Ticket sales are on for our upcoming Poker Night! There are only 80 tickets for grabs, so act fast if you want a seat!
Date: April 25, 2009
Time: Come on out for 6pm, game to start at 6:30pm
Place: Fraser Arms Pub, Vancouver
Cost: $75 per ticket
What you get: your original buy-in and a seat at the table. There will be five prizes for the top five winners. Prize value dependent on ticket sales.
Contact: feel free to contact any of the committee members you may know for tickets, or email me at way-to-live@hotmail.com and we can get you set up.
*****Coming Soon On-Line*****
Our committee made some awesome shirts, with the final design created by Adele A. We sold a bunch at our Silent Auction Event, and plan to have them available for purchase at the Poker Night. I am pleased to announce that we should have them available for purchase on-line very soon! Unfortunately it will cost a bit more for shipping and handling, but they really are a great design, and for a fantastic cause : ). We have some stock now, but I need to figure out shipping costs, and I would like to get a picture up for all to see. Mine's actually in the wash AGAIN, cause I love to wear it! But I will get a picture up soon, promise ; )
Thank you everyone for your ongoing support and sweet words of encouragement. Your kindness is so appreciated by the Ways and our Way To Live committee.
Tracey
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Friday, March 27, 2009
From Michelle!
Well, here I am at 11:15pm. I’m well enough again to have my day night reversal. I took a hot bath and spent 20 minutes next to my snoring husband before heading downstairs to attempt to write.
I have not read the blog in many days. I have wanted to write to you. But my fingers would not coordinate against the keys. I wanted to weep into your fingers and thank you for reading, for caring, for praying, for donating, for your words, your gise, your true intent, your sweetness to me, your care of my husband and your tenderness towards my son.
I don’t have any tales of triumph or heroism. In fact, I have needed to lean on my solids to be reminded that the pain will ease, my stomach will let me eat, I will walk with my son, be able to function again. Each fall is coming faster than the last and I lose hope that I can be a mother to my baby, a wife to my husband and a friend, employee, all the titles I hold so dear. I hate to be unable to get out of bed. I toss myself around in it and claw at the walls.
My son has bonded with the nanny now. They have their own beat, their own dance. I am happy but it hurts. He doesn’t cry for me anymore when I am home. He lets her bathe him, feed him and care for him in every way that I do. I told him mommy is sick again. He offered me a "bamp-aid". He got me an ace bandage and wrapped it around me. My heart aches. I have to let it go. I can’t hold onto the ideal in my head. When I relax I see that he is in a house that is constantly full of love. Whether it’s the nanny, my dear friend from California, my big brother in from Kelowna, my step-dad in from Fiji or my faithful, steady mama from California and of course, me in whatever shape and daddy who can do no wrong in his eyes. They got up early this morning and watched Elmo before hauling out the Rock Band gear and jamming. I grinned in my half sleep this morning. His story will not be typical. Mine isn’t either. I pray that my love is soaked into him. That he always feels it and knows it even when I cannot be there to walk, play, paint, sing and dance with him. I am proud of his strength. Every day I hear his joy.
I have had many talks with the transplant clinic and my specialist over the last few days. It seems I have “hit the next level” of liver failure. In other words, I can expect to basically always feel quite unwell and often unable to function. Of course, I will be pedal to the medal even at this level. I will not lie down and wait for this happen to me. They are talking about me at their weekly meeting. I am moving up the list on priority. There are 3 of us at the top each sicker then the next on any given day. When the next liver comes up it will go to whoever is sickest on that day. Transplants are way down this year for some reason.
My live liver donor has made many pleas that they fast track her assessment. She doesn’t want to run out of time. She completes her testing in early April. It looks like, if all goes well and there is no cadaver liver by then we may be side by side on the operating table sometime in May. This is by no means certain. She still has many tests to go through. She called me breathless with the news. She heard it first. I asked her to tell me if she’s questioning her decision in any way. She said she was excited. She wants to save my life. She will be cut in the shape of a Mercedes emblem covering almost her entire torso. She doesn’t care. She is absolutely accepting every aspect of the surgery and aftermath. All she needs is to make sure her animals are fed while she is unable to care for them. My grandfather has agreed to help with the costs of supporting my donor and friend while she recovers. Thank you grandpa. Thank you blessed friend. I pray that I will get the liver of a soul who has already lost their life so I don’t have to scar you.
