It's Summer and we "Believe"!

Wow - it's been an entire month since my last update! June has been crazy busy and we are all very ready for some quality time at Pickerel Lake. The forecast is looking a bit better so we are optimistic mother nature knows we have high expectations this year. None of this rain and cool weather we experienced last summer - we want sunshine!

Dane continues to feel really well. Last week was his heavy treatment week so physically, mentally and spiritually he was not himself. However he has rebounded nicely and is really pumped to get to the lake. I think he knows how lousy he felt last year and is looking forward to enjoying all his favorite activities with enthusiasm and energy. He has already proclaimed he will be tubing by tomorrow. He doesn't have another treatment until July 20 so we are in the clear for a few weeks. This is awesome because you may recall last July and August we were at the Clinic a ton as he was in the last two months of the intensive phase.

Dane and Ashley's trip to Camp Arnes a few weeks back with CCMB was fantastic!! They made sure they did all the activities and it doesn't sound like they missed us one bit. We know they will be at the top of the sign-up list when 2011 rolls around. My 20km walk on June 12 was equally special. A heartfelt thanks to Jodi, my partner and BFF. We proved that that distance can be done in pretty good time (3.5 hours) even when you don't train and you talk the entire time. Between us we raised over $4000 for the Foundation and I am very appreciative of the generous donations.

We have been very busy working behind the scenes for the Believe in the Goal Foundation. This is the organization that sent Dane to Vancouver in March to watch the Canucks play the Sharks. Believe's marquee event is the SuperStar Summer Showdown. It's August 12 and will feature many huge local stars, including Jonathan Toews, Nigel Dawes and Travis Zajac. The Press Conference announcing the game was yesterday and that's when this awesome photo was snapped. Dane also got the surprise news he will drop the puck at the game ... he's pretty pumped! I'll post more details in an upcoming blog but in the meantime here is a link to the article in the WFP this morning. There is also a very touching story on Shaw TV that features Todd's mom and player friends ... just go to ShawTV Winnipeg and click on Wednesday June 30 stories.

www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/hockey/nhl-stars-unite-for-cause-97460354.html

Spring hockey & ringette are down - yeah - and we have no skating until late August. We are all looking forward to the break. There will be many laps swam at PL this summer to keep up the kids' stamina and work those leg muscles. This is really good for Dane to counteract the various drugs he continues to take.

Ashley and Clare are doing well. Ashley is glad to be done Grade 4 ... the last couple of months were tough on her. Likely an accumulation of all the stresses she's had to deal with. Clare is basically a going concern, with "going" being the operative word. She is everywhere and into everything! She also has quite the temper and voice ... watch out when she doesn't get her own way.

Hope all is good in your world and enjoy the next few days ... It's Summer and we "Believe"!

Janie & Dirk

"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

"Spring Clean-up"

Hello everyone,

Is it Spring? I'm not sure because it actually feels more like summer in Winnipeg these days. In fact, the past couple of days have been nicer than most July & August days last year. We can only hope this is a sign of what is to come for the next few months. On a selfish note, I am really hoping for amazing weather because it will be my last summer off with the kids before I go back to work in mid-September. Pickerel lake is calling our names this year.

So given all that has been going on around here lately, "spring clean-up" seemed like the most appropriate title for this entry. Yep, I still lay awake at night thinking of the next headline.

Here's the scoop as of late ...

"A Wild Ride"

When I last wrote, we were prepping for a few day jaunt to Minneapolis to watch our third Sharks game since January. Our favorite contact in San Jose, Erin, had arranged for seats in a private suite with kids from a Minnesota organization called "Hope Kids" (children with significant medical issues). If that wasn't enough, when we arrived at VIP Will-Call, Dane and Dirk were whisked away to sit on the SJ bench during the pre-game skate. Minus the crazy bike helmets they had to wear (LOL) it was a great experience. Big Joe was actually injured that week so he didn't play, however that disappointment was erased when he plunked himself down beside Dane on the bench. Crazy!!! Erin says we've met Joe more times in the past three months than she's seen him in five years. The SJ coach even came out, shook their hands and thanked them for being such great Sharks' fans. Dane got the inside scoop on Joe's injury and when he'd return to action. It's now play-off time of course, so he is glued to the TV set when SJ is playing. We let him watch last night's game because he didn't have school today, however it was such a heart-breaker I didn't know what he would do. SJ had 51 shots and lost one minute into OT when they basically scored on their own net. Hopefully they recover tomorrow night. Something has gone hay-wire with blogger.com so I can't post this great picture of Dane with the Wild mascot in the suite. I'll try again next time otherwise I might loose it on my computer tonight.

