"I had no idea how many there were," Kim had just hung up the phone from speaking with a parent who had lost her son to cancer. "It was ten months from diagnosis to the time he passed," Kim wore a look that said 'enough is enough' without saying any more to me.
"There's a lot?" I heard myself ask the question, but I guess I knew all along that there were more children in our area alone who have been diagnosed with cancer. It's a bit strange to find out there are more out there, because when you're going through it, you never hear about the others. Partly because you're so engrossed in your own crisis state, and partly because your just engrossed with the thought of 'this can't be happening'. It's that surreal state that holds you paralyzed and numb to what's around you.
"There's enough to have a support group. In fact there's more being diagnosed according to our pediatrician," her eyes glistened with that look that said 'something would happen here'. Having experienced the support of other cancer families at the Ronald McDonald House through the Brighter Tomorrows group, we were fortunate to have a connection to talk things through, vent, and cry when we needed. To hear someone express that they knew what you were going through without having to explain it,... worth a thousand words.
Hannah walked in on the conversation and Kim immediately broke with what she was telling me to inform Hannah, "We're forming a support group." It was one of those moments where you just except it. Kind of like having someone tell you that they're going to put peanut butter on your jelly sandwich - that sounds about right.
"So, where do we go from here?" I was expecting a business plan to materialize, but I got what I guess I should have planned for:
"We contact people, we open our home, and we talk,... a lot," having been through the Brighter Tomorrow's meetings, Kim had an idea of where to go (I did too for that matter). The thing the BT group has on us was two major group's support: The Mayo Clinic doctors and the Ronald McDonald House. Somehow, I think we're going to be alright because we're doing the right thing and the needed thing.
"Sounds like a good plan," I said.
If anyone knows of a family who has gone through or is going through childhood cancer,... send them our way - we're ready to heal, ready to deal, and ready to let them know, "We know what you're going through and we will be willing to help in any way."
Signed Copies for Sale. Read information on left side panel below.
For further details email us at Hannahk2021@gmail.com
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Creating a New
Ever try to do without before?
Let me rephrase,... ever try to do without a body part before? I know a good friend of mine who often claims he's only 10% utilized, but that's for another day (perhaps another blogsite). Hannah's new and improved hand doesn't seem so 'new' or 'improved' lately.
With her latest surgery this summer to release muscle and tendons from the bone (rendering them useless), in order to straighten her wrist, she has been left with only one hand and one arm in which to function. Maybe it was just a matter of time, but Hannah finally broke down over a ketchup packet. It was a minor dilemma, but a dilemma none the less.
"I don't like to feel helpless," Hannah tried to choke back her tears.
"You're not help-less. You have plenty of help around you and you need to let us be there for you. Even for what seems to be the small stuff," Kim has a way of explaining things better than I could.
Working with one arm for a year will be a whole different journey, but Hannah knows that it's a temporary one (which is the real miracle here).
In the meantime, we have a book release to prepare for!
The actually release date will not be until October 20, 2009. The pre-release sales begin on August 15. We are currently looking at various venues in which to hold book signings and gatherings. I will post more information as the date draws near. Those living out of the area and wanting to get there hands on the book can always drop me an email and we can see about shipping one,... or a dozen out to you!
Let me rephrase,... ever try to do without a body part before? I know a good friend of mine who often claims he's only 10% utilized, but that's for another day (perhaps another blogsite). Hannah's new and improved hand doesn't seem so 'new' or 'improved' lately.
With her latest surgery this summer to release muscle and tendons from the bone (rendering them useless), in order to straighten her wrist, she has been left with only one hand and one arm in which to function. Maybe it was just a matter of time, but Hannah finally broke down over a ketchup packet. It was a minor dilemma, but a dilemma none the less.
"I don't like to feel helpless," Hannah tried to choke back her tears.
"You're not help-less. You have plenty of help around you and you need to let us be there for you. Even for what seems to be the small stuff," Kim has a way of explaining things better than I could.
Working with one arm for a year will be a whole different journey, but Hannah knows that it's a temporary one (which is the real miracle here).
In the meantime, we have a book release to prepare for!
The actually release date will not be until October 20, 2009. The pre-release sales begin on August 15. We are currently looking at various venues in which to hold book signings and gatherings. I will post more information as the date draws near. Those living out of the area and wanting to get there hands on the book can always drop me an email and we can see about shipping one,... or a dozen out to you!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Foto Friday
Joe works at removing the cast and NOT pulling the pin out.
The pin before removal - it's actually sticking in a bone.
Dr. Shin dropped by the cast room to give some tender care to Hannah before the pin was YANKED OUT!
After Dr. Shin was done having fun with Hannah, Jim came in and did the removal. Everything went smoothly (with minor pain on my end).
Kim, our hand therapist, works with Hannah on scar massage.
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