Helping Hands

When cancer invaded our lives, we began to feel the calling to make a difference in the pediatric cancer world.  And we are not the only family who feels this call.  As difficult as this past week has been, we have also been able to help make a difference and that has meant everything.

Last Saturday, we went to an Alex's Lemonade Stand event in honor of our friend Lily.  There is just something about kids and selling lemonade.  It was a hot and sunny day.  Carter and Lily held one of the signs by the road to attract business...

Lily's big sister Anna setting out lemonade...

Carter and Julia enjoying some of the yummy treats...

There was even free Hawaiian Ice :)  After chatting for awhile, Carter and Julia would ready to jump in and help.  I had the privilege of standing back and watching them all, a fly on the wall to their conversations.  I have to say it made me teary.  When Lily would introduce herself to people to people she say, "I'm the one with the cancer.  This is Anna, she's the one without." Anna immediately noticed Carter's Give Kids the World shirt and they jumped right in to talking about their own Make-a-Wish trips.  Then they each gave each other the kid's version update of their siblings' cancer treatments.  Truly, not the things of childhood, but daily life to this handful of kids. 

They had a great time selling lemonade to their customers.  They are all little entrepreneurs in the making ready to do whatever it takes to fill those big jars with cash.  In the end they raised over $1,000 in an hour and a half! Such brave little warriors, raising money for the war they are all fighting.  Profound.

Then on Monday night we headed to The Loop for their first fundraiser for our foundation- Kids of Childhood Cancer- at Brenners'.  We were so excited to see all our friends who came out to support the cause. 

In no time the place was completely packed.  It was heartwarming to see so many people coming out on behalf of our kids.  We had a chance to catch up with Vinny and his family.  We just love this kid! He, Carter, and Julia jumped right in playing legos.  Vinny is Mr. Lego.  I loved seeing their smiles and hearing them laugh.  Vinny looks so good these days.  For a child that was told last winter he had two months to live, has endured some horrible chemo, and was put on hospice not to long ago- he is a walking miracle.  The doctors cannot explain.  The tumors have shrunk, he was taken off hospice, and this week he went back to kindergarten.  Though his battle rages on and regular inpatient chemo will continue. We love you Vinny!

These kids inspire me.  They are heroes in every sense of the word.  They have endured more in one handful of life years than most adults do in a lifetime.  I can't think of a better way to spend an evening than hanging out, playing legos, and drinking milkshakes.   

And we raised $585 for Camp Brenner kids!!!