Christmas List!
Every year God has blessed our family. Our lives have been filled with Joy and Love. In appreciation of some of our most spectacular memories I have put together a Christmas list. (I know...I'm late!) However, I know some are just looking for an opportunity to give this season. The gift of giving brings Joy. One reason this season is Merry and Bright.
Every organization on this list has directly impacted the lives of my family. Sharing a tidbit of our story I hope will show gifts given to these organizations do impact the lives of the recipients and is Greatly appreciated.
My son, Gabriel, on December 8, 2005 was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). It changed my family's life and since our family has undergone several transitions. Here is our Journey:
1. American Red Cross
During Christmas season I learned the news my second born, now cancer free for 2 years, had Leukemia. My husband was in boot-camp at the time as he felt a calling to join the military. Cancer was unexpected as our son had been a healthy boy and only 13 months old at the time. I called Red Cross in order to contact my husband. They, surprisingly, paid for my husband's flight home to be with our son. Which I appreciate even still.
Gabriel, within those first couple days in the hospital had at least 3 blood transfusions and countless throughout the three and a half year chemotherapy regimen. When I see a Red Cross truck drive past me or hear of a blood drive I am in appreciation.
2. Children's Chance in South Carolina
In 2007 we learned about Children's Chance located in South Carolina through a social worker at the Medical University of South Carolina hospital (MUSC). It was unknown the additional expenses which came with my sons diagnosis and I quickly learned. Our family struggled financially. Our cellphone bills where excessive. The expenses kept rolling in.... DeeAnn, with Children's Chance, has a son who is a cancer survivor. This organization helped us pay bills, gave us gas cards and food gift cards! ~ Thanking you Always DeeAnn and Children's Chance http://www.childrenschance.org/
3. Camp Happy Days in South Carolina
Our first Christmas after our son was diagnosed we were given the opportunity to attend a wonderful Christmas party through Camp Happy Days in South Carolina. It was our first Christmas with this diagnosis and in a new state without our family. We could not have had a better time. Santa surprised the kids. Gabriel was very happy to see Santa in the parking lot at his arrival. We snapped a picture, it was cool.
In addition to the great party we were given gifts, had fun activities, food and one of our most memorable holiday festival of the lights was paid for for our family to enjoy together. Getting out to go anywhere was rare. I appreciate the organization which understood my child's unique needs and give us moments together as a family to enjoy. Any smile on my sons face or excitement I cherish. Thank you Camp Happy Days! http://www.camphappydays.com/
4. MOPs in South Carolina
Mothers of Preschoolers was a group I wanted to join when my eldest sons were little. Moms actually getting a chance to have a bible study with other moms uninterrupted as childcare is provided. This is a unique story. In a new state I sought a church for our family. As much I wanted to connect through actively being a part of a church my son's immune system was low.
One Sunday I visited a local church for the first time. When it came time to put Gabriel in the nursery I was fearful. The woman in the nursery heard my son's story and although I had not visited the church again, she found me and their entire group gave our family meals along with another special lady at their church. It's an amazing story I will have to share in full. Thank You All! http://www.mops.org/
5.Military YMCA in San Diego
The military moved our family to San Diego after my husband finished his training in South Carolina. After our arrival I was overwhelmed. He worked 18 hour days during his training in South Carolina. When we arrived in San Diego he began his under-ways. I can't remember how I came upon the Military YMCA. I just remember searching for help.
Through the military YMCA our family received respite care. It was wonderful! In South Carolina the frequent hospitalizations I had to have my children with me, which was against hospital policy. My other children had to go to all of Gabriel's appointments, with respite care they were able to be kids again. Gabriel missed them at the hospital as we were a unit and this was a saving grace. We were also showered with Christmas gifts through them, we were given gas cards and counseling.
6. Courageous Kids in San Diego
For Mother's Day in 2008 Courageous Kids gave us the day at Sea World. It was our first time visiting Sea World and it was so much fun. The kids had a blast, they fed us, gave us cool stuff and we learned about other fun events Gabriel and my children could be a part of.
7. Camp Reach for the Sky in San Diego
Camp Reach for the sky offers a day camp and camp for children who have or have had cancer and their siblings This is an American Cancer Society sponsored camp. Camp Reach for the sky is a wonderful family. My children get excited whenever they talk about it. The first year Gabriel went he didn't want the week to be over. He cried a lot the last day. I am appreciative of their extended family at Camp Reach for the sky. http://www.cr4ts.org
Celebration of Champions is something Rady's Children's hospital puts on each year which sets them apart from other hospitals I have gone to around the country with my son. My son was on treatment at the time we attended. They remember the children who are deceased from cancer by having their families release a balloon in their honor.
