September is always a very busy, but also a very meaningful month. September is childhood cancer awareness month and we are always busy with various events and fundraisers. This September was no exception. It was an action packed 30 days that included a Rays game, Rowdies game and various other pediatric cancer awareness events. Our schedule was seemingly booked every weekend. The most surprising and bittersweet of them all was the tutu girls going viral. McKinley, Lauren (whose sweet mom Shawna is also in this group), Chloe and Ava all met during treatment at Johns Hopkins All Childrens Hospital. Chloe’s mom had the idea for the original tutu pic in 2016. We have continued this yearly tradition as the girls have continued treatment. This year, however, was an especially heartfelt photo op as it was the first time the picture would be taken since each of them had finished treatment. This was represented by each of them wearing a t shirt with “survivor” written across the front of it. What we thought would be our “normal” reunion photo has garnered attention from media outlets from across the country. While I am proud and thankful for the outcomes that these 4 girls have achieved I am constantly reminded about those that have not fared as well when fighting this life-threatening disease. These children and their families, some of which are close friends, are a constant reminder that our children deserve the best chance when facing this battle against pediatric cancer. A category (pediatric cancer) that only gets 4% of National funding dedicated too. This blows my mind.
While September is coming to a close these “tutu” girls are still making their way into the hearts of many and possibly into your living rooms again very very soon.
Thank you for your continued love & support.
Karen
McKinley is doing really great. She's loving school, LOVING dance & enjoying being off chemo meds. It really is amazing how much she's grown, how much she's developed & how much more personality she has since she's stopped chemo. All things are looking great which is wonderful news. We've been very busy with advocating & promoting childhood cancer awareness month & attending a lot of events. We did have one scare at this months appointment but all was confirmed negative with an ultrasound. Myself, a few other "cancer moms" & McKinleys oncologist were all concerned about a vein by where her port was placed especially since she had a clot in the past. But all was confirmed ok with a quick ultrasound (Thank God). I'm not sure I'll ever be able to take a deep breath but I do try too. We are praying for a Halloween at home this year (last year we spent 8 days in the hospital fighting a nasty virus over Halloween). And although the nurses & staff came by her hospital room to trick or treat, I'm actually looking forward to sweating & fighting bugs on Halloween night this year. It's the little things 😉 Thank You as always for keeping McKinley in your thoughts & prayers.
xoxox,
Karen
MCKINLEY'S CORNER