"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