I’ve asked my doctors and the clinic, what can I do to prolong my life, avoid further progression of the process? They said, “don’t start playing football or go bungee jumping. Nothing else I can do”. Check. Just in case you were going to invite me- I can’t make it. But, ask me again with my shiny new liver. I’ll be there with bells on and a bottle of wine! : )
Much love and good night friends,
Michelle
I have not read the blog in many days. I have wanted to write to you. But my fingers would not coordinate against the keys. I wanted to weep into your fingers and thank you for reading, for caring, for praying, for donating, for your words, your gise, your true intent, your sweetness to me, your care of my husband and your tenderness towards my son.
I don’t have any tales of triumph or heroism. In fact, I have needed to lean on my solids to be reminded that the pain will ease, my stomach will let me eat, I will walk with my son, be able to function again. Each fall is coming faster than the last and I lose hope that I can be a mother to my baby, a wife to my husband and a friend, employee, all the titles I hold so dear. I hate to be unable to get out of bed. I toss myself around in it and claw at the walls.
My son has bonded with the nanny now. They have their own beat, their own dance. I am happy but it hurts. He doesn’t cry for me anymore when I am home. He lets her bathe him, feed him and care for him in every way that I do. I told him mommy is sick again. He offered me a "bamp-aid". He got me an ace bandage and wrapped it around me. My heart aches. I have to let it go. I can’t hold onto the ideal in my head. When I relax I see that he is in a house that is constantly full of love. Whether it’s the nanny, my dear friend from California, my big brother in from Kelowna, my step-dad in from Fiji or my faithful, steady mama from California and of course, me in whatever shape and daddy who can do no wrong in his eyes. They got up early this morning and watched Elmo before hauling out the Rock Band gear and jamming. I grinned in my half sleep this morning. His story will not be typical. Mine isn’t either. I pray that my love is soaked into him. That he always feels it and knows it even when I cannot be there to walk, play, paint, sing and dance with him. I am proud of his strength. Every day I hear his joy.
I have had many talks with the transplant clinic and my specialist over the last few days. It seems I have “hit the next level” of liver failure. In other words, I can expect to basically always feel quite unwell and often unable to function. Of course, I will be pedal to the medal even at this level. I will not lie down and wait for this happen to me. They are talking about me at their weekly meeting. I am moving up the list on priority. There are 3 of us at the top each sicker then the next on any given day. When the next liver comes up it will go to whoever is sickest on that day. Transplants are way down this year for some reason.
My live liver donor has made many pleas that they fast track her assessment. She doesn’t want to run out of time. She completes her testing in early April. It looks like, if all goes well and there is no cadaver liver by then we may be side by side on the operating table sometime in May. This is by no means certain. She still has many tests to go through. She called me breathless with the news. She heard it first. I asked her to tell me if she’s questioning her decision in any way. She said she was excited. She wants to save my life. She will be cut in the shape of a Mercedes emblem covering almost her entire torso. She doesn’t care. She is absolutely accepting every aspect of the surgery and aftermath. All she needs is to make sure her animals are fed while she is unable to care for them. My grandfather has agreed to help with the costs of supporting my donor and friend while she recovers. Thank you grandpa. Thank you blessed friend. I pray that I will get the liver of a soul who has already lost their life so I don’t have to scar you.
I’ve asked my doctors and the clinic, what can I do to prolong my life, avoid further progression of the process? They said, “don’t start playing football or go bungee jumping. Nothing else I can do”. Check. Just in case you were going to invite me- I can’t make it. But, ask me again with my shiny new liver. I’ll be there with bells on and a bottle of wine! : )
Much love and good night friends,
Michelle
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Hurray!
Michelle has rounded another bend! After 2 terrible days of being bedridden and unable to eat, Michelle is once again on the move! She first ventured out yesterday to Walmart with her step dad. They were out of the cool scooters, so she was stuck with a wheel chair; but hey it's Walmart, always great : ). And today she had the energy to take Tater tot out for a walk. When she's having an "unwell" stint, it's hard for her to imagine that she will ever have a day again where she can be active and able to eat. I've seen the cycle enough that I always try to reassure her. I can only hope that this continues to stay true.
And thank you to those who had to re-make your credit card payments for the silent auction, we really appreciate it : ). Our next event in the works is a poker night. Details to come soon.
Tracey
And thank you to those who had to re-make your credit card payments for the silent auction, we really appreciate it : ). Our next event in the works is a poker night. Details to come soon.
