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!