Bits and Pieces

Georgia was quite busy this week, and her "schedule" for March shows no sign of letting up! She started off last Sunday at the Austin/LIVESTRONG Marathon, where we cheered on our friend, Tucker, in his first marathon! He was running with Georgia on his mind every step of the way, and we were so happy to be there when he crossed the finish line. Great job!

As her Make-a-Wish radio interview ran throughout the week, we heard from friends who actually caught it on the air - pretty cool! I went to a committee meeting for the CureSearch Walk (Coming back to Austin this fall! Stay tuned!), and we found out that our awesome neighbor, Weldon, will be shaving his head for St. Baldrick's in honor of Georgia. Yay! Anyone else want to Be Brave and Get Bald? Let us know!

Saturday night was the much-loved Father Daughter Dance, and this year, it had a Totally 80s theme! Trevor, Georgia, and Ivy looked fabulous in their costumes and had so much fun dancing to the hits - they were worn out when they got home!

This week is the official Kick-Off of the LLS Man and Woman of the Year campaign, go Georgia's "reign" as Girl of the Year begins. Also, we're less than three weeks away from St. Baldrick's, so PLEASE consider donating by clicking on the Hope banner in the sidebar. Thanks, y'all!

On Air

Georgia's interview is now playing on KASE 101! Here's a "video" of it - she did such a great job!

What's That Buzzing Sound?

Here we go again! After an amazing event last year - with a team full of bald Peachy Keens! - we're back at St. Baldrick's to volunteer our time and talents ... and raise money to CONQUER kids' cancer! I was instructed by my boss (G.L. Moore) not to shave my head but to pitch in at the event instead - with her by my side. I do what my boss tells me, so we invite everyone to join us at Dell Children's on March 19th for a big ol' head-shaving party! And, by all means, if any of you want to Be Brave and Get Bald for a great cause, let us know!

Through our own journey this year, we've learned that research for childhood cancers - including for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia - is woefully underfunded, so supporting the efforts of the Children's Oncology Group and other research organizations is critical to improving treatment protocols and cure rates for our littlest warriors.

The St. Baldrick's Foundation funds more childhood cancer research grants than any other organization except the U.S. government, so your generous donation will not only benefit our girl, but all kids in the fight against childhood cancers, now and in the future. If you'd like to give, click on the yellow Hope button in the sidebar, and it will take you to our fundraising page. Thanks, y'all, and LET'S CONQUER!

LOVE - Updated!

Last year, about this time, this beautiful banner came home with Ivy from "Georgia Day" at Parkside. It took up residence high on the wall in our living room and is full of signatures and well-wishes from the children, their families, and the staff in our most precious community. It has served as a constant reminder of the love and support that surrounds Georgia (and all of us) and is a perfect expression of the Parkside spirit. We really wanted to preserve it, so now, the banner looks like this:


Georgia carefully cut out each message and drawing and put them in a scrapbook. We have read and re-read each one of them many times and will treasure them always. I have no doubt that the love sent to Georgia while she was out of school, and the hugs that enveloped her when she returned, have had a huge impact on her recovery. So thank you, thank you, dear Parkside friends, and congratulations on an amazing 2oth anniversary party this weekend!

Happy Valentine's Day, y'all!

UPDATED! This is the anniversary video for our loving community! Watch and be inspired by Joe and Claire's beautiful vision!

Round Three

Actually, Cycle Three. Tomorrow is the kick-off of Georgia's third 85-day cycle of maintenance. She'll get her 17th LP-ITC, plus IV chemo, and she'll start another short round of steroids. While she's not exactly looking forward to day surgery (who does?!), she can't wait to see her friends (her beloved nurses!) at the clinic and the hospital. Any prayers, good thoughts, or well-wishes would be greatly appreciated about 10 am tomorrow! Thanks, y'all!

Mail Call

As the Honored Hero for our area's Pennies for Patients campaign, Georgia's story has spread to schools far and wide. Last week, she received over 100 letters from Connally Intermediate in Waco, wishing her well, sending her love, and making her laugh. She has enjoyed reading and re-reading all of them, and we wanted to share a few of our favorite quotes. It's so wonderful to see that these kids "get it" and have put their all into helping fight blood cancers. We could all learn a lot from them! Thanks, kids!

• I hear you're not feeling well. I wrote this letter to make you smile.


• You are a great person in my eyes. I'm going door to door just for you.


• I always try to raise as much money as I can because no one should have to have any kind of cancer. I hope someday we find a cure.


• Don't let this stop you.


• I have heard that you have leukemia. But there is nothing wrong with that, you are still like us.


• We hope you get rid of that leukemia.


• I hope that they find a cure for you and anyone else who has leukemia. Always have faith in yourself no matter what. And always have hope, too.


• Everybody in my school is talking about you. Not in a mean way, in a nice way.


• I love it that you stand up and do things even though you have leukemia.


• We are trying very hard to help you and all people who have cancer or leukemia.


• We are all raising a lot of money for research. We will also be watching out for you.


• One day, you might help the world. Keep up the good work.


• You don't have to say thank you because I'm pretty sure you would do the same thing.


• I am proud of you and all the other kids fighting cancer. You are very inspiring to me and my friends. Keep fighting and don't give up.


• Hope you get better, I know you will and I will pray for you and raise money so you can.


• I think it's horrible that you have leukemia. But it is great that you want to help more people by raising money.


• I want to be like you.


• Sorry that I write pretty bad. It's just in my family.

World Cancer Day

Today is the day when many of the organizations we've listed in the sidebar, and countless others, come together to raise awareness of the global impact of cancer. Events are being held worldwide to promote the need for a concerted and coordinated fight against this disease, and we encourage you to find out how you can help put cancer at the top of the human agenda around the globe. Thanks, y'all.

It's also a "Snow Day" here in Austin, Texas, so we celebrated good health and good fortune with our very own snow angels:

Have a great weekend!

Looking Back and Moving Forward

I was reminded today by the sweet Dianna that we are one year into Georgia's remission! Remember that day?! It almost seems like yesterday, but it's really a world away from where she is today - active, strong, and ... taking over the airwaves!

Goooooood morning, Austin, Texas!

Our very own Queen of All Media (sorry, Oprah) was selected for a radio interview about her Make-a-Wish trip and the magic of the organization itself. Today, KASE 101 kicked off its annual fundraising campaign with the first of four wish kid interviews, which will air weekly throughout the month of February. I think Georgia's will be the Big Finale the last week, but we'll keep you posted! She taped it last week and had a great time in "the booth," getting the word out about Make-a-Wish!

Mr. Bob, the Interviewer and Sound Magician

So keep KASE on your radio and Georgia on your mind! Thanks, y'all!