First let me say we made it home before the snow in NYC----!!!!!

OK-- now that I got that out of the way I will back up to Thursday.... not to sound like a broken record but 3F8 was a bit different this time--- LOTS of pain every day and even residual pain and headache when we came back to the Ronald each night--- usually ( or in the other rounds he would experience less and less pain and require less rescues of Diallaudid by Friday because they say the nerves are pretty saturated at that point--- well--- I did not see that this week! And to add to it he had bone marrows done on Friday morning ( well, it was going to be morning but ended up not actually happening until around 1) So, the added pain of that on top of anesthesia made Friday a really long day at the hospital. We did luck out this week and had a wonderful 3F8 roommate, Andrew and his family-- yes... sometimes there are sometimes 2 kids in a room doing antibody therapy-- Grier also got to meet Liam ( his mom, Gretchen started the Cookies for Kids Cancer-- we have talked for a long time but the boys have never had a chance to play) they hung out in the playroom and played with their itouch together--- He also got to play with his sister and he has not stop talking about it!! Funny... after you are in NYC for almost 20 days he gets "used" to it and it is time to go home--- he was even going places without me at the day hospital...and starting to talk more and more to the nurses---

During our long stay we got to see old friends that we met at the beginning of this journey as well as make some new ones--- As much as I cringe about having to stay a long time I am very thankful for that room at the Ronald-- :)

Grier also had another visitor from home on Thursday.... Mrs. Beth, his music teacher from preschool last year was in town and came to the Ronald for a visit-- Grier was very excited about this and had plans to show her the playroom but his headache was making him feel really bad--- so she came to our little room and hung out for a little-- :) Not sure how I missed that photo op!!!

After Treatment on Friday my mom headed back to the room to start the process of packing--- WOW!!!! who knew what you can accumulate in a month--- her help was awesome-- there would have been no way I could have pack that room, done laundry and packed our "pod" while taking care of Grier--- It was a long process.... and to think I was living the "simple" life!!!

Our flight was this morning at 8am and we left the Ronald around 6am--- we are all tired --- well... my mom and I are.. Grier has jumped back into life in Charlotte without missing a beat... not sure how is does this--- but I would like to know the secret :)

Next week will be the start of a new medication.... if you have read this blog for long time you know that he took accutane for 6 months--- he will start again on Monday--- It is also used for acne but in Grier's case... neuroblastoma --it is thought to make cells mature faster before they have time to "go bad"-- He will take it at a very high dose for 2 weeks and then have two weeks off-- his skin will dry out A LOT--- and it can cause mood swings--- I am hoping we do not have those side effects like last time-- We also do not get a pass this week at the doctor's office.... we have to go to our clinic on Christmas Eve to get a liver test (blood test) to make sure the levels are OK do to the high dose of Accutane--- then next week we go back to draw blood and the we FedEx it to NYC to see if he is able to get another round of 3F8 on Jan. 11th---- busy...busy.... but we are home and are lucky enough to live close to CMC--- the worst will be having to get the port accessed twice--- uggh!

That is it for now--- we survived a long stay and are home now---- Thanks for all the help while I was gone-- I had the best help with Hayes and Grace after-school--- Thanks Haley!!! Thanks to my carpool for Hayes.... and thanks to Nancy for taking care of Grace!!! Thanks for all the meals and anything else I missed--- It is really helpful to have such great friends when life gives you lemons!!! Also... Ross I know you are reading this and you are in trouble!!!!! THANK YOU TOO!!! :) Thanks for all the cards and packages--- that was a great way to try to get him to crack a smile after treatment!! And thanks to my mom for living in NYC for a month with us!!!

Merry Christmas everyone---

Amy

Picture of the bake sale in the Charlotte Observer~

Everyday is SO different

2 More days of 3F8 complete since my last update.... and all three days have been so different!

Tuesday he had the "typical" response to 3F8.... LOTS of pain... but we did not have the breathing/hive problem that he had on Monday...He woke up late afternoon and wanted to go to the playroom to play games and ping-pong... he also got to hang out with Adam for a little until he left to go home.  He even felt well enough to go to a dinner and party in the dining room that was provided by the NY Athletic Club-- I could tell at dinner he was losing steam so after he ate cotton candy we headed back to the room-- 

 Today was about the same with some hives on his neck and face and LOTS of pain again-- I really wish we could find the right combo to make the pain more manageable... but there is no "RIGHT" way when you are in a clinical trial--  His afternoon was a total opposite of yesterday.. He has slept and had LOTS of residual pain in the same spots he had during treatment.  He did remind us before he took another nap that there was a party tonight .... he asked us to go and get his "Santa gift"--- I hope whatever it is cheers him up when he wakes up.  

