Because hockey playoffs are this coming weekend and that coincides with our favorite charitable event, St. Baldrick's Day, it was necessary to do a little early shaving around here...
Shavee No. 1: Declan Up in the chair and ready to go. We had the shaving at the rink after practice last night.
Basically, all of the players whose teams qualified for playoffs could opt to shave early.
I think he's adorable bald...all those freckles...I wonder if I can still call him adorable?
Before we arrived at the rink, we were a little worried. Only a few players were pre-registered.
We shouldn't have worried. Good luck this weekend, boys!
Wow, boys. Way to go! To them, it's tons of fun. I hope they know how much good they're doing while they're having fun.
Money is still coming in. A huge THANK YOU to everyone!
We had a huge turnout for St. Baldrick's Day today. The day didn't end exactly how I had envisioned it though. Read on for details.
First, a few pics and details about the day:
Declan, from his early shaving experience on TV8. He has raised $575 so far!
Eamonn in the shamrock shades. He raised $110.
So while some people donated to either Declan or Finn, the two of them together raised an additional $950 for Team Mighty Finn! The whole Team Mighty Finn, comprised of Eamonn, Declan, my nephew Garvin, a bunch of Declan's friends, and other community members raised over $6,000! We're still waiting on the totals for today, but when I left at 4pm, preliminary totals were over $50,000! Amazing for our little town.
On to more pics of the day. . .and the surprise ending. . .
My nephew, Garvin.
Declan's buddy, Jack.
Declan's buddy, Spencer.
And then Spencer's adorable little sister, Tenley, jumped into the shaving fray!
Finn and his friend, Teak.
Declan's friend, Zane. Zane is also Teak's big brother.
Declan's friends, twins Warren and Wylder.
This isn't even a picture of the whole Kid Shaving Gang! Some got away before we took the picture, and some came later. Kids shaving for kids. So cool. You're amazing, kids!
This is Patrick. He and Eamonn have coached soccer together for several years.
This is Patrick's son, Colin.
Shaving, shaving, shaving. Everyone is shaving.
And then. . .
A Surprising Thing happened.
I'll let the pictures do the talking:
Finn and Cindy, our amazing event coordinator, comparing hair.
After. . .
Finn, Patrick and Colin
Truth be told, I didn't want him to do it. In fact, I asked him repeatedly to wait until next year. Eamonn and Declan had already left for an Avs game in Denver, so they weren't even there to see it--we texted them pictures and hoped they didn't drive off the road in shock. But he was determined. And he loved every minute of it. He has basically been sitting on the couch rubbing the stubble on his head the entire night. Hilarious.
If you haven't donated and were thinking about doing so, maybe hop on over to Finn's St. Baldrick's page and donate there. I told him I'd kick in a bit in honor of his effort today!
And finally, for good measure, I took this: Finn's scar from the playground scalping last fall. This is his favorite picture from today.
Thank you to everyone who donated! I'm going on vacation with all the money we'll shave on shampoo this year!
We already have bald people in this house and St. Baldrick's Day 2010 is still two days away.
Each year, our local St. Baldrick's volunteer committee works to do as much promotion of the event as possible. We can put free "ads" in the paper on a community page, we do news releases, and we've always tried to get on the local TV station, which didn't work until this year.
The local TV station is run by Vail Resorts and is kind of like when you go to a hotel and they always have a hotel channel. But the Vail channel is really much more broad and they do all sorts of interviews, cooking segments, they're out on the mountain, etc.
So they had requested that someone come on, talk about St. Baldrick's and pediatric cancer, and then shave heads in advance. Our volunteer leader, Cindy, asked if we would be willing to go on as a family, which of course, we were. I mean, I was willing to go at first, but as the day approached, I was regretting it. I hate being on TV. There's nothing like seeing yourself up close and personal and noticing all of your annoying mannerisms that the rest of the world is subjected to on a daily basis. But it was for a good cause and I didn't have to shave, so away we went.
