End of Radiation Road

33 rounds; 33 trips; 33 visits. It's over! For as happy as Heather and all of us are to have radiation completed, the last day left us a little sad. Saying good-bye to the technicians, saying good-bye to the other patients - it's just a little sad. You visit with people everyday and become very interested in their lives, their journey, their personal battle. We wish everyone the best of luck in their fight. But we will never really know how they do.

Heather is doing well. She had her first full day of work in over 6 weeks today, so she is tired. She is so grateful to her employers for being understanding and supportive. Because of their support, Heather did not suffer extra stress about her job. Currently, her head is tender, much like a sunburn, so she does not like to wear anything on her head. Getting ready in 10 minutes is a plus as well. And, she has a great shaped head, so she looks pretty good bald. However, she might get cold this winter :)

I said in my last entry that I would talk about some of our fundraising events. First, after our "Wear Gray for a Day" event in September, Reagan Elementary School had a Penny War among some of its classes. Students also sold gray wristbands . Both ideas raised about $1,200! Because of Reagan Elementary, my department decided to have a Penny War among our English classes during homecoming week. Our students raised $8,200! Then our DECA students raised another $1,000 during the Powder Puff game. Student Council and a "Miracle Minute" added some more. All together, Millard North High School raised $10,500 for Leap-for-a-Cure!

Monster Bash was so fun! We think about 200 people attended and I met so many new people -some who have a connection to brain cancer and some who just want to support our cause. We are already thinking about next year's bash :) We have some ideas to make the event better as well as what we want to keep the same. I know - I just need to relax a little. I only have 12 months! Thunder Alley hosted the event and I cannot thank Ted and Kathy enough for all their efforts to make it a success. In addition, the classic rock band "Charlie in the Box" played for the event and donated the time. Everyone helped to make this a special awareness event.

Today is Old Chicago Restaurants' "Cookies for a Cure" day. Old Chicago has been a wonderful support for our cause. First, three of the restaurants each donated 8 pizzas to reward the winning teacher's classes for the Penny War at Millard North. Then the restaurants planned for the "Cookies for a Cure" fundraiser. I'm proud to be involved with this fine organization! Plus, I bought a lot of delicious cookies :)

The next event is November 15 at Mid-America Center. The Lancer Hockey team has purchased special brain cancer jerseys. After the game, the jerseys will be auctioned and all proceeds will go to Leap-for-a-Cure. Another fun evening is approaching. . .

We have been so fortunate to have so many people supporting Leap-for-a-Cure. From students and staff at Reagan Elementary and Millard North High School, to Thunder Alley, to Old Chicago, to Lancer Hockey - we are so lucky to be surrounded by so many wonderful people.

I will continue to fight for the cause no matter how long it takes to find a cure. It has been too long without new steps, and I am getting impatient. I met so many good people the other night, and each one deserves to live his / her life to the fullest. Each one has a story. Each one has a fight. Our story and our fight is no different. However, this story has hit home - my home. We are no longer someone else.