Monday, April 30, 2012

Sunday, April 29, 2012

VICTORY

 

December 30, 2009


April 29, 2012

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Georgia, The Champion of The World*


Hi! It's me, Georgia. Through this experience, I've accumulated many "nicknames," I guess you would call them. "Confident," "Brave Girl," "Warrior Princess," and "Survivor" are just a few of them. I personally think that for tomorrow's occasion "Lean Mean Cancer Chompin' Machine" would be the best choice because ... I'll be DONE! Yaaaay! But, it's been great - the love gifts, "get wells," and support part, I mean. I've met some pretty awesome people (Will Ferrell, hellooo!), done some fantastic things (Wish Trip, anyone?), and enjoyed some serious chilling at home (who doesn't love that?). Now that the "mucho chemo" part is over, I'll be getting stronger, faster, and healthier every day! It's amazing. It seems like forever ago that I was in the hospital for the first time, riding in a wheelchair and thinking that was pretty fun. A million years ago when we were dancing around the kitchen singing, "We're number 1! We're number 1!" when I went into remission. And now it's all come down to this. We're (almost) done! Of course, I'll miss my friends, a.k.a. the Clinic nurses, and I'm already kind of missing the bandannas I used to wear (I'm wearing one tomorrow, though!). I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who made this the best treatment experience a girl could ever have. Now I'm counting the days 'till we can get my port out and I can get braces! 

Love to you all,
Georgia

* That's a nod to one of our favorite writers, Roald Dahl. You should check out Danny, the Champion of the World, or any other RD books - now! : )

Friday, April 27, 2012

Me Again


Somehow, 28 months have passed in the blink of an eye and at a snail's pace at the same time. And here we are at the finish line. Finally. It almost seems like time should have been standing still, now ready to begin again - but it's over two years later, and I am in awe of the poised young lady we now have in our midst. She has faced every challenge with quiet strength and a wisdom and confidence well beyond her years. She has moved through this experience with grace and determination and, quite often, a smile. She has been patient and trusting and never ever doubtful. And she soundly and decidedly kicked leukemia's butt.

I think you know how much we love Georgia and Ivy and how beyond proud we are of them. I just hope you also know how much we love you and how grateful we are for all of you - every single one of you - and the support you have shown our family. Every time we ask, and even when we don't, you answer the call for prayers, donations, and cheers for our girl and her fellow warriors. You have risen to the challenge right along with us and deserve enormous credit for your part in Georgia's victory. "Thank you" hardly seems adequate, so consider yourself eternally hugged.

So much love to you,
Courtney

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Trevor's Turn




It's beginning to dawn on all of us that Georgia's chemo ends on Sunday! After years of routine, the toughest girl around is ready to politely say goodbye and good riddance to it, with a smile and a song. It's an exciting, and strangely unnerving, brave new world for all of us, so Courtney will keep up the blog, and we hope all of you will keep up the support. We really appreciate it! And while I know that the Walgreen's pharmacy folks will miss us, that's just too dang bad.

Thanks, everyone - Trevor

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Love, Ivy







Hello everyone! It's Ivy! Georgia is one of the bravest people I know. I love her very, very much. I cannot believe that Georgia has taken over 4000 pills. Through this journey, Georgia has been very brave, kind, and confident, and I admire her for that. The real reason for why I love her is because of who she is. I am so happy that Georgia is almost done! Thanks for reading the blog! -Ivy : )






P.S. (from Mommy) Remember, comments are open and would be very appreciated - our guest poster worked so hard!

Also, great news! I am now just over halfway to goal and gaining on my fellow 46 Mommas in The Race for Third Place! Please consider being a HERO for kids with cancer and making a donation in honor of our own hero, Georgia Lee Moore! Challenge ends at midnight, APRIL 29TH! Thanks, y'all!


Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Three is a Magic Number

But aren’t we FIVE days away from APRIL 29TH? Yes. But I have just accepted a challenge from my fellow 46 Mommas to try and overtake THIRD place in our fundraising standings by midnight APRIL 29TH! And here’s where the number THREE comes in: I hope to raise $3,000 in honor of the THREE birthdays Georgia has spent as a warrior, and I’m one-THIRD of the way there. I want to help the 46 Mommas reach their goal of $333,333 for this, their THIRD year, in a THREE-year campaign to raise $1 million for St. Baldrick’s. And on APRIL 29TH, we’ll be THREE months away from the Big Shave in Los Angeles! 

So I ask you, our dear Friends of Georgia, what better way to celebrate Georgia’s victory on APRIL 29TH than by supporting St. Baldrick’s, one of the global leaders in the fight against childhood cancer? Any amount would be greatly appreciated, and you can rest assured that your donation will help fund cutting-edge research into new drugs and treatment protocols and, ultimately, CURES. So how about $28 for the 28 months Georgia spent in treatment? Or $46 for the 46 children who will be diagnosed with cancer today? Every dollar makes a difference. 

Click HERE or on the 46 Mommas button in the sidebar to donate and help me take THIRD place by APRIL 29TH! Thank you thank you thank you. Love love love to all! 

P.S. Be sure to check back in over the next few days! We’ll have some special guest posts and would love to hear from ALL of you! (We’ll be turning off the moderator to make it easier to post comments. : )) 

 Shaving for the Brave on LIVE TV! March 2010

Monday, April 23, 2012

Fiesta Week

It's Fiesta Week in San Antonio, so we've been remembering what a great time we had last year. And now, here we are on the eve of another grand celebration - hope to see y'all there!

Picking up party supplies!

Sunday, April 22, 2012

T Minus 7 Days!

One week until NO MO CHEMO!!! We are about to burst with excitement here at Peachy Keen HQ! We also want to share the official invitation to our fabulous art show next Sunday, APRIL 29TH - we've got over 100 beautiful pieces for you to purchase in support of CureSearch:


And don't forget, also next Sunday, APRIL 29TH, is our awesome blood drive! We're trying to break 200 units donated in honor of Georgia, and we've still got some donation appointments open. Let's fill them up and help the Blood Center of Central Texas maintain a safe, steady supply of generously donated blood. Click HERE for instructions on how to schedule an appointment OR call (512) 206-1267, and they can get you signed up. Thanks, y'all!

Now let the FINAL COUNTDOWN begin!!!

Saturday, April 21, 2012

Relentless for a Cure

Within the first few days of Georgia's diagnosis, we got an email from a friend of a family member who had heard about Georgia and wanted to help. That email was from Will Bacon. He told us that he and his wife, Dianna, participated in Team in Training events in support of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. He told us they were inspired to fight blood cancers because of Dianna's niece, Allie, who was diagnosed with ALL as an infant, went through intense treatment, and remained in remission 15 years later. He said he was training for two 100-mile cycling events and that he would like to ride with Georgia as his Honored Hero.

At a time when we were still adjusting to our new reality and trying to get our feet firmly under us, a total stranger not only reached out to support us but also to recognize how special Georgia is and honor her fight. Will and Dianna spend countless hours training, fundraising, and promoting their events, their Honored Heroes, and LLS - all while working and raising two beautiful children, Abi and Beau. We have learned so much from them and are continually inspired by their dedication and commitment to the cause. They are part of an army of selfless warriors, many of whom we've been lucky enough to meet along this journey, who push themselves to the limit, much like our cancer warriors, to make a difference.

So to Will and Dianna, we can't say thank you enough for everything you have done for Georgia and all blood cancer survivors, but we can say that we are very blessed to have you in our lives - and in our hearts - forever. And who knows, maybe one day, our little fish will be swimming alongside you in a triathlon, raising awareness, funds, and hope for a CURE.

February 2010.

Will and Dianna are both participating in the Capital of Texas Triathlon next month, and if you'd like to support them, visit their team page here. We look forward to seeing them cross the finish line not long after Georgia crosses hers!