First, we had to make preparations:
Eamonn sprayed Declan; Declan sprayed Eamonn. They're a good team that way. I can't stand the smell of that stuff.
I was a little worried because I realized if Eamonn and Declan were shaving on air and I was being interviewed while they were shaving, I wouldn't have any pictures of them being shaved. And that bummed me out because Declan always look so cute in the shaving process. Eamonn likes to get that old man/clown shave. It's slightly less cute, but extremely hilarious.
Enter Christine who always takes stellar St. Baldrick's pictures every year. She e-mailed me and said she would be at the TV station taking pictures. Thank you, Christine!
Here are Christine's pictures documenting our morning. It was us, the TV host, Tricia, and the two barbers, Angela and Sandy. Some of the pics are in black and white because Christine couldn't shoot with a flash so the pictures looked better in black and white.
Live from Vail, it's. . .US!
Jabbering and getting ready to shave. . .
Finn jumping around and waving at the camera. He kept looking at the monitor in the lobby. Come to think of it, so did I.
Why does he love this look so? He requests it every year!
Tricia interviews Declan mid-shave.
Eamonn getting the finishing touches.
Declan is almost finished! I want to break into singing "White Wedding" when I look at this.
Try not to be jealous, ladies!
The whole gang right after the broadcast.
But, I think what you're really waiting for is this: video footage! It's in three separate bits:
I actually have two copies of the broadcast--the YouTube ones here and then the version that was actually burned at the station from the live broadcast. Hilariously, when I watched that version, I realized that the TV8 logo was over my face the entire broadcast. It was see-thru, but yet there I was with a big 8 on my face. Nifty. On the DVD version, there's also a little piece that superimposes Declan's head back on the green screen and the weather guy is talking about Declan's hair and freckles. It's hilarious, but I can't figure out how to upload just that portion. Alas, it's a sad thing to be technologically inept.
So now, all that's left is the event itself on Saturday. It will be a long day, but a fun one, and so worth all of the effort. Thank you to everyone who has donated!
Well, I warned you it was coming, and now here I am. March is nearly upon us, which means it's time for St. Baldrick’s Day--a day where people shave their heads to raise money for pediatric cancer research and in solidarity with pediatric cancer patients.
It's a good thing our local event is March 6th, because Declan and Eamonn are in desperate need of haircuts. . .
Look at the do's on those dudes! Actually, Finn might need a haircut worse than anyone, but he says he's keeping his. I'm fine with that. Happy belated birthday to Eamonn, by the way!
It's hard to believe it's been nearly six years since we heard the words, "Your son has cancer." Watching Finn go through treatment over the course of the next 3 1/2 years was hard, which, quite frankly, is the understatement of a lifetime.
It's still really hard for me to look at pictures from when Finn was in treatment without getting a little (OK, big) lump in my throat. Last week, Mary, whose son, Nathan, had neuroblastoma (a horrible, horrible pediatric cancer), told me that she doesn't have any pictures up at all from when Nathan was in treatment because she can't bear to look at them. I totally get that.
But the good news is that today, Finn is 2 1/2 years off treatment and doing well. In 2012, we hope to hear the words, "cancer free." Despite the hard times, Finn and our family are among the lucky ones. Countless others, including friends we’ve met along the way, haven't been so fortunate.
We’d love to think that one day, no parent will have to hear the word “cancer” and “your child” in the same sentence ever again. Will it happen in our lifetimes? We don't know, but we’re going to do everything we can to help. One way we've decided to do that is through St. Baldricks, which is dedicated to fundraising and research specifically for pediatric cancer.
This year, Declan and Eamonn have joined forces as Team Mighty Finn to raise money for St. Baldricks. No talking smack and trying to outdo each other this year--they're just trying to set a new record for fundraising! Shaving their heads for St. Baldrick's is fun, but it's fun with a purpose. Join us by donating today. Let's erase the word cancer from our children's vocabulary!
