SCREW YOU CANCER
by Gen Chamblee on Wednesday, May 18, 2011
 
SCREW YOU CANCER!!!

I used to see St. Jude’s commercials on tv and thought “I can’t imagine what those parents
are going through.” All the kids had the same look to them. They were bald and had
something in their eyes that said, “help me.” I never dreamed that my child would end up looking like one of those kids. I am guilty of being one of those people who says, “cancer won’t touch us, it won’t happen to my child.”

The cemetery where my husband’s father is buried has a section called “The Garden of Angels” and when ever we went to visit his father, I never wanted to drive past that area because of how sad it made me feel that all of those children were gone. Again, I couldn’t imagine. Now my precious daughter is buried there.

How surreal it is. It’s mind boggling how life happens.  I still can not believe Sierra is gone. Some days I wake up and expect to hear her sweet, little voice in her bedroom. But then reality hits me that I will never see her face again. Never hear her voice, never see her smile, never give her kisses again. Cancer ripped her away from me. At night all I can do is lay there and replay the moment she passed over and over in my head. It’s in every way possible, complete torture.

Every time I walk by her empty room, it feels like someone is stabbing me in the heart. I read about her and choke up. It is truly the worst thing that anyone can go through. She will forever be 2 1/2 yrs old. Her pictures on the wall will never change, and all I have are the memories in my mind.

So many have asked me how I can start up a foundation so soon after Sierra passed? How could I go through pictures of her and sit down to write out her story? That I must be so strong to be able to do such a thing. You want to know how I did it? I’m not strong, I’m angry. Furious. I have never been so mad in my life at anything as I am at cancer. It messed with the wrong family this time.

I want the world to know who my beautiful Sierra was. I don’t want another parent to feel the pain I feel. The agonizing, ruthless pain of losing a child. I have become a different person since January of 2010. I was introduced to the world of childhood cancer in the worst possible way. And now it’s my turn to do as much as possible to open the eyes of everyone who thinks it can’t happen to their child. Because guess what? IT CAN.

Pumping pure poison into childrens’ growing bodies is appalling. But you know what? It’s one of the only choices you have when the Dr. says, “your child has cancer.”

It’s so hard to fathom that only 3% of Federal cancer research money goes to childhood
cancer. Neuroblastoma gets even less than that. Every single day 46 kids are diagnosed with cancer and 7 of them die each day. Neuroblastoma kills 1 child every 16 hours. And all we can get is 3%? Are you freakin’ kidding me?
 
Why are people so hesitant to give? I donated to St Jude’s numerous times before Sierra was ever diagnosed. Cancer has no rhyme or reason. It doesn’t discriminate. Not one single 
person in this world is safe from it. It destroys everything good in this world,  and it doesn’t care how old you are or how much money you have.I get so angry when I think about it. People don’t realize how prevalent cancer is among children. It’s a world that people don’t want to think about. But it’s time everyone wakes the hell up and opens their eyes. Kids do get cancer and kids do die from it.

No one knows what Sierra went through on a daily basis. She lived over half of her short life within the walls of the hospital.  Close your eyes and imagine the most beautiful blue eyed girl little girl, no heavier than 20 lbs, on a ventilator for 3 ½ months, receiving enough 
sedation to kill an adult, blood transfusions two times a day, numerous chest tubes, addicted to narcotics, endless x-rays, scans, and IV pokes. Imagine huge amounts of poison being pumped through her veins, and adult poison at that. We have children’s Tylenol and children’s Benedryl, but after all these years, there is no such thing as a children’t chemo drug. Then she went through 9 ½ hours of surgery to extract this horrible thing. She battled pneumonia,
constant fevers, hospital admissions and terrifying blood infections. And let’s also mention
that she coded on two different occasions. To think though, Sierra never made it to stem cell transplant, radiation or antibody treatment. There were SIX pages of side effects for ONE chemo drug.

These kids fight for their lives, and then have to worry that the cancer doesn’t relapse. If it doesn’t – they truly survived. But, it’s not over. Now every day for the rest of their lives, they have to counter act all of the side effects from treatment. And then on top of that, they still have to worry about secondary cancer. If the child relapses, that is a completely different 
ballgame.

