Writers Block

In the early days of last week, I sat and thought about what I wanted to say in  my speech to all the amazing people who contributed in even the smallest way to Friday Night's 'No One Fights Alone" Gala.  My thoughts began to go wild and the tears began to flow even before I started writing.   I realized at that moment that, even though there was so much I wanted to say,  there would be no way for me to get through a speech without turning into a crying mess and I let Craig speak on both of our behalf's.... even standing beside him at the Podium was too much.  I decided to use the blog to let everyone know my thoughts... safely behind the protection of my computer as I have so many other times. 

Today is Monday night and while my intention was to write as soon as I could on Sat morning... I now have another problem  ... No matter how hard I focus, I can't figure out what to say.  How do I properly thank everyone?... how do I let them know how much I appreciate everything they have done? How do I convey the intense gratitude I feel to have them in our lives?  I can't... Nothing will be good enough... But I will try. 

The Gala was an enormous success.  Craig and I were once again surrounded by warmth and love from friends, family and strangers.  It awes us every time to see how many people are willing to come out and support us, our family and our fight.

The morning of July 13th plays through my mind at least once a day with vivid detail.  Within a few hours, life as we knew it was over and we were now a family with a critically ill child.  A child that with his infections smile and caring ways, reminds us every day that so many of our dreams came true when he was born.  Only partially complete.... the arrival of our sweet, beautiful little girl in June of 2010 made our family whole.  We didnt have any idea exactly how much we needed and loved her until she arrived...she brings joy and excitement to even the most heart wrenching of days.  It is impossible not to smile with her around... she has many times become our rock through this process.  

Since Nevan's diagnosis, Chris and Jane, Nevan's grandparents haven't once begun a conversation with any other words except " How are you?".  Such a simple, cliche phrase that everyone uses... although asked... it is rare the asker really wants to know the true answer.  But with these 3 words, Chris and Jane let us know everyday that they were there for us, truly wanting to know how we were so that they could offer their help... what ever it was, what ever it took.  Those 3 words are fully engulfed with interest, concern, and un-wavering love.  It was within weeks that they began planning Friday's Gala.  They announced that they were cancelling their much anticipated trip away to celebrate their 20th anniversary and decided to put their time and effort into putting together this fundraiser instead.  With the help of the Dodge Family (a group of the most giving and caring people I have ever met in my entire life), Janna and Matt Earls, Robin and Mike Houston, Jen Peebles and Ken Buck along with a full list of participants, helpers and donators, this gala was perfectly put together right down to the last beautiful detail.  These people should know that they hold such a special place in our hearts and we will make very sure that Nevan always remembers who you are. 

Nana and Nanima are like second parents to Nevan and Nylah.  Having spent almost as much time with them as they do at our house, they are a big reason as to why Nevan and Nylah are as sweet, smart and respectful as they are.  Their world was also shattered in an instant, but they have held strong and offer their help any way they can.

Auntie Yvonne, Uncle Dave and Baby Elliott help to round out our circle of immediate family.  During Nevan's first days at the hospital, Uncle and Auntie being brand new parents themselves, showed up with posters, action figures, books and toys to help make the stark hospital blue room a bit more bareable.  Nevan and Nylah's faces light up at the mere mention that Auntie and Uncle are coming for a visit. They have always been there for us and our kids and we are so excited and honoured to now be able to offer the same support and love to our very own little nephew Baby Elliott.

Uncle Brent and Uncle Tom have also been instrumental in keeping little Nevan pre-occupied while his little world has been turned upside down.  Uncle Brent's tower of movies and video games got Nevan through many a tough procedure, while Uncle Tom's Spiderman collection kept Nevan's dream of one day becoming Spiderman going strong. 

Adding to the list are Auntie Medhini, Uncle Anoop, Akshay and Pooja (or Puder as Nylah affectionally calls her).  To explain it very simply... When we need them they are there... no questions asked.  They are in our corner no matter what and they remind us always that, that is where they will stay. It is true comfort knowing that we can always turn to them.

