Introducing the Kids of the October 2012 Class Begging for their Matches

Let the Begging Begin

Every class does creative things to beg for our matches.  Approximately 2 weeks prior to our class each child with receive an email from the Pink Girlz (very cute Papillon's that live with Karen Shirk) telling them who their dog will be.  Along with the email comes a picture.  Many classes take pictures, send videos, bribe, cry... anything to get their matches.  Once our class video is done I will post the link to that too so you can see all the lucky kiddos that Nate will be in Ohio with.  

35 Days and counting

It's been quite a while since I posted...  8 months as a matter of fact.  Life has simply gone on and I've neglected my blog... but I'm back.  The excitement is mounting.  We will be in Xenia Ohio in 35 days.  We will know who our dogs are in approximately 21 days.  I will most definitely post the email and pictures we get once we know who Nate's buddy will be.  Once we get to 4 Paws I will try to blog daily with picture updates to keep you in the loop.

Nate is doing great.  He will be officially done with chemotherapy on November 12th.  He had his last spinal tap with sedation and chemo several weeks ago.  He is in first grade and doing well adapting.  We had a birthday party for him this summer and asked for the guests to include a dog toy with each gift.  I still don't think he has figured that one out yet.  Nate's Nana, Sue Kothera will be accompanying us to Ohio.  An extra set of hands is always needed with Nate.  I've become friends with another Mom who is also a nurse.  Her grandson who she has custody of is in the September class so she will be reporting back to me as to what to expect.  We are so excited and it's coming so fast.  Thanks again for all your support!

Update on Training Class

We got the most exciting email today from 4 Paws.  There was an error in scheduling and we are in the October class!!!!!  We are so excited to be moved up to be that much closer to getting Nate's new buddy.  Just thought I would share as soon as I knew!!  As soon as I know dates I will post.

It's OFFICIAL. We hit our goal!!

We received word this week that the check from Friends of Nathan Foundation came in and we have OFFICIALLY met our goal.  We will be in the December training class.  What a wonderful Christmas gift for Nate.  His own "highly trained" dog.  It was so nice to relax over the holidays and enjoy time with family, not having to worry about fundraising.  We are now working on our "travel" fund as we will have to spend two weeks in Xenia, OH to train at the 4 Paws facility with Nate and his dog.  Over the next 11 months, we will fill out paperwork and make a video of our day to day activities so the trainers may chose the right match for Nate.

I still can't believe how quickly we were able to reach our goal and we couldn't have done it without YOU!  I wish I could hug each and every one of you that donated, spread the word, or simply said a prayer for us.  Every little bit helps.  Thanks to my family who was so supportive during this seemingly monumental task of raising $13,000.  I know we will have matching funds coming in during the first quarter of this year.  They will go to another child who may be struggling with fundraising.  $ Paws will make an anonymous donation to help another family make their goal.

This year will be one with many GREAT things happening.  Nate's Leukemia treatment will be coming to an end right before Thanksgiving, we will travel to Xenia OH to meet Nate's new buddy and this will be our first Christmas off of treatment.  HELLO 2012!!

Happy New Year to everyone.  Thanks for your support!  We have met so many new friends on this new path we are traveling and we feel so fortunate to have you supporting us along the way.  THANKS SO MUCH!!

Thanks to Olea Salon

Olea Salon held a fundraiser for Nate with a day of haircuts donated to Nate and also several gift baskets that were raffled off.  Colleen Schramm from Olea paid Nate a visit to deliver over $1,000 and have him pick the winners of the raffle.  Many thanks to Olea for their hard work and donations to Nate's dog.  Also thanks to all the Olea customers and people that mailed in generous donations.  Words cannot describe how grateful we are for all the support that has come from absolute strangers...  Thank YOU!

Colleen brought a replacement puppy dog for Nate to cuddle with until he gets his dog.