But you want to know what was truly amazing about Sierra and all of these children? They smile every step of the way. Nothing gets them down.Childhood cancer is real people. You don’t want to have to learn about it the hard way like I did. You don’t want to wait & be holding your child in your arms as they draw their last breath - to wake up and fight back.
It’s totally unacceptable.
 
My child was not one of the lucky ones. And unfortunately, many of them aren’t. But these kids can't fight this alone.

Are you ready to open your eyes?

SCREW YOU CANCER!!!

www.SierraRayn.org

(Originally Posted June 27/11)

Relay 2011 Recap
Category: Life


This past Friday (June 17-18), Team Darrel participated in the Canadian Cancer Society's Relay For Life in Fergus. Being the fourth time doing so, there weren't as many surprises as in the past, but there still were a few. While the clouds were not looking very promising mid afternoon, by the time the majority of the people began arriving, we had clear blue skies, and alot of relieved faces of all involved. While the event goes rain or shine, and/or hot or cold (we've certainly had some of each over the years), the weather can play a big role in how the night unfolds.

I was happy that both Kira and Lauren had friends that were either part of our team, or were volunteerring at the Relay. While there are lots of fun and light-hearted games and activities that take place through the night, there are also segments that can be emotional, and often take there toll on us all at different times and in different ways. Having close non family
members to be with them through those tougher times is a blessing and is a healthy part of
the healing process. Either way, 12 hours is a long to keep younger people occupied and out of their parent's hair (or what little I have left of it).

As always, the Fergus Pipe Band led the Survivor's Lap around the course track encircled by the yet to be lit luminaries. While many of the individuals were the same as years previous, there were unfortunately were some people no longer with us, and the equally sobering fact that there were also numerous additions to those present. You can see the determination and perserverance in many of their eyes as they pass by those of us cheering them on. The fact that there were any youung face is both a blessing and distressing.  I know first hand that there are far too many cases out there of Childhood Cancer, and the fact there are so few 'survivors' to take part in such events makes me uneasy at times.

Even though the Relay itself starts at 7PM, it isn't until the Luminary Lighting Ceremony at around 10PM that the reality of it all set in. From out of the darkness, hundreds of tiny candles begin to flicker and glow around the track, each representing a life where cancer has been an unwelcome and significant intruder. As Team Captain, I was fortunate to help light many of the luminaries, including a few of Darrel's. It may not seem like much to many
of you, but it certainly is/was important to me.

While much of the night continued as in the past, there was a new 'Fight Back' ceremony that was held. Each team had earlier been given a wood plank and told to write all the cancers that had touched the lives of members. Later on, team representatives were called onto the stage to watch the local karate club break the board, thereby showing cancer it could and would be defeated. Beacuse this had not been done before, it was special and unique. I'm sure if this is repeated next year, it won't feel quite the same, but there are always those in 
the crowd joining the event for the first time.
 
The Cancer Society has not released the final totals yet, but Relay Night they announced Fergus had raised at least $76,000 this year!!!! Considering the size of our area, that makes the amount even more impressive. Our team came in 7th Place with just under $2800 in contributions collected (an extra $60 was also donated for The James Fund)! It was another amazing night, and I look forward to being a part of the Relay again next year.

Team Darrel 2011 was: Stephen Robb, Kira Robb, Lauren Robb, John Robb, Helen Robb, Bryan Robb, Janet Willfang, Sharon Snider, Erin Vink, and Mackenzie Wass.

Playground Memorial Luminaries were lit for: Mitchell Fraser, Christopher Gist, and Sierra Chamblee

Special Thanks goes to the following:

Zehrs 539 Employees - This year I held two 50/50 Draws at my workplace to support Team Darrel. While other teams held Bake Sales or BBQs, I figured I would probably have ate all the profits myself, so a 50/50 seemed like the best way to go. Almost $400 worth of tickets were sold within the one store. An additional thanks goes to Mike Napier, the winner of the 2nd draw, who donated his winning pot of $85 back to our cause!! 
 