Finally, Nana #2 and family.  My Uncle Khemmy, Auntie Premila, Rickash, Kearan, and Priyanta.  This was our second family growing up.  They fill so many of our childhood memories and I am so grateful that they are now giving my kids the same types of memories.  Recently, not a day goes by that Nevan doesn't ask them to come over and is always showing off the latest 'cool toy' that Priyanta bought him on her last trip down to visit.  When asked who his best friends are, Nevan will always reply: "Nana #2".  They have been there for us since we were small and are now there for Nevan and Nylah... we always appreciate their love and support and are grateful to have them in our lives. 

My biggest thank you goes to Craig...I know in his speech he said that "if I had to, I could have done it alone".... although grateful for the kind comment... it is a big fat lie.  There is no way I could have made it through the last few months without him.  When I couldn't be around both kids at the same time, he took on the role of both mommy and daddy effortlessly and without hesitation.  From singing to Nevan to painting Nylah's toesies with bright pink Nail polish... he took over my role when I couldn't do it myself.  Both kids got to keep a sense of normalcy through such a hectic and crazy time because Craig made sure it happened.  By the 3rd week of Nevan's hospital stay, I was really only running on fumes.  Craig made sure I ate, slept and forced me to go home to get some much needed time away.  He would make numerous trips to the hospital in one day to make sure Nevan and I had the things we needed and would wake up extra early to make fresh chocolate chip pancakes so as not to interrupt our Sunday morning tradition. We will never be alone as long as we have each other.... the stronger the storm, the more polished the stones. 

Well, I know I didn't talk a whole lot about the Gala as I intended to... but our hearts are swollen with the love we felt from everyone and I felt it necessary to make sure those people who mean the most to us know that.  This list is SO FAR from complete.  There are far too many people to mention... from my old friends Amy, Jassie, Anjana and Christine... to our newly found friends that we have made over this journey... we love you all and our gratitude to you runs so very deep. 

Cute Story of the Day (sorry Grandpa ;)

Nevan is watching Madagascar 3 and asks me to get ready for the 'old part'

Me: "Hey Nevan how old do you think they are there?"

Nevan: "Oh... it isn't a number!"

Me: "What do you mean it isn't a number?"

Nevan: "You know... like Grandpa"

Me: "Grandpa isn't a number?"

Nevan: " Nope... he is just old!"

No One Fights Alone Gala

Anita and I are in the process of writing a blog to thank everyone for Friday Nights event. We are taking care to ensure that everyone is thanked. We are trying to make sure that we say everything we wanted to say. We promise to have it done in the next few days. Nevan has a busy Hospital schedule this week as well and we are busy making this an extra special haloween.
Please see below a copy of Craigs Speech from friday night.

Good evening everyone. I hope your all having a great time tonight. I wanted to take a few moments to thank everyone who was involved in making tonight’s event possible. The list is lengthy but I think everyone deserves recognition for doing such an incredible job and anyone that knows me knows speaking fast is something I tend to excel at.

I want to start by congratulating my parents (Chris and Jane Bidner) on their 20^TH wedding anniversary this past Wednesday. This past week they had holidays booked together to celebrate this great milestone in their lives, and like so many family and friends they immediately cancelled many plans or gave up free time to ensure that Nevan and his family were taken care of first.

The last time I stood in front of a crowd this size was at our wedding over 6 years ago. I held a scrap of paper with chicken scratch on it. It was short and simple and to the point but far overshadowed by the speeches of 2 men I have come admire in my life, Chris my stepfather and Harish my father in-law. With their guidance as strong men in my life I have learned how to navigate my way through this world. Whether it be with finances, career decisions or even marital advice. I am much stronger because of their ongoing support of me and my family. They are and always will be fathers to me.

Almost 5 years ago on November 27 2007 I was humbly honored with this same title. My son Nevan Harish Langlois was born. At 29 I still felt too young to be a father but was ready for the challenge either way. It wasn’t long before a bond was made and the pride of being father to such an incredible boy started to grow. I was lucky enough to be there for his first word “coooow”, see his first smile at only a few hours old and be the first one to make him laugh by flipping through the newspaper while he lay on my lap. Being a father is an incredible journey that is the most challenging thing I have ever done and is continually the most rewarding.