Now, we realize the economy has put a pinch, to say the least, on everyone’s budget. If you can contribute $5, $10, $100—great. If you can’t—we understand. If you would like to donate this year, you can link directly to the Team Mighty Finn page and view Eamonn and Declan's individual pages by clicking on “view all team members” from there. You’ll see the boys’ cousin, Garvin, and one of Declan’s classmates who joined Team Mighty Finn, as well. Kids fighting cancer for kids—very cool.
Our local event is scheduled for Saturday, March 6, from 1 – 5 p.m., so if you live in the valley, come on down to the Eagle fire station, hang out and join the fun! If you live outside the valley, come take a ski vacation and we’ll put you up for free. . .in exchange for a generous donation to St. Baldrick’s, of course!
2009--Before the shaving
2009--During the shaving
2009--After the shaving.
We are so grateful to have each and every one of you in our lives. You were (and continue to be!) there for us, in person or virtually, through the most difficult time we have ever faced. We couldn't imagine our lives without you. We are blessed in more ways than you can ever know.
Natalie, Eamonn, Declan, and, of course, The Mighty Finn!
You know it's coming--that time of year when the boys in this house need a haircut so desperately because they grow their hair for about six months, paint it green, and then shave it all off to raise money for pediatric cancer research.
You're right--it is coming, and I'll be back in a day or so to beg for a handout, but first, I want you to meet someone:
This is Francis Feeney (along with the boys).
Francis is on the board of directors for the St. Baldrick's Foundation. He owns a home in the valley, which is actually how we indirectly became involved in St. Baldrick's. In a twisted way.
About five years ago, a local woman named Cindy, who works managing the community where Francis owns a home, decided to shave HER head for St. Baldrick's after hearing about it from Francis. Francis is BFFs with the guy who founded St. Baldrick's, Enda McDonnell, and they were planning their shaving for 2006 when Cindy jumped into the fray and offered to shave her head. They couldn't believe she wanted to do it, but she did, and the shaving event in our valley was born. Cindy organizes it every year. Our friend, Mark, who manages several of the homes in the community where Cindy works and Francis lives, knows the two of them and also shaves his head for St. Baldrick's. During March 2007, the second year for the event here in the valley, Mark told us about it and asked us to come. We did. We met Cindy. We fell in love with the concept behind St. Baldrick's.
And there you have our six degrees of separation from Francis Feeney. Got all that?
So Francis happened to be in town last week, and Cindy arranged the opportunity for all of the event volunteers and the honored kids to meet Francis.
I have to say that I was totally amazed by him and all that St. Baldrick's is doing for pediatric cancer research. First of all, I'm boggled by the fact that St. Baldrick's is just 10 years old, but has raised an astonishing $69 million.
One of the things Francis told us about was that in January, St. Baldrick's brought together 16 pediatric oncology researchers from all over the country to help prioritize where St. Baldrick's funding should be directed. Can you imagine? Getting 16 of the biggest names in pediatric cancer research to put aside their schedules, their egos, their own agendas, to advise a foundation that's only 10 years old? Amazing. This is one of the reasons, in my mind, pediatric cancer survival rates continue to rise.
Francis is this very quiet, unassuming man, who didn't even have children of his own when he got involved with St. Baldrick's. It was very cool to see him get down on one knee and talk to Finn and Nathan, another of our little local survivors, about how they were his heroes. His knowledge about the world of pediatric cancer is astounding, and it all comes from his St. Baldrick's involvement.
It was just a great evening and a great opportunity to meet one of the people who is a big part of St. Baldrick's, which remains very near and dear to our hearts.
Our town held its annual St. Baldrick's Day fundraiser on Saturday--thank you to everyone who donated (thank you notes are printed and will be forthcoming)! The event raised over $30,000 and all proceeds to go St. Baldrick's which is the largest volunteer driven fundraiser for pediatric cancer.
Declan was elated to break the $1,000 mark by receiving $1,001.79 in donations. He doubled his goal! Eamonn raised more than $500.
It was a fun, thought-provoking day, as always. Our local paper ran a nice article and some pictures that you can check out HERE.
Or you can check out my pictures of the big day HERE.
