Merry and Bright

That's our hope for your holidays, dear Friends of Georgia - that they are Merry and Bright and full of fun times with your families. In the last week, we kicked off our celebration with a visit to the Trail of Lights in Zilker Park (a beloved Austin tradition) and the annual holiday bash with our friends from the Children's Blood and Cancer Center. We've had caroling, ornament exchanges, and cookie parties, and now we're buckling down for the Main Event in two days!

In the meantime, Georgia was finishing off another straight-A six weeks at school, complete with acing her first-ever final exams. That girl! This semester has really flown by, and we are so proud of her continued hard work. And health-wise, aside from the typical end-of-school fatigue, she's feeling great - the best gift of all!

Speaking of, I realize we didn't get to post our usual gift list, but please consider donating to any of the organizations listed in the sidebar below or the charity of your choice. As we all prepare for a wonderful holiday, remember that 46 families are being told that their child has cancer. 46 more will hear those words tomorrow, and on Christmas Day, and every weekday until we END this. Give the gift of hope by helping to fund childhood cancer research or supporting other patient programs. As one of the 46 on December 31, 2009, I can tell you that it means the world. 

And if you're able, we highly encourage you to give blood. Donations typically decrease during the holidays, but the need for a safe, stable supply does not. Remember, Georgia received her first transfusion on December 30th (Happy 10th Birthday!) and had several more over the following days, and we are so still so grateful that there were blood products available whenever she needed them. 

We'll be checking back in over the next week - seems like something important is happening then? - but for now, we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year!