This week is total opposite of last week... it is hard to believe.  I can help but think the radiation and 3F8 back to back are making this week extra tough.  I remember this the last time we did this too.

So, 3 more days until we head home.  I can not believe it-- we have been here so long I have almost gotten used to this-- and am a little nervous to pop back into the real world-- I have done NOTHING to get ready for Christmas.... and I can tell you there will not be a Christmas card this year from us--- it is one of the things that I am crossing off the list...I am secretly wising for time to stop and add a few extra weeks to this month so I can catch up---- but I know it will be January before I know it-

The bright side is there is only 2 days left of shots and 3F8 of this cycle... and that the thought of packing is not so overwhelming we are "storing" some of our stuff so we do not have to take it all home--- we have accumulated a lot of extra!!! I guess that happens in almost a month :)  I think that is why I always return from NYC and purge things in my house..... :)

That is it for now---

Hoping for a calmer less painful night here in room 311---

The start of another countdown!

Day 1 of 3F8 is DONE--- and as you can see from the pictures it was interesting to say the least... you just never know how a day will be and this treatment was very similar to a treatment well over a year ago.... and because I have seen it before the panic did not happen!!

Grier had lots of hives right away... and these hives are also internal so it made him cough.. and have a breathing reaction--- we always have a blow-by of oxygen as he gets the treatment and I watch the monitor to see his stats... he was in the 99-100 range and all of a sudden he dropped into the low 90's... then high 80's so I called our great nurses and they started a nebulizer treatment but it was not working.... we needed him to cry or scream so they did their magic and got him sitting up and checking all vitals--- his blood pressure dropped into the 60's/30's --- he started to cry a little... then they changed the mask --- gave him a bolus of fluids and his stats started to come back.. it took awhile to get his heart rate back to normal... but by 3:45pm he was well enough to go back to the Ronald--- he ended up sleeping until 7:15~  He has eaten some dinner... and been playing again like this morning did not take place!!! 

We did get to see a friend from Charlotte today... his is here getting scans done.... Grier liked showing him the itouch this morning.... He was on the look out for another friend, Marett -- she is here for scans too--- we are hoping they receive great news !!!

Ugghhhh.... Another weekend with no Internet at the RONALD~ I would have updated sooner but it is impossible for me to do this on  my phone.

It has been very cold here so that limits the walking we have been able to do :) So, Grier has had PLENTY of time at the ping-pong table in the playroom as well as the Ms. Pac-Man video game.... yes, I said Ms. Pac-Man!!! I even remember loving that game.

On Friday, we had another fun visitor.... Jeanna was here and stopped in and we went to Lenny's before she flew home.... she also played a game of ping-pong with Grier!!!  It was fun to see a familiar face from home.  

We have been on a few more trips via the NYPD bus.... we went to the premier of Princess and the Frog and to Christmas Spectacular with the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall.  Both were fun trips and the ride to and from might have been just as exciting!  Nothing like weaving in and out of NY traffic in a huge school bus with lights and sirens.

I read a few of the last posts and it almost sounds like we are on a NYC sightseeing vacation... but I can assure you this is a time filler.... and in between we are going to the hospital, getting poked and prodded, giving medicine 3-5 times a day, giving a shot..... and tomorrow is the start of the dreaded antibody (3F8) week!!!  We will have to be at the hospital by 8 and Grier will need his port accessed and a finger stick-- those two things right there are enough to ruin a day.  After that we will meet with the TEAM (Neuroblastoma)-- get cleared for treatment and then wait for labwork-- as soon as that comes I will give him the shot and we will wait an hour before we can start all the pre-meds for treatment.  I am planning for a whole day at the hospital... Grier will be in a narcotic haze for most of the day.  We will repeat this 5 times this week but on Friday he has to have Bone Marrows done before the 3F8--- I am glad he has gotten to see another side of NY because this week will make him say He DOES NOT like NY again! The plan is to fly home on Saturday morning--- I can not believe we have been here for almost 3 weeks!!!!

