Thank you VERY MUCH to Ms. Rita & Ms. Reba! I received some great items yesterday, LOTS of Lysol wipes and more! Plus lunch was good! It was nice to meet you Reba & Danny!
I have had several requests for the silver bracelets, so I am going to start making and selling those too. I have a breast cancer style, as soon as I get a picture, I will post it. The money will still go to ChemoMoms, but cancer is cancer. We need to support and love all those who must deal with it.
If the basket checklist is too lengthy for you, how about this suggestion: Choose one item on the list, say, digital thermometers. Then ask your co-workers, Sunday School class, or soccer moms to donate a thermometer and collect those on a set date. Then contact me and we can coordinate a pickup point.
Thanks again for spreading the word about ChemoMoms!
With HOPE,
Tammy
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Picking Up Speed...
I hate to bump down the post about Movie Night, but more things are coming for ChemoMoms!
Those of you who are familiar with Children's in Bham know about the Infusion Room at the back of Clinic 8. That is where kids receive chemo, blood/platelets, fluids, wait for bone marrows, etc.
In Mobile, they have the same kind of room, called USS Hope. (everything at USA Children's & Women's is an aquarium theme) So it is sorta like being in a submarine, and they have this big pretty cylinder aquarium that goes to the ceiling, anyways...
I have been trying to come up with an idea to help the ChemoMoms and Dads who don't get admitted, but still go to the Hope for cancer treatments. I have spoken with the nurses there and we have figured out a couple of things that ChemoMoms can provide.
1) Crossword puzzles/books - There is a possibility this will be provided soon. There really is nothing available for the parents who are waiting for HOURS on end except TV and internet, but we all know about these kids who love watching cartoons all day, so something more "mature" would be nice.
2) you know those microwaveable meals I ask for in the baskets? well sometimes, the parents don't eat because they are busy waiting on the doctor or taking care of their child, and then the cafeteria closes and it is back to the snack machine. I asked the nurse if we could donate some of those meals and the 2 nurses who work there will use their judgment as to when they would provide that to the parents. That is because we aren't sure if those meals will always be available due to donations, so we wouldn't want to "advertise" there always being a snack for the parents if we couldn't always provide them.
My latest project is a follow-up to the families who have already been on treatment for a while. A BAND-AID BOX. I found the one I used for Colette and this is a picture of it:
It is just a simple school box that is see-through, and in it I kept a digital thermometer, alcohol wipes, bandaids, measuring syringes and pills (usually nausea medicine), EMLA cream and tegaderms, and anything else I needed for Colette when we went out for the day. ChemoMoms will provide the box, a digital thermometer, and some special bandaids (characters or colored). The families will already have the rest of the stuff I mentioned, and they can use it according to their needs. I will also wrap this and include a card so it will be a gift, not just "here you go" type deal.
I will put a button on this website to allow purchase of one of these boxes for $10. The thermometers usually run $7-10, but I know how helpful that was for me to be able to toss the whole thing in my purse and go.
I have received a lot of feedback from the hospital staff about what we have done so far, and I think they are starting to get on board and offer other ways to help. Yay!
With HOPE,
Tammy
Those of you who are familiar with Children's in Bham know about the Infusion Room at the back of Clinic 8. That is where kids receive chemo, blood/platelets, fluids, wait for bone marrows, etc.
In Mobile, they have the same kind of room, called USS Hope. (everything at USA Children's & Women's is an aquarium theme) So it is sorta like being in a submarine, and they have this big pretty cylinder aquarium that goes to the ceiling, anyways...
I have been trying to come up with an idea to help the ChemoMoms and Dads who don't get admitted, but still go to the Hope for cancer treatments. I have spoken with the nurses there and we have figured out a couple of things that ChemoMoms can provide.
1) Crossword puzzles/books - There is a possibility this will be provided soon. There really is nothing available for the parents who are waiting for HOURS on end except TV and internet, but we all know about these kids who love watching cartoons all day, so something more "mature" would be nice.
