We have BOLD and Handsome men too! | Thursday, October 4, 2012
At 22 years old, most young people are thinking about maybe their last year of college, what kind of job they'll land, probably about their career choice and the partner they'll spend their life with.... some probably dream of continuing on in school and making their fortune with some sort of post graduate degree. Some may be considering their current job in a trade, building new homes for families or contributing to the community as a volunteer, or the ultimate....serving our country in the military. But, Chad W., age 22 is considering life with cancer.
Diagnosed at age 21 with testicular cancer, it's been a battle since, but a battle he's fighting with courage, determination, humor and a family and friends full of love and support. After finding a lump, where it shouldn't be, a CAT scan determined cancer was present and he went immediately from x-ray to surgery to remove the tumor and the testicle. A cancer that can be devastating to men and their reproductive abilities, Chad dealt with it. His Mom, Lori says, "he was a champion, he didn't let it slow him down at all. He was in college at the time and the doctor told him to stay as active as possible, so he did and hasn't let it interfere with his life" and his dreams. With plans to pursue a career as an Actuary, he has a long road ahead. But I suspect that his determination in fighting cancer, will make the journey to becoming an Actuary, seem like a kindergarten field trip.
Early this spring, the cancer had spread to his lung, seen on what are routine, frequent CAT scans. The prescribed chemotherapy would cause him to lose his thick head of hair and he was reluctant to tell his friends what was going on, but was forced to when the hair started coming out. His supportive group of friends planned a head shaving party and 30-35 people shaved their heads in support of Chad's fight. A few of Chad's friends, some whom he's known since grade school, came to his photo session in support of him, heads still closely cropped or bald.
Chad says, "The pictures are great!" Showing off his new tatoo of fellow testicular cancer survivor, Lance Armstrong's "LIVESTRONG", he wants everyone to know about his battle now. Certainly not shying away from the camera. His family has plans to produce some sort of book about Chad's journey and share it with the friends and family and plan to use the pictures from his session with Oldham.
Lori says to other parents dealing with kids fighting cancer, "Let them live as normally as possible. Don't let the cancer confine them....and don't let them hide behind the TV or stay in bed all the time. And don't let them get the 'poor, pitiful me syndrome.'
UPDATE: From Chad himself:
" I was a bit hesitant at first to do the photos because I was not too sure if I wanted everyone knowing what was going on. Then I thought I really don't care, this is who I am and what I have been doing. I thought it does not matter to me who sees or knows, it wouldn't change anything I have done already or will be doing in the future. The opportunity to help other young males was another huge factor into doing the photo shoot. While at the shoot it was a great time. A lot of jokes and laughter was in the room so it made it an easy and pleasant experience. The pictures turned out great in my opinion. I would do it again in a heartbeat."
Labels: #bebold, #lancearmstrong, #livestrong, cancer, cancer in kids, childhood cancer, livestrong, Oldham Kids, Terri Shaver, testicular cancer, The Oldham Project
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| Tuesday, August 7, 2012
After a persistent cough for a couple weeks, Clara's Mom, Lisa decided she knew her child best and took her in to the Doctor to demand some labs be drawn... which determined, just 4 hours later that Clara was fighting Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. "It was the farthest thing from our minds when we asked for that blood test, they never even eluded to something like that", says Mom, Lisa. With aggressive treatment started immediately in June 2010, Clara's hair remained intact till about Thanksgiving that year. Mom reports that Clara has been a trooper and that this fall, her "port" is due out and finally, life will get back to 'normal' for them.
"Our Doctor, Dr. Scott is very reassuring, but always warns us to 'take one day at a time." Family has rallied around the family, even Clara's uncle Jeff who created a 'port' for her toy kangaroo, which she carries with her to every treatment and hospital stay.
Looking like a normal little 5 year old, she loved playing in the camera room, dressing up in all