I have saved the best update for last.... CHARLOTTE, NC just had the biggest Cookies for Kids Cancer Bake sale in history!!! We beat NYC and San Fran!!! I want to thank everyone involved especially, Lesa, Patty and Mary for running with this idea.  I do not know a final total yet but it is BIG--- and going to be doubled by Glad!  As Grier goes through this treatment this week we are very thankful for the opportunity to participate in this clinical trial.... Hopefully one day enough research will be done so better, far less painful treatments will be developed to cure pediatric cancer or at the very least to be able to treat it as a chronic condition without the loss of quality of life.  Thanks again to all you GOOD cookies out there!!!! 

ok-- off to bed... I hope I can sleep as I anticipate the next five days of HELL--

Bake Sale Story by Molly G on WJZY

http://www.wbtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=11664693

4 days until the Bake Sale!! Please pass around to frieinds-

Our countdown is DONE--- Grier has completed 14 radiation treatments !!! This is not an easy thing to do for most adults and he did it--  Today was an easy day... two radiation treatments and a doctor's visit... the weather made it a little harder this morning--- rain and very windy-- but the afternoon turned out fine.

We heard about Grier's HAMA test and he is negative so GM-shots started today and will continue for 10 days-- we will start 3F8 on Monday for five days--- and HOME on the 19th-- just got the tickets today!!

I added a few pictures from the NY Knicks game and others I had not uploaded.... Grier is doing well... he did say today he was ready to go home-- I think he is a little tired so hopefully the next few days NOT having to go to the hospital will help.  Tomorrow we are going to the Princess and the Frog premier--- 

The bake sale  is almost here and it sounds like it is going to be AWESOME----

Please copy and paste this information and send it around to your Friends and family--- we need people to go and participate NOW-- I really wish I could be there..... :(  Not only will there be baked goods but also a raffle with so many neat items donated by local shops, friends, and teams--- 

Confirmed Raffle Items:

 

·         Zhu Zhu Pet

·         Polished @ Providence Rd.-manicure/pedicure

·         Mr. K's-(2) $10 gift cert.

·         Charlotte Symphony tickets-(2)Lollipops Concert-Sat., Jan 16, 2010

·         Charlotte Symphony tickets-(2)Symphony-"Variations"-Sat., March 6, 2010

·         Charlotte Symphony tickets-(2)Symphony-"Russian Spectacular"-Sat., March 27, 2010

·         Edible Arrangements-(2) $50 gift cert.

·         Dish It Out!-Pottery & Studio time

·         Renee Simmons-Pottery bowl w/ matching casserole dish and small pitcher

·        Greg Simmons-1 week baseball camp @ Charlotte Christian

·         Just Fresh @ East Blvd.-Gift Basket

·         Wolfman Pizza-$15 gift cert.

·         Dilworth Coffee-$20 gift card

·         Rusty's Deli-Dinner for two

·         Peek-a-Boo Couture-$25 gift cert.

·         Berrybrook Farms-$10 gift cert.

·         Zen Asian Fusion-$40 gift cert.

·         Roly Poly-$20 gift cert.

·         Dolce Italian Restaraunt-$25 gift cert.

·         Pasta & Provisions-1 lb. pasta & sauce

·         Cottage Chic-candle and body lotion

·         Massage Envy-1 hr. massage

·         Kixx Cool Shoes for Kids-$50 gift cert.

·         Sir Edmond Haley's-Lunch for two($25)

·         Fuel Pizza-$20 gift cert.

·         Bedford Falls Toy Shop-Beyer Horse(value $45)

·         The Place for Flowers-Poinsetta

·         Fitness Together-$170 gift cert.

·         Phil's Deli-$25 gift cert.

·         Brixx Wood Fired Pizza-(4) $25 gift cert.

·         Palm Beach Tan-(20)1 week free gift cert.

·         Asana Activewear-$50 gift cert.

·         Ben & Jerry's-(4)free ice cream cones

·         Barnes & Noble-(2)bags of Godiva Dark Chocolate Caramels

·         Dickadee's Deli-(2)free lunch certificates

·         SAS Cupcakes-(?)dozen cupcake certificates

·         Milky Way-$15 gift cert.

·         Showmar’s-$20 gift cert.

·         YAMA Asian Fusion-$25 gift cert.

·         Blu Basil-(3) $10 gift cert.

·         Salsarita’s-$10 gift card

·         Scout & Molly’s-$50 gift card

·         Qdoba(Jaime)-(2)$10 gift cards

·         Park Rd. Books-$10 gift card

·         Brownlee Jewelers-Pair of  Honora earrings

·         B.D. Jeffries-(2)”Juliska” vases

·         Ageless Remedies-$50 gift cert.

·         The Purposeful Play Co.-Educational Kit for 4-6 year olds($195 value)

·         City Art Works-Handmade ‘Crispina” Stuffed Animal($42 value)…Small Rug-‘Home at Last”($42 value)…Small T-Shirt by Sticks-‘Cherish Family’($32 value)

·         Megan & Chris Stuart-(4) Nascar tickets and Pit Passes

·         Petal-$25 gift card

·             ?      -Electric Toothbrush

·         Our Place-$50 gift cert.