Kim and Morghan McKnight - Though they could not participate with us this year, they
provided some treats to help keep us going!
 
Superstars Baton Club - A big thanks to Krista, Bailey, Emma, Mackenzie and Madison for
stopping by very early Saturday morning before travelling to the competition in Richmond
Hill. Lauren and I appreciated your efforts to support your fellow Superstar! 
 
Thanks Again to all team members, past and present, and all those who have supported useach and every year. Without you, none of this would have been possible!!
 
P.S. On May 28, 2011 I took part in the 10th Annual Mitchell Fraser Memorial Slo Pitch
Tournament in Solina. It was a great day and event, raising $20,592.40 for Neuroblastoma Research at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto (with a ten year total of $173,600).
Even though I have been communicating with Laura (Mitchell's mother) and Lisa (Nick's mother) on Facebook for a few years, it was nice to finally meet them in person.

The 46/7 Daily Lottery Draw: A Look In The Mirror
by Carla FortheCure Hood on Thursday, June 9, 2011

I was trying to think of a way to put this lottery into a perspective that might touch a few more chords. I know I am not the only one to have grown up in the "Romper Room" era - oh how I despised that show; but thinking back on it made me consider something...at the beginning of each show, Miss Whatever-Her-Name-Was would hold up her magic mirror, look in and say:
Look in the mirror
Who do you see?
I see Jimmy
and Susie
and Tommy
and Robbie
and…~the list would go on for a few more names!!

So, we do a fast forward to the here and now:
A new day begins…
Childhood cancer is holding the magic mirror…
The names are random...
Who will Childhood cancer see?
There will be 46 names called…
Names NEW to the list…
Beautiful children, big dreams...
Changed in the blink of an eye!

Occasionally the light in the mirror fades…
Darkness glimmers…
7 names are called…
7 flames flicker one last time…
7 children take their final breath…
7 lives...
7 families…
Forever incomplete!

Look in the mirror...
Welcome to the realization…
The child that you see…
A child you love...
If not already on EITHER list…
COULD BE…
MIGHT BE…
WILL BE…
If we don't ALL step up…
and STOP CHILDHOOD cANCER!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This is reality...
it is life shattering...
gut-wrenching...
heartbreaking...
Please be a voice for the children, so they too can have HOPE for a future!!

(Originally Posted June 9/11)
 

Missing You: Eleven in Heaven
Category: Life 

Another May 26th has arrived, the fourth one without the Birthday Boy here to celebrate it with his family. Darrel should have being turning 11 today, but the that was not meant to be. As his sisters continue to grow and mature, it is impossible not to to try and imagine Darrel with them, and what things could and should have been like. With all that happens to Kira and Lauren each and every day, how would things have been different if their younger brother was with them at school, on the bus, or during the anythings and everythings that will make up their lives.

Birthdays of young children are suppose to be about the promise of what the future may hold for them: their hopes; their dreams; their fears; and the magic and mystery of the years ahead. For Darrel, and so many others touched by childhood cancer, birthdays are a time of reflection and remembrance. Recalling those times are both a blessing and a curse to me, now and for always. Many say you have to take the Good with the Bad, but what good is there is watching your 
7 year old son take his last breath? Where is the silver-lining in that dark cloud that still hovers over our home?? These are questions, like so many of the other "what ifs" surrounding Darrel's journey, that will never have answers that make any sense or give me complete peace of mind.
 
In other related stories, since my last blog, there have been a few developments involving the Playground. First off, earlier this month Facebook began the process of reformating the structure of all its Group pages. After Darrel's Playground flipped over, all this previous
Blogs/Notes/Discussion Board topics were lost! This was both unexpected and unnerving to me, as well as countless others who had their groups information removed and/altered without any prior warning. While I do have these backed up elsewhere, it is going to take some time to restore 6 years worth of entries to the site. I still don't know how/when I'm going to go about doing that, but they were a major component to this Group, and the needs to be resolved in the near future.