Friday, April 20, 2012

A Real Peach

 Candy-size fruit from our Georgia Peach tree

Besides the many organizations that support childhood cancer research, there are countless others dedicated to making treatment more bearable for the warriors going through it. They provide gifts, adventures, or other distractions that allow the kids to just be kids for a bit. Pure, living-in-the-moment joy. We've mentioned several of those groups here, but one we've just recently discovered is Peach's Neet Feet, which creates custom-painted tennis shoes for children with life-threatening illnesses and disabilities. Each colorful pair is designed with the child's name and interests, plus a tiny little peach, in honor of the artist, "Peach" Steiner. Click here if you'd like to donate or sponsor a pair of one-of-a-kind shoes for a "Peach's Neet Feet Fighter" or order up a pair of your own!

 Such happy feet!

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Have a Heart

We've still got appointments open for the Blood Drive on APRIL 29TH and we need to fill them up! What better way to celebrate Georgia's LAST day of treatment than by donating blood and registering as a bone marrow donor? Plus, the party is always super fun, too! Click here for details and instructions on how to schedule an appointment - you can stop by after the Art Show! : )

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Angels All


Today, our friends at Give Kids The World are celebrating an incredible milestone: 2 MILLION volunteer hours completed at a single location! With the help of over 50,000 "Angels" from around the world, they have filled over 1400 weekly volunteer shifts for the past 26 years - and they only just hit the 1 million hour mark in 2009! From the beginning, GKTW has relied on volunteers to assist with daily resort operations, entertainment programs and regular upkeep and maintenance of the 70-acre Village. Every day, more than 200 Angels of different ages, talents, and abilities fill a wide variety of roles and have saved GKTW more than $39 million in labor costs, allowing the organization to use those funds to create magical memories for even more children with life-threatening illnesses and their families.

We really loved our time at GKTW and look forward to going back someday as volunteers - like these folks:

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Be A Good Cookie

One of the biggest stories in the cancer community last year was about an immune therapy that turned adult leukemia patients' own T cells into assassin cells that helped fight their cancerous cells. The application of such an important discovery to not only blood cancers, but many other types, could make an incredible impact in the war against cancer! It's so very exciting, we will be following the development of this treatment as it makes it way through further studies and clinical trials.

What is doubly interesting is that this ground-breaking research was funded by COOKIES. Thousands of COOKIES! Through the Cookies for Kids' Cancer Foundation, funds raised "help scientists and top pediatric oncologists at leading pediatric cancer centers accelerate and deepen their investigation into new and less toxic therapies in an all out effort to save the lives of innocent children." Just by hosting a bake sale or purchasing cookies, you might be helping to fund the next big discovery in the search for cures for childhood cancers. Pretty sweet, right?

And check out this Limited Edition spatula from OXO (sold out on the website, but you can find them here):

Monday, April 16, 2012

Let's CONQUER!


From the St. Baldrick's website today: In recognition of National Volunteer Week (April 15-21), we salute all of our amazing volunteers, and thank YOU for your hard work and tireless efforts to support the Foundation’s mission to fund life-saving childhood cancer research! 

When you talk about childhood cancers and research funding, St. Baldrick's is one of a very few organizations that actually talks the talk AND walks the walk - with great purpose and success, I might add. Founded on March 17, 2000, St. Baldrick's is now the world’s largest volunteer-driven fundraising program for childhood cancer research and funds more in childhood cancer research grants than any organization except the U.S. government. Since 2000, nearly 190,000 volunteers (including over 17,000 women) have shaved in solidarity with children with cancer at events in dozens of countries and every U.S. state. In fact, in 2012 alone, St. Baldrick's events have raised over $25 million - and counting!

Although we missed our local event at Dell Children's this past weekend (see previous post!), I heard it was a wonderful day, and they've raised nearly $90,000 so far! The Peachy Keens are thrilled to do our part in Los Angeles this summer with the 46 Mommas, and if YOU want to help us conquer kids' cancer, just click this button in the sidebar! Thanks, y'all!