Our many thanks to our wonderful US hosts, Tricia & Matt, for letting us stay at chez Iten-Maly for a couple of fun filled days & nights.

"Cleaning House"

For the past several weeks we have literally been cleaning our house. After a one year wait due to Dane's treatment, we finally finished the basement. This might not seem like a big deal to some, but to us it was huge because it meant moving large pieces of furniture (aka an 800 pound piano) out of the den to make room for Dane to move into his new digs. He and Ashley had been sharing a room for five months and that was getting VERY old for everyone. Now all the kids have their own rooms again plus lots of new space downstairs to play and hang out. The house seems much larger and quieter and that's a great thing. Every day I tackle another "closet clean-up" and fortunately the end is in sight. IKEA's stock was severely depleted when we went to Minni and Dirk has hardly protested about all the furniture assembly he's had to undertake.

"Four Week Pass"

Although Dane's counts were lower at his appt than the month before, they were still great so we got another four week reprieve from the Clinic. He has been feeling super and I'm hopeful when we head there next week for his once a month chemo that his levels will still be up. If so we won't have to go back until late May and he will be thrilled. The monthly steroid boosts are still nasty, but at least we can "crystal ball" when they are going to kick in and make him hungry, cranky and emotional. We have learned to tip-toe around him for several days until the "mood" passes.

"On the Go"

The kids' spring activities have kicked into high-gear the past couple of weeks. Dane is playing 3x3 hockey, flag football (first time) and swimming. Ash is playing 3x3 ringette, swimming and taking musical theatre. Dane was pretty pumped at the first flag practice when he was picked to be the running back for the first few games. This was due to his speed & agility and the coach was pretty surprised to discover the kid he was praising for his "moves" is the one undergoing leukemia treatment. He plays his first game this Sunday at Wpg stadium and he's very excited. After telling me for quite some time she wanted to do other "things" besides ringette, Ashley is excited to be testing her drama skills (however we do tell her this happens at home on a pretty frequent basis - she is ten after all).

"Almost One"

It's hard to believe but Ms. Clare is going to celebrate her first b-day in a few weeks. May 11 is the milestone and this mom has to get her act in gear to plan something for her. She is not walking yet, but crawling like a machine and running beside and between the furniture. She can stand on her own when she wants to and she's likely only a couple weeks away from really cruising. She is still NOT sleeping through the night on a regular basis, however I get the odd night where she goes from 9:30 - 6:00 or so. I live for those nights! Hope you like the latest photos taken in the past couple of days.

"Wish Coverage"

Shaw TV produced a story about Dane's wish trip to San Jose. It aired last week and was on the website. I checked today and it's off the main page, however apparently as of tomorrow it can be accessed under the "Viewer Favorites" tab on the website. If you want to watch it, just go to Shaw TV's website and look at that tab. It's about a four minute piece ... the reporter did a very nice job capturing the essence and thrill of his wish.

"40 Down ... 40 More??"

I'm officially in the next decade now and my angst of turning 40 has come and gone. I can't stop the clock so might as well live with the inevitable. Thanks to everyone who passed along b-day wishes, they were very much appreciated. My partner in crime Jodi and I are slowly training for the 20 km Challenge for Life on June 12 in support of CCMB - you may recall from an earlier post this is my 40th b-day present to me. Weather like this is making our "prep" walks much easier so let's hope it sticks around. The following is a link to my page for the walk if you are interested in supporting this wonderful cause ...

www.cancercarefdn.mb.ca/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=487&frsid=1704

Well, it's now officially my bedtime. We hope everything is great in your world. Until next time, take care ... Janie & Dirk

"Canuck Crazy"

Vancouver was amazing!! We visited the sunny West Coast (it was pure blue sky the entire time we were there) from March 18 - 21 courtesy of the Believe in the Goal Foundation. Here's a run-down of the many trip highlights ...

- Limo rides to & from the airports in Wpg & Vancouver. The kids thought this was pretty cool and we reminded them it was VIP treatment!

- Arriving in Vancouver early enough on Thursday morning to catch the SJ Sharks' morning skate. Dane hung over the gate waiting patiently to see Joe again and all his other "buddies" (Blake, Heatley & Marleau) from San Jose. He was NOT disappointed and managed to squeeze a few more autographs out of them!!

