December 14, 2006

The Jingle Bell Run was a huge success – Team Sadie’s Stars raised $11,012.00 and we had a team of over 90 people!!

The last few months have been so very touching. Our family has seen love and generosity at its very best. I have found a personal passion in connecting with people who are dealing with a new diagnosis. I remember how trying that time really is and I also remember the relief that I felt the first time I was able to openly share my feelings and thoughts with someone who fully understood what I was talking about. In creating Sadie’s Stars last year, I never imagined the success of this year nor could I have imagined the number of people that have either been touched by Sadie’s story or who have opened up and shared their story because of this event. Sharing our stories is where making a difference happens and I have experienced that first hand this year.

The event itself was a lot of fun, we had two teams meeting at different times to participate in different waves of the event along with quite a few who showed up at the start line. Sadie cut the ribbon to start the first wave which was “running with the elves” and her and many kids, family, friends, co-students all took off running. Yes, I said running. Sadie actually ran about 3 blocks at which point she pulled over to the side and waited for her much winded mother to catch up! We took a good break and then made our way to the finish line to cheer for the rest of the pack. Sadie was able to meet up with on of her friends and they crossed the finish line together. She was thrilled! Then we meet up with the second group and Sadie completed about two blocks and we slowly made our way to the finish line to create a cheering station for the rest of our team. Sadie was disappointed she could not do the entire 5K, but understood that she did her best and that next year we will have new goals. Before and after the event Sadie was brave enough to even speak in the microphone on stage. For me, I was filled with pride! Pictures from Jingle Bell to be posted soon!

As far as how Sadie is doing, she is really well. I realize that what my goals are and what reality is are two different things… the fact of the matter is there will be good days and bad days and we are past the point where we have good “months” as we had in the past. Sadie can overdo it and be out for a while, that is just a fact now. I am learning to eat this reality, but it surely isn’t something you would ever want for your child, so I am taking it with some bitter faces.
We wish for all of you a wonderful Christmas where we celebrate the life we have been given through the life and death of Jesus Christ. If it was not for the Mercy of our Lord, we would not have the blessings we have today.