OT: My niece is going to be a star!

I want to thank everyone who's supported my journey and followed the story of my darling niece, Kaitlin.  For those of you who didn't know Kaitlin was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in 2005 when she was just 3.5 years old.  Fortunately she managed to get through the 2.5 years of treatment and is currently leukemia-free (they never say a child is cured of cancer because it can always come back in children). Anyway, Kaitlin was asked to participate in a fundraser for an incredible organziation, the Children's Cancer Association.  The radio station 105.1 -- The Buzz -- is doing a marathon fundraiser for CCA and has some incredible items to bid on (as they put it -- just in time for valentine's day).  You can listen live on air through the internet. Kaitlin is scheduled to be on air tomorrow at 8:00 am.  I doubt she'll say much, lol, because she's a pretty shy girl but I think this is an incredible experience and it comes almost exactly three years after her diagnosis. I'm going to try and call in a pledge (I don't want to win the prize they're auctioning off at that time) when Kaitlin is on air but I have a scheduling conflict. Anyway, I just wanted to let you all know what an incredible organization CCA is and they have been such an incredible emotional support for my niece and her family.  They have gone above and beyond for so many children and their families that I really have nothing negative to say.  If you are looking for a valentine's day idea, a $10 donation gets you an e-card to send to friends and family. I'm not asking for anything.  I'm just beaming with pride.  And, if you have some extra $$ that you would like to donate to a worthwhile charity, I can stand up and say proudly that the CCA stands up for children and their families and does an incredible job!  Honestly I hadn't even heard about it until Kaitlin got sick and that's unfortunate.  I appreciate learning about GOOD charities when I can so share your experiences, too! Again, thanks so much for all of the emotional support you all have provided me and my family.  You really don't know what it has meant to all of us.  I just hope I can repay you for all you have done. Lori

Wow Lori - this is really cool.  I'm glad to hear your niece has had a good outcome.  I pray that will continue for her.  This certainly sounds like a wonderful cause to donate to. Linda

Thanks so much, Linda.  They have been nothing but supportive for my sister and family.  They've been a great clearinghouse of information when your world has been turned upside down and inside out.  I can't say much more nice about them.  I hope that, when I am more able, I would be able to sign up as a ChemoPal just to give a child a chance at happiness and the parents a little break. Lori

Lori, I too have a niece named Kaitlynn.  She was touched by cancer as well, only her mother was the one who battled and lost that war.   I have years for years listened to the buzz and know about their work with the CCA.  Every year I listen and the stories, the families and the support they receive from this INCREDIBLE charity move me so much! God bless your niece Lori!  And all the other children out there battling this monster!  

I'm so sorry for your sister's (sister-in-law?) lost battle.  We really hadn't been given too much hope with cancer in our lives (our mom and dad died of lung cancer and my brother-in-law's mother died of ovarian cancer) so having the mere mention of the word, well, it was beyond devastating.  But we still had hope. I don't even have words for your niece.  I honestly can't imagine losing a parent when I am young or need them the most (or both).  As it was my parents died far too young (I was 24 when my dad died and 35 when my mom died) if I would have lost either of them younger I would certainly have been cheated to say the least.  She must be a very strong girl! Yeah, CCA tends to pull at the heartstrings and do a wonderful job of doing it.  I love finding out about quality charities that are worth my time or money. I would love for nothing else than to see pediatric cancer eradicated.  Ok, any other serious illness, too, but any disease or disorder that may take a child's life too early. Thanks for your support. Lori

I am the Director of the Music Rx Program for the Children's Cancer Association.  I worked with all the kids and their families for the radio-a-thon.  We were so honored that these families were willing to take the time to share their stories and to help inspire the Buzz listeners.  Kaitlin arrived in her beautiful princess dress (you can see her picture on our website at www.childrenscancerassociation.org). Thank you for sharing about CCA on the Oregon Boards and for spreading the word of the radio-a-thon.  Nelson, Terry, and Nicolle and the Buzz listeners have been huge supporters and we appreciate all they do to help share our story. Take care, Emily

Oh, Emily!  I can't say enough about CCA.  They have been absolutely phenomenal for my family.  They've allowed Kaitlin to continue to be a child.  Not all charities are what they seem at first and my sister's experience with CCA has been nothing but positive. I love to support charities that truly make a difference and I have no doubt your organization does exactly that! Kaitlin enjoyed being a princess (and having a chance to see Santa, apparently) but missed her uncle's call (my husband) when he tried to call in and announce our donation on air.  I know, too, that it was near the end of the pledge drive, the DJs were all tired, and it was one of the largest items they were auctioning off (ironically, I would have loved to have been in a position to bid on the kitchen because ours is in desperate need of attention, lol) so they were rather busy. I hope you feel the love for all that you do at work.  I don't think Kaitlin directly benefited from your branch of CCA because she wasn't in the hospital very long (she did have time to fall in love with Lynn, though, from Emanuel, when she'd come in and "play") but I can only imagine how powerful your division is (we just got back from a cruise with the bands Barenaked Ladies and Guster -- my hands are slowly recovering from all of the clapping).  Music is an important part in Kaitlin's life, too. And what a small world that we both had the same surgeon!  And Kaitlin was the reason for my surgery.  Talk about full circle! I bow to you and your organization -- I can't say anything bad and I know how powerful everything you do is to these children. Lori