- Receiving a tour of the Vancouver Canucks dressing room, locker room and work-out area courtesy of our host for the weekend (G. Carnegie, Skills coach for Vancouver and part owner of Total Hockey in Wpg - great guy) and "Red" (the Asst Equipment Manager). Check out the photos of the kids holding Luongo's face mask!

- Watching the game Thursday night and getting the royal treatment once again. This time Dane was visited by Fin (Canucks mascot) who delivered him a bag of Canucks "stuff", however we likely ticked that mascot off when he saw Dane all decked out in Sharks gear. Next was the camera person putting Dane on the jumbo tron with his Sharks stuff (greeted by some boos from the GM Place fans). After the game we had VIP passes and went down to where the players come out. We didn't see any more Sharks (they lost 3-2) but we managed to snag many autographs from Canucks for the back of a new jersey the organization gave him. Most notably was getting "Lou's" and many of the former Moose players' autographs (Grabner and Burrows to name a couple).

- Skating at GM Place Friday morning with the Skills Coach. It was so neat to see Dane on the "big show" ice. He got a special surprise when Ryan Kesler (a Canuck star who had just signed a 6 year $30 million contract THAT morning) joined them for the skate. He passed Dane the puck and played 1-1 keep away. Our son thought this was pretty cool and was topped only by Kesler snapping the end of his stick off, autographing it and giving it to Dane!

- Watching a second game at GM Place - Canucks vs. Red Wings on Saturday night (Hockey Night in Canada televised this game). It was a great offensive game - Detroit took 54 shots on Luongo and the game went to OT. We were all hoping for a shoot-out but the Red Wings scored with .2 seconds left (yes, .2) to win 4-3. And our Dane is no dummy - he made sure he wore his Canucks gear to this game and cheered for the home team! We went down to the locker area again post-game and met a couple of Wpg Red Wings, D. Meech & D. Helm.

- Seeing and taking their photo with "Mr. Hockey". For you die-hard Team Canada fans, you will recognize this guy from all the games at the Olympics. He is like Dancin' Gabe ... a true celebrity in Vancouver now.

- Believe it or not, we did do a few other things at that didn't involve hockey. To Ashley's delight, we visited the Olympic Superstore and purchased all (yes ALL) of the Olympic mascots and those snazzy red Olympic mitts. We all walked to the Cauldron and took some photos. We also took the kids to Stanley Park and the Aquarium (very cool place) and to Granville Island. Granville was a bit of a "bust" and it was SUCH fun listening to Dane tell me that day was by far "the worst of the trip so far". That all changed once we got to the hockey game of course. We were put up at a great hotel (Westin) just five blocks from GM Place and the staff treated us royally!

- We had a nice visit with my Aunt who lives in Vancouver. She took some fantastic photos of the kids while they were together and we've included one of them that we love by the ocean.

All in all it was a great NHL Experience and we are VERY grateful to the Believe in the Goal Foundation. It sounds like Dane and Todd Davison share the "edge" factor and that makes the fact they chose our son all the more special. The Foundation is starting to prepare for the big "Sizzlin Summer Showdown" hockey game (to be held August 12) and to give back, I have offered to assist with that event. It sounds like they are going to put my "journalism" background to use and I'm looking forward to the challenge. It will be a good tune-up before I head back to work in mid-September.

Medical stuff ... Dane had his once-a-month chemo today and is now on his five day steroid boost (lucky us). The kids are on spring break this week and we are planning to escape for a couple days to ... wait for it ... watch another Sharks game (this time in Minni). We are staying with my dear friend Tricia and her family (she has been a faithful blog follower since I started jabbering last January). We are looking forward to introducing Clare to her new baby (born last July).

Dane is feeling really well right now and we are thoroughly enjoying our healthy son. He is going to be physically busy this spring ... 3x3 hockey, flag football and swimming lessons. They are all just once a week but the variety will be good for his stamina. We are loving his new "look" - check out those curls!!!

We know Dane and our entire family have been treated unbelievably well these past few months by Children's Wish and Believe. They have given the kids magical gifts that we could not have provided and Dirk and I are so appreciative of both organizations. We wish we could turn back time and make him not have leukemia, but that's not in our power. So we continue to deal with the hand we have been dealt and focus on the positives. It's what keeps us moving forward.

Take care everyone ... Janie & Dirk