2) you know those microwaveable meals I ask for in the baskets? well sometimes, the parents don't eat because they are busy waiting on the doctor or taking care of their child, and then the cafeteria closes and it is back to the snack machine. I asked the nurse if we could donate some of those meals and the 2 nurses who work there will use their judgment as to when they would provide that to the parents. That is because we aren't sure if those meals will always be available due to donations, so we wouldn't want to "advertise" there always being a snack for the parents if we couldn't always provide them.
My latest project is a follow-up to the families who have already been on treatment for a while. A BAND-AID BOX. I found the one I used for Colette and this is a picture of it:
It is just a simple school box that is see-through, and in it I kept a digital thermometer, alcohol wipes, bandaids, measuring syringes and pills (usually nausea medicine), EMLA cream and tegaderms, and anything else I needed for Colette when we went out for the day. ChemoMoms will provide the box, a digital thermometer, and some special bandaids (characters or colored). The families will already have the rest of the stuff I mentioned, and they can use it according to their needs. I will also wrap this and include a card so it will be a gift, not just "here you go" type deal.
I will put a button on this website to allow purchase of one of these boxes for $10. The thermometers usually run $7-10, but I know how helpful that was for me to be able to toss the whole thing in my purse and go.
I have received a lot of feedback from the hospital staff about what we have done so far, and I think they are starting to get on board and offer other ways to help. Yay!
With HOPE,
Tammy
Monday, September 24, 2007
A Success!
I consider the Movie Night to be a great success! We had things much more organized, thanks to my great helpers & husband, and we had a larger parent response this time! I know how it gets eating the same old hospital food, and the parents were really receptive to take plates back to their rooms, but the plates were full, so that is great! We even had enough food left after the parents to invite the nurses down, and the 5th floor nurses actually followed me down in the elevator! haha!
Thanks to Mobile Popcorn for donating the popcorn and boxes! Thanks to all my great helpers! Thanks to Ms. Brenda, Ms. Michele & Ms. Ashley for helping with getting things set up!
Next on the calendar for ChemoMoms - THANKSGIVING DINNER at the hospital! Be thinking of what you want to donate - any traditional Thanksgiving dishes, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, stuffing, mashed potatoes, etc. Contact me for more information!
Also, don't forget today is CHILI'S donation for St. Jude! All profits from today, all day, go to St. Jude and their efforts to CURE CHILDHOOD CANCER! Go eat at Chili's!!!
Bracelets are STILL for sale!
With HOPE,
Tammy
Thanks to Mobile Popcorn for donating the popcorn and boxes! Thanks to all my great helpers! Thanks to Ms. Brenda, Ms. Michele & Ms. Ashley for helping with getting things set up!
Next on the calendar for ChemoMoms - THANKSGIVING DINNER at the hospital! Be thinking of what you want to donate - any traditional Thanksgiving dishes, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, stuffing, mashed potatoes, etc. Contact me for more information!
Also, don't forget today is CHILI'S donation for St. Jude! All profits from today, all day, go to St. Jude and their efforts to CURE CHILDHOOD CANCER! Go eat at Chili's!!!
Bracelets are STILL for sale!
With HOPE,
Tammy
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Update on Movie Night!
Well, so far, I only have 2 appetizers committed for Saturday night. I still need help! I thought I would have 5 or 6 dishes for the parents to choose from. And we are not talking about 50 people either! There will only be a dozen or so parents! I just tell those interested, make as much as you would if you were just having some friends over for dinner or to watch the football game, nothing big!
So far, finger sandwiches and brownies have been promised, that's it! I still need some kind of dip and chips or crackers, and maybe meatballs or pigs in blankets or something like that. Please don't think that I have folks beating down my door, I DON'T!!! A lot of times, I know people think that someone else is doing it, so they aren't needed...WRONG! YOU ARE NEEDED!! I will drive to your house and pick this up after 12 on Saturday afternoon. Just email me and I will coordinate with you.