Nevan is a very sweet young boy. He is always happy and looking for ways to make others happy. He is kind and gentle. He has the ability to forgive even if no apology is given. He is a very good big brother to his little sister Nylah who is much different than him but equally as sweet and good natured. I’ve watched him hold her hand, play with her without being asked or try and show her how to do something when she is at her most frustrated. He is patient, thoughtful, sharing, and generous. He is the kind person we all should aspire to be. To be humble and honest he does not get these traits from me. However many of them are the same reasons I married his mother Anita. This is why however overwhelmed I am right now I am far from surprised at the support he has received from family and friends.

On Friday July 13^th Nevan was admitted to hospital and diagnosed with Leukemia. The emotions that can arise from your child becoming ill are overwhelming to the point of shock but you deal with it. You deal with it because you have no choice. They need you and you do what is needed. The foundation for his recovery however was laid years ago by the woman who gave birth to him. She is an amazing mother to our children. Her maternal instinct and ability to nurture Nevan is a huge part of why he is now home safe with us. She deserves far more credit than I can put in one speech but everyone should know that if she had to do it alone she could have.

Nevans health is not only dependent on the amazing Doctors and Nurses at McMaster children’s hospital. He fights and one day will survive Cancer not only by the complicated and precise medicine he has constantly coursing through his veins, but by the support of his Family, friends and his community. Happiness is crucial to fighting any disease. His favorite place to be next to home is Nana and Nanimas house. He has spent much of his child hood at their house. They are also a part of why he has become the person he is today. Nevans Grandmother (Anitas Mother) NANIMA is an extremely important part of our family. Our family get-togethers are centred around the warm environment of her home, hospitality and cooking. She works the hardest of anyone in the family to ensure we are a family. All four of Nevans Grandparents give their love and undivided attention to their grandchildren. The sense of family our kids receive from them will stay with them for life. Nevan has cried out for Grandma many times recently when being asked to take medicine or clean up his mess. I would too. The medicine tastes horrible. We’ll work on the clean up routine...

Smiles also come in the dozens from time spent with Uncle Dave and Auntie Yvonne. No one horses around like Uncle or bakes like Auntie. Nevan is also very lucky to have 2 nana’s appropriately named nana #2. Nanima #2, Aunti Priyanta (who has donated a few of the awesome sports tickets and jerseys)and her brothers Keeran and Rakash. He even has a second uncle and family. Anoop, Medhini, Pooja and Aikshy. Nevan and his sister are spoiled by all of them and whenever we need anything they are there to help.

Which brings us to tonight’s event. One of the many reasons we are all here is help. We needed help, and without asking we were offered that help. This event is the fourth and final fundraiser that was suggested and carried out by people that wanted to help. They understood that having an ill child means that for a short period in time incomes must drop while both parents take the time to help their child recover. Having an ill child can also create some unanticipated expenses like extra gas for transportation to the hospital, meals, special equipment, medication not covered by plans, and 3 for a dollar Mr Noodles cravings..

To this day we are still receiving meals cooked by our neighbours, cash from anyone from family to complete strangers, gas cards, Tim Horton’s cards, and more. Because of the generosity of so many Nevan, Nylah, Anita and I have not gone without anything. Every bill has been paid on time because so many cared enough about us. For this we will be forever grateful and will one day try and return the good fortune to our community and others in need.

 

 

 

It is with a heart full of love and appreciation that Anita and I would like to thank the creators and facilitators for tonight’s event. Their efforts went much further than just the planning I’m sure. We know how busy anyone’s life can be in this fast world we live in, and to have people take hours out of their own day for the last few months to organize and solicit for an event like this is extremely thoughtful.

Jen Peebles and Ken Buck

Robin and Mike Houston

Janna and Matt Earls

These three couples have helped with soliciting vendors and other sources for many of the prizes you see here tonight. They are all good friends of my mother Jane Bidner who generously rented this hall for tonight’s Gala. Special thanks goes out to her and Chris for working so hard for the past 2 months on tonight. It’s more than we could have imagined. We know that no matter what life throws at us you’ll be there to fight alongside of us.

