Happy Wednesday

Ally is doing fairly well, although she does appear to be suffering from some side effects. Today she had some pretty severe leg and hip pain. This is a side effect of the Vincristin chemotherapy. I think because she didn't get any chemo for a while, it seems to be hitting her a little more right now. She is also definitely eating more which is a result of the Megace appetite stimulant. However we had another episode today where she threw up immediately following dinner. She had macaroni after school at her friends house...and from the looks of things I think she might have eaten too much! That combined with her dinner and Jerad and I are just thinking that maybe she is eating too much at one time right now. Her body just isn't used to it. And sorry if that is too much information.

Secondly, we did go over the $20,000 mark today on our fundraising. I spoke to my contact at the Leukemia Society this morning and I think she was truly shocked when I told her about the $6000 from the Poker Tournament. I have been meaning to mention on here too...but that Tastefully Simple party that we had in our neighborhood a few weeks back ended up raising $640 also. That was just way more than I ever thought it would be. Thank you to Judy and Denton Brower.

They told me that the largest team to ever walk in Dayton was 100 people. Right now we are looking at an unprecedented 350 people for Ally's Army....and with a hefty amount of dollars to back us. I am so proud of everything we have come together to do...and all of this while Ally is still going through intense treatment. It does take a lot of my time, but it is so worth it. It just shows that everybody can (and HAS) made a difference and turned something that can be so bad into something good. One more housekeeping note.....since we have raised $20k, everyone on the team will be carrying a balloon...no need to worry about that whole $25 fundraised to get one. We do have a ton of people that have raised over $100 and will also be receiving t-shirts and other incentives. She is also going to have a 10x10 tent set up just for Ally's Army. We will get a sign out there and it can be a meeting point for all of us. Some of you that have volunteered to help (thank you) can maybe help run our tent, pass the things out, etc. Don't forget there is free food, things for the kids to do, etc. Now we just have to get some good weather.

Finally, Jerad wanted me to post a little teaser about the outfit he will be wearing to the 80's dance in Junction City Saturday night to raise even more money for Leukemia. The pants are a little tight, so I am hoping he doesn't bust out any of his Billie Jean Michael Jackson moves. But you have to agree....these parachute pants are SWEEEEEEEEEET. Hope you can make it out to see them in person.