New ChemoKid for you guys to check on: Stash Phillips - Stash is from the Mobile area and has been in remission (brain tumor) for 9 months, but just relapsed with a different and bad kind of tumor. He and his mom are on their way home from St. Jude today. He will get treatment here at USA CWH! Click on his name and you can go to his website. Please leave his mom some encouraging words...she is completely overwhelmed, as I would be too.
OK - call your friends and ask them to make some dip or something! Then email me and let me know!!
With HOPE,
Tammy
So far, finger sandwiches and brownies have been promised, that's it! I still need some kind of dip and chips or crackers, and maybe meatballs or pigs in blankets or something like that. Please don't think that I have folks beating down my door, I DON'T!!! A lot of times, I know people think that someone else is doing it, so they aren't needed...WRONG! YOU ARE NEEDED!! I will drive to your house and pick this up after 12 on Saturday afternoon. Just email me and I will coordinate with you.
New ChemoKid for you guys to check on: Stash Phillips - Stash is from the Mobile area and has been in remission (brain tumor) for 9 months, but just relapsed with a different and bad kind of tumor. He and his mom are on their way home from St. Jude today. He will get treatment here at USA CWH! Click on his name and you can go to his website. Please leave his mom some encouraging words...she is completely overwhelmed, as I would be too.
OK - call your friends and ask them to make some dip or something! Then email me and let me know!!
With HOPE,
Tammy
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Movie Night THIS SATURDAY!
Hey everyone! This Saturday night, Sept 22, is the Movie Night for the kids at USA Children's & Women's! I am super excited because this is such a fun and easy thing to do that will make a real difference while these kids are staying in the hospital.
I have heard of 1 maybe 2 adult helpers and 2 teens but I can always use more help. We are having popcorn (provided) and drinks (donated), but still need some candy. I thought of the big boxes of movie candy, like they have at Walgreen's 3 for a $1 right now. If not that, then we can get the little Halloween bags of candy, but please not Halloween symbols on any of it. It is not that holiday just yet!
I do need some big help with one part: can anyone make appetizers for the parents to enjoy in another room? Something like a dip, some meatballs, or any other finger foods, while the kids are watching the movie. That will give the parents a break, but they will still be close enough just in case there is a problem (IV beeping, child doesn't feel well enough to stay). We are only talking the same number of folks you would have over for a family birthday party or so, not too many.
Please EMAIL ME if you can make a dish and I will be happy to pick it up on Saturday late morning or early afternoon. email: chemomoms@yahoo.com Thanks!!!
With HOPE,
Tammy
I have heard of 1 maybe 2 adult helpers and 2 teens but I can always use more help. We are having popcorn (provided) and drinks (donated), but still need some candy. I thought of the big boxes of movie candy, like they have at Walgreen's 3 for a $1 right now. If not that, then we can get the little Halloween bags of candy, but please not Halloween symbols on any of it. It is not that holiday just yet!
I do need some big help with one part: can anyone make appetizers for the parents to enjoy in another room? Something like a dip, some meatballs, or any other finger foods, while the kids are watching the movie. That will give the parents a break, but they will still be close enough just in case there is a problem (IV beeping, child doesn't feel well enough to stay). We are only talking the same number of folks you would have over for a family birthday party or so, not too many.
Please EMAIL ME if you can make a dish and I will be happy to pick it up on Saturday late morning or early afternoon. email: chemomoms@yahoo.com Thanks!!!
With HOPE,
Tammy
Friday, September 14, 2007
New Bracelet Styles!
Here is a crystal and gold only...The crystals are AB - meaning they have an iridescent look (they are CLEAR, not blue!)
And here is a delicate Chinese crystal and pearl bracelet...
I am still waiting on the pictures from the blood drive...I will post them ASAP!
With HOPE,
Tammy
PS: If you ever wondered why I say, "With HOPE", it is because first of all, you need HOPE to fight cancer, and also, there is a FANTASTIC tearjerker song by my favorite Christian artist, Steven Curtis Chapman with the same name. Of course, he wrote it for close friends who have lost children and were struggling to find a reason to live. But it is such a SPECIAL song and it has stuck with me since I heard it 8 years ago! BUT DO NOT LISTEN TO IT unless you can handle it! Go here if you want to listen to it and choose number 11 (but don't say I didn't WARN YOU!!!!)