The next Family I would like to thank have already done so much since the start of Nevans Journey. Immediately upon getting the news they passed help along to us through my mother. Then within weeks the decision was made to host this event. And just recently they delivered a generous donation on behalf of the Knights of Columbus. Steve and Donna Dodge have been helping people since before I was born. They have been helping other families through charity and church. They have been fostering children for years. Steve and Donna deserve more than just a thank-you for tonight they deserve a thank-you for what they do every day. If everyone made the effort to take care of each other like they do we would probably solve most of the world’s problems. Proof of their great commitment can be found in their children Christina, Jason, Jeff, Molly and William. All of which have been an immense help with everything from prizes and ticket sales to some handmade photo cards. Congratulations to Jeff and his wife who had a baby two days ago. Welcome Baby Hannah. Thank-you so much Dodge Family. You have encouraged Anita and me to do more for our community and our children.

Finally we have made a short list of people that we would like to thank for tonight as well as the past few months. Honestly the list is enormous. Our future blog posting will hopefully cover any that we have missed.

·       Jassie Dhaliwal, Anjana and Ateet Patel for running our first bbq fundraiser

·       The Beer Store for holding 2 BBQs, a day of with pay raffle and sports ticket raffle and donating to tonight’s gala

·       Dr Laura and Active Health Associates for giving Nevan a fun day complete with bouncy castle, face painting and horse riding.

·       Jessica at  live the moment photography who held a mini photo session in nevans honour to help raise funds

·       The amazing staff at kinsmen daycare who have always supported nevans health and happiness

·       Our friends who have spoiled both kids recently.

·       Our old neighbours who have always helped with home improvements or random small favours Brad, Joanne Kaylee, Allysa, Gavin and Nevan’s friend Taya

·       Our new neighbours who cook meals and offer open arms Sangeeta and Amit Ari

·       My good friend Tom who is always there when I ask him

Specifically with regard to tonight we thank the follow

·       Acklands Granger

·       Arena bar and grill

·       Arnverdale Holsteins

·       Ashley Baker

·       Melanie Berard

·       My step brother Jeff Bidner

·       Ken and Joan Bidner

·       Bonnies Place

·       Brafasco

·       Brick Brewery

·       Carslberg brewery

·       Don Chamberland

·       The Co-operators

·       Chris Couture

·       Craig Bowman roofing

·       Stuart Dykstra

·       F  and M brewer who happens to make our favorite beer Stone hammer Pilsner

·       Colin and Lori Ferguson

·       Freddies hairstyling

·       Linda Fritz

·       Marko Gazdic

·       Guelph Storm

·       Home Furniture

·       Velma Houston

·       Brad Howell DJ services

·       KIA motors

·       My brother Jason Langlois

·       Linamar

·       Mark and Carlotta lynch

·       Maksteel

·       Manhattan Pizza

·       Manor Hotel

·       MCG engineering

·       McDonalds Restaurant

·       Al McElhone

·       McPhee Auctions

·       Milburns Auto Sales

·       Molson Brewery

·       Tracy Moore

·       Moosehead Brewery

·       NKC Canada

·       Marion and Richard Oakley good friends of my parents and parents to my first baby sitting gig

·       Outdoor Services

·       Resource Equipment

·       Robinsons Flowers

·       Sue and Ian Robinson also good friends to my parents and familiar face at my doctors appts

·       Salon Gii

·       Shoppers Drugmart on behalf of my step sister Lisa Bidner

·       Sleeman Brewery

·       Thomas Smythe

·       Springfield Golf course

·       State Farm Insurance

·       Steamwhistle Brewery

·       Swiss chalet

·       June switzer

·       Binil Tahlan

·       Tim hortons

·       Toronto bluejays

·       Johnny Venezuela

·       Carrie Van Zutphen

·       Volvo

·       Wellington Brewery

·       The Works restaurant

·       Zehrs

·       And Last is reserved for nevans special aunty.. Yvonne Chan now Yvonne Emrith for Yvonne Chan Cakes.

