KC Star...

Hello. I wanted to check in and say hello. I have been busy getting back into the swing of things since the conclusion of our admissions. We started a new cycle of treatments with Kaylee. This round is steroids and shots. Although it is less time in the hospital, it is torture for Kaylee.

The steroids affect your mood, your eating, and your appearance. There has been a change in mood and eating but no physical difference. I hate that she fears the shots. I hate not being able to take the fear away. We are with her on every step of the journey, but she is on her own with the taking the pain part.

I was thinking how important this blog was in helping me during our dark days. At first I was concerned how I might have came across with all the whining and whimpering, but it was my release for six months. It was so helpful to me and my sanity that I will never apologize. It didn't take me long to find my therapeutic release and I am grateful. I look at the alternatives and I admit that someone could easily indulge into something a lot less healthier then a blog. The pain and scare are unbelievable when it deals with your child.

I registered my non-profit, 10 Kids Insured, with the state and now I am filling out my 501(c) 3 paper work with the IRS. The wait for approval can be long, so I am running my foundation through the Truman Heartland foundation. This wonderful operation will expedite my cause without a long wait. It is very exciting. I am setting up meetings with insurance companies that see the potential and want to get on board with this wonderful cause. Different health care foundations are contacting me as well expressing interest. It seems like this idea to help kids with health care might just work.

InAd TV is doing great as well. I am installing McFadden's and Stroud's this week. We received the green light from the Power & Light district last Thursday. I am supposed to be Downtown in four hours. Ouch! The Stroud's install is one that gets me out of the Bar and Nightclub circuit and lands me into a family style atmosphere. Hooray! I like my bars and nightclubs but it will be nice to unveil my product & service in such a renowned place as Stroud's.

There will a story on me next Tuesday in the Business section of the KC Star. It is a section called Emerging Business, and they do a Q & A with entrepreneurs and my number was called. I am privileged and honored. It took long enough. But timing is everything, right? I hope I sound OK in the article. Take a look at the article and keep me in mind if you ever do an ad campaign. I hope to talk soon, thank you for every thing.

Appreciation Beyond Words...

I want to thank you Mary Hayes. My daughter had a wonderful time tonight because of you, and your kindness and generosity will not be forgotten. Although I've never had the honor of meeting you personally, I just want to say thank you so much. Tammie has said so many nice things about you that I look forward to meeting you soon. I admire and appreciate your kindness.

The jewelery event in honor of Kaylee was touching. The Independence Center event was an event that my girls looked forward to for weeks. I'm aware of the time you invested in both projects and we thank you. I forgot to mention that the event was a huge success. Congratulations!


The gift cards for Kaylee were great because she got out and enjoyed the shopping. We can't tell you how important it is for us to see our beautiful daughter out applying her taste while shopping. I've slowed down enough to really appreciate the style and grace of my loved ones. To watch them do simple things are more important then ever. To watch Kay's nose as she sniffs a squirt of perfume. Observing as she takes a bite of her food. To watch Kaylee drink pickle juice and truly enjoy it is amazing!. All these things might not have been too important months ago but it is priceless now.

One last thing, the Vemma Drinks will help with Kaylee's recovery. We just might get her weight and strength back sooner then we thought. I don't want to bore everyone with all my new appreciations, but appreciating is good. So I have to say, Mary Hayes, we appreciate you more then words can say! www.myverve.com/healthy_energy

Children's Mercy On Line 1...

We received a phone call asking if Kaylee wouldn't mind checking into the hospital on Wednesday instead of Tuesday. Yeah! This means that Kaylee can go to a Pep Rally if the school has one on Tuesday. School is released on Tuesday for the Holiday and we assume that there will be a rally for the boys on Tuesday. We can go. That is so big for Kaylee.

I want Kaylee to be available for some of the celebration or festivities. To think that she would be in the hospital is bad enough on Thanksgiving, but for her big Championship was hurtful. At least now we can take part in the events leading up to Friday. One event is better than none.

She is still sleeping, 2:40 PM, so I'll have to wait to discuss our options.

Things have a way of working out. Last year we were geared for a Championship, but we got beat. Webb City put an end to our season. This year was going to be the one and it is. Unfortunately we didn't see the cancer coming. We take it as comes, if it's good or if it's bad we don't care, we'll work with it or we'll work through it. Peace!

Potato Casserole...

I am pleased to announce that my strapping fifteen year old ate for the first time in five days. She had two bowls of potato casserole. Casserole that my sister made especially for Kaylee. It's one of those dishes that you only get on Thanksgiving or Christmas. My mother's receipt. My daughter's favorite.

Kaylee looks so much better. Her eyes are back. That is my frantic point when those eyes go blank. I never want anyone to see that look in their loved one, if it means I have to take that experience from everyone I will. It is torture to watch this sickness sneak into your child. You have to be tough.

Some might question my toughness. Others might judge my strength. I'm here to say that I've always been up for a fight. There has always been a toughness and strongness inside of me. It's just that I have to release that hurt and I have to do it in a healthy way. I find writing a great release. You are my guest and I confess my thoughts and worries with you. My stories are personal and truthful. My pain and suffering.

I read my writings and sometimes second guess my candid stories. But I admit that I sometimes cry when I read my story. It hurts to know that some days are good and some are really bad. It makes me sick to think that I will drive Kaylee back in seven days for more torture. There's no options but to think I will get her up bright and early, make sure she is buckled up, and drive her back to the needle that makes her sick. What do you do?

I look forward to the day that we will talk about our journey. I look to the day that Kay will share our story with her family. It is a long road but we will get there. I am taking it one day at a time, today just happened to be a day centered around POTATO CASSEROLE.