·         Showmar’s-(2)$10 gift cert.

·         Cookies by Design-7 cookie basket($52 value)

·         Hotham-fa-la-la apron, DayNa Decker candle($79) value), Antica Farmicista Home Perfume($68 value), 3 Votive candle holders($48 value)

·         Swoozie’s-Santa cookie plate, 2 Santa votive holders, Santa wine cork, Santa serving knife, Santa Hot Cocoa and Santa napkins

·         ChezElle-clutch purse

·         Alphabet Soup-Holiday bucket of goodies($105 value)

·         3 French Hens-Paula Deen’s: My First Cookbook for Kids’

·         Stevesmithauthentic.com-Autographed 8 x 10 Steve Smith Photo

·         Bobcats-Autographed basketball

 

 

 

Group of local Moms holding Cookies for Kids' Cancer Bake Sale at two separate locations on Sunday, December 13 from 1-5 PM to support Pediatric Cancer Research:
 
Reid's Fine Foods(225 E. 7th St., Uptown)
&
Blackhawk Hardware(Park Rd. Shopping Center)
 
In honor of Grier Christenbury and all the 'little warriors' like him.
 
We will have sweet treats and breads from every one's favorite bakeries, such as, Amelie's French Bakery, Polka Dots Bake Shop, Edible Art, Tizzert's and Suarez Bakery, just to name a few.  We have over 20 bakeries and bread makers donating baked goods, as well as, lots of goodies baked by local mothers.
 
Glad's-Glad to Give Program will be matching the proceeds from any Cookies for Kids' Cancer Bake Sale held in the months of November and December!
 
Cookies for Kids' Cancer is a non-profit organization committed to raising funds to support research for new and improved therapies for pediatric cancers.  Through local bake sales, Cookies for Kids' Cancer provides the inspiration and support for individuals, communities, and businesses to help fight cancer.
 
The first Cookies for Kids' Cancer bake sale was held in December 2007, when the mom of a young child with cancer decided to have an enormous bake sale where she and others would sell 96,000 cookies to raise money to help fund a pediatric cancer treatment in development.  With the help of more than 250 volunteers, all 96,000 cookies were baked and sold in just three weeks.  The bake sale raised over $400,000.  From the support the first baked sale received, the idea to create an organization for people to hold their own bake sales came to life with the creation of a national organization.
 
Cookies for Kids' Cancer is not about one child or one type of pediatric cancer.  It is about changing the facts of pediatric cancer for the better, forever.  Childhood cancers are the number one disease killer of children - more than asthma, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis and pediatric AIDS combined.  Nearly 13,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year.  Survivors of childhood cancer face a broad range of physical and psychological challenges imposed by the disease, and some will suffer its long-term effects for the rest of their lives.  Despite all these statistics, there has not been a new drug developed specifically for pediatric cancer in over 20 years.
 
Together we can raise the funds and awareness necessary to change the face of pediatric cancer research and to provide more families and children with the hope they deserve.  Cookies for Kids' Cancer is committed to raising funds to support research for new and inproved therapies for pediatric cancer.  Make the future of pediatric cancers something more than a scary statistic.  Join in the fight because every child deserves a chance to live their dreams.Show quoted text -
 
Visit www.cookiesforkidscancer.org to find out how you can support Cookies for Kids' Cancer

 

 

3 to go--- and we are tired :)

Grier has 3 more radiation treatments to go---- one this afternoon and two tomorrow--  I am ready and I know he is--- he has done a great job staying still and the lack of anesthesia has helped his mood a lot--- he has not had any side effects so far-- he has more energy than my mom and I do at the moment--- The late nights and early mornings are catching up with me---- but that does not stop us from trying to make this not so fun trip ... FUN!

We saw Shrek the Musical on Broadway last Friday Night--- It was great-- Grier was laughing out loud and seemed to enjoy everything about the play--- He fell asleep in the cab on the way home but it was almost 11pm!  Saturday.. we slept in a little and the rain helped slow us down-- so we rented a movie, went to the playroom and made an appearance at one of the Holiday parties--- but really just hung out-- it snowed a little.  Saturday Night we met a nice soccer team from Long Island University--- they came to the Ronald and played a soccer trivia game-- Grier liked it but later said he wanted to see them play a soccer game :)  Sunday was a little busier.... we went out to breakfast at Cafe Luka and after breakfast we had a visitor from Charlotte... Ms. Pat and Ken were in NYC so they got the grand tour of the Ronald and then we walked in our neighborhood a bit--- we should them "crumbs"-- the cupcake store!