I’d like to thank Guelph place for the hall rental tonight our DJ, Auctioneer(s), Stephen Garland for the black jack games and everyone who helped set up and run the event.  And I know there is so many more to thank.

Nevans Journey is the name of our blog we started shortly after his diagnosis. It was meant to keep everyone informed about his daily health. It has become so much more than that. We have made ourselves extremely vulnerable by allowing so many to see behind closed doors. We were initially shocked to find that so many had read the blog and that they also appreciated us telling the story. I finally understand why. It’s because everyone who follows and thanks us and who reaches out to help us understands one important principle. Without each other we have nothing. Some put their faith in god.... I put my faith in our children, family our neighbours in short humanity. Together is how humanity got this far and together is how nevans journey will continue and it will continue for many years to come...Thank-you all for coming tonight. We have had a great time and hope you did as well. Thank you.

Gala Fundraiser

Were going to Disney Land!!!!....

....in Nov 2014!

Nevan has been chosen by the Guelph Wish Fund for Children to be a wish kid!  For all the bravery, strength and courage he has shown and is going to have to show for the next 2+ years, he is being rewarded with... pretty much what ever he wants!  A very fitting prize in our minds, especially after this mornings trip to clinic.... but we'll get to that later! 

Peter Baldasso from the Guelph Wish Fund came to visit Nevan shortly after he came home from the hospital a few weeks ago and let our family know the great news that they will be granting a wish for Nevan.  As Nevan was smack dab in the middle of his steroids treatment and craving noodles like a drug addict... we gave him some time to decide what he wanted out of fear that he would just ask for a lifetime supply of noodles! lol  We asked him over and over just incase his mind changed, but it never did.  The answer was always "I want to go to Disney Land!"  So off to Disney we go!  After all his treatments are done and he has had a month or so to recover, The Guelph Wish Fund will send our family on an all expense paid trip to Disney Land for Nevan's 7th birthday in Nov 2014.  This is a great choice as this is the only thing we won't be able to do on our own.  Everything else we can probably handle, but currently Nevan is uninsurable and can't travel out of country.  The Guelph Wish Fund will help us outsource and pay for the insurance we need to travel.  By that time Nylah will also be old enough to enjoy the trip thoroughly and be able to make memories a lot better than now. 

Yesterday as the 2 little ones were carrying on in the living room, chasing each other and laughing, the fun was interrupted with a blood curdling scream.  I think Craig and I knew what happened before we even turned around.  Nevan was holding his nose tube in his hand screaming with the biggest look of shock ever! In the midst of the craziness his Nose Tube got caught under Nylah and it pulled the tape right off his face.  I ran over and pulled it the rest of the way out while Craig sat him on the couch to calm him down.  It didn't take long for him to stop crying as he instantly felt better.  Within seconds he was smiling again and very happy to have nothing stuck to his face.  Craig and I were far more emotional about the situation than he was as this was the first time we had seen his entire face in months!  What a beautiful face!

Shortly thereafter the air was filled with another blood curdling scream... this one from Nylah.  She didn't come out as well however.  She was playing in the kitchen, tripped and fell face first into the kitchen table!  She smacked her two front teeth and upper lip on the edge of the table.  She banged it good, and blood started flowing!  Thankfully she is still on a bottle and that was all it took to calm her down.  This morning her upper lip was still swollen and her gums quite bruised.

After an eventful evening we were looking forward to a calm trip to clinic... but that was a bit of wishful thinking.  Nevan was going to get chemo in his port for the first time and also have a leg needle for the first time while awake.  We have "magic cream" here which we apply to both his  port site and his leg before we left, but nothing took away the scary sight of the needle coming towards his chest!  More screaming.  After the IV Chemo, Nevan recieved his leg needle.  Now although we had the numbing cream to make his skin feel better, there is nothing we can do to numb the feeling of the medication going into his muscle... it burns... alot!  and even more screaming.   On the wall of the clinic there is a poster will all the kids names listed and 30 squares beside each name.  Nevan was allowed to put a sticker on the poster and like only a kid can do... forgot all about the pain and was engrossed in choosing the perfect sticker for his name!  We stayed for 45min to have his vitals checked and we headed home without a new nose tube!  We decided to give Nevan a try at taking his meds orally since he felt so good not having the nose tube in.