This coming Saturday, May 28th, I'll be taking part in The 10th Annual Mitchell Fraser Memorial Slo-Pitch Tournament in Solina, Ontario. Money raised will go to the James Fund for
Neuroblastoma Research at SickKids. We've been invited to several James Fund events in the past, including Darrel's SickKids's buddy Kyle's annual Family Day Skate, but for various reasons, have been unable to attend. I've chatted with many of these parents a great deal over the years 
on Facebook, but have yet to actually meet them face to face. Hope the weather co-opeartes, and all involved have a great day!!

On June 17-18th, Team Darrel will be participating in our fourth Relay For Life here in Fergus! I set the team fundraising goal at $1,500 this year, and with 3 weeks to go, we should have no
problem achieving this amount (currently at $730). The Fergus event already has more teams
signed up than last year, and has collected over $18,000 thus far. Anyone wanting to pledge our team can contact one of us directly, or do so online at:

http://convio.cancer.ca/site/TR/RelayForLife/RFL_ON_odd_?px=1675869&pg=personal&fr_id=8735
 
In closing, I'd like to thank everyone who is still part of this group! As I mentioned, the Facebook switch-over did not go over very smoothly, and several people left the Playground before the automatic spamming issues were properly addressed. I try to keep things on here current, without being too aggressive or pushy, but sometimes people think otherwise. This is unforunate,
but it is also a part of life. Raising Awareness is a large part of what this page has evolved into, and that does require some contact between us from time to time.

Thanks Again for being part of this community, and allowing me to share Darrel with you all.

The Apple Juice is Chillin' in the Fridge, the Ring Pops are in the Cupboard, and The Flintstones are secure.

Happy Birthday Little Man!! 
 
P.S. If you haven't already watched it, here is a link to the Tribute Video my friend Debbie
Tompkins made in honour of Darrel's Birthday.


http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=e02e8cc60dc06eedf2204f&skin_id=1901&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=text_url

Another Year Gone
Category: Life

Welcome 2011!  As we enter the new year, let me once again Thank You all for being members of Darrel's Playground.  Your continued support of myself, my family, and the goal to raise awareness for Childhood Cancer is more than greatly appreciated!!

While the Relay For Life was still  the 'Main Event' so to speak for our efforts, there were
several different organized campaigns conducted on Facebook in 2010.  Whether it be
something as simple as changing your Status Picture or Update, to something with a bit more participation, many of you were able to help keep the cause front and centre as much as possible.

Christmas has never been the same for us without Darrel, with the season just past being no exception. With the Christmas Tree being set-up in the basement for the first time, it certainly did give a different feel to the holidays.  Though the tree was a bit more out of sight, it
certainly was not out of mind.  It was still adorned with the hand painted decorations that
Darrel completed during his inpatient stays at the Grand River Hospital in Kitchener.   This
was our fourth Christmas without him with us, but his presence was never hard to find.

Unfortunately, over-shadowing all of this, was once again cancer touching my immediate
family.  While there may not be alot of similarities between neuroblastoma and prostate
cancer....Cancer is still cancer. Seeing your father lying in a hospital bed in discomfort,
attached to beeping machines, is no easier than seeing your son in the same situation.  His
treatments and hospital stay were less intense and fewer than Darrel's, but the emotional
involvement still takes its toll.  Flashbacks to my son's treatments could not be avoided,
 which did not help matters for all concerned.

Though the prognosis is very favouring for him, and the surgery in early December being
deemed a success, several medical complicatoins continue to mar his road to recovery. 
Things are now moving in the right direction, and hopefully are no more obstacles to
encounter in the near future.  Kira and Lauren have been told that this kind of cancer is more common, and procedure is almost considered routine (which is sad but true),  I'm sure it is
still troubling for them to see yet another family member going through such an ordeal.

Without a doubt, the new year will bring us all a series of ups and downs, trials and
tribulations, and happiness and sorrow.  Together as a family, with the assistance of friends,
co-workers, and the kindness of strangers, we will continue to grow and thrive in the days,
months, and years ahead.  Thanks for being a part of this journey with me.

