September 30, 2007 - Thank you!

Keira continues to do well. She had an appointment down at Children's this past week where aside from some low blood counts everything looked good. We are still waiting on the results of her urine tests, but don't expect that they will be abnormal. Her doctor was happy with her progress and plans to repeat her scans next month. If everything still looks good, she will get her port out! That will be great!

We wanted to thank you all for your support and efforts on Keira' behalf. I received the following e-mail today and wanted to share it with all of you. The letter is from the Children's Oncology Group (COG) regarding the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act:

Throughout September, parents, grandparents, survivors, nurses, physicians, friends and families have sent more than 4,000 letters to Members of Congress, to tell them that funding childhood cancer research needs to be an urgent national priority. These letters have effectively conveyed to our national leaders what childhood cancer feels like: from the life-altering day of being told of a child’s cancer, through the long and difficult days of treatment, to many examples of courage and inspiration from the children, to the promise of a cure mixed with the devastation of loss.
The power of your letters has been overwhelming. On September 25th, in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Congressional resolutions were passed in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, expressing the intent of Congress to "…support efforts to increase childhood cancer awareness, treatment and research."
This month alone, the strength of your letters has influenced another 26 Members of Congress to become co-sponsors of the Conquer Childhood Cancer Act, bringing the running total to 146 Representatives and 37 Senators. We edge closer every day to passage of this legislation, which will make a meaningful difference in the lives of every child diagnosed with cancer - today and in the years to come.
On behalf of the more than 5,000 Children’s Oncology Group researchers who devote their lives to curing childhood cancer, thank you for your support. Step-by-step, we are reaching people; we will not rest until we Reach the Day when we have cured this disease in children.
It has been a magnificent September for CureSearch, and for all who want to end this disease. But while September may be over, childhood cancer is not. Every month represents another opportunity to move forward and spread the word. I thank you for all you are doing on the behalf of children with cancer. I urge you to continue to do all you can to help; our children deserve nothing less.

As you can see, we are making a difference! Please continue to spread the word about the reality of childhood cancer, and the desperate need these kids are in. Thank you!!!

Erin

PS - Does anyone know how to get a very sleepy 18 month old to take a nap?