We tried our best to persuade Nevan to take some pills as we were just as hesitant to get the NG tube put back in as he was, but he just wasnt ready to take that step.  After an hour or so of trying, Nevan decided he wanted to put the nose tube back in.  We applauded his efforts so he didnt feel like he failed and we headed back to clinic in the morning.  The nurses put the nose tube into a petrified Nevan but chose to use the other side.  This caused Nevan to cough and gag uncontrollably for about an hour as we waited for it to subside.  Frustrated and utterly exhausted we watched Nevan give in and allow the nurses to again remove the tube and try the other side again.  This time it went well and we took a worn out boy home to sleep the rest of the afternoon. 

Yes, I think a trip to Disney is exactly what this family needs... we will mark the days off the calendar for 2 years... one by one until we are breathing a sigh of relief on a flight to Florida.

Cute Story of the Day:
Nevan and I are sitting on the couch watching Cars 2 for the thousandth time.  I turn over to Nevan...

Me: "Nevan.... I love you like Crazy!"

Nevan stops watching his movie and takes my face in his hands.  I am bracing myself for the sweetest comment a 4 year old can give...

Nevan: (with extreme sincerity) " Mommy.... I love you like Spinach..."  He Kisses me and goes back to watching his movie.

hmmmm.... I think I will take it for the sweet moment it was and not focus on the fact that Nevan always pushes the spinach to the side of his plate...

The Fun Fun Fundraiser!

4 days later and we are all still reeling from the days events at the "No One Fights Alone" Family Fundraiser held by Active Health Associates in Cambridge.  After being cooped up in either the hospital or our house for the entire summer, this was the first time that we allowed Nevan to leave the house and be among the public.  We were very nervous and anxious about having Nevan there as his counts had fallen to quite a low level.  His Neutrophils were previously at an all time high of 5.8 and had fallen to 1.0 before his surgery.  No doubt, even more were used up to help his incisions heal.  If Nevan got a fever we would end up right back in the hospital for at least 48 hours full of tests and antibiotics.  We talked about it and as we watched Nevan talk about "his party" non-stop, we decided it was worth the risk. 

Adding to the fun of the day for Nevan was his new found ability to use his right arm!  The surgery to have his port inserted went extremely well and it took no time at all for Nevan to start gaining mobility back in that arm.  The skin on his poor arm has a long way to go to be completely healed, but there is no dressing on it and he doesn't seem to be bothered by it.  Currently it looks like he is healing from a severe burn, but with time, it will look normal again.  Now we are working on gaining weight and taking meds orally and we can also get rid of the NG tube. 

The morning of the Fundraiser, Nana and Nanima came over to watch the kids while Craig and I went over to set up with Grandma, Grandpa and the rest of our family and friends.  The time passed so quicky and before we knew it, people were showing up to enjoy the days events.  We rushed home to get the kids and as we drove up the first excitement trigger was the Bouncy Castle, set up eye-catchingly at the edge of the parking lot.  We drove up with two smiling kids and those smiles did not waver for the entire 4 hours.  Nevan and Nylah rode horses, jumped in the bouncy castle, helped themselves to burgers and hotdogs, danced to the music, ate spiderman cookies and sat in a Fire Truck.  They had the time of their lives!  Finally they were allowed to be normal kids for the first time in months and we got to watch it happen... None of us realized how much we missed it.  Our worries of Nevan catching a cold or having a reaction to the sun faded instantly as he and Nylah smiled, laughed and danced the day away. 