And here is a delicate Chinese crystal and pearl bracelet...
I am still waiting on the pictures from the blood drive...I will post them ASAP!
With HOPE,
Tammy
PS: If you ever wondered why I say, "With HOPE", it is because first of all, you need HOPE to fight cancer, and also, there is a FANTASTIC tearjerker song by my favorite Christian artist, Steven Curtis Chapman with the same name. Of course, he wrote it for close friends who have lost children and were struggling to find a reason to live. But it is such a SPECIAL song and it has stuck with me since I heard it 8 years ago! BUT DO NOT LISTEN TO IT unless you can handle it! Go here if you want to listen to it and choose number 11 (but don't say I didn't WARN YOU!!!!)
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Wow!
I am so excited that things are FINALLY picking up for ChemoMoms!!!
The blood drive was great, I was able to reach many people in the community to let them know about what I am doing and how they can help. I passed out gold ribbons and stickers for kids, lists to shop for basket supplies and even raffled off a bracelet. When I got home that night, I found that the blog had received 70 hits since 9 am that morning!!! Yeehaw!
So if you met me at the blood drive and you are reading this now...thank you for coming by the blog! Please bookmark this page and come back often!
I am headed to the local children's hospital today with a few more bracelets and also to check on the banner they ordered to be hung in the hospital! Yay! I will take a couple of pics and post them here so you can see how things are progressing.
Even though I passed out a lot of shopping lists, I still don't have any donated items yet, except for the Avon orders that are coming. Thanks to you who ordered from Megan! Btw, TODAY IS MEGAN THE MAGNIFICENT'S BIRTHDAY!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEGGIE-POO! Thanks for all the times you have been there! I love you!
I have pictures from the blood drive, they are at my mom's and I haven't uploaded them yet, but I will.
Check in a little later for more information about the Thanksgiving dinner and also the movie night for this month.
With HOPE,
Tammy
The blood drive was great, I was able to reach many people in the community to let them know about what I am doing and how they can help. I passed out gold ribbons and stickers for kids, lists to shop for basket supplies and even raffled off a bracelet. When I got home that night, I found that the blog had received 70 hits since 9 am that morning!!! Yeehaw!
So if you met me at the blood drive and you are reading this now...thank you for coming by the blog! Please bookmark this page and come back often!
I am headed to the local children's hospital today with a few more bracelets and also to check on the banner they ordered to be hung in the hospital! Yay! I will take a couple of pics and post them here so you can see how things are progressing.
Even though I passed out a lot of shopping lists, I still don't have any donated items yet, except for the Avon orders that are coming. Thanks to you who ordered from Megan! Btw, TODAY IS MEGAN THE MAGNIFICENT'S BIRTHDAY!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MEGGIE-POO! Thanks for all the times you have been there! I love you!
I have pictures from the blood drive, they are at my mom's and I haven't uploaded them yet, but I will.
Check in a little later for more information about the Thanksgiving dinner and also the movie night for this month.
With HOPE,
Tammy
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Today Is The Day!!
My first big ChemoMoms display at Colonial Bel Air Mall! I have been super excited about this, and the timing has finally happened. I had to kidnap Mawmaw Penny on her birthday to help me get ready for today! I hope to have pictures of the table setup tonight on the website. I will be at the Target wing from 12-6 pm today. I plan to have a basket displayed with a pocket list of items needed to fill the baskets. I also hope to raffle a Childhood Cancer Awareness bracelet. I am praying that they will allow me to accept money. If not, I will just refer people to the website.
