Toghether For a Cure

CureSearch Walk 2012

Chase 4 years old, and Taleah 3 years old were both diagnosed at the age of 2 with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.  Chase and Taleah live just a few blocks from each other and have become a support to each other through their treatments.  They are both currently still in treatment which consists of chemotherapy, daily medications, sedations, lumbar punctures to administer chemotherapy to their spine and much much more.  They are among some of the strongest kids I know.  I knew kids were tough, but when we were introduced to the childhood cancer world my eyes were opened.  I know for a fact that the medicine they have to take would put me (and most other adults) flat on their back complaining for days.  These kids are troopers and even though they don't always feel the best, they try to make the best of it.  Don't get me wrong they have their bad days, but I know that they could be much more numerous than they are if it weren't the strength of a child.

So to honor these sweet kids and raise money to find a cure for this awful disease Chase, Taleah, and their friends and family will be walking in the 2nd annual CureSearch walk in Salt Lake City on September 29.  It will be held at Sugar House Park 1300 South 2100 East Salt Lake City, UT 84115.

We are inviting you to join our team "Together For a Cure", donate, or even just simply post this blog address and help us spread the word.   The walk as a whole last year raised over $70,000 and that was the first year we have ever done it in Utah.  We want to surpass that amount this year.  Give what you can, help where you can, and remember that the kids need your help.

CureSearch funds the lifesaving research of the Children’s Oncology Group.  This group of medical professionals treats more than 90% of children with cancer at over 200 hospitals in the United States.  (one of which is Primary Children's where Chase and Taleah go for their treatments) These experts provide world-class care in communities across the country.
Every day 35 children are diagnosed with pediatric cancer – 7 of those children will not survive.  Children’s cancer is the number one cause of death by disease in children.  Although the cure rate is now 78% – up by 30% in the last 20 years – it is not enough.  Our goal is a 100% cure rate and we can get there with your help. 

We love CureSearch for many reasons, but one of them is that they put more than 90% of every dollar donated straight into Childhood Cancer Research.  There are so many good places you can put your money, but most other cancer foundations donate about 4 pennies of each dollar to Childhood Cancer.  So you can see why CureSearch is so important to us and especially to our kids.

Thank you for your love and support towards Chase and Taleah as they continue to fight their battles with cancer!!!

YOU CAN DONATE OR JOIN OUR TEAM BY CLICKING ON THE LINK ON THE SIDEBAR TO THE RIGHT.

***Make sure you watch the cute video at the bottom to see all the photo's taken of Chase and Taleah.  Photo's on this blog were all taken by Tiffany Jane Photography****

Meet Chase

*The following was written by Chase's mom, Dani....
On July 22, 2010 two year old Chase was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.  His childhood had just started and was drastically changed overnight.  Chase is a happy little boy who makes everyone around him smile.  He likes to crack jokes and make us laugh.  He has come to realize that cancer is just a new way of life.  He wears a mask when we go to the store (which is usually only in emergencies).  He cleans his toys for fun.  I have often walked in his room to find him wiping down all his toys with a clorox wipe.  He tells me he is making them all clean.  I tell him every time we walk into a public restroom that he "can not touch anything."  So now before walking into the bathroom I ask, "Chase, what do we touch?"  He responds with, "Anything."
Chase is one of the strongest little boys I know.  He will continue his treatments until October of 2013.  His treatments consist of daily oral chemotherapy, many home nurse visits to draw blood and check levels, sedations to administer chemotherapy directly into his spine, monthly IV chemotherapy administered through through a port that was surgically placed in his chest, and multiple other medications to keep him healthy.  Chase and Taleah think it is cool to see each others ports.  I think it makes them feel a little more normal knowing there is another kid that has the same thing they do. 
My life would not be the same without Chase, and it would also not be the same without cancer.  I have learned so much, loved so many people, and come closer to my Savior all of which I know wouldn't have happened without cancer.  We HATE it, but at the same time can not imagine where our lives would be without it.  I love this kid and am proud to be his momma!!!

** You can read more about Chase and his family at www.princehappyfamily.blogspot.com**

Meet Taleah

*The following was written by Taleah's mom, Tosha....

On August 27th, 2012, Taleah (at age 2 1/2) was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. It was a day that changed our lives forever. In 8 months, she has experienced a few surgeries, many chemotherapies, pills, hospital stays and LOTS of medicines. Taleah will continue to experience these until October 31, 2013. She has become so brave and more mature than most 3 year olds. Cancer has made her that way. We live a new way of life and it's not always bad, but it hasn't been easy either. I am in awe of her strength and courage. I NEVER thought this would be a trial in our life, but it is something that I would not change. We have learned so much. She is not like most 3 year olds, but she embraces it and doesn't really understand that she has a different life. We have met amazing people and these cancer cuties are truly an inspiration. We are proud to call Taleah our daughter!