Oh my goodness...so many going ons....

Ok I don't even know the last time I updated this blog so here is just some random ramblings......

In February I quit my job to go back to school full time for Special Education. In March I hosted my first annual Spring For A Cure for Children's Tumor Foundation and we raised a little over $1500 for research for Neurofibromatosis. In May we hit 1 year post chemo and since all MRI's had been stable we moved to MRI's every 4 months!!! In July we took Kyle to his first NF summer camp in Prescott, AZ. It was so much fun and we made so many new friends. We have enjoyed going to the ASU football games again this season.

Kyle started Pre-kindergarten and loves it. He is growing up so fast!!! He was also selected to model halloween costumes for Phoenix Children's Hospital and will be on Fox 10 Morning Show On October 10th!!

I have also started up couponing and started a frugal living blog www.mycheapandcheerfullife.blogspot.com and I started up my medical blog again www.luvmyNFboys.blogspot.com so it keeps me busy.

Bennett was called to teach Elder's Quorum and I was recently called to Primary for sharing time.

So that is some of the crazy things that have been going on around here....

Please help spread the word.....

This little girl has NF like Kyle. But she has a high risk plexiform tumor on her leg. Insurance wont cover the expense.

They have moved up her surgery because her tumor grew 4 times it size over the weekend. We are not talking weeks, months or years. We are talking days!!

I cant imagine what this mom is going through and yet it is something I fear everyday.

Please help spread the word.....


http://munciemenn.blogspot.com/

life at mannchester estate: The word is...: "Our appointment today went. That's it, it went. It was with a developmental pediatrician. She is phenomenal. We didn't walk out knowing ..."

Spring For A Cure Carnival

I am planning a fundraiser for "Children's Tumor Foundation". CTF is a foundation that supports families dealing with Neurofibromatosis. They currently are making great strides and have drugs in clinicial studies. They hold conferences to help and support families, they have a lot of literature available and help the NF community come together and support each other.

There is currently NO cure for NF. Families are left to deal with the devastation it can leave behind. As many of you know Kyle has a brain tumor on his optical nerve. After 13 months of chemo the tumor is only stable and he is permanently blind in his right eye. This has been a tough year and I cant sit by and not do something to help others and to help improve Kyle's future. I have met many amazing mothers who loving are strong for their children. I met a mom with a 5 yr old girl who had to make the incredibly difficult decision to have her daughters leg amputated. I met another mother that didnt get to make a choice. The choice was made for her and after her sons NF turned malignent he was gone in a year after a brave fight.

There is NO cure for the condition that rules the lifes of our children. What will you do to help find a cure.

Please check out http://www.springforacure.blogspot.com/

for more information. The carnival is tentatively set for March 5, 2011. I am in need for volunteers. The carnival itself will run for about 3 hours and then set-up and cleaning. Even if you can only help for a couple hours. Anything and everything will be so appreciated. We are also looking for concession food machines (popcorn, cotton candy, hot dogs), Photographers, businesses or groups to sponsor carnival booths, & printing services.

Chemo4Kyle Fundraiser

Our HUGE fundraiser for Kyle is this next weekend. February 26/27 from 7AM-5PM at 238 S. Olive, Mesa, AZ. Come on out we have a wide variety!! Something for everyone. Also search on Craigslist for larger items we have! Please leave a comment or email chemo4kyle@yahoo.com with any questions.

Our 1 bedroom/bath apartment is for rent. I am attaching pics and the description is below. If you know of anyone that needs a place please forward on the information.

1 bed/bath

full size washer/dryer

Storage area

Small back porch area

Built in shelving in closet

Tenant pays electric/trash

couple blocks from Temple, close to downtown Mesa, couple miles from Light rail

Brittney or Bennett 480-325-9034

br_oden@msn.com

Apartment for Rent

Please see our post here http://odensoasis.blogspot.com/2009/06/apartment-for-rent.html for details and pictures.

Amazing Success!!

Our hearts are overwhelmed by the great success we had a couple weekends ago with the fundraiser. We couldn't have done it without our many wonderful family, loved ones, friends and honestly some very giving perfect strangers.

It was a crazy ride getting it organized, accepting donations, trying to sort and price through everything and then the whirlwind that was the sale. It started out in my mind as just a simple yardsale. I myself was gathering things off of freecycle and craigslist to try and gather a few things. Then my sister helped me with a flyer and it took off from there. The sale and donations we received were beyond any expectations I might have had.

Bennett and I would like to offer our sincerest gratitude to everyone who helped make this a success. I know there are people that we will never be able to personally thank as so many people helped, so many in fact that we will never know.

May the Lord bless you and your families for the generosity and kindness you have shown our family in out time of need.