Glowing Embers After 3 Years
Category: Life 
 
It's been three years today since we lost Darrel to neouroblastoma....three very long and
emotional years!  It is always impossible to say how and when the floodgate of memories
I have of him will open up, and (sometimes) overwhem me.  But they do, which is both a
blessing and a curse will that will exist for my family for as long as we do.

The summer of 2010 was alike weather-wise with that of 2007.  The relentless heat was hard
on Darrel that summer, but at least we didn't have to worry as much about him catching a
cold (which of course, would have been alot worse).  We were given an old air conditioner for
the bedroom window (which we really needed again this year. Thanks Jodie!), had a fan for
the living room, and the van's system somewhat worked, so all three spots he spent the
majority of his time (other than the hospital) were kept at more comfortable temperatures.

The heat also meant there was lots of ice cream to be had, which everybody in the house
enjoyed.  Darrel had acquired a taste for the Cotton Candy flavour, which he dubbed
'Spiderman Ice Cream', as it was blue and red in colour.  At the time, there was only one
place in town that sold it, and they were constantly running out of stock.  Since they only sold it in individual cone or bowl portions, we often had to bring plastic containers with us to the
store, so we could bring an extra supply home for Mr.Darrel!  It was difficult for Kira and
Lauren to understand sometimes that the Spiderman flavour was only for their brother, and
yes, he got more of it each serving.

This summer also marked the first time since 2007 that we went camping as a family. The girls had gone with Rebecca's parents each year since his death, but not Rebecca or myself.   Camping at the Pinery Park in Grand Bend was always something Darrel looked forward
too each summer.  Riding the bike trails, swimming in the lake, and watching the campfire
late at night were things that would bring a big smile to his face.  We last went in August
2007, barely a month before he would pass away.  Rebecca had found a whole body wet-suit
(along  with alot of extra care securing everything), so he could go into the water and splash around, central line and all!  Of course, he wasn't as active as before he was diagnosed, but at least he was able to have some fun there again one last time.

A few weeks ago, we went up to Mew Lake in Algonquin Park.  Not being the Pinery, there
were no memories of Darrel attached to that location, but thoughts of him on the bike trail,
and especially by the campfire still were not that far away. During endless chatter about what had happened that day, fighting over who would get to hold the dog on their lap, and who would get to roast the next marshmallow...he was still there with us in spirit.

As the fire would slowly dwindle away, the glowing embers would remain, often until the next morning, and serve as a reminder of the more happy times that had happened previously.  My memory of Darrel is quite like these embers: ever present; providing warmth and
comfort; and yet also sometimes too hot to hold, and with the power to overtake you without
warning.  The fire that once would dance in his young eyes may have been extinguished by the cancer that invaded his tiny body, but love that he brought to our hearts will still burn 
forever more.

Love and Miss You Little Man

*************************
Please remember that September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.  Everything and Anything you can do will make a difference.  Whether it be making  a donationto The James Fund, or something as simple as changing your Profile Picture to a Gold Ribbon, your actions can only help spread the word that more can and needs to be done.  Thank You.

(Taken from Dawn's Page)
Cancer Competition?
By Dawn Burgess
Wednesday, August 25, 2010

So, I sure didn't mean to start a controversy, but Kristi brings up an interesting
point worth considering. Competition. Sometimes I feel like we're being forced
to compete. I don't want to take away anything from breast cancer, I just want
or kids to get a fair shake. I want equality. I want GOLD to be recognized the
way pink is. But I struggle when, for example, a well known breast cancer walk 
group comes to town DURING childhood cancer awareness month, and gets a huge 
media show, DURING childhood cancer awareness month, when the media seems to 
want nothing to do with covering childhood cancer awareness events. I find it 
difficult when I see pink everywhere--even when money from that item is not 
going to breast cancer anything, it's just pink because people will buy it. I 
have a hard time when the teachers in our school have a "pink day" because a 
teacher in the district has breast cancer, yet they've never had a "gold day" 
and in our elementary school alone there is one child with cancer now, one who 
has died, and our daughter who lost her brother last year. I get frustrated
when breast cancer gets people so revved up because it's viewed as "empowering"
to  women, yet people turn away from childhood cancer because it's "just too
sad."  It is, but it's also reality. And our kids are so so so very much more
than sad. How do you make people see that? And I'll admit, I get angry--yes,
angry, but it's a "productive" anger-- when I see some very well known cancer
organizations giving huge chunks of money to some adult cancer research, yet
spending more on salaries and publicity than they do on reserching the cancers
that kill our  kids. So, are we competing? Many days it feels like it. I don't
particularly like that. I hate the ungliness that sometimes comes with
competiton. I pray for the self-control to avoid that. I prefer to think of it
as a matter of differing passions. You have a passion for breast cancer,
prostate cancer, whatever. I have a passion for our kids. You follow yours,
I'll follow mine. We can do it and still be civil. And hopefully, someday soon,
we'll get where we want to be and we won't need a gold or a pink anything.