Children who are still undergoing treatment run a short relay with a torch to a finish-line with their family, a celebrity and their sponsor. When we did this, it was emotional for me as I envisioned my son reaching his finish-line. This is a Spectacular event. I hope more hospitals join them with this great idea. http://www.celebrationofchampions.net/
9. Make A Wish
This organization granted Gabriel his wish to go to Disney World and Give Kids the World - completely awesome, amazing, fantastic!!! There are many words to describe my appreciation for Make-A-Wish. The trip was all expenses paid (air, parks, limo to and from airport) plus spending money. Gabriel and I will always cherish the magical moments Make A Wish gave our family through granting his wish. Thank you!!! www.wish.org
10. Give Kids The World in Florida
Staying at Give Kids the World was an amazing experience. I wish I could describe the feeling of this place. It felt more magical and fantasiful than Disney World. I was brought to tears often with the love they showed my son while there. Every morning they left a gift for Gabriel and siblings in our villa. The evenings were filled with so much fun! The story of Give Kids the World is one I will cherish.
A holocaust survivor, Henri Landwirth, wanted wishes for children who underwent life threatening diseases to be fulfilled. He made this wonderful magical village which is now an extended family for Gabriel for his lifetime. I will write more about our experiences with Give Kids the World throughout the year. I appreciate his vision and Disney World - Universal Studios - Boston Market...all the volunteers. http://www.gktw.org/
11. Camp Casey in Michigan
This year Gabriel had the best birthday ever. Camp Casey surprised Gabriel with Moe - a horse - for his birthday! This family is Great and they too were inspired by a friend who had pasted from cancer to bring smiles to children during and post treatment with the healing of a horse. Gabriel had a birthday he will never forget! Thank you! http://camp-casey.org/
12. Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan
This foundation sponsors events throughout the year for children during and post treatment. Our family has participated in a free day at a water-park and Trick or Suite. Both were incredibly fun days! Again, Thank you! http://leukemiamichigan.org/
13. Camp Quality in Michigan
This year Gabriel and my son Justin stayed a week with Camp Quality at St. Ann campground. My boys Loved every part. They got to ride in a hot air balloon, archery, work with a blacksmith, shoot a rocket, thunder carts (just naming a few things)...and they built a close relationship with their companion. They can't wait to go back! http://www.campqualityusa.org/mi/Home.aspx
Every organization on this list has directly impacted the lives of my family. Sharing a tidbit of our story I hope will show gifts given to these organizations do impact the lives of the recipients and is Greatly appreciated.
My son, Gabriel, on December 8, 2005 was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). It changed my family's life and since our family has undergone several transitions. Here is our Journey:
1. American Red Cross
During Christmas season I learned the news my second born, now cancer free for 2 years, had Leukemia. My husband was in boot-camp at the time as he felt a calling to join the military. Cancer was unexpected as our son had been a healthy boy and only 13 months old at the time. I called Red Cross in order to contact my husband. They, surprisingly, paid for my husband's flight home to be with our son. Which I appreciate even still.Gabriel, within those first couple days in the hospital had at least 3 blood transfusions and countless throughout the three and a half year chemotherapy regimen. When I see a Red Cross truck drive past me or hear of a blood drive I am in appreciation.
