"Some days are more of a challenge"

If there is anything I've learned the past 16 months, it's that a cancer diagnosis and the treatment that follows is a long and winding road. Many days are great and we park the fact that Dane's body has an invader that threatens his health. Others are so-so, either because he's not feeling that well from a treatment or one or more members of our family are just not doing all that well dealing with the realities of his leukemia. And then there are the really hard days, the ones where the brutal truths of childhood cancer smack us in the face.

The past few days fall into the latter category because we had to say good-bye to another young soul from the cancer community. Two weeks ago little Tristin (aged 2 1/2) lost his courageous battle with cancer. After an overwhelming 18 months of treatments, hospitalizations and surgeries, his parents and the medical team thought he was on the road to recovery. However, he became ill at home in Thompson MB and a MRI revealed he had a large and aggressive brain tumor. He passed away within 24 hours, leaving behind a grieving mom, dad, big sister and extended family. Over the past year or so, we came to know Tristin and his family quite well. His dad works for MB Hydro, so we shared that in common. Dane took a strong liking to Tristin and during clinic visits, they would sit together and watch videos on the portable DVD player Tristin took everywhere with him. He was on the ward for much of this winter so we didn't see them much but four weeks ago we ran into the entire family at the Clinic. They were so optimistic and Dane and Ashley were both excited to get in a short visit with this special little boy. We think of his family often and although we know we can't erase their pain, we sure wish we could.

We have several Cancer Care MB events coming up in the next few weeks ...

- June 4 the kids and I will join many other Clinic families and participate in the 2nd annual Kendra's Walk

- June 5 Dane and Dirk are taking part in the Fishing for a Cure event on the Red River

- June 11 - 13 Ashley and Dane are attending Camp Indigo. It's a three day event at Camp Arnes sponsored by the Foundation for patients and their siblings and this is our kids first time (last year was cancelled because of H1NI)

- June 12 I will be walking 20 kms with my best bud Jodes in the Challenge for Life. All funds raised stay in Manitoba and support the Foundation. My heartfelt thanks for the generous support I've received from family & friends.

- June 25 Dirk and Dane are attending a car show that supports CCMB

On a similar but different note, we heard yesterday that the organizers of the annual dragon boating festival have submitted our team as one of the stories that Shaw will feature this year. It will likely be a few weeks until the story is produced, but as always, I will provide the link once it's available. I know our team captains are pumped about the exposure! Dirk and I have committed to "Race the Red" again this year in support of the Cdn Cancer Society and as such, will hit the river in mid-September. I'm thinking after a 20 km walk a few races won't be that bad (yeah right)!

It's amazing how blog writing lifts my spirits. Already I am feeling a little brighter ... until next time, take care - Janie & Dirk

"Inspirations"

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)

"Happy 1st Birthday"

Happy Birthday to you ...

Happy Birthday to you ...

Happy Birthday dear Clare ...

Happy Birthday to you!

Ashley and Dane wish their sister Clare Avery a special 1st Birthday (May 11, 2010). You brighten our days more than we ever imagined possible.

Love your mom, dad, Ashley & Dane

P.S. We LOVE and see you too!

In case you didn't happen to see the Winnipeg Free Press this past Saturday, these are the two pictures and the write-up we included for our special sister and daughter. She is enjoying her last sleep before the big day ... very tired from all her walking!!!

Good night ... Janie & Dirk

"May 8, 2012"

"We interrupt regular programming for this brief but important message ..."

If you are a faithful blog follower, today's headline might sound familiar. Yes, it's a bit of "deja vu" because I used this exact same title one year ago today. It's a very significant day and an anniversary of sorts. It was 12 months ago that Dane began Interim Maintenance - the third phase of his treatment and the one that started his three year treatment clock ticking. It's very hard to believe an entire year has passed by and what seemed like an eternity - a 3.5 year treatment cycle - is now down to two years. It's still a long way to go but the end gets closer with every passing month. He has nearly completed 3/11 cycles in the long-term Maintenance phase and cycle 4 begins May 26/27. Each cycle last 84 days and is filled with lots of drugs, all of which he continues to handle really well.

So today we reflect on what he has survived, conquered and accomplished in the past sixteen months and look ahead to hopefully two years of "routine" treatment. Dane will be ten when he finishes and if you are a "gambler", you can bet on one-heck-of a celebration in May 2012!!

Good night ... Janie and Dirk