Sweet Sixteen

Happy New Baby is SIXTEEN today. Sweet, to be sure, but also Smart, Silly, Strong, Soulful, and a Survivor. Six years from diagnosis tomorrow, and 16 months until she is officially cancer-free ... so much to celebrate.

We all enjoyed a Day of Fun together, starting with breakfast tacos and presents, then a bit of shopping, a second viewing of Star Wars (in 3D at the IMAX!), and a wonderful Christmas light show at a local coffee house. The highlight of the day, other than the obvious, was ... Georgia's first driving lesson! We went to the empty parking lot at the football stadium, and although she was a bit nervous at first, Georgia slipped behind the wheel and proceeded to do an excellent job. As with everything she does, she is a very thoughtful driver and made great strides in just an hour. And in the end, she had fun, too! We are literally miles and miles away from where we were six years ago, and to be sharing her 16th birthday and this big milestone with her is a gift for all of us. Happy, Healthy Everything to our Special girl!

Good morning, glory - ready for cake in bed?

 Favorite gift was the pro art markers for our animator!

 Festive way to end a perfect day

16. 

xoxo

May the Force Be With Y'all

Another wonderful Christmas is in the books! So much delicious food, fun presents, and our second year heading to the movies on Christmas Day made for a great holiday, and we're still enjoying our time together. The weather went from balmy and spring-like to decidedly winter in the last couple of days, so we've been hunkered down with movies and coloring books and lots of laughter. Perfect!

Christmas Eve with GG

Christmas morning, the traditional waiting on the stairs

St. Adele!

Star Wars Maniacs

Equal parts Star Wars AND Harry Potter Maniac

Finally! The Force Awakens!

And the celebrations continue ... #monthofgeorgia

Reflection

December (aka The Month of Georgia) is full of many events for all of us here at Peachy Keen HQ - and just as many emotions. Six years ago today, Christmas Eve, I took Georgia to the pediatrician after a week of her having a low-grade fever and general fatigue. And even though I was assured it was just a bug and that she would be fine in no time, her symptoms continued and then worsened. Six days later, we were back for bloodwork, sent directly to the hospital, and sitting in the pediatric oncology unit on her 10th birthday. The next day, we were one of 46 families who were told that their child has cancer.

We know that all of you, our Friends of Georgia, know this story and know our journey because you've been with us every step of the way. And because of your love, support, and generosity, we have a happy, healthy almost-16-year-old in our midst and have raised over $100,000 for childhood cancer research. Just this week, two dear friends coordinated separate fundraising efforts in honor of Georgia, and the inspiration to help kids fighting cancer continues to grow within and without our circle of allies. And we are so, so grateful for all of it!

That said, this is a time of reflection and remembrance on many levels, and it's hard to believe that six years have past since Georgia's cancer story began. Besides the daily reminder in my mind and on my heart,  I look at this picture every day:

It was taken exactly two weeks before Georgia was diagnosed, and I keep it up on my dresser mirror still as a reminder that this is what childhood cancer looks like. Normal, healthy little girls, dancing in The Nutcracker and celebrating Christmas with their little sisters, get cancer.

And so, as you know, we are dedicated to funding research and supporting other families who find themselves in this place just as inexplicably as we did. If you haven't made a donation yet or are still making your year-end donations, we would so appreciate your consideration of the St. Baldrick's Foundation. Because thanks to scientists and doctors and the research you help fund, I also get to see this picture every day:

This is what survivorship looks like. 

Happy Holidays and much love from all of us.

First Half Report

Busy Saturday for a healthy, multi-talented girl - swimmer by day, artist by night!  She started the morning at a big swim meet in Killeen, and her strokes and times just keep improving. Plus, I think she was more aerodynamic without all that metal in her mouth. ; )

Georgia and Dana

In action!

Later, she had a piece selected for a youth exhibit at the Mexican American Cultural Center, so we scurried to the reception once we got back in town. Such a beautiful space!

And the piece her art teacher submitted for her was a Photoshop piece featuring ...

Dana!

This week is finals week as Georgia wraps up the first semester of her sophomore year ... and two weeks from today ... birthday time! Lots more fun to be had in the Month of Georgia!

Smile Pretty!

First braces-free selfie! Hooray for popcorn and sticky candy!

The Giving Tree

Things are already kicking into high gear this second week of the Month of Georgia! Holiday events, studying for finals, and a "new" look for our girl this Wednesday ... stay tuned! She's got a big swim meet on Saturday, too, so lots happening in the next two weeks. We're looking forward to just relaxing at HOME over the break, assuming our kitchen is fully functional by Christmas! : )

Yesterday, we participated in our neighborhood holiday bazaar, and it was a lovely day! Ivy has been hard at work over the last two weeks and made a few dozen ornaments to sell for donations to the St. Baldrick's Foundation. Her melted crayon globes and scrap ribbon trees were a big hit, and she raised a cool $100! We're so proud of her initiative, creativity, and generosity. What a SuperSib she is.

 

Her inspiration and her hero, always

And in other fundraising news, the 46 Mommas will be shaving in Las Vegas on Sunday, July 24th! We're honoring the roots of the first St. Baldrick's pub events and holding our shave at McMullan's Irish Pub! The McMullan family graciously offered us this venue where they have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for St. Baldrick's over the last 10 years, and we are thrilled to continue the tradition! I'll have more info and a new fundraising link up after the first of the year - you can help us hit $2 million for childhood cancer research! Viva Las Mommas!

 

The Month of Georgia

After marking 43 months off treatment two days ago, today we're kicking off December, aka The Month of Georgia, with Giving Tuesday!

Already today, Ivy has hit $4,000, and at last count, our Hero Fund is just $26 away from raising $50,000 this year - yes, just THIS year! That is amazing, and we can't thank our Friends of Georgia enough. Of course, there's always room for one more dollar (or a hundred more!), so in the waning hours of Giving Tuesday, we'd love your donations - click HERE to be a hero for kids fighting cancer!

It's hard to believe that another year has nearly come and gone and that soon we'll be celebrating Georgia's Sweet Sixteenth Birthday and marking six years since her diagnosis. SO much has happened over the last 72 months, but we are here, standing strong, with two happy, healthy girls who are ready to take on the world. We have these blessings because of research, an incredible treatment team, and the love and support of all of you.

Our "15 for 15 in '15" campaign has been an overwhelming success, and our girl wants to remind you how it all began. Much love and light to all, and Happy Month of Georgia!