BE BRAVE

Never never never never in a million years did I ever think that The Leukaemia Foundations Worlds Greatest Shave would mean anything to me other than a feel good charity event. 

Never ever did I imagine that my daughter, my family or I would ever know, care and love someone with leukaemia. Its what other families have. Not people we know, not people we love. 

But here we are. My baby has leukaemia and she has no hair. And every single day we are reminded of that. There is no hiding when you are bald. It is a red flag that the world sees and screams "I have cancer" "I am sick" "I could die"

It's confronting. It's scary. It's frustrating. It's heartbreaking.

I can't fix her. You can't fix her. The doctors are doing their bloody best to fix her. We are lucky. Maybs is expected to recover and go on to life a happy 'normal' life. Others not so. 

The Leukaemia Foundation do an amazing job. There's a huge amount of information about them on their site. I had always known they were leaders in providing funding for research, information and education but had no idea just what they can do.

Practical help with bills, fuel and food vouchers - unlike centrelink that wont look at individual situations, only numbers...

Transport to and from appointments and treatments - very handy if your too tired to drive to another appointment!

Accommodation - priceless!

And emotional support and counselling - nothing like talking to someone that gets it and is not afraid to talk about the hard stuff.

And the list goes on and on

The Worlds Greatest Shave is 3 weeks away. So this year, support those that are being brave. Like my gorgeous cousin and beautiful friend and her children 13, 11 and 9. All willing to brave the world with no hair to show their love and support for families like us. Anything over $2 is tax deductible. And every dollar counts :)

Please feel free to blog, tweet, facebook or whatever else people do these days to get the message out. The more that know, the more money we can raise and the better support the Leukaemia Foundation can give to families like us xox 

Donate life

Most of you know or read Ms Curly Pops blog. And if you don't, you should. Not only is she a very lovely, talented lady but Ms Pops is very talented, lovely AND waiting for a double lung transplant. True story.

I'm a donor. So are the kids. Even manpet too. In fact my whole extended family are. And if I am even in a room where a decision needs to be made my answer will always be yes.

I know 2 people waiting for organs. One, Ms Pops and the other a 7yr boy that was from Darwin but because they don't do transplants in the NT he and his family have had to move to Melbourne. While we are lucky enough to not need organs, Maybs does require lots and lots and lots of blood transfusions. I know how incredibly grateful we are for every one of those that keeps her alive. We often talk about how amazing it is that people take the time out of their day to donate blood, we wonder who they are, what they do. I'm guessing finally getting the organ you need is like that only 100 time bigger. They and they're family have literally saved your life. If blows my mind that people choose not to donate. Why would you not want to save someones life?

So. Tell me. Are you an organ donor? And have you had a chat with those around you? Do they know you are? Because they have the final say.

5 down

Swoon. I am so into this quilt! I've managed 5 blocks so far. 

I did a weee experiment with my blocks. 

First one I didn't iron. I know there are bloggers and quilters out there that don't iron to retain shape or something like that so don't laugh at me. 

Was not the best finish, so onto the next...

The second, I ironed all seams, one to one side one to the other, you know to "butt up" the seams...

Better but not the best finish...

Third one I ironed most of the seams open. This is not how I normally do things but worth a shot...

Much better! I then checked the flickr group and it appears I wasn't the only one having trouble with messy seams. I have even now started ironing every seam open. Fiddly but totally worth it!

Now I wouldn't normally show you this but Abbe asked me very nicely and now that it's out there on the interwebs I guess it's safe to show you here too....oh this feels like showing you my undies draws....

The back...

Like I said, I'm loving this quilt, only 4 blocks to go! Check out the swoon-alongers here xox

Swoon

I know. Blogging from my phone is not the best but seeing as though my life is now that of cancer mum, I can do this in between vomits, tears and tantrums. Please bear with me :)

Monkey lady is running a swoon a long. You know that gorgeous pattern Swoon by Camille from thimble blossoms? I know you do. I sign up for these things all the time. But then find I don't have at hand all the bits required and they fall by the way side where all the other good intentions go. This time, I have everything! I got the swoon pattern when it first came out and have been saving the Anna Marie Horner good folks fat 1/4's for something special. Quick trip to my local spotty and I'm ready!













I'm really happy with the grey solid from spotlight. Not to dark and not too light. It's part of their prima solid range, colour is called 'iron'. What do you think? Will work yes? xox

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A new year

A good time to learn a new skill.





I for one am very glad to see the back of 2011. Last year will always be the year my baby got cancer. And while 2012 is full of questions, worry and the unknown at least we know that there will be nothing 'normal' or predictable about it.

I hope you all had a safe, happy holiday season. And thank you all again for your awesomeness. Without Facebook, twitter and blogger I think I might have gone mad....er xox


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not all Chemo and cancer

There is some crafting too xox

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3 weeks in....

There has been a few tears, a few melt downs, lots of learning and accepting, loads of talking, and most importantly, lots and lots of smiles and laughs!






Her treatment is going really well. We are back in hospital after a week of being out. 2 weeks of iv antis to come but is just a wee bump. Nothing out of the ordinary.

Maybs and I had been staying at Ronald McDonald house, or Ronnie Mac for those in the know ;) We got to meet Good Charlotte last week as part of McHappy Day! So awesome!





She is such a rock star!!

Maybs decided to dye her hair pink, blue and purple. Seeing as though it is going to fall out, why not have fun!















Maybelle also decided that instead of letting her hair fall out, she'd take control and shave her head when she was ready. Thursday was that day. And I have never ever been more proud. Her strength and courage amazes me every day. She's not perfect oh no! And she's still Maybelle. But her spirit is shining. And that is remarkable!







Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. The messages, emails, tweets, phone calls, texts etc have been reassuring and uplifting. There is a reason the blogging community is so wonderful because it really is a community.

Very special shout out to Fi, dear dear Fi! You have been a rock. You, my dear, are my super star.

There is a facebook group, ALL about Maybelle if you find it, ask to join and I'll add you. I think that how it works lol!

Much love and gratitude xox

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