Happy Halloween!

It seems that we've been celebrating for at least the last two weeks! First, the Starlight party, then last weekend, the much-beloved Parkside Fall Festival. Georgia's class was in charge of the Haunted House, so she decided to kick her gypsy fortune teller up a notch with some Dia de los Muertos makeup - spooky!

Everybody loves a sack race!

This week, we had Ghosts of the Past at school - everyone comes dressed as a notable figure in history and does a short presentation of that person's contributions to society. I always learn something - did you know Julia Child invented shark repellent? I didn't! Georgia went as noted contemporary dancer and choreographer Martha Graham, and Ivy went as Marguerite Henry, the author of several wonderful children's books, including Misty of Chincoteauge and other horsey tales.

Friday, Georgia went trick-or-treating at the clinic, and among the many elaborately-costumed staff members, she really enjoyed Dr. Wells's "CHiPs" get-up.

Nice hair, Doc

Last night, we hosted our neighborhood block party, with an outdoor screening of Halloween cartoons and "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" - a walk-up movie! It was so nice to see our fun neighbors! We're looking forward to seeing everyone again tonight for trick-or-treating. Happy Halloween!

Challenge Day

Saturday was a long, crazy day – but a really fun day, too. Before the sun rose, we were down on the 1st Street Bridge, decorating our pedicabs for the LIVESTRONG Challenge 5K. Georgia and Ivy each had their own chariots and noisemakers to cheer on over 3,000 runners and walkers. It drizzled on us here and there, but we were having too much fun to care. On the downhills, Georgia raised her hands and screamed like she was on a roller coaster - it was a great way to start the morning! Thanks to Steve, our awesome driver, and everyone who participated in or supported the Challenge, which raised over 3 million dollars for the weekend’s events! We’re looking forward to riding along next year, and after that, maybe Georgia can run it sometime as a SURVIVOR!

Decorating our pedicabs

Georgia and our awesome driver, Steve

Ready to hit the road!

Ivy and Daddy take the lead!

A yellow rose for a Texas girl

Blood, Bikes, and Bones

How did another week go by already?! Georgia's appointment this morning went well, except we'll be sticking with this every-two-weeks schedule a little while longer. Her counts were great, but for the remainder of this first cycle of maintenance, at least, Dr. Neff wants to see her more often than once a month, and we do what the man says, right? Plus, Georgia is always so glad to see the nurses and staff anyway, so she won't have to go too long without some good hugs!

Tomorrow is another special event we've all been looking forward to - the LIVESTRONG Challenge 5K. All kids in treatment are invited to ride in pedicabs among the walkers/runners to offer support and inspiration for the weekend's races. Even though we've got to be there very early in the morning, and there's a chance of rain, Georgia and Ivy could hardly get to sleep tonight. We'll see how that plays out at 6 AM ...

Tomorrow afternoon is the Parkside Fall Festival, and Georgia has her Dia de los Muertos/Fortune Teller costume all ready for her shift at the Haunted House. It's always such a fun event and gets us all in the Halloween spirit. Hopefully, we won't be actual zombies after the early morning bike ride!

Weekend Wrap-Up

WOW! The Light the Night walk was so amazing! We didn't hear the final tally, but I believe they raised over $500,000! It was an incredibly beautiful night, for many reasons, and we are really looking forward to participating next year! And the next, and the next, and ...

Sunday afternoon, we were treated to a performance by The Flying Theatre Machine, courtesy of Starlight, and both Georgia and Ivy really enjoyed participating in the improv games. There were tricks and treats, and we had a great view of downtown from high atop the Hyatt.

Also, we can happily report that our dear Jenn finished the Denver Marathon! And she had Georgia on her mind, and on her back, the whole way!


Finally, thanks to Aunt Kate and the blood drive held at her office, we have 23 more units to add to Georgia's tally! Thanks to all the donors!

Have a great week, y'all, and thanks for thinking of our girl!

Light the Night

Big doings this weekend, y’all! First off, we’re so excited to be participating in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk on Saturday night. This is a very special event that helps to further the LLS mission of funding research and providing patient services to all those affected by blood cancers. Walkers are given illuminated balloons (red for supporters, white for survivors, gold in memory of loved ones), and we’ll walk around Lake Park at the Mueller development, in the shadow of Dell Children’s. The weather should be beautiful, and there will be food, music, and activities for the kiddos. Last year, this event raised over $400,000 – which they’re hoping to top this year! – and as Light the Night is a national LLS campaign, the lovely Tina Fey is the national spokesperson:

On Sunday, our fearless friend, Jenn, is running the Denver Marathon (her first!) in honor of Georgia, so send some positive energy up to the Mile-High City as Jenn and her Team in Training buds run in support of LLS!

Have a great weekend, y’all!

Special Request

The Delicious Mr. Liam

Attention Friends of Georgia: We need your help. We told you a while back about our little friend, Liam, who was diagnosed with Dilated Cardiomyopathy at 2 months old. He's been working so hard to get better, but recently, he's had a few setbacks that make it seem more likely that he will need a heart transplant. We have gotten so much strength and support from all of you, and it has made, and continues to make, a huge difference in Georgia's recovery. Because of that, we would so appreciate it if you could take some of the love and light you've shown Georgia and send it to Liam and his family right now. I'm lucky enough to call his mama a good friend, and I know any prayers, positive thoughts, and good wishes for Liam's whole health and comfort for his family will be gratefully received. Thanks, y'all - and love love love and safe travels to Liam, Big Sis Lucy, and their wonderful parents.

The Good News Bears

Friday's appointment at the clinic was pretty short and very sweet - Georgia's numbers look great, and soon, she'll be going in every four weeks instead of every two! And to top it off, The Sunshine Kids sponsored a great party with food, smoothies, Halloween treats and crafts, AND Build-a-Bears for everyone! Ivy happened to be with us this time, and she was beyond thrilled that she got to make a bear, too. There are so many groups and organizations that do such wonderful things for kids in treatment, and we really appreciate every one of them and the time and resources they devote to bringing some love and light to this journey, so thank you, Sunshine Kids!

Cover Girl

Georgia and friends are Living STRONG!

Hot off the press! The Fall Issue of LIVESTRONG Quarterly! This morning, Georgia's classmates surprised her with a copy someone brought in - what a nice way to start the day. Click here to see a bigger, better view and/or to download a free digital copy of the whole issue. You can also order a hardcopy - I think we need one for the growing portfolio! : )

Vote for Rojo!

Cast a vote (or many votes) for Georgia's pal, Will, for Best Minor League Baseball Promotion - Celebrity Appearance. "Rojo" appeared at a Round Rock Express game in support of Cancer for College, and if you'll recall, he was wearing a Georgia bracelet at the time - too cool! Click here to vote, again and again, before the polls close Wednesday! Thanks!

Happy Birthday, Ivy!

The best and bravest sister on the planet!