Craig and I enjoyed the day equally as much, but for different reasons (even though I did quite enjoy the bouncy castle!).  We were awed and humbled over and over again as we met up with old friends and were introduced to so many new ones.  Everyone was filled with so much love and support filled words for us.  We were touched to learn that so many have come to know us by reading our blog.  In a situation where it is so easy to feel desparate and alone, time and time again family, friends and strangers are coming together to remind us that alone should not even be part of our vocabulary.  Up until this point, Craig and I were the ones to give.  We used to give to charities on a regular basis and haven't once passed up a box of girl guide cookies or chocolate covered almonds brought to our front door.  The humane society has gotten many cans of kitten food and our old belongings get donated rather than sold or tossed.  We help in any way we can, when ever we can and have always been happy to do so.... but to now be on the other side of it is heart wrenching.   I don't think the amount of appreciation we have for this help can even be measured.  Sometimes we worry that we have trouble finding the words, but then we realize that there just are no words meaningful enough.

I think we have all learned many important lessons throughout this adventure, but I think the best one is that we all realize that truly 'No One Fights Alone".

Cute Story of the Day:
I just finished reading Nevan a bedtime story and was getting ready to tuck him in when Peanut came up on the bed. 

Me: "Nevan, you know how old Peanut is?"

Nevan: "How old??"

Me: "He is almost 9 years old!  I had him before I even met daddy!"

Nevan: "Was he in your tummy?"

Me (giggling): " No Nevan, a mommy cat"

Nevan: "You had a mommy cat in your tummy?!?!"

Me (laughing so hard): "No, No... a Mommy Cat had Peanut in her tummy.  Mommy only had you and Nylah in her tummy" 

Nevan: "Oh... no cats?"

Me: "No Nevan... No cats!"

Is 4 too young for the "birds and the bees" talk? ;)

Thank You!

We want to express to everyone how we feel about yesterdays event, but there are really no words. The amount of love and support we felt from family, friends and strangers alike was unbelievable. While our plan was to bring Nevan for a little while and then take him home for a nap, he lasted the entire day and was excited and wired right until bedtime. A few short weeks ago, Nevan was being kept comfortable on a morphine drip in the hospital, just to get him through his days, and yesterday he rode a horse, filled his belly with ketchup slathered hot dogs and cookies, danced to the music and jumped in the bouncy castle!! Seeing him have such a good time, with a permanent smile on his face was worth more than everything else combined! On top of that, with the weather on our side and the great people that came out to help, we had a super successful event that will help our family provide Nevan and Nylah with what they need over the next 2 years

of Nevan's treatment. Thank you to all those who came out and donated their time and effort to help our family!

To Laura and the whole team at Active Health Associates... you are a group of very special people. We love you guys whole heartedly and will one day find a way to properly thank you for the amazing things you have done for us.

This will remain in our memories as one of the best days of our lives and as we enter tough times, we will look back on these memories to keep us moving forward.

Thank you for every minute, every penny, every bit of love thrown our way.

Anita, Craig, Nevan and Nylah

Additional From Craig;

It's been 3 months since we all started this journey. And by 'we' I mean exactly that. Everyone. Anita aptly named our fundraiser "No One Fights Alone". From day one Anita and I have received offers of help from family, friends, friends of family, neighbours, co-workers, neighbours of family and friends, complete strangers and various other connections. Saturdays FUNdraiser was suggested, planned and successfully executed by a woman that started out over two years ago as my Chiropractor. In two short years she has become one of few people I trust to manage my healthcare needs and is now considered a very close friend to me and my family.

Dr Laura's talent as a chiropractor is matched by her professionalism, kindness and her selfless sense of community. She has shown all of us that we can all do something when someone is need. An equally heartfelt thanks goes out to Dr Laura's colleagues at Active Health Associates for all of their efforts this past weekend. This was truly a team effort for which nothing was spared to ensure Nevan had a great time with his family and friends. From the bouncy castle and face painting, to the amazing horse rides that even us adults thoroughly enjoyed. A further thanks to all the family members and friends who eagerly volunteered their time and resources. You did a great job from the excellent setup to the fun flow of the day to the extremely fast clean up. A final thank you goes out to everyone who showed their support. The day was packed with friends and fun proving beyond any question that truly no one fights alone.:)