Monday, May 30, 2011

CureSearch

Nick's WACKY Warriors donates 100% of donations received to both First Descents and CureSearch (50/50). We write often of First Descents because Nick has been a camper and counselor and the friendships with other campers and counselors we have formed are priceless. I can't possibly express the positive impact FD has had on Nick, emotionally, physically and spiritually.

But today, I want to write about CureSearch. This foundation is totally dedicated to childhood cancer research, including clinical trials like the one Nick was just enrolled in. Once I'm able to focus, I will post more information on this blog, the WACKY website (http://www.wackywarriors.org/) and Wacky's Facebook page. Until then, I'd like to share a story:

Yesterday, Nick received a large envelope from the Salt Lake City CureSearch Committee (Nick and I are on the committee, too, to promote the first annual CureSearch walk in Salt Lake City on July 9th). Inside were precious handwritten notes from their own group of children (local CureSearch) - all with cancer - Nathanael, Cami, Skyler, Izzy, Millie, Ellie, Brinley, Carson, Jade, Kaidan and Koda. They colored sweet notes that said,


"Tank You!"

"Dear Nick, Thank U for caring for childhood cancer. It means a lot for everyone. Good job fighting hard and being tough. Thanks so, so much!"

"Dear Nick, thank you for helping cancer kids. We love you. Bye. XOXO" (each letter written in a different color crayon.)

One mother showed her 3 1/2 year old daughter with cancer a picture from Nick's blog and that he had cancer, too - what would she like to tell him. She said, "Tell him I love him!"

Another note said, "nIck, I (heart) u" with a dollar enclosed.



This was one of the most tender thank-you packages we have ever received. How beautiful is a message from a four-year old thanking Nick for helping fight cancer? You can bet we will have a team of WACKY participants out on July 9th!

Also, if you visit Wacky's facebook page, you will see pictures of Larry Linne participating at the Ironhorse bike race with Nick's picture pinned to his glove for constant inspiration. Larry is gearing up for the Leadville 100 in Colorado on August 13th. You can bet we'll be there, too!

Finally, Nick is pretty sleepy all the time and gets confused between dream world and real world. He'll ask me randomly about chocolate (atta boy!) or my Ebay bid coming through (never been on Ebay). But then he will answer a question someone in the room will ask ("How old is that athlete? or "What is the prize money for winning the game show?") and he'll know the correct answer, all with his eyes closed. We ordered take-out from Wingers last night, although Nick requested his favorite meal from Chili's. When it arrived, Nick was the first one to wobble over to the kitchen counter to sit down, oblivious he hasn't eaten a thing in the past two days. I said, "Nick, are you hungry?" and he replied, "Well, isn't this what we are supposed to do?" So we all sat down by him, blessed the food and dug in. He ate one teeny, tiny piece of chicken and closed his eyes while the rest of us finished up. Too cute.

He had a rough night last night. This morning as I lead him from his bed to the couch, I teased him that his pajama shorts were inside out. "Aw, dang it, how can you tell?" he said sleepily. "Well, your pockets are on the outside." "Geez, I even looked for that..., will you help me change them back?" I said, "Don't worry about it." But he said, "No, I don't want to be talking in my sleep with my pockets inside-out. Too much." We changed them back.

More later,
Love, Lori

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I only came across this blog last month, completely by accident. I haven't wanted to post a comment before in case it would be intrusive. I hope it is not.
I live very far away from you Nick, but I am touched by your story and the courage of you and your family. It's no surprise, having read the blog, to hear how much those children admire Nick and how inspirational he is to so many. I know it's of no consolation Lori, but your lovely boy has reached out to a Mother across the world and made her pledge to bring up her children even half as well as you have done. Your story has touched my life this past few weeks and has given me courage and inspiration to live a better life no matter what.
Thinking of you all and wishing you so much love and peace.

Barbara

Anonymous said...

Lori,

I absolutely love how you always find the joy in life's circumstances. I can't even begin to fathom all that you and Nick and your entire family are going through. I want to thank you all so very much for being such an inspiration to make each and every day count and to make the most of the time we are given on this earth. You are all my heroes....

Much Love and God Bless You All,
Ruth

Chris Ulvin said...

Blessed Day Nick and family,
My daily devotional opened June with 2 Corinthians 4:18 "What we see will only last a short time, but what we cannot see will last forever".
What I have seen through Nick's short time has been good, loving, and righteous. I can not see what Nick is dreaming but chocolate and Ebay treasures are alright by me too.
Dear Jesus, be with Nick now and forever. Thank you for calling all to come and follow where we cannot see. Amen.
Nick, I will see you soon and I am glad your pockets will be on the inside; both on this side and the other side of God's dimension.
Love, aunt Chris

Julia Waller said...

Tissue please! Wow, another moving post Lori. I'm so grateful to be able to read them and come along on your journey, even from afar.

I also needed a box of tissues when I read the FD article you posted a few days back, with the blind kayaker. So inspiring.

My dad and step-mom and I just did a charity bike ride on Sunday together—so blessed that we could ride a year after his brain surgery for a brain tumor. I treasure every moment even more than ever now.

You really are heroes. Super-people, brave, and with indomitable spirits. So grateful for all that you share with all of us.

Sending you love, Julia

Anonymous said...

WACKY Warriors will continue and get stronger and stronger. One day a cure will be found.
Hey Nick - at least you remembered to put on your PJ bottoms!!
Love & gratitude coming your way - GM Jennie xx

Amanda said...

I have not met you or Nick, but I love you and I pray for your family. My little girl Millie has cancer and she is one of the cuties in the picture that Nick recieved. I have heard amazing things about your son. I will be thinking of you all, please let me know if there is anything I can do to help in anyway.

Amanda