A number of people have asked about updates over the last few weeks. Sorry, but with everything going on with the move, work etc we haven't had time to do any.
Basically the last few weeks have eased because Lauren finally received some good news in that she didn't need any heavy chemo before going to Sydney as her counts were OK, ~ 2 leukaemic cells/10,000. This gave her the chance to go to school for a few days for the first time this year. We thought she'd do a couple of hours and come home, probably exhausted. Turns out she did 3 full days and had more energy than ever as a result. She also went in the survivors walk in the "Relay for Life" at Santos Stadium.
A 24 hour team event to raise funds and awareness of cancer by the Cancer Council of SA. Concordia College to its credit via teacher Dean put in 2 Year 8 teams and raised over $3,100 by the kids who participated. Some photos are attached of the
event. At night, the track was lit by candles and messages, quite an awesome sight. For those interested we're looking at organising some adult teams for next year, so let us know if interested in participating and we'll email you (~16 - 18 per team). Great community spirit with bands and tents for those who choose to get some sleep through the night!! Also Pastor Rob from St John's has offered to shave his head as a fund raiser for 3 charities in support of Lauren and kids with cancer. This would have to be the mother of all head shaves, - have a look at the before photos!!!. Rob is being 'shaved' at 10:30am chapel service, Sunday 4th May at Concordia College chapel for those interested. One great thing about the Sydney move being delayed is we'll now get to see this huge event live. The three charities Rob is supporting by his shave are:
1) Hudson Maher Foundation www.hudsonmaher.com.au
2) Leukaemia Foundation www.leukaemia.org.au
3) Childhood Cancer Association www.childhoodcancer.asn.au
You can pledge your support for Rob's shave or get further details at shavepastorrobshead@yahoo.com and make the donation via the church or direct to the charities above. I understand the oldies in the community are digging deep as they've always wanted the ponytail to go. They might even auction the ponytail off at a later date!!! Will be one of 2 gutsiest head shaves I'll have seen to date!!! Well done Rob. Beanies are in this winter. Rob so far has raised around $3,000 and counting!!! Will keep you updated on this. Wait for the after photos.The school communities of St John's primary school & church & Concordia College have raised heaps for cancer charities with everything they've done over the last couple of months, which is an amazing effort for such a small community. Not to mention all the meals they've prepared for us over the last 6+ months which "Thank You" doesn't seem enough to show our appreciation. We certainly are grateful & lucky to be involved in such a caring & close community and thank all the staff, parents & kids of all 3 organisations.
Kate & Nathan spent last weekend on a SIBS camp with Camp Quality which gave us a suitable break to pack, albeit, prematurely in hindsight.
Over the next month Lauren will be on a maintenance chemo protocol to keep the leukaemic cells at bay until we re-run the tests and then hopefully go to Sydney as originally planned.
Until next update, The K's (Double click on photos if you want to expand them)