Looking back at 2007

Patty lost her two best friends this year. We were all so devastated when her Dad was diagnosed with lung cancer in mid-March. To everyone’s surprise, her Mom had a massive stroke just a couple of weeks later and passed away on March 31st. Patty’s Dad moved in with us, for what he thought would be just until he was done treatment and could regain his strength. While he was on vacation with us during the 4th of July holiday, he was hospitalized and died 10 days later.

We are all getting through this year of ‘firsts’ with a lot of tears, but with many more happy memories of our time spent together. We all miss them very much.

Kyle (age 4) is in pre-K. His favorite activities are going to school, riding his bike, and playing baseball or hockey. He enjoys trains, dinosaurs, and space toys. He is fascinated with how things are put together – and, especially how they come apart. Kyle hopes to be a space-man when he grows up.

Katie (age 7) is in the 2^nd grade. She reached her two-year off-treatment mark in March and continues to see her oncologist regularly. Katie was diagnosed with Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP) -- a form of vasculitis -- in October. She had several trips to the ED with bruised and swollen ankles and severe intestinal pain. She has recovered completly. Katie is doing very well in school. She loves science, math, soccer, dance, swimming, Brownie Girl Scouts, cooking and reading. Katie wants to be a fashion designer or a teacher when she grows up.

Katie’s cookbook got a great deal of press this year. Stories of her special project to help other kids with cancer were in several local newspapers and a national magazine, Woman’s World. There is even a photo and few pages about the cookbook mentioned in Food Network star, Sandra Lee’s new book called “Made From Scratch!” We are very close to selling out of our third printing and are thrilled to share that by year’s end, close to $19, 000.00 from the cookbook sales will be donated to childhood cancer charities!

We wish you all a blessed holiday season!