Relay

Many of you have asked why we don't do Relay anymore. I don't want to start a debate but I do want to share & I think this sums it up. I think the biggest thing is to know your causes & what happens to the money when you donate & raise money for a cause. Thanks so much to all of you that supported us so greatly with this over the years.

http://curechildhoodcancer.ning.com/profiles/blogs/my-thoughts-about-the-american-cancer-society

Kelli
http://nomatterwhathappens-kelli.blogspot.com/
http://m.facebook.com/kelliskreations

Need to share

Ya'll I haven't shared these feelings because I thought they would pass quickly as they usually do. I think they are lingering because I have been so sick & I am exhausted. 

Anyway I have this heavy on my heart feeling the older I get about taking care of my children in later years. Then I worry about what will happen to them if something happens to Mike & I. 

I know without a doubt that God has this under control. It's all part of His plan but sometimes, like now it's hard to let go. It's overwhelming to think of taking care of 3 children with extensive medical issues who are completely dependent as we get older & they grow. 

I try hard not to dwell on it & most times if it comes to mind it does pass quickly. I thought maybe sharing my thoughts & feelings might help them pass & get off my mind. 

This is lots of rambling because I can not get my thoughts in order. I think I need to sleep.

Heart thoughts

Just needed to take a minute to share some thoughts.

Having one of my moments. I dislike this time of year really bad. Not the thankfulness or celebrate the birth of Christ but just this time. I miss my daddy & brother more than ever during this time & it seems to me our children's disabilities are amplified & they miss out on so much no matter how hard we try. If you understand how I feel I am sorry! If you don't understand how I feel I am so thankful!

For my dear friends who are celebrating this year without a loved one especially a child, my heart & prayers are with you. Thank you for allowing me a minute to share my heart thoughts honestly.

Michala's day

Well it's September 21st. It's Michala's day as one of CURE Childhood Cancer 2011 CURE's Kids Conquer Cancer One Day at a Time. To those of you that contributed all ready thank you so much! For those that are interested in donating there is still time.

We really appreciate all the support. Thank you!!!!

Kelli
http://nomatterwhathappens-kelli.blogspot.com/
http://m.facebook.com/kelliskreations

Amazing day!

Today our family had the privilege of attending Sunshine Family Fest at The Park Tavern at Piedmont Park for Camp Sunshine. It was amazing!

Always Saturday was the band who hosted it. KittyWolf and Mommie performed. The Monkey Dr was there too. I cannot wait to share the pictures.

I have a huge favor to ask. Always Saturday is giving all the proceeds of the downloads of their song Love is Plural to Camp Sunshine. My challenge is for everyone to give up something for one day that you would typically spend .99 cents on & go to the link http://www.alwayssaturday.com/10k.html to download the song. It's quick & easy & really a great song. Always Saturday's goal is 10,000 downloads for Camp Sunshine. Let's see how quick we can help them reach that goal. Thanks so much!!!

Kelli
http://nomatterwhathappens-kelli.blogspot.com/
http://m.facebook.com/kelliskreations

Hayden's golf benefit

Ya'll Hayden is a precious friend of ours that has Lennox Gastaut syndrome like Michala & Abe. This benefit it to be able to get Hayden a service dog that will help him lead a more childlike life without so many restrictions. The dog will be able to sense Hayden's seizures and help keep him from harm. Please consider playing in the tournament or making a donation to help this wonderful family that is so dear to us. Thanks so much!!!

http://gak9.com/events/hayden_golf_benefit.html

My Concern

Good Morning,

 I just want to share with you a concern that is near and dear to me. My concern " childhood cancer" . As most of you know I have four children, three of which have special needs. Michala our middle child not only suffers from an extremely rare disease called Acardi Syndrome ( affecting less than 500 girls worldwide) but she was also diagnosed with Angiosarcoma  a form of cancer that typically affects the elderly. Thankfully I am proud to say that Michala is a twelve year survivor of this dreaded disease. The purpose of this e-mail is to let you know that September  is childhood cancer awareness month. Some important facts: cancer kills more children than any other disease, less than 2% of all federal  cancer research dollars are spent on finding cures for our children, and still today childhood cancer has an 80% percent cure rate.  

 As part of cancer awareness month Michala was selected  to be one of the faces of childhood cancer and September  21^st is her special day. Along with this great honor 11 Alive news reporter Julie Wolfe came and taped a short TV segment  that was aired yesterday morning at 6:30 am. If you are interested I have attached the  two links below ( 11 Alive and CURE ) that will give you more detail about our "special child" and the many other brave and courageous children  who fight this terrible monster called cancer.

 

 

http://www.11alive.com/news/article/203004/460/CURE-The-Faces-of-Childhood-Cancer  Michala 's video.

 

http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/michalahopkins - if you have surfed this link – thank you. If you have surfed this link and made donations – thank you for providing support for the cure. The short video by Jeff Foxworthy is worth the time to watch.

 

Finally, the whole purpose of this e-mail is awareness.  I have no expectations and you are certainly not obligated to contribute in any way. I  certainly hope that I have not offended you with the expression of "my concern" .

 

Thanks so much,

 

Mike Hopkins