. Registration forms are available at http://www.victoryforvictoria.org/ under "Events".
Race Day Registration: 7am-7:45am
10k/5k Race begins at 8am
1 Mile Fun Run begins at 9:45am
If you can't make the run you can still participate by being a Ghost Runner and still get a t-shirt and goodie bag.
Awards will be given to 1st place Overall in Male and Female, 1st place Masters (over 40) in Male and Female, and the 1st and 2nd place finishers in all age groups of the 10K/5K. Awards will also be given to the 1st and 2nd place finishers for 10 and under in the 1 Mile Fun Run. All entrants will receive a t-shirt and goodie bag. The race will be a cross-country style race beginning on the Valwood campus. EMTs or physicians will be on hand and refreshments will be available. Both female and male participants will be able to compete in the following AGE GROUPS: 12 and under, 13-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over.
All proceeds will benefit The Brain Tumor Program at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for brain tumor reserach.
This year we have something new!
On race day we will be collecting items to donate to families of children with cancer. We will be collecting toys, hats, DVDs, CDs, small stuffed animals, art supplies, and gift cards of any kind.
If you would like to drop off items before race day, please call Valwood School at 229-242-8491 or Margaret Anne Newsome at 229-300-6102.
See you on April 12th!
10k/5k/1 Mile Fun Run
April 12, 2008
Valwood School Campus
Registration is open now until April 7th. Registration forms are available at http://www.victoryforvictoria.org/ under "Events".
Race Day Registration: 7am-7:45am
10k/5k Race begins at 8am
1 Mile Fun Run begins at 9:45am
If you can't make the run you can still participate by being a Ghost Runner and still get a t-shirt and goodie bag.
Awards will be given to 1st place Overall in Male and Female, 1st place Masters (over 40) in Male and Female, and the 1st and 2nd place finishers in all age groups of the 10K/5K. Awards will also be given to the 1st and 2nd place finishers for 10 and under in the 1 Mile Fun Run. All entrants will receive a t-shirt and goodie bag. The race will be a cross-country style race beginning on the Valwood campus. EMTs or physicians will be on hand and refreshments will be available. Both female and male participants will be able to compete in the following AGE GROUPS: 12 and under, 13-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over.
All proceeds will benefit The Brain Tumor Program at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for brain tumor reserach.
This year we have something new!
On race day we will be collecting items to donate to families of children with cancer. We will be collecting toys, hats, DVDs, CDs, small stuffed animals, art supplies, and gift cards of any kind.
If you would like to drop off items before race day, please call Valwood School at 229-242-8491 or Margaret Anne Newsome at 229-300-6102.
See you on April 12th!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Planning Meeting for Victory for Victoria Run
Planning Meeting for the
3rd Annual Victory for Victoria
10k/5k/1 Mile Fun Run
Friday, February 22nd
12:30pm at Valwood School
Anyone interested in helping with the run is invited to attend. Please let me know if you plan to attend. (If you decide to come at the last minute, that's okay too.)
Thanks for everyone's help!
Margaret Anne
3rd Annual Victory for Victoria
10k/5k/1 Mile Fun Run
Friday, February 22nd
12:30pm at Valwood School
Anyone interested in helping with the run is invited to attend. Please let me know if you plan to attend. (If you decide to come at the last minute, that's okay too.)
Thanks for everyone's help!
Margaret Anne
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Please Support the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act
FYI: The blog settings have been changed so anyone can leave a comment by choosing "Anonymous" in the identity section. You do not have to have a Blogger/Google account to comment.
*** Our local Red Cross is in need of blood. PLEASE DONATE if you are able. Call 1-800-Give Life.***
So many times people ask me what they can do to help. Supporting the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act is something that you can do that will truly help. It will only take a few minutes of your time and will mean more than you could ever imagine to a child and their family.
Children with cancer and their families are depending on you to pass H.R. 1553 and S.911, The Conquer Childhood Cancer Act. Each day that pediatric cancer research goes under-funded the road to discovering new treatments and cures becomes longer, and more children die.
Please follow the links below to see if your Representative or Senator is a cosponsor of the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act. If they are not yet a copsonsor, please contact them and ask them to sponsor the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act. You may learn who your Representatives and Senators are by entering your zip code on the pages referenced below.
House of Representatives: H.R. 1553
http://capwiz.com/curesearch/issues/bills/?bill=10688656&alertid=10815491
Seante: S.911
http://capwiz.com/curesearch/issues/bills/?bill=10688461&alertid=10815361
Thank you so much for your support!
*** Our local Red Cross is in need of blood. PLEASE DONATE if you are able. Call 1-800-Give Life.***
So many times people ask me what they can do to help. Supporting the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act is something that you can do that will truly help. It will only take a few minutes of your time and will mean more than you could ever imagine to a child and their family.
Children with cancer and their families are depending on you to pass H.R. 1553 and S.911, The Conquer Childhood Cancer Act. Each day that pediatric cancer research goes under-funded the road to discovering new treatments and cures becomes longer, and more children die.
Please follow the links below to see if your Representative or Senator is a cosponsor of the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act. If they are not yet a copsonsor, please contact them and ask them to sponsor the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act. You may learn who your Representatives and Senators are by entering your zip code on the pages referenced below.
House of Representatives: H.R. 1553
http://capwiz.com/curesearch/issues/bills/?bill=10688656&alertid=10815491
Seante: S.911
http://capwiz.com/curesearch/issues/bills/?bill=10688461&alertid=10815361
Thank you so much for your support!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Save the Date!
Valwood School will be hosting the
3rd Annual Victory for Victoria
5K/10K/1 Mile Fun Run
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Proceeds will benefit brain tumor research & families of children with cancer.
Save the date!!!
Registration info will be posted soon.
3rd Annual Victory for Victoria
5K/10K/1 Mile Fun Run
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Proceeds will benefit brain tumor research & families of children with cancer.
Save the date!!!
Registration info will be posted soon.
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