I am giving away the following items at the blood drive:
Ronald McDonald tab houses
USA Children's & Women's pamphlets
Gold ribbons
Small foam hands with gold ribbons for the kids
Safety suckers and coloring books (from the hospital)
I will use a laptop to play the video on Colette's website, the "September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month" with the pictures of real cancer kids. Also I am displaying a photo "calendar" of Colette's treatment along with a framed 8x10 of her today, showing that efforts to cure childhood cancer are not in vain and that kids ARE surviving!!! I also want to bring our Curing Childhood Cancer car tag from my van that is not running.
Boy, I have a lot to get together this morning!!
Come by and see me if you get a chance!! Colette will be there after school.
With HOPE,
Tammy
I am giving away the following items at the blood drive:
Ronald McDonald tab houses
USA Children's & Women's pamphlets
Gold ribbons
Small foam hands with gold ribbons for the kids
Safety suckers and coloring books (from the hospital)
I will use a laptop to play the video on Colette's website, the "September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month" with the pictures of real cancer kids. Also I am displaying a photo "calendar" of Colette's treatment along with a framed 8x10 of her today, showing that efforts to cure childhood cancer are not in vain and that kids ARE surviving!!! I also want to bring our Curing Childhood Cancer car tag from my van that is not running.
Boy, I have a lot to get together this morning!!
Come by and see me if you get a chance!! Colette will be there after school.
With HOPE,
Tammy
Monday, September 10, 2007
It's ALREADY ONLINE!!!
Colette's interview is ALREADY ON THE WEB!!!
http://wkrg.com/medical/article/9_11_memorial_blood_drive/5063/
This is soooo good!!!
http://wkrg.com/medical/article/9_11_memorial_blood_drive/5063/
This is soooo good!!!
Friday, September 7, 2007
What a busy day!
So as I mentioned earlier, Colette and I were interviewed by Ch 5 at the Red Cross Donor Center. She was a turkey, as usual, so they have plenty of footage to work with! ha! Colette's segment will air on MONDAY at 5:00 PM on Channel 5, and again on Tuesday morning, early! The blood drive is happening on Tuesday, Sept 11, at Colonial Bel Air Mall, next to Target. If everything goes right, I will have a table set up with ChemoMoms advertisements and some gold ribbons and cards. Anybody want to man the table with me that day????
Also, the Childhood Cancer Awareness bracelets can now be purchased AT USA CHILDREN'S & WOMEN'S HOSPITAL GIFTSHOP!!!! I dropped off a few today and the profit will benefit CHEMOMOMS!!! Yippee!!!
Thanks to those of you who visited here today. Colette's caringbridge site gets around 80 hits a day, but this one usually only gets 5 or so. Today this one has received 25!!! That's an all-time high!
I am also trying to use a TV and play the video from YouTube that is on Colette's website. I will just have to close my ears so I can't hear the song!! lol
With HOPE,
Tammy
Also, the Childhood Cancer Awareness bracelets can now be purchased AT USA CHILDREN'S & WOMEN'S HOSPITAL GIFTSHOP!!!! I dropped off a few today and the profit will benefit CHEMOMOMS!!! Yippee!!!
Thanks to those of you who visited here today. Colette's caringbridge site gets around 80 hits a day, but this one usually only gets 5 or so. Today this one has received 25!!! That's an all-time high!
I am also trying to use a TV and play the video from YouTube that is on Colette's website. I will just have to close my ears so I can't hear the song!! lol
With HOPE,
Tammy
Welcome Colette's Daily Readers!
I have invited you to view my blog. Things are really happening for ChemoMoms these past few days and it is only getting better. I can't update too much information yet because some things are still in the works, but you will be hearing and seeing more GOLD RIBBONS in Mobile in the next week or so! I think I finally reached the person I needed to in order to really get things in gear.
Today Colette and I are being interviewed by Channel 5 at the Red Cross Donor Center. They are preparing for the 9/11 blood drive and wanted some video to air on that day. I will let you know how that goes today, and when to watch on Tuesday, Sept 11.
