New at this

Here goes - I've jumped into the world of blogging and have a brand new way to reach people and make them help me in my mission to raise awareness for childhood cancer.  I'm finally free to say whatever I want and not worry so much about offending others, however, this blog isn't meant to offend anyone, it was created so I can talk about what I want people to know. 

My son, Zach, had cancer and boy did it suck - big time.  My baby was only 10 months old when we discovered he had stage 3, intermediate risk Neuroblastoma.  Tests, tests and more tests revealed that Zach had a grapefruit size mass in his belly that started near his right adrenal gland and right kidney.  How in the world did we miss this???  I'll never know how we missed such a large tumor, but am glad we found it when we did.  That's all that matters at this point.

I wanted to take a sec and let everyone know how much we have appreciated everything that was and is done for our family.  Without help from family and friends, we wouldn't have made it through that first day, much less the last 2 years.  Everything from cards sent to Zach to food dropped off to fundraisers to help us pay for medical bills.  WOW - just thinking back on all that was done for us is overwhelming me.  You guys are great! 

As most of you know, once Zach started getting better, I needed something else to focus on besides his cancer.  Zach's Toy Chest was created to help keep Duke and Pitt Children's Hospitals stocked with toys to hand out to kids receiving cancer treatments.  A toy = A distraction.  My goal is to give these kids something to distract them from why they are at the hospital.  Its not much, but its something.  I can always use help and if you want to help us with our mission, let me know and I'll put you to work!

Currently ZTC is holding our first ever, Cruizin' for Childhood Cancer Motorcycle Fundraising Ride.  We need everyone we know within driving distance to hop on their bikes (sport, Harley, Honda, whatever) or in their cars and come on over to the Piggly Wiggly in Williamston, NC on Saturday, October, 23rd.  Registration starts at 9:30AM and the ride starts at 11AM.  We are having live music from the band Powerstroke, Jamie Bryant, Sarah Hardison and more!  There will be BBQ sandwhiches, hotdogs, chips, deserts, and drinks for lunch.  Raffles and door prizes will be given out as well.  Bouncy house, face painting, 'who can draw the best motorcycle in sidewalk chalk' contest, and much more!  Just check it out on facebook, the website or here.  Call me for info or questions:  702-439-9394 or email at zachstoychest@gmail.com.

So now that I've got this blog and can update everyone on things for Zach's Toy Chest, Zach and our family and whatever else is on my mind I hope you all keep reading and stay interested.  More to come soon!