Happy Holidays 2005

Dear family and friends,

This past year has been full of joy and thanksgiving for us. Christmas eve will be the 3rd anniversary of Katie’s diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Katie has remained in remission since New Years day 2003!! She went off treatment (OT) in February -- she no longer has to take any medicines or chemotherapy drugs!

Katie has monthly visits to her oncologist for complete blood counts (CBC) and other tests. Katie is still experiencing effects from some of the chemotherapy drugs she had while on treatment. She has fatigue in her legs and weakness in her ankles. Katie went to physical therapy for a few months. She has an exercise routine that we do at home, and wears orthotics. They help relieve the fatigue so she can walk and run without tiring easily. Katie is also experiencing chronic back and hip pain which we will address again with her oncologist.

We celebrated the huge milestone of Katie going OT with a party given by the Kisses for Kyle Foundation which offers financial help to families who have a child being treated for cancer. Our immediate family and some of Katie’s friends were treated to a feast by Cater To You, pottery painting, music, games and balloon animals. Katie said it was the best party ever!

We also celebrated with a trip to Disney World given to Katie by the Make-A-Wish Foundation which grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses. We were guests at Give Kids the World Village, which is a special place for kids whose wish is to go to Disney World. The Village is run completely from corporate and private donations, and isn't associated with any of the parks in Orlando. There are around 90 staff members and over 900 volunteers!!! Every one of the 92 wish families that they house, had their own villa and rental car. Katie was given a special pass that got us into the rides and attractions at the Disney World parks without waiting in line! It also allowed her to have private photo/autograph sessions with the characters!

While we were in the Village, we went horse back riding, went to a birthday party for Mayor Clayton (the big rabbit who runs the place), celebrated Christmas with Santa, played in the arcade, raced motorized boats, went swimming, played in the water park, went on the Carousel, and even went on a train ride and an evening carriage ride around the Village. There was a huge interactive model train set-up and Ole Elmer (the giant snoring tree) that Kyle really loved. We ate many of our breakfasts and dinners at the Gingerbread house, which is filled with hundreds of vintage toys. Everyone’s favorite place was the ice cream parlor where we could get all the ice cream we wanted, when we wanted!! The whole trip was truly magical!! (click here to see photos)

Having a child with cancer had a profound effect on our lives. In April of this year, John and I started a non-profit organization called KATIE'S WISH. Through our web site -- www.katieswish.com -- we provide families with valuable resources and links to general information about childhood ALL, survivorship issues and related topics. We also share information about local and national events that help children living with cancer and their families. Since the launch of the KATIE'S WISH web site 8 months ago, we’ve had over 22,100 hits to our web site!!

Our fundraising efforts assist charitable organizations that help families who have a child living with cancer. In the Spring, Katie held her first lemonade stand to benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for pediatric cancer research. She hopes to do one again next year. In October, over 65 people joined our team for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s nationwide Light the Night Walk, where I gave a speech at the opening ceremony. Our team raised $3,189.00 to help fund blood cancer research. (photos to come) Throughout 2005, our online childhood cancer awareness shops have been raising money for Gilda’s Club Delaware Valley, which helps families effected by cancer.

To commemorate her going off treatment, Katie wanted to create a cookbook to help other kids living with cancer. The response was overwhelming!! KATIE'S COOKING! a cookbook celebrating life after childhood cancer has over 780 recipes from more than 80 celebrity chefs and TV personalties, restaurants from around the country, national magazines, food companies, culinary schools, family and friends who have graciously donated their favorite recipes. The cookbook, which will be available in early 2006, will benefit The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Division of Oncology, Kisses for Kyle Foundation, and Gilda’s Club Delaware Valley. We extend our gratitude to everyone who donated their recipes, time, and money to help make this project possible.

Sandra Lee, host of the popular Food Network show Semi-Homemade with Sandra Lee, and NY Times Best-selling author, was touched by Katie’s story. Sandra wrote the introduction in the cookbook and helped us get recipes from Rachael Ray, Emeril Lagasse and some others! In September, Sandra invited Katie to NY City to meet her. We spent some time chatting in her hotel lounge and then Sandra took us to the Central Park Zoo. It was a really fun day! (photos to come)

Katie will celebrate her 6th birthday this coming January. She enjoys swimming, ballet, reading and cooking, and loves going to Kindergarten. Kyle is a typical 2-year-old boy who is always on the go. He loves playing trains and making messes every chance he gets. They both give John and I so much joy!

On behalf of John, Katie and Kyle, we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts for the ever present support you have shown for Katie, our family and KATIE’S WISH. Please continue your prayers for Katie, that each day brings her closer to being cured. We wish you all the happiest of holidays and a healthy 2006!

Much love,
Patty

NEXT: December 21, 2005 -- OT visit #9
wacky CBC due to illness, Katie's physical, chronic pain, two trips to the North Pole, cookbook to print