Signed, sealed and delivered

It's all set up.  Me, Zach and my Mom will be going to Capital Hill March 16-17 to participate in this year's Children's Cancer Awareness and Advocacy Day.  We're going straight to the horse's mouth (our elected officials) and try to get money for pediatric cancer research.  Pretty cool that we get some training and then have meetings set up with people that have the power to change things.  I'm gonna make sure Zach's voice is heard at these meetings.  His future depends on it.   

Did you know that a survivor of childhood cancer 40 years ago received the same chemo drugs that kids get now?  40 years and no change...something's gotta give people. 

We're also participating in the Triangle's first ever CureSearch Walk.  Every penny puts us one step closer to fund the trials that could lead to less harmful treatments and ultimately cures.  Put your walking shoes (or flip flops) on and come walk with us to help ensure Zach and every other kid has a healthy future.  **PS - you can sign up as a virtual walker too and help even though you can't be here in person. 
 
Event ScheduleRegistration/Check In
2/26/2011 9:00 am

Opening Ceremony and Walk
2/26/2011 10:00 am

Event Location
American Tobacco Entertainment District
Downtown Durham - Center area (1.5 mile walk)
318 Blackwell St.
Durham, NC 27701
Registration will begin at 9am, a short opening ceremony will start at 10am and then we walk (approximately 1.5 miles)...upon return we recognize teams and celebrate together.

The opening ceremony consists of two mini ceremonies - the first is a balloon release to honor those children who have lost their fight with cancer, and the second is a medal ceremony to recognize children in treatment and adults and children that are pediatric cancer survivors.

The children in treatment and survivors begin our walk by carrying a banner that says 'These Are The Reasons We Walk' with names of all the patients participating and names of individuals that teams are participating in honor of who have had childhood cancer.

In addition, every person at the walk receives a bandana representing their journey with childhood cancer.
- Kelly Green = I am a SURVIVOR or am Walking on behalf of a Survivor
- Lime Green = I am in TREATMENT or Walking on behalf of a child in treatment
- Mint Green = Walking in MEMORY of a child
- Dark Green = FRIEND or Corporate Supporter

Parking will be at any spaces near the Tobacco Campus

No pets are allowed at this venue and at the walk - per site rule

Walk Route map will be provided via email to participants and team captains. The walk will be approximately 1.5 miles and will begin in the center area of the campus buildings.

Inclimate Weather Plan - TBD - we will communicate via email to all registered participants.

Activities - the committee is organizing face painters, a DJ, and other activities for the walk.

SEE YOU THERE!

Grenades, playgrounds, and preschool...Oh My!

There was a time where I thought this day wouldn't happen for us.  I let the poison of cancer rob me of thinking happy thoughts of Zach growing up.  2008 was by far the worst year of my life because of this.  I had to make myself get pissed at cancer to move past all those negative thoughts.  I've had to do whatever I can do in order to make cancer just go away.  And it seems to have worked.  Zach started preschool today.  This morning the simple act of packing his first lunch made me so ridiculously happy.  I can see all sorts of amazing things in his future now and I love it.

Ta-da!  I'm at school :)

We started the weekend before by preparing for today.  Went to Target and got the coolest Scooby-do lunch box you've ever seen and some juice boxes.  Also went to the park on Sunday to enjoy the break in bad weather.  I think every other parent in Cary had the same idea.  The park was filled to the brim with kiddies and their parents.  I sat down at a picnic table to finish lunch (Wendy's!) and watch Zach.  Turns out I had sat down next to two lovely grenade moms. 

You know the type.  Perfect hair, perfect made-from-scratch lunches with everything organic.  Hmmm.  This is when I wish I had my own "grenade whistle" from the Jersey Shore cast.  Would have come in handy.  All I would have needed to do was blow it and Zach and I could have ran to another part of the park where it was safe.  I could just see this innocent little lunch going so wrong.  One mom ignored me completely - even turned her back to me in case I didn't get the picture that she wasn't interested in talking to me.  Interesting.  The other mom didn't ignore me, but I wish she had. 

She made everyone eat  grapefruit slices before they could have a cupcake.  I watched her closely to see if the kids did as she told them too...maybe I could learn something here.  The little girl spat out that grapefruit all over the other pieces and shouted that she would not eat that 'stuff'...now it's getting entertaining.  Grenade goes off!  Perfect mom proceeded to scold the girl (who wasn't her child) and launch into a extremely detailed story as to why she shouldn't spit out food on everyone else's.  Wow.  I had to stop myself from starring.  

Before she turned to me and started scolding me for starring I hustled Zach outta there, but not before finishing our not so organic fries and chicken while she watched.  I can only hope Zach isn't in the same class as these kids.  Turned out we didn't have to worry this morning.  I didn't recognize any of the kids so we're all good for now. 

We get to work on Valentine's Day cards for next week when Zach gets home and I'm so looking forward to this with him.  I find myself looking forward to a lot these days with my Zach-man.  He's gotta wear shades his future looks so bright!  Oh yea!

See you guys at the CureSearch Walk on Feb. 26th!