T Minus 6!

SIX MONTHS from today, Georgia will be Officially Cancer-FREE! We're really in the homestretch now, and it's so exciting to to be so close! We went to San Antonio today to visit Lolly, who is still recovering from her shoulder replacement surgery, and we celebrated with a delicious Italian dinner. Before we know it, we'll be whooping it up on April 29th with all of our Friends of Georgia - and we can't wait!

Celebrating life, love, and bionic shoulders - 

we love you Lolly and Poppa!

Today and every day, we are grateful for Georgia's victory, and we know it's due in large part to her incredible treatment team - especially our hero, Dr. Neff. Another wonderful moment to remember:
 

Great and Grateful

Big and Little and Everything in Between

August 30, 2009 - Four months and a day before diagnosis

Looking back on the last six-plus years, many moments stand out, but not necessarily just the "big" ones. Over Georgia's 28 months of treatment and her almost FIVE years of survivorship, we've enjoyed the little moments every bit as much as the big ones, and we're grateful for all of them. Here's one of each - some sweet letters Georgia received from school children and then one very special letter from a very special school.

Mail Call

The STARS at Night ... Part One 

Meet the Press

Georgia had a great weekend at the journalism conference - thank you to everyone who supported her fundraising efforts! After two days of sessions and competitions, she got Honorable Mention in Headline Writing! And because the girls missed the Homecoming Dance to go to the conference, the journalism teacher hosted "JOCO '16" at the hotel pool for them. They did get to attend the Homecoming Pep Rally and Cookout on Friday, though, and the school gave a big shout-out to the mighty ARS Swim Team - Go Stars!

On Sunday, I was pinch hitting for Georgia at a college presentation for Tulane University and got lots of good info to share with her. We're looking forward to heading back to NOLA this spring to visit one of our favorite places and check out the school in person.

It's interesting that Georgia is so involved in journalism at school because over the past six years, she has done quite a few interviews for print, radio, and television. Here's one for today's moment to remember, which also recalls a very, very special moment in Georgia's journey. Read all about it. : )

Looking Back and Moving Forward

Week in Review

Well, Miss Georgia had quite a busy week here in Austin, Texas! Besides a full school schedule, she went to a concert with her dad on Wednesday, then swim meets Friday and Saturday, and the ACL Music Festival on Sunday. Luckily, she had the day off today to catch up on sleep and get ready for the school week. And thankfully, she is feeling great and had the stamina to keep up with everything and everyone!

The ARS Swimming Stars!

This week, she is preparing for a journalism conference in San Antonio - and she is fundraising for the trip! For a $5 donation, you will receive the gratitude of the Creative Writing Editor for The Polaris Press and a pack of four notecards featuring her photography. If you'd like to support her, please message me on Facebook or comment below with your email address. Thank you!

Have a great week, Friends of Georgia!

16.

Up, Up, and Away

We closed out September and welcomed October with a bang this weekend - as we always do since October 1 is Miss Ivy's birthday! Her day started with the traditional cake in bed and scavenger hunt, and then we all enjoyed a day of fun together, followed by a great party - and another scavenger hunt! - with sweet school friends. The highlight for me was our trek up Mt. Bonnell, where we sent 13 balloons to the heavens, full of good wishes for Ivy's bright future, just like we did when Georgia turned 13. A special day for another special girl!

 Sparkle on, Ivy Francis!

One of our stops was the Texas Teen Book Festival, where Ivy wanted to pick up a book and Georgia and I enjoyed an appearance by comedy writer and author, Mindy Kaling. She was funny, of course, but also so kind and smart, and I'm glad our own budding writer was there for some great inspiration.

As for my own writing and the inspiration behind it, I want to share one final note for this Childhood Cancer Awareness Month - my piece from Listen to Your Mother. Please listen and know that our story is very similar to the 25,000 that are beginning this month and next month and the next ... Please, please be aware every month, and take action with us to end childhood cancer. Thank you, friends!