Monday started the whole process of getting up early again and going to the hospital for treatments--- After the afternoon session we went to Madison Square Garden with a few families from the Ronald to watch the NY Knicks play--- it was a lot of fun-- We were courtside during practice... Grier had a picture taken with a few players-- ( there was quite a size difference!) After the warm-ups we went to a suite had dinner and watched the Knicks win--- LOTS of fun-- and perfect for Grier--- he was into it-- While we were there, Jeff called to say he saw us on TV-- so Grier thought that was cool-- This was all part of the garden of dreams foundation--  We rode in a police van to MSG and that added to the excitement--- it was fun to watch taxis move over with the lights and sirens-

That is it for now--- One week down--- We should find out tonight about his blood test that he had done on Friday--- If it comes back negative I will have to start giving shots tomorrow to prepare for the next round of 3F8---

Thanks for all the messages... emails... cards.. and packages--- Grier said that everyone must really miss him because he is getting a lot of mail :)  He loves to check the mailbox.... 

Before I post this--- DON'T FORGET about the upcoming bake sale for Cookies for KIDS CANCER--- THIS WEEKEND at REID'S & BLACKHAWK---

see info below---

As we mentioned in our previous e-mail, we are in the throws of putting together a Cookies for Kids' Cancer Bake Sale in honor of Grier Christenbury.  We know some of you may not know Grier, but he is a TK student at First Pres. WDS and is currently battling Neuroblastoma.  Please go to www.gogriergo.com to learn more about Grier and his brave battle with this relentless disease.  That being said, we are still looking for some volunteers!  Although we have had a great response, we are still have spaces we need to fill at both locations.  Parking will be free for any CFKC volunteers in the Reid's parking deck on Sunday.  
 
These are the positions we still need filled:
 
Reid's 
12-1:30 Table Helper
4-5:30 Table Helper
Sign Holders(great job for older children)
Delivery driver to deliver baked goods from drop-off sites to bake sale

Blackhawk Hardware
2:30-4 Table Helper
4-5:30 Table Helper
Sign Holders

We are also in need of a few more bakers and we still need lots of paper lunch bags and Glad zip bags of any size!
 
Does anyone have a tent?  We are in need of 3-4 tents!
 
On another note, we have decided to throw a raffle into the mix!  We are in the process of collecting donations for our raffle and would greatly appreciate anyone who might have an item they would like to donate (i.e. Panthers/Bobcats/Checkers tickets, movie passes, gift certificates, etc.).  We already have a Zhu Zhu pet to raffle off, as well as, manicure/pedicures, Symphony tickets, restaurant certificates, etc.  Every little bit helps!  We are trying to take advantage of the fact that Glad's - Glad to Give Program will be matching our proceeds dollar for dollar.  Please visit www.gladtogive.com to learn more... there you will find Grier's story highlighted on their website along with many other brave little warriors battling Neuroblastoma.
 
If anyone has an interest in helping collect raffle items, please contact: lesa.helbein@gmail.com or call (704)777-1131.
 
We are also looking for corporate donations!  We would greatly appreciate it if some of you would be willing to approach your employers as may your spouses, to see if they would be willing to help out with this worthy cause.  This would be a great tax write-off for those who have not yet met their yearly quota's of up to $500.  Please take the time to consider this as an option.  We realize that it may be awkward to ask for money in these uncertain times, but there is nothing more uncertain than cancer.  100% of our proceeds will be going directly to Sloan-Kettering in honor of Grier for pediatric cancer research.  The science is there to help create new therapies for these children, but the funds are what is lacking. 
 
Some of you may have seen an article in 'O' magazines December issue on the Cookies for Kids' Cancer cause with Gretchen Holt Witt, the mother who founded CFKC.  She had her first bake sale in December 2007, and since then has raised over $400,000 for pediatric cancer research through this 'grass roots' effort.  Please go towww.cookiesforkidscancer.org if you'd like to know more about how this all came to be(you'll see Grier highlighted on this website as well).
 
Also, we have attached a couple of items above that we thought might interest you.
 
The founders of Cookies for Kids' Cancer believe that if we all do a little, together we will do a lot.  Please be a 'good cookie' and help us with our efforts in making this the biggest bake sale Charlotte has ever seen! 
 
And remember...

                                              
Cookies for Kids' Cancer Bake Sale
 
In honor of Grier Christenbury
 
Sunday, December 13 from 1-5 PM
 
2 Locations:
 
Reid's Fine Foods(225 E. 7th St.)
&
Blackhawk Hardware(Park Rd. Shopping Ctr.)
 