Tracey
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Struggling
I am struggling. What words are there that can sooth the deepest hurt of all? We never really know someone else's pain. We can imagine, we can try to understand, we can seek to empathize. But unless you're the author, the story is not yours, and we'll never "get it" 100%. I pray for the wisdom to do and say the right things. My heart is breaking for Michelle as she waits for her surgery. I know there will be a miracle here, and in this I find peace. I was on my knees today, praying with my little girl for auntie Michelle. I know not everyone shares the same beliefs, but I think we can all find the beauty in a 2yr old girl on her knees, just learning to talk, asking for "chelle" to receive a new liver and find healing. With tears now, I ask that everyone continue to keep Michelle in your thoughts.
Thank you sweet friends, old and new.
Tracey
Thank you sweet friends, old and new.
Tracey
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Success!
Our event last night turned out fantastic results, over $4000 was raised! Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets and t-shirts, made bids, entertained the raffle and 50/50 draw, and just plain showed up to offer your support! We even had a few kind strangers make donations : ). One young gentleman,unknown to any of us, came up and said to me "I feel like there is a good cause going on here and I'd like to make a donation". How sweet is that?!
It was great that Michelle made it out, I know it was a triumph for her. She did really well, with only one escape to my car where we reclined in the front seats and chatted quietly while we waited for her nausea to settle. She is so humbled by everyone's generosity, and struggles within herself to just accept that everyone loves her and WANTS to help. We all know she would do the same for us if the tables were turned.
Upon Michelle's last hospital visit there were some new and unsettling findings unturned in the testing she endured. There is now a blood clot near her spleen, and they have since discovered an aneurysm in the spleen as well. It seems no one is quite sure what approach to take with these new issues. The risks are not great; a loose clot could cause a stroke, a burst aneurysm could mean a bleed out. Michelle could really use some extra prayers on this one guys.
Step dad B is coming out this week, which is a really good thing! Michelle finds he is really helpful, and feels his presence is so calming. What a blessing!
Thank you all again : )
Tracey
It was great that Michelle made it out, I know it was a triumph for her. She did really well, with only one escape to my car where we reclined in the front seats and chatted quietly while we waited for her nausea to settle. She is so humbled by everyone's generosity, and struggles within herself to just accept that everyone loves her and WANTS to help. We all know she would do the same for us if the tables were turned.
Upon Michelle's last hospital visit there were some new and unsettling findings unturned in the testing she endured. There is now a blood clot near her spleen, and they have since discovered an aneurysm in the spleen as well. It seems no one is quite sure what approach to take with these new issues. The risks are not great; a loose clot could cause a stroke, a burst aneurysm could mean a bleed out. Michelle could really use some extra prayers on this one guys.
Step dad B is coming out this week, which is a really good thing! Michelle finds he is really helpful, and feels his presence is so calming. What a blessing!
Thank you all again : )
Tracey
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
What's Up
Update coming soon. Michelle has been busy with company, and I've been busy with the fundraiser. We catch up daily (who am I kidding, multiple times a day!), but I like to clarify what is okay to post; and we've both been too exhausted to get down to "business" over the past few days. She had a nice visit with her big brother this week, and has some exciting visitors heading her way in the near future! She's so excited to see J and her step dad : )
Michelle is a medical miracle of sorts. Her liver may be failing, and her white blood cells are low, but what she's got left of both is working overtime in an amazing way! Such a blessing!
Tracey
Michelle is a medical miracle of sorts. Her liver may be failing, and her white blood cells are low, but what she's got left of both is working overtime in an amazing way! Such a blessing!
Tracey
Friday, March 13, 2009
Upcoming Silent Auction
No new updates from Michelle. Every day is a new day, with old and new challenges. We're cheering for you chickadee!
We have some super exciting donations streaming in for our silent auction on March 21st! Designer purses, a private snowboarding lesson, Canuck's box seat tickets, a stay at a luxurious spa, a blue ray DVD player, a Club Penguin membership...the list goes on! We are so excited for this event : ). Hope to see many of you there!
Tracey
We have some super exciting donations streaming in for our silent auction on March 21st! Designer purses, a private snowboarding lesson, Canuck's box seat tickets, a stay at a luxurious spa, a blue ray DVD player, a Club Penguin membership...the list goes on! We are so excited for this event : ). Hope to see many of you there!
Tracey
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