(Originally Posted Aug 25/10)

Poem: A Lane All Your Own
Category: Writing and Poetry 
 
A Lane All Your Own
By Carla Hood

It's neither life in the fast lane, nor life in the slow lane
It's life in a lane all your own
Where you find out your strength, bravery, courage and more
Where you learn you can't do it alone

The words come so swiftly, their force like none other
"Your child has cancer, you see."
The rug has been pulled from right  'neath your feet
Your hope is that this cannot be

Your heart skips a beat, your knees start to tremble
You sit before you fall down
Your mind is spinning, your stomach is churning
Your face is all scrunched in a frown

You gather your wits, you take a deep breath
You pray for God's touch from above
Because the fight for a life, your daughter, your son
Is going to take more than just love

It's a journey ongoing, a long road ahead
But a trial God thinks we can face
All the tests and needles, the IVs and tubes
How'd we end up in this place?

The doctors and nurses, the surgery and chemo
Is there light at the end of the tunnel
The ups and  the downs of this cancer coaster
The feel of being sucked through a funnel

You see little warriors, bearing big battle scars
Each scar  speaks a story so well
It's the tough cancer fighter, with God on his side
Telling cancer to go back to hell

But cancer doesn't ever abide  by the rules
A cheap shot, then told of relapse
You feel the breath rush  from your lungs in a gust
Thinking of "what ifs" and "perhaps"

We're left with the question of what next to do
Is there something we haven't tried yet
Radiation, antibodies, more chemo or what
On what should we place the next bet

We fight all the harder, a route we must take
There's no question, not even a doubt
It's the fact that we haven't but one way to go
It's our future we can't do without

The journey might show a happy  ending or sad
It may close with the greatest heartbreak
But we must plod on, until this war is won
Because we know just what's at stake

September 9, 2008
Carla Hood

*In honor of those who've  not only earned their wings far toosoon, but for those still fighting,
those who have survived, those who have yet to be diagnosed AND for the families of any
child that has ever been touched by this monster called Childhood Cancer!"*

Originally Posted Aug 4/10)

Relay 2010 Wrap-Up
Category: Life 
 
Last weekend (June 18-19), Team Darrel participated for the third time at the Relay For Life here in Fergus.  If you have never attended one of these events put on by the Canadian Cancer Society, you have been missing something very special.  From the Survivors Lap, to the emotional testimonials by others who have been touched by cancer, to the lighting of the luminaries, it is just something you have to be there to experience for yourself. 

The weather, though it threatened to get nasty a couple of times, co-operated with us this year.  On our first year, we spent several hours in a nearby barn, as the Cancer Society closed the track off due to safety concerns as the rain came down during an electircal storm; while last year it was cold...very cold (and considered all the natural insolation I have on me, that is putting it lightly).  This year, it was a nice temperature throughout the event, and even the bugs for the most part, took the night off (but they still attacked my Mother...they always do for some reason).

One of the highlights of the event was when our Team member Janet Willfang had her head shaved on Stage, as she pledged to do so if received over $500.00 in donations for the Relay.  Considering she made this proposition quite late in the fundraising, Janet (and the rest of us) were surprised when she achieved this goal.  Our team members each had a turn with the shaver, as well as her husband Darryl (who was never too far away).  Many from the event gathered at the Stage to cheer her on, and Janet was given a nice send off once we were finished the buzzing.