We will have lots of sweet treats and breads from every one's favorite bakeries, such as, Amelie's French Bakery, Edible Art, Polka Dots Bake Shop, Suarez Bakery and Tizzert's just to name a few.  We will also have Dilworth Coffee and Smoothie King participating in this event!

 

A Friday Update

Grier finished #8 out his 14 this afternoon--- it is getting a little easier..... he has a routine down and we are following his lead!  He is picking a new song everyday... today's choice was we will rock you by Queen--- yesterday it was Owl City- fireflies-- After we get the ipod all set up I leave and the thick steel door shuts.... and I give a play by play through the intercom telling him when the machine will move and when the loud buzz will happen-- we count down the buzzes and when we get to #4 he knows the door will slowly open and I will be inside--- he is even smiling when I come in because he is so proud that he is doing this without tears... We do not have any treatments over the weekend.... so we will begin again bright and early on Monday Morning (7:30am)-- 

We have gotten to do some fun things--- actually we have been very busy.... On Tuesday, Bank of America had a party for the kids at the Ronald in their offices near Rockefeller Center-- we all piled on a bus and went to that--- there was a ton of traffic because of the crowds attending the tree lighting.... so it took almost 90 minutes--- but we did get there and Grier enjoyed watching the tree lighting and listening to the performers while staying dry--  Last night there was the annual Share a Night fundraiser here at the house... They lit a tree, a menorah, and the Kwanzaa candle--- had a sing-a-long, and a special appearance by the Man himself--- SANTA!  He was escorted by a couple of Rockettes--- Tonight we were able to receive some tickets from the house to Shrek the Musical--- so we are excited about going to Broadway in a few hours....

It will be a nice way to end a busy week--- I am looking forward to sleeping a little late in the morning :)

All in all my mom, Grier and I are surviving here in NYC--- It has been 5 days and I am ready to go home--- but we have a ways to go-- Grier did have a blood test done today to check to see if he is HAMA positive or negative--- we want him to be negative so he can receive another of 3F8--- we will find out these results Tuesday Night---

And last but not least--- the bake sale planning is going strong..... if you would like to help please see the email below--- all money raised will be going to find a cure for pediatric cancer-- A HUGE THANK YOU to all that are going to help-- and especially to Lesa, Patty,Mary and Maclean for taking this idea and making it come true!

As we mentioned in our previous e-mail, we are in the throws of putting together a Cookies for Kids' Cancer Bake Sale in honor of Grier Christenbury.  We know some of you may not know Grier, but he is a TK student at First Pres. WDS and is currently battling Neuroblastoma.  Please go to www.gogriergo.com to learn more about Grier and his brave battle with this relentless disease.  That being said, we are still looking for some volunteers!  Although we have had a great response, we are still have spaces we need to fill at both locations.  Parking will be free for any CFKC volunteers in the Reid's parking deck on Sunday.  
 
These are the positions we still need filled:
 
Reid's 
12-1:30 Table Helper
4-5:30 Table Helper
Sign Holders(great job for older children)
Delivery driver to deliver baked goods from drop-off sites to bake sale

Blackhawk Hardware
2:30-4 Table Helper
4-5:30 Table Helper
Sign Holders

We are also in need of a few more bakers and we still need lots of paper lunch bags and Glad zip bags of any size!
 
Does anyone have a tent?  We are in need of 3-4 tents!
 
On another note, we have decided to throw a raffle into the mix!  We are in the process of collecting donations for our raffle and would greatly appreciate anyone who might have an item they would like to donate (i.e. Panthers/Bobcats/Checkers tickets, movie passes, gift certificates, etc.).  We already have a Zhu Zhu pet to raffle off, as well as, manicure/pedicures, Symphony tickets, restaurant certificates, etc.  Every little bit helps!  We are trying to take advantage of the fact that Glad's - Glad to Give Program will be matching our proceeds dollar for dollar.  Please visit www.gladtogive.com to learn more... there you will find Grier's story highlighted on their website along with many other brave little warriors battling Neuroblastoma.
 
If anyone has an interest in helping collect raffle items, please contact: lesa.helbein@gmail.com or call (704)777-1131.
 
We are also looking for corporate donations!  We would greatly appreciate it if some of you would be willing to approach your employers as may your spouses, to see if they would be willing to help out with this worthy cause.  This would be a great tax write-off for those who have not yet met their yearly quota's of up to $500.  Please take the time to consider this as an option.  We realize that it may be awkward to ask for money in these uncertain times, but there is nothing more uncertain than cancer.  100% of our proceeds will be going directly to Sloan-Kettering in honor of Grier for pediatric cancer research.  The science is there to help create new therapies for these children, but the funds are what is lacking. 
 
