Throughout he past sixteen months, I've written about the different children and adolescents that we have come to know because of Dane's journey. Although we wish our son and all of these special people would never have been inflicted with cancer, our lives have been enriched by them. I marvel at their strength as they undergo treatments, take medicines on a continuous basis and just accept and live day-to-day with their conditions. Almost more remarkable though is their maturity beyond their years, their passion to improve the lives of others living with cancer even while battling for their own and their wisdom to know that just one person CAN truly make a difference. They are INSPIRATIONS and in my words, this is why ...
- Kendra McBain (RIP December 2009)- While battling a rare sarcoma that surfaced one too many times to conquer, she organized the first Kendra's Walk for Kids in May 2009 at SJR School. Over $160,000 was raised in her quest to refurbish the "Teen Room" at CCMB to provide a haven for other youth fighting cancer. Kendra's dream was that her Walk would be an annual event and her family is carrying on her legacy. On June 4, our family will join many others from the Clinic as we walk in memory of a young woman who had incredible vision and courage.
- Todd Davison (RIP December 2006) - Like Kendra, Todd was diagnosed with a sarcoma that was too difficult to treat. An amazing junior hockey player, Todd's dream was to see fellow players take to the ice in Winnipeg to raise funds for cancer. The first Sizzlin Summer Showdown was held the summer before he passed and by last year it had grown so much it moved to the MTS Centre. Todd founded the "Believe in the Goal" Foundation before he passed away and the money raised goes toward making other kids/teens with cancer more comfortable and providing NHL experiences to kids with cancer who are huge hockey fans. Of course Dane was the recipient of the NHL experience this past March when we travelled to Vancouver and we are so grateful. The 2010 SSS is being held August 12 at MTS Centre and we'll be sure to post updates as we have more details.
- Jessie - One of Dane's best buds from the Clinic, this young woman has recently won her battle with lymphoma. She is not from Wpg so during her family's many, many visits to the city, they stayed at Ronald McDonald House. Given their outgoing and friendly personalities, we weren't surprised to hear she was asked to be in their annual Fashion Show last week and to grace many McDonalds around the city on May 5 in support of McHappy Day (RMC was this year's chosen charity). She is a young gal with a lot of poise and we are sure she made a wonderful ambassador for the House.
- Ryan - A teenager battling the same kind of leukemia as Dane, Ryan and his family are constantly giving back to many organizations within Wpg that support sick kids. He helps at Variety, was on the Children's Hospital Telethon and this Saturday May 15, is helping spearhead a drive to raise $1,000,000 pennies for cancer. The event is at the Forks from 10 am - 3 pm so if you have time and pennies, please consider dropping them off and saying you are a friend of Dane's. We'll be there armed with the kids' change around 12:30.
- Hayden - Dane's Clinic buddy from the get-go, Hayden's wish trip was sponsored by the Rainbow Society. His family has given back to this wonderful organization by being the feature family in several PR pieces, including being special guests at the annual fundraising dinner last weekend. Way to go Hayden!!!
- Troy, Zoe, Maya and Jesse - All are inspirations for toughing out what is a difficult road to long-term Maintenance. I'm pretty sure they have been doing some amazing stuff along the way, including graduating from high school with honours (way to go Zoe & Troy)!
- Noah Polansky - Although I've never met this young man, I have heard his story and marvel at his commitment to a cause. He does not have cancer, however his mom had breast cancer a few years ago. When she was diagnosed he rallied and set a lifetime goal to raise $1 million for cancer research and treatment. Like Jodes and me, he is participating in the June 12 CCMB Challenge for Life and has challenged kids at local schools to hold fundraising walks in support of his walk. Ash & Dane's school - Oakenwald - is holding its walk tomorrow and I'll join the kids for this inspirational jaunt through the neighborhood.
- Our kids - Through their willingness to be part of the CCMB's Campaign, Ashley & Dane did a great thing for the Foundation. These days Dane tries pretty hard not to think about his leukemia, but based upon previous conversations, I'm sure he has something in mind closer to when he finishes treatment in 2012 as his way of giving "back."
Dane's leukemia experience has taught me many lessons that I will hold onto for the rest of my life. In this case it's that no matter how high the mountain seems, we shouldn't hold back if we believe in a cause. Our family knows firsthand that the organizations that benefit from these causes really do change and save people's lives.
Thank you to these inspiring young people ... Janie & Dirk (for all the Hantschers)
Just time for a quick update and posting of a picture from this week's "Believe in the Goal" activities. It's been a whirlwind three days which I will recap in more detail in my next update when I'm not prying my eyes open with toothpicks. Suffice to say Dane had an AMAZING time as the NHL Experience child and the highlights included golfing 18 holes with Cam Barker, dropping the puck and co-coaching with Jonathan Toews! 