So on behalf of us, thank you for being there and helping us contribute to this worthy cause. Maybe someday cancer fundraisers will be obsolete. . .wouldn't that be so cool?
So, this feels like kind of an awkward post to write. I'm coming to you with my grubby little paw out, asking for money in the worst economic time of our generation. Or most other generations for that matter.
But I feel like it's for a good cause so I'm just going to charge ahead like a bull in a china shop. Which is about the only way I operate. I'm a Sagitarius after all.
Anyway, many of you know that two years ago we became involved with an organization called St. Baldrick's. From the first time we heard about it, we loved the concept: People raise money for pediatric cancer research by asking for donations and then shaving their heads in solidarity with kids who have cancer.
If you've never attended an event, try to track one down in your area. It's just cool to see all of these people--men, women AND children--shaving their heads for a good cause. And then when you see them all over town for the next few weeks, you definitely know where they got their hair cut.
The event in our town is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, noon - 4pm, at the Eagle Fire Station. If you're local, come and join us.
St. Baldrick's 2008
Eamonn and Declan are both planning on raising money and shaving again this year. Again, I feel awkward asking this time around. The economy is awful, jobs are tenuous, budgets are strained. Believe me, we're feeling it, too. Eamonn and I were talking about how unfortunate it is that there isn't a Cancer Recession as well. I'm annoyed that it doesn't work that way. It seems like I'm following and communicating with more cancer families than ever before. And I hate it. Hate. It.
I don't know how many of you are cycling enthusiasts, but I spend an inordinate (and not unenjoyable) amount of time watching cycling races. I, for one, don't care why Lance Armstrong returned to cycling. Some people say he can't stand being out of the limelight. All I care about is that once again he's bringing cancer research INTO the limelight with him. On the first day of the Tour of California, Lance gave an interview and talked about two numbers on his bike: The first number, 1,274, represents the number of days since Lance last raced professionally. The second number, 27.5 represents how many people, in MILLIONS, who have died worldwide in those 1,274 days. That's like the entire population of the state of California dying in a 3 1/2 year timespan. Tears came immediately to my eyes while he was talking. Of course, we know I'm a silly sap who cries when her husband steals her People magazine, but those numbers scared me. That's a lot of frickin' people, people.
So, we're just going to keep doing what we can for as long as we can.
If you'd like to donate this year, you can link to Declan's page or Eamonn's page to donate now. If it's just not in the budget this year, we totally understand. We'll just write you down for twice as much next year. Kidding. Totally kidding. But you will be haunted by leprechauns if you don't donate. Not kidding. They're real and scary.
One memory of Finn's cancer journey I'll never forget is when Declan asked me, "Who will be our baby if Finn dies?" Declan was four and had already been through and seen enough to ask a question like that. It still tears at my heart. I wish I could make it so another parent never had to hear words like that again. Alas, my magical powers only extend as far as kissing a skinned knee, holding a fevered little body, or consoling over a lost hockey game.
Will cancer be cured in my lifetime? Declan and Finn's lifetime? My grandchildren's lifetime? I don't know. But I'm sure as heck going to try.
Well, another St. Baldrick's Day has come and gone. The fundraising goal for Eagle was $35,000. I have to say, I had my doubts as to whether or not we'd reach the goal. Yes, people were generous, but that seemed like a lot! I'm happy to report, as of 5pm yesterday and before the "official" tally was in (they're counting today as we speak), the total was. . .$50,501! Now, that of course is an estimate and donations are actually still coming in, but it really is so amazing.
Declan's total as of today: $520.28--his class brought in over $230!
Eamonn's total as of today: $1,930
The event started at 1 p.m. and the place was immediately jammed--literally cheek by jowl. The Eagle Valley Children's Chorale gave a performance first. The first shavee was the fire chief, resplendent in his kilt. Then people moved in a crush to line up and the shaving took off. Last year we only had 3 barbers and it took the entire four hours to shave everyone. This year, the 8 barbers were on a mission and they had nearly 80 people shaved in less than 2 hours.