Some of you may have seen an article in 'O' magazines December issue on the Cookies for Kids' Cancer cause with Gretchen Holt Witt, the mother who founded CFKC.  She had her first bake sale in December 2007, and since then has raised over $400,000 for pediatric cancer research through this 'grass roots' effort.  Please go towww.cookiesforkidscancer.org if you'd like to know more about how this all came to be(you'll see Grier highlighted on this website as well).
 
Also, we have attached a couple of items above that we thought might interest you.
 
The founders of Cookies for Kids' Cancer believe that if we all do a little, together we will do a lot.  Please be a 'good cookie' and help us with our efforts in making this the biggest bake sale Charlotte has ever seen! 
 
And remember...

                                              
Cookies for Kids' Cancer Bake Sale
 
In honor of Grier Christenbury
 
Sunday, December 13 from 1-5 PM
 
2 Locations:
 
Reid's Fine Foods(225 E. 7th St.)
&
Blackhawk Hardware(Park Rd. Shopping Ctr.)
 
We will have lots of sweet treats and breads from every one's favorite bakeries, such as, Amelie's French Bakery, Edible Art, Polka Dots Bake Shop, Suarez Bakery and Tizzert's just to name a few.  We will also have Dilworth Coffee and Smoothie King participating in this event!

 

2 down 12 to go!

After a delay due to weather and some turbulence in the air we landed in NYC last night around 9:15pm---- Our taxi ride was very quick ---- just put it this way.... I was feeling car sick and the usual 30 minutes from LGA to the Ronald was in 13 minutes!!!  The best part about our arrival last night was that we did not have to unpack and check in again- the room was exactly how we left it and all we had to do was get dinner--

Radiation started bright and early today--- I was prepared for a less than 5 minute procedure but it was a lot longer again- and again Grier was very upset--- I could not be in the room at all and I had to talk to him through an intercom--- the door was the size of a bank vault and I could still hear him screaming through that--- we had to stop and stop several times  but the first treatment was complete this morning--- we had to go back at 3pm for the second treatment-- went a little better because it was 5 minutes but he does not like this loud "buzzing" noise the machine makes--- tomorrow we are going to being his itouch and play some "Party in the USA" to see if that distracts him-- I HOPE!!! He has 12 more treatments and we need him to stay still--

In between treatments today we did some walking.... FAO was on the top of the list :)--- I can nor believe we made it out of there with NOTHING!!  We lunched at Lenny's-- actually took it back to the Ronald.... and then went back to the hospital-- on the way back Grier must have dropped his Ipod when he fell asleep in the stroller--- we did not notice until we looked for it to take into the radiation room-- my mom ended up walking back to try to find it along York Ave--- ( I know some are laughing...) And the luckiest thing happened--- a family found it...called our house in Charlotte-- and Haley told them we were in NYC at Sloan-- The nice woman brought it to security at MSKCC--- and my mom had it back before we got back to the Ronald--- LUCKY Grier!!!

Tonight we went to a Holiday party at the RMDH--- given by MACY's--- it was fun.... they read a story and the kids got the stuffed animal that Macy's did this year--- We are planning on going to the tree lighting tomorrow with the RMDH--- it should be fun -- can't wait to upload pictures---

That is it for now--- Grier is hanging in there-- he opened his "first"square of his advent calendar.... he was funny as we talked about dates in Dec. and when he got to 25 it would be Christmas--- He quickly said I better be home by the time we get to 25!!!  

see the other posts about the Cookies for Kids Cancer CHARLOTTE bake sale--- Your help is needed--

Amy

Two things---

Just wanted to let everyone know we are ready for our extended stay in NYC--- well...... not really but we are pretending!!!! My mom will be going with Grier and I to New York tomorrow. He will start radiation twice a day on Tuesday and it will be 7 days-- 14 treatments all together. I will be updating from NYC -- promise--- I am feeling a lot better! I am hoping that in between treatments Grier will feel well enough to enjoy the Holidays in the City--- there is a lot to do and see this time of year~ After radiation, if all goes according to plan he will have another round of 3F8 ( antibody treatment)- and we will be home on the 19th to enjoy the Holidays at home-

I honestly can not believe how fast our time at home went -- I am pleased to say the Christmas tree is up at our house-- and "some" decorating took place--- I was afraid after 19 days in the city I would not be up to decorating so we did a little now-- :)

Grier loves to check the mailbox-- if you want to send a note please send it to this address--- PLEASE DO NOT send large packages ( there is NO room in the room or in our suitcase--- :) If you must send something.... he likes stickers, coloring books, musical cards, quarters...