Sunday, April 15, 2012

100 and 14

Yesterday, we celebrated the 100th birthday of Georgia and Ivy's great grandmother, Evie. Fifty-plus members of our very large family came from far and wide for this special occasion, and we all had a wonderful time. Evie is our touchstone of strength, faith, and amazing grace, and her influence and example have made a great impact on all of us.


Love.

And today? We're celebrating 14 days 'til APRIL 29TH and NO MO CHEMO!

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Art With Heart

 This Georgia original could be yours!

Coming soon, on APRIL 29TH in fact, is our second annual children's art show for CureSearch! Patty, our pint-sized curator, calls the show "Art for Donation and Expression of Love," and this year, besides beautiful work from our friends at Parkside Community School, Georgia's art class from the Ann Richards School donated pieces as well. It's shaping up to be quite a collection, and we're looking forward to the event, as it was so fun - and so successful - last year!

From the press release:

Patty was inspired to organize the fundraiser by fellow Parkside student Georgia Moore’s struggle with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Last year, the 154 original canvasses painted by children ages two to 14 raised over $3,000. Patty (now a second grader in the lower elementary program) is motivated to surpass last year’s amount raised with her concept Art For Donation And Expression of Love.

“I appreciate everybody who is helping, says Patty. ”We are making paintings because we enjoy this and we make it with our hearts and love for other kids."

Here are the details:

Sunday, APRIL 29TH, 1-3 PM (you can stop by on your way to the Blood Drive! : ) )
1137 West Sixth St.
Austin, Texas 78703

Hope to see y'all there!

Friday, April 13, 2012

Get Yer Bracelets!

January 2010 (i.e., forever ago)

In case you need a new Georgia bracelet or (gasp!) you've never had one, we've got plenty to share! Just email us (address is in the sidebar) the number and size (youth or adult) you need, and we'll get them right to you at no charge. But we won't argue if you'd like to make a donation to our St. Baldrick's page! So get yer bracelets and continue to Keep Georgia - and ALL kids in the fight - On Your Mind!

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Triple A - Another Action Alert

I was a little worried about being able to write 30 posts in 30 days for NoMoChemo, but it seems like there's always something post-worthy going on in the pediatric cancer world. And as it happens, several emails showed up today regarding more legislation that affects childhood cancer treatments.

According to CureSearch, Congress is currently looking to renew two important laws that provide incentives and requirements for pharmaceutical companies to test drugs for use in children. Both the Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act (BPCA) and Pediatric Research Equity Act (PREA) expire on October 1, 2012, and Congress is working NOW to reauthorize them before that date.

Both BPCA and PREA have helped make significant research advances in how drugs are used in children. But PREA has had no impact in the creation of new children's cancer medicines, and the hope is that it can be modified to help make more of a difference in the development of these life-saving drugs. 

Here's how you can help: click either of these two links to quickly and easily notify your representatives of this issue. Both sites have automated systems with prepared letters that include proposed language to strengthen PREA so that it can be used to encourage companies to evaluate whether their new cancer drugs can provide better and more effective treatment options for children with cancer.
 
CureSearch: Advocate

Children's Cause for Cancer Advocacy

We really appreciate you taking action during the Methotrexate shortage and would love for you to lend your voices again. These children deserve it! Thanks, y'all - and pass it on!

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Georgia On School

From the car ride home today:

Me: How was school?

Georgia: It was great! You know, sometimes, I'll just be sitting in class and doing my work, and I realize that my face hurts. And I think, why does my face hurt? And it's because I've been SMILING the whole time! 

Me: : )

Georgia: And when I think about how much I've learned this year? In a new school? At the beginning, it was quite a leap from last year. Not just a jump, but a LEAP! And now, I'm fine!

Me: You're better than fine.

Ivy: You're wonderful.

Me: (sniff)

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

We Love You, Ivy Girl!

Here's an email we got today from SuperSibs!, a great organization that is near and dear to us:
Today.....April 10th ....is National Sibling Day!!
 
National Sibling Day celebrates the lifelong bond between
brothers and sisters.  Siblings are often our best friends and
supporters through life.  They love us unconditionally
and are by our side in good times and in bad. 