ChemoMoms basket supplies are at an all-time low. No donated items have come in since June, therefore, I have nothing to make a basket with now. I spoke with the social worker at the hospital yesterday, and she only has 2 baskets left. Remember, these baskets go to NEW DIAGNOSES. I am in the process of designing another gift item to deliver to families who have been on this journey for a while, and need some encouragement. I am thinking a smaller "spa" type bag, along with maybe a bracelet or something like that. If anyone goes to Bath & Body Works, grab a couple of those trial size bottles and that would be perfect.
Also I changed the Donate button so you can donate ANY dollar amount. Thank you!
Be watching later this afternoon for another update, I should have some GOOD NEWS!!!
With HOPE,
Tammy
Today Colette and I are being interviewed by Channel 5 at the Red Cross Donor Center. They are preparing for the 9/11 blood drive and wanted some video to air on that day. I will let you know how that goes today, and when to watch on Tuesday, Sept 11.
ChemoMoms basket supplies are at an all-time low. No donated items have come in since June, therefore, I have nothing to make a basket with now. I spoke with the social worker at the hospital yesterday, and she only has 2 baskets left. Remember, these baskets go to NEW DIAGNOSES. I am in the process of designing another gift item to deliver to families who have been on this journey for a while, and need some encouragement. I am thinking a smaller "spa" type bag, along with maybe a bracelet or something like that. If anyone goes to Bath & Body Works, grab a couple of those trial size bottles and that would be perfect.
Also I changed the Donate button so you can donate ANY dollar amount. Thank you!
Be watching later this afternoon for another update, I should have some GOOD NEWS!!!
With HOPE,
Tammy
Saturday, September 1, 2007
CHILDHOOD CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
It's finally "our" month! Yay! I have been very busy gearing up for this month. I have been passing out gold lapel ribbons that I make to anyone who will wear it! I also took 3 baskets to USA Children's & Women's yesterday, they were out. I am making gold awareness bracelets with silver-plate and gold-plate beads, Swarovski crystals and little gold ribbon charms to sell. Please spread the word to anyone you know, they are $25 each and ALL proceeds go to ChemoMoms. Here is a pic:
When making the baskets yesterday, I ended up buying almost everything for the last 2 baskets. That means I am completely OUT of everything now, except gum & mints. I don't even have any baskets or cellophane wrap! I am going to list again, the items I really need to put in the baskets.
Microwaveable meals
Lysol wipes
Purse size calendar (make sure it has some 2007 months in it)
Address book
toothbrush/toothpaste
travel size shampoo and conditioner
body wash
purse size hand sanitizer
digital thermometers
baskets
cellophane (like for Easter baskets, I know you can buy it cheaply at Fred's)
While at the hospital I ran into Dr. Wilson, she was happy to see Colette. She saw the baskets and I gave her one of the bracelets. She was glad to know we are doing so well.
I will post more later about the Movie Night this month for the kids. I am getting closer to having that finalized.
If you would like some small lapel ribbons, please comment back or email me and I will mail them to you. Also, we are making some LARGE ribbons for trees! Let me know if you want one!!
With HOPE,
Tammy
When making the baskets yesterday, I ended up buying almost everything for the last 2 baskets. That means I am completely OUT of everything now, except gum & mints. I don't even have any baskets or cellophane wrap! I am going to list again, the items I really need to put in the baskets.
Microwaveable meals
Lysol wipes
Purse size calendar (make sure it has some 2007 months in it)
Address book
toothbrush/toothpaste
travel size shampoo and conditioner
body wash
purse size hand sanitizer
digital thermometers
baskets
cellophane (like for Easter baskets, I know you can buy it cheaply at Fred's)
While at the hospital I ran into Dr. Wilson, she was happy to see Colette. She saw the baskets and I gave her one of the bracelets. She was glad to know we are doing so well.
I will post more later about the Movie Night this month for the kids. I am getting closer to having that finalized.
If you would like some small lapel ribbons, please comment back or email me and I will mail them to you. Also, we are making some LARGE ribbons for trees! Let me know if you want one!!
With HOPE,
Tammy
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It's Childhood Cancer Awareness Month at USA Children's & Women's Hospital!
Colette & Azaleas