Our address in NYC---

Grier Christenbury

405 E 73rd St Room 311
New York, NY 10021

Please see the email below-- I know I have mentioned the bake sale a few moms have planned -- IT is going to be AWESOME--- I am so upset I will not be here to see it!!! They are in need of volunteers to make this a success-- Please help out if you can-- Lots of people and businesses have been working hard to make this a success---!!! I hope someone will be taking pictures from Reid's and Blackhawk so I can see it from NYC---- Thanks in advance for all the hardwork....

Amy

After participating as part of the Go Grier Go! Team at the Cure Search Walk to Conquer Kids’ Cancer, a group of WDS ( First Pres Weekday School) mothers was inspired by the support and community outreach from those who are passionate about finding a cure for Kids’ Cancer. It was also sobering to discover how many children in our community – alone – have lost their lives to or are battling Pediatric Cancer.

Grier Christenbury’s mother, Amy, has provided the following opportunity to raise awareness and funds in an effort to find a cure: Cookies for Kids’ Cancer (CFKC) Bake Sale: Sunday, December 13, 2009 1:00-5:00 PM

A group of WDS mothers have begun the process of collecting donations and obtaining sponsorship from local bakeries and shops, such as Polka-Dots, Edible Art, Suarez Bakery, Dilworth Coffee, and Smoothie King.

Two CFKC bake sale locations have also been secured:
– Reid’s Fine Foods (225 E. 7th St, Uptown)
– Blackhawk Hardware (Park Road Shopping Center)

Both locations offer the opportunity to raise awareness and funds to promote the CFKC cause because of the visibility they provide to the general public.

Amy mentioned that she really wants to have a CFKC bake sale before the end of the year because of GLAD’s - Glad to Give Program and their generous contribution to match the proceeds made from a CFKC bake sale.

The WDS will be the primary source for the success of this bake sale, and we need your help! We have identified a list of duties below. In most cases, we have determined a designated number of helpers needed for each location. However, as far as bakers go, there is no limit!

If you are interested in volunteering, please send an email to Mary Casey at caseymm22@yahoo.com. Indicate: Your top 3 interests, the location (Reid’s or Blackhawk Hardware).that is closest to where you live and you plan to support, and a contact phone number. We will accommodate on a first-come first-served basis and notify you of where your help will be needed most.

Thank you, in advance, for your time and consideration. As the mother whose idea it was to create CFKC says, “If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes the world to fight Pediatric Cancer.” We’re in this fight because every child battling Cancer deserves a fighting chance.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.gogriergo.com/
www.cookiesforkidscancer.org
www.glad.com/gladtogive



CFKC BAKE SALE LIST OF DUTIES
Bake Sale Preparation Helpers

· Volunteers to place promotional signs in storefronts (10, 10 storefronts each)

· Bakers (Unlimited): Please label and provide baked goods on a covered plastic tray.

· Volunteers to provide paper lunch bags and GLAD plastic bags of all sizes (Unlimited)

· Sign-Makers (6 per location):

Direction will be provided.

· Volunteers to offer home as a drop-off location (4) to accept deliveries on Saturday, December 12 from 2:00-4:00 PM and have deliveries available for pick-up on Sunday morning before the bake sale

· Pick-up and Delivery Drivers (6): Needed on Saturday, December 12 from 1-4:30 PM to pick up baked goods and supplies and drop them off at drop-off locations. Clean truck or van is needed.

· Pick-up and Delivery Drivers (3 per location): Needed on Sunday, December 13 from 11-3 PM to pick up baked goods and supplies and drop them off at bake sale sites. Clean truck or van is needed.

· Volunteers to Transport tables and chairs (2): We need someone to pick up tables and chairs and deliver them to the bake sale sites and then someone to return them after the sale.

· Sign-Holders (8 for Reid’s and 8 for Blackhawk Hardware): This is a great duty for older children!

NOTE: We need freezer space! If you have a deep freezer, please let us know.

Bake Sale Location Helpers

REID'S

11:00-12 noon Set-up (3)

12 noon-1:00 PM Set-up(5)

1:00-2:30 PM Station Helper (5)

2:30-4:00 PM Station Helper (5)

4:00-5:50 PM Station Helper (5)

BLACKHAWK HARDWARE

11:00-12 noon Set-up(3)

12 noon-1:00 PM Set-up(5)

1:00-2:30 PM Station Helper(5)

2:30-4:00 PM Station Helper(5)

4:00-5:30 PM Station Helper(5)