Today, on April 10th please consider celebrating National Sibling Day by making a $10 donation to fund a personalized SuperSibs! Courage Trophy to a child whose brother or sister is fighting cancer. Help SuperSibs! bring comfort and recognition to these siblings who are facing their own fears and anxieties during their family's fight against cancer. 
Don't let them fight alone. 

Give the lifelong reminder...
"For your strength, courage and love, YOU are a SuperSib!"
with a trophy to a child TODAY. 

Recognize anybody?  
 Only the MOST Super Sib of them all!

Monday, April 9, 2012

Dancing for Beads


Anybody watching "Dancing With The Stars" this season? Well, if so, here's a pretty cool item about one of our favorite programs, Beads Of Courage, an arts-in-medicine program for children fighting cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Each week, Gavin DeGraw is carrying a bracelet at his dance rehearsals and then sending those beads and cards of encouragement to little warriors around the world. Through Team BOC, he's hoping to raise awareness and all-important funds for Beads Of Courage. So the longer he stays on, the more exposure the program gets and the more beads these amazing kids get! Click the links above to find out more ... and go VOTE!

Speaking of beads, guess who gets her purple heart for finishing treatment in 20 days?!

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Happy Easter!

"Bunny" Cactus we found in Big Bend
Easter Sunday, 2007 
Can you see it?

Saturday, April 7, 2012

We're Having (Another) Party!


And, once again, you're ALL invited! We'd LOVE to see you there!


Special thanks to Veronica at Inviting Printables for the festive invitations!

Friday, April 6, 2012

Great Friday

We're still buzzing with excitement from yesterday and looking forward to a long holiday weekend at home. Georgia started her last 5-day steroid "pulse" this morning, so I have a feeling that copious amounts of pasta are in our near future! Once again, we're so lucky that the steroids have never given her (or us) too much trouble - other than the truck driver appetite and temporary mood swings. Some kids have pretty profound effects, especially during the longer stretches, and they become totally different little people for those 28 days. Aggression and crying fits are common, and it's a constant battle for the family to keep them fed, "happy," and distracted until that phase is over. Which is exhausting for everyone, as you can imagine. 

That said, our minds and hearts are with our sweet friend, Tatum, who has just finished a difficult 28-day stretch of steroids today and will be spending Easter weekend in the hospital for a scheduled infusion. Please keep Tatum and her precious family in your thoughts and prayers - as well as the many other families spending their holiday the same way. Thank you!

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Girl Wonder

 The Dynamic Duo

What a wonderful day! We were at the clinic bright and early this morning for Georgia's LAST day surgery, and there was definitely excitement in the air! It just occurred to us last night that this was also her last "regular" clinic appointment, too, so it was a HUGE milestone, to the say the least. Her port cooperated beautifully, her counts were great, and she got her last IV chemo push - to much fanfare, I might add. At one point, we had seven people in her (Shady Grove-themed) exam room! We visited with many of the sweet nurses and other staff members and made plans for her Off Treatment Party, coming soon! We scheduled her 4-week follow-up appointment, and then she hopped into Daddy's Hot Rod Wheelchair for the last ride through the super cool, super secret underground tunnel over to the hospital.

Our awesome PANDA nurses greeted Georgia, as always, with cheers and high fives, and we went through the pre-op routine for the 25th time. Everyone was thrilled to hear that this was her last go-round, and our girl was really ready to knock this one out of the park. We had to think of a very special message to write on her back for Dr. Neff, and I think what Georgia came up with really said it all:


She sailed through the procedure - spinal fluid was all clear! - so after a couple of popsicles in the recovery area, we busted out of there in our fastest time ever. As we were leaving, there were many hugs from the nurses, a sweet gift, and a few happy tears. I've said it before, but there are special angels working in that hospital and clinic, and they have taken such amazing care of Georgia. They are a huge part of her journey and have become part of our family. We are so thankful for every single one of them. And all of you, too!!!