There were clowns, which freaked Finn out, food and a silent auction. And I couldn't believe how many walk-ins we had who wanted to get their heads shaved or who just walked in to donate. In something out of the Twilight Zone, this man walked in with a parrot on his shoulder. He said he used to live next door to the fire station and wanted to come in and donate. Of course, he and his parrot became somewhat of a sideshow. I kept looking at the parrot and wondering, "Does it ever poop on his head?" I worry about things like that.
Anyway, instead of rambling on, I'll just say that a picture is worth a 1,000 words and send you on to a slideshow, which also has pictures of Declan's birthday party.
But before you go, thank you, thank you for your donations and support. It was an incredible day and you were all a part of it through your generosity. I love it that this money is going to PEDIATRIC cancer research. Love it!
And there's no turning back. He gave a presentation to his class today, asked for donations, and invited everyone to watch him shave. Oh dear. Will there be tears? What about that giant flat spot on his head from when he was a baby? It's going to be out there for God and country to see now.
So go Declan! I need to buy some hats. And some sunscreen.
Finn and I are in Denver at our favorite hotel: Hampsten Fun and Suites. Not the actual name, mind you. This is how Finn reads the sign.
Tomorrow he has a sinus CT at 9am and then over to the clinic for what might be one of his last IViG infusions. Then we'll likely have his port taken out in April. Why the sudden rush? Our insurance company notified us they were dropping us as of May 1. Nice.
The little monkey looks pretty cute--and I only mean looks. Tonight his behavior was such that he was in his pajamas and ready for bed at 6:45pm. That should tell you something.
Anyone care to place bets on how long it is before he breaks these?
2. Thank you so much to everyone who has donated to St. Baldricks. All I have to say about that is we have the best friends and family. And strangers. Linda Wallace, I don't know if we've ever met, but thanks!
3. I should have better things to do, but I can't go any further without commenting on . . .J. Lo and Marc Anthony's choices of names for their babies: Emme and Max. What? Are they total fans of Dragon Tales? Maybe that show will be out of vogue by the time the kids are old enough to realize they're named after cartoon characters.
4. I don't think I ever said Happy Birthday to Eamonn on here. It was Feb. 17th. I grilled him steak for dinner.
But first he had to dig out the grill.
And then he had to suffer through a store-bought pie the boys chose for him instead of a delicious homemade carrot cake like he usually gets. Maybe next year.
5. Declan's school was able to take part in a theater program. They did two class plays:
The Cricket He played a man who tries to trick the cricket.
And The Little Ant
He was a narrator.
Then he decided to be in the school play. Because, you know, we don't have enough after school activities going on or anything.
The play: Holiday in the Rain Forest
His role: Stone person 10. Seriously. He had two lines. He practiced every day after school for two weeks.
That's Declan on the far right. I like how Stone Person #9 looks like a werewolf.
Garvin and Tara graciously attended the debut:
6. I thought spring was here, but apparently I was wrong when 6 new inches of snow fell on Saturday night/Sunday morning.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
7. I have flossed my teeth 64 out of 64 days in 2008. I'm shooting for 365. I'm using up a lot of floss. I tried to take a picture of my own teeth to show you my pearly whites. But when I looked at the pictures, I realized that there are some yellow spots on my teeth you might not care to see. So I scheduled a dentist appointment instead. And after watching me try 153 times to take pictures of my teeth, Finn wanted me to take a picture of his mouth.
So here it is.
I always thought he had the cutest little mouth when he was a baby, sort of shaped like a bow.
Anyway, it's hard to take a picture of your own teeth.
8. Sometimes when I work, I watch TV. Tonight, I turned the TV on and was mindlessly watching for awhile when I realized I was watching Thomas the Tank Engine. Alone.
My hair and I grew up in Worthington, Ohio. It's flat there. And humid. Very, very humid. In 2006 we moved to Colorado. It's hilly here. Mountainous even. And dry. Very, very dry. Stay tuned for more adventures with me and my hair.
