Day +1,461 (4 years!)

Today is a VERY (VERY) special day for us and for James.  It's hard to believe that FOUR YEARS AGO today, 12/6/2018, was the day that James received his life saving stem cell transplant - officially marking what we have coined his "re-birthday" today.  

​Of course we have to thank Spencer, James' donor, for making today possible.. without you James would not be with us today (quite literally)! 

It's hard to think about those times four years ago but we do often as it keeps us grounded on how lucky we are to be where we are at today.  As many of you are well aware, it has not been a smooth four years but James is hands down the BEST he has ever been and we truly believe his problems are in the rear view mirror.

Typically this time of year we host a large blood drive - and are committed to getting back to this in 2023.  We decided not to host the drive this year but would please encourage everyone to donate blood  - there are TONS of people in desperate need that are depending on you for live saving blood transfusions.  If you donate at Vitalant James' code (in Illinois) is still valid, which is ORD0009F and can be given at time of donation.  That said, donate anywhere... the most important point is doing it and not where you do it :-)

James has been living it up - most recently this past weekend with a really special trip to the "North Pole" sponsored by United Airlines and (locally) Cal's Angels.  James and other kids that are in/have been in battles against cancer and other critical illness arrived at O'Hare this past Saturday for a special Fantasy Flight to the North Pole.... the flight was about 45 minutes - with every Disney / kids character imaginable (Batman, Avengers, all the princesses, etc), Ronald McDonald, Benny The Bull, Tommy Hawk (Blackhawks mascot), elves, and of course Santa and Mrs. Claus.  It was the experience of a lifetime and Maeve got to join in the fun as well.  Some photos below, but they don't do it justice.

In any case - just wanted to get a quick update out to let you know that James is doing GREAT and we are so lucky to have him with us 4 years after his stem cell transplant.  James and I have not had a haircut in years... I have been keeping my hair buzzed to mentally support him, and me to some extent, until he could get one.  Looks like we might both be our for our first haircut in years this Friday which is pretty special :-). Love you all and thank for the insane amount of support over the YEARS!

​I will leave you with a few snapchat filtered pictures... something James recently discovered and thinks is hilarious.  He certainly has a love of life and living it to its fullest!