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Speak Up

Here's an excerpt from a speech I'm giving at a Leukemia & Lymphoma Society event tonight:

My daughter, Georgia, was diagnosed with ALL on December 31, 2009 - the day after her 10th birthday - and on APRIL 29TH, she will take her last dose of chemo and be officially off treatment. That finish line that at first was years, then months, then weeks away is now just 25 days away. And we will celebrate and be grateful.

But even as we come out on the other side, the world is a completely different place. We can never forget or ignore the things we have seen and learned these past two-plus years, and we realize that not everyone gets the same happy ending. We know that as successful as many of the blood cancer protocols are, there is still much work to be done, particularly for pediatric patients. We can't say thank you enough for the loving care Georgia has received and the overwhelming support that has buoyed our family, so we feel obligated - and honored - to continue supporting those patients still in the fight, now and in the future.

LAST day surgery tomorrow - we'd appreciate any thoughts, prayers, and good vibrations! Thanks, y'all!

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Blood and Marrow


"Blood and Marrow. Blood and Marrow." Say that to the tune of "Love and Marriage" a few times because that's what we're talking about today, folks! Our Third Annual Blood Drive - Now with Marrow Registry! Just like they've done for the past two years, Georgia's sweet Uncle Trent and Aunt Kate are opening up their home to all who are willing to donate blood and/or register as a bone marrow donor on Sunday, APRIL 29TH from 1-6 pm. There's that date again! We'll have food and fun for the whole family, so even if you can't donate, we'd still love to have you celebrate with us!

To donate blood, you need to make an appointment, so click on the blood drop guy there in the sidebar for more details about the party and to sign up (enter sponsor code: georgiamoore). If you're on Facebook, the event page is here and on our group page, "Keepin' Georgia on Your Mind." Catchy, no?

Y'all know how important blood and marrow donation are to us - and to all cancer warriors - so if you can't join us on APRIL 29TH, please consider donating at your local blood center and joining the Be The Match marrow registry. You could save a life! 

Thank you thank you thank you!

Monday, April 2, 2012

Easter Greetings

We have been so lucky that outside of the five nights Georgia spent in the hospital when she was diagnosed and began treatment, she only spent one other night there in over two years! That's really quite the exception as children in treatment have compromised immune systems and can easily pick up every cold, bug, and virus around or otherwise need to be hospitalized for fever and other side effects from their meds. So while we were able to keep her infection-free, that pesky PEG reaction bought Georgia one night's admission at Dell Children's - which we affectionately refer to as "The Greatest Place You Never Want to Go." But since it was around Easter time, she at least got to meet Floyd the Therapy Dog as he was making his rounds on 4North.


Like many children's hospitals, there are non-stop activities available for the patients at Dell, and the Child Life Specialists are amazing. But let's face it - at the end of the day, you're still in the hospital, and that stinks! Especially on birthdays, holidays, and other special days. To help spread some cheer and encouragement,  St. Jude's (which is celebrating 50 years of finding cures and saving children) has set up a link for you to send e-cards to kids spending their Easter holiday in the hospital. It's free and takes just a few minutes - and you know these little bunnies are worth it. So, HOP to it, y'all!


Sunday, April 1, 2012

No Foolin'

Even though we love April Fool's jokes around here, we've got pressing business to get to today - namely, to announce our new adventure in blogging: 30 Posts in 30 Days! In the blogosphere, November is National Blog Posting Month, or NaBloPoMo, when bloggers challenge themselves (and each other) to post something every day for 30 days. Now you can find bloggers trying it just about every month. We like that idea and think this is the perfect month to reflect on the past 27 months, revisit some of our favorite organizations and programs, and share the musings of those of us here at Peachy Keen HQ, and maybe some special guests as well. Some posts will be short, some will be long, but the point is just to check in each day with all of you, you dear Friends of Georgia, and find ourselves one day closer to Georgia's last day of treatment! (It's APRIL 29TH, have I mentioned?) So, with that settled, we're excited to kick off Georgia's NoMoChemo Challenge! See y'all tomorrow!