2. Children's Chance in South Carolina
In 2007 we learned about Children's Chance located in South Carolina through a social worker at the Medical University of South Carolina hospital (MUSC). It was unknown the additional expenses which came with my sons diagnosis and I quickly learned. Our family struggled financially. Our cellphone bills where excessive. The expenses kept rolling in.... DeeAnn, with Children's Chance, has a son who is a cancer survivor. This organization helped us pay bills, gave us gas cards and food gift cards! ~ Thanking you Always DeeAnn and Children's Chance http://www.childrenschance.org/3. Camp Happy Days in South Carolina
Our first Christmas after our son was diagnosed we were given the opportunity to attend a wonderful Christmas party through Camp Happy Days in South Carolina. It was our first Christmas with this diagnosis and in a new state without our family. We could not have had a better time. Santa surprised the kids. Gabriel was very happy to see Santa in the parking lot at his arrival. We snapped a picture, it was cool.In addition to the great party we were given gifts, had fun activities, food and one of our most memorable holiday festival of the lights was paid for for our family to enjoy together. Getting out to go anywhere was rare. I appreciate the organization which understood my child's unique needs and give us moments together as a family to enjoy. Any smile on my sons face or excitement I cherish. Thank you Camp Happy Days! http://www.camphappydays.com/
4. MOPs in South Carolina
Mothers of Preschoolers was a group I wanted to join when my eldest sons were little. Moms actually getting a chance to have a bible study with other moms uninterrupted as childcare is provided. This is a unique story. In a new state I sought a church for our family. As much I wanted to connect through actively being a part of a church my son's immune system was low.One Sunday I visited a local church for the first time. When it came time to put Gabriel in the nursery I was fearful. The woman in the nursery heard my son's story and although I had not visited the church again, she found me and their entire group gave our family meals along with another special lady at their church. It's an amazing story I will have to share in full. Thank You All! http://www.mops.org/
5.Military YMCA in San Diego
The military moved our family to San Diego after my husband finished his training in South Carolina. After our arrival I was overwhelmed. He worked 18 hour days during his training in South Carolina. When we arrived in San Diego he began his under-ways. I can't remember how I came upon the Military YMCA. I just remember searching for help.
Through the military YMCA our family received respite care. It was wonderful! In South Carolina the frequent hospitalizations I had to have my children with me, which was against hospital policy. My other children had to go to all of Gabriel's appointments, with respite care they were able to be kids again. Gabriel missed them at the hospital as we were a unit and this was a saving grace. We were also showered with Christmas gifts through them, we were given gas cards and counseling.
6. Courageous Kids in San Diego
For Mother's Day in 2008 Courageous Kids gave us the day at Sea World. It was our first time visiting Sea World and it was so much fun. The kids had a blast, they fed us, gave us cool stuff and we learned about other fun events Gabriel and my children could be a part of.
7. Camp Reach for the Sky in San Diego
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| After a fun day at Day Camp! |
Camp Reach for the sky offers a day camp and camp for children who have or have had cancer and their siblings This is an American Cancer Society sponsored camp. Camp Reach for the sky is a wonderful family. My children get excited whenever they talk about it. The first year Gabriel went he didn't want the week to be over. He cried a lot the last day. I am appreciative of their extended family at Camp Reach for the sky. http://www.cr4ts.org8. Celebration of Champions in San Diego
9. Make A Wish
This organization granted Gabriel his wish to go to Disney World and Give Kids the World - completely awesome, amazing, fantastic!!! There are many words to describe my appreciation for Make-A-Wish. The trip was all expenses paid (air, parks, limo to and from airport) plus spending money. Gabriel and I will always cherish the magical moments Make A Wish gave our family through granting his wish. Thank you!!! www.wish.org10. Give Kids The World in Florida
Staying at Give Kids the World was an amazing experience. I wish I could describe the feeling of this place. It felt more magical and fantasiful than Disney World. I was brought to tears often with the love they showed my son while there. Every morning they left a gift for Gabriel and siblings in our villa. The evenings were filled with so much fun! The story of Give Kids the World is one I will cherish.A holocaust survivor, Henri Landwirth, wanted wishes for children who underwent life threatening diseases to be fulfilled. He made this wonderful magical village which is now an extended family for Gabriel for his lifetime. I will write more about our experiences with Give Kids the World throughout the year. I appreciate his vision and Disney World - Universal Studios - Boston Market...all the volunteers. http://www.gktw.org/
11. Camp Casey in Michigan
12. Children's Leukemia Foundation of Michigan
This foundation sponsors events throughout the year for children during and post treatment. Our family has participated in a free day at a water-park and Trick or Suite. Both were incredibly fun days! Again, Thank you! http://leukemiamichigan.org/
13. Camp Quality in Michigan
This year Gabriel and my son Justin stayed a week with Camp Quality at St. Ann campground. My boys Loved every part. They got to ride in a hot air balloon, archery, work with a blacksmith, shoot a rocket, thunder carts (just naming a few things)...and they built a close relationship with their companion. They can't wait to go back! http://www.campqualityusa.org/mi/Home.aspx
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| Gabriel and Companion David at Camp Quailty |
There are many organizations making a difference in the lives of children who have or have had cancer. These are several from my personal experience. I believe the cure for cancer is found in organizations like these. Every smile, joy, happiness, excitement and delight they bring children each year brings with it a healing touch.
In appreciation, consider donating to one or several on this list for Christmas, end of year giving or in 2012.
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