This past weekend, the Aimee Dickey Childhood Cancer Walk/Fun Day was held in Scranton, Pennsylvania. All of the DIPG families on the Yahoo group went. I’m sad to say I couldn’t make it. I really wish that I’d been there because it’s a great sign of support that so many people went to Nay Aug Park to help raise money and find a cure for DIPG.
This past weekend, the Aimee Dickey Childhood Cancer Walk/Fun Day was held in Scranton, Pennsylvania. All of the DIPG families on the Yahoo group went. I’m sad to say I couldn’t make it.
We’re in the middle of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, when people across the country are reminded that young children are dying every day from cancer.
Today is a very emotional day for me because today is Cristian’s birthday. If he were here, we’d be blowing out eight candles on his cake together and I would watch him open the newest Thomas the Tank Engine DVD I bought him to celebrate.
Today is Valeria’s birthday. I’m keeping her parents in my thoughts and prayers as they go through the difficult task of marking a child’s birthday after they’re gone. Sadly, they are not alone.
This past Sunday was Father’s Day. Even though I still have my son JC to celebrate with, it’s hard knowing Cristian can’t enjoy the day with us. He was definitely there, though. Two things happened to remind me of that.
Pontine Glioma, put me in touch with yet another father of a child diagnosed with the disease. Larry’s daughter Danielle is only six years old and she’s had Pontine Glioma since November of 2009. He seemed like a fighter and even reminded me a little of myself. We talked about the different types of treatment and it was so sad speaking with him. It brought back memories of Cristian, who was Danielle’s age when he died, and it reminded me that we are still so far from a cure.
On Tuesday, June 1st, I attended the 8th Annual Dream and Promise Awards Benefit for the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation at the Marriott Marquee Grand Ballroom. To have a foundation that’s been around for 22 years invite me to their event and recognize a foundation like mine-one that’s not even one year old-really felt good.
I have been overwhelmed by the responses I’ve been getting since Cristian’s billboard went up on the West Side Highway. I’ve gotten such positive feedback from friends, family and even strangers.
As I was driving into work yesterday, I looked up and saw Cristian’s billboard on the West Side Highway. I couldn’t believe how amazing it looked.