For me personally, the part I look most forward to, and also to a  certain degree dread, is between 3-5AM.  With only the luminaries guiding the  way, the night damp chill in the air and on the ground, and not as many  participants on the track, it brings home the reason why we have all gathered on  the site for the evening.  The isolation, quiet fear, lack of sleep,
feeling of utter helplessness, and desolation of what myself and our family has gone  through,
and on some levels contiunes to through, comes into a kind of blurry  focus in these early hours of the morning. It brings out every emotion possible  ... but at the end is always Darrel,
with his dancing eyes, amazing smile, and the strength and courage of incredible amounts waiting to greet me at the  finish.  For those moments, it doesn't matter how much money was raised, or anything else for that matter.  That is why I Relay!

Speaking of money raised, though the official number hasn't been given yet, Team Darrel collected $2491.00 in sponsors for the Canadian Cancer Society, and an additional $72.00 will go to the James Fund from button sales and other means!!!  Congratulations to everyone who played any part in making this a successful night to remember for my family and myself.  Together, we made a difference!!  Your continued support is as appreciated now, as it was when Darrel was still with us.

Team Darrel 2010 was:  Stephen Robb, Kira Robb, Lauren Robb, John Robb, Helen Robb,
Bryan Robb, Janet Willfang, Kim McKnight,  Sharon Snider, Payge Hough, Mackenzie Wass
and Morghan McKnight.

Playground Memorial Luminaries were lit for:  Sammie Hartsfield, Jenessa "Boey" Byers, Max Corp, and Braeden "Super Bub" Burgess.

Special Thanks go to the following:

My Parents (John and Helen) - They are not as young and full of energy as they once were, but for the third year, they lasted from Start to Finish of the Relay, in memory of their grandson, and they know how much this event means to me as well.

Janet - Making the sacrifice of her hair to help The Cancer Society assist other families who have been touched to cancer in some way.  (I'll also give extra small kudos to her husband Darryl for being such a good sport about all this, even though he really hoped it would not happen).
 
Rebecca, Sharon, Kim L., and everyone baked and/or brought goodies and did Coffee runs to Tim Horton's to keep the Team moving.

All the Members on Team Darrel -  Without you, your support of myself and my family, and this wonderful event, none of this evening could have  happened. 
 
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Totals given in this week's Wellington Advertiser show 20 teams that participated in Fergus brought in $47,497.00 (with more still coming in)!! Thanks Again everyone!!

Ten 
Category: Life


Though it gets more difficult with the passing of time to write these blogs, it would be
impossible to let this particular day go without comment.  Today Darrel should have been turning the glorious age of 10, a milestone on so many levels in a young man's life, but neuroblastoma made that event a memory I'll never be able to be a part of with him.  I am only left wondering how or what would be different about any given event if he was still here with us.

For example, over the past weekend, we took Kira and Lauren to see Shrek: Forever After down to the theatre down in Guelph.  Like the Tranformers; Revenge of The Fallen, and the soon to be released Toy 3 and The Last Airbender, I'll  have to see these movies because of Darrel.  We spent alot of family time being immersed in the worlds these films created, I feel in an odd way obligated to see how the their stories continue to unfold.  Whether I like
or dislike what I see on the 'Silver Screen', what will be missing the most will to the opinionated banter of Darrel all the way on the drive back to Fergus (but, then again, maybe he would have outgrown that by now?).

I've shared almost every Darrel story I have, some countless times, while details of others aren't as clear and fresh as they once were in my mind.  The lack of time took my son away from us, and like the passage of sand through the hourglass, time is slowly making the recalling all those moments harder to do as well.  This doesn't come as a surprise (as my hair is diappearing along with parts of my memory too), but it is most unwelcome none the less.  While pictures and the videos have captured some of these moments, so much about the
substance of them is lost, and nothing can be done about that.  What was...and what could or would have been is all that remains.

Remember the Smile<3. Remember the Laugh <3. Remember the Life < 3.

Happy Birthday Darrel

Love and Miss You Little Man