Day 19 - Delayed Intensification

Bianca was discharged from hospital this morning. We are due back in on Tuesday for a blood test. Of course now we have 3 medicines we will have to give every single night.

Today Bianca made her mark! She participated in the Hyundai Wheels of Courage initiative. Basically cancer children throughout New Zealand has the opportunity to leave their hand prints on a car donated by Hyundai. This car is a symbol of the courage that each of these children have, their brave battles and to show new families that they are not alone. "In March 2008 the car will be auctioned, with 100% of the funds raised used to further the Foundation’s emotional and practical support services for children and families affected by childhood cancer". You can read all about this initiative by clicking here.

Here are some photos that I took today:
The next step will be to add her name and age underneath the hand print.

Another big event happening soon is the annual Funrazor event. This is where people shave off their hair in support of child cancer patients and they raise funds.

Let me tell you that the support we get from the Child Cancer Foundation is absolutely amazing! I am sure all the other families would agree with us. They have helped out with petrol vouchers and meal vouchers, they help out emotionally, they organise support opportunities such as morning teas and so on. The list goes on and on. They are there for all of us at a time where we need lots of emotional support and where many of us have it a bit tougher on the financial side. They employ wonderful people who are there to listen when we need an ear, and sometimes just to be there when we don't want to talk, but just need a bit of company. They help out when our kids are in hospital and we need a break and they are our voice to make sure we have all the facilities we need at the hospital and right now they are playing a huge part in understanding the process to get the 2 new paediatric oncologist.

They asked Terence if he wouldn't mind getting his head shaved for the event, but unfortunately the day before he shaved his hair trying to take the Movember look to the extreme. So he volunteered to collect money tomorrow night before the Wellington Phoenix vs LA Galaxy (featuring David Beckham) soccer game. And he is planning to be at the funrazor event to help out. Click here to read about this event and mark Thursday 6 December 2007 in your diaries. If you would like to register for this event click here.

And of course, to all of you out there who always ask what you can do to help or what we need. I need YOU to sponsor me. Yes, that's right, I will "shave my lid for a kid". Click here to go to my fundraising site. The site allows for electronic donations through a secure system and goes directly to the foundation. I would love to reach my goal and would like it even more if I can go way beyond my goal. Please also send this to your contacts so that we can spread the message and help the Child Cancer Foundation.

Medicines today:

• Dexamethasone - 3.5 tablets in the morning, 4 tablets at night
• Fluconozole - 10ml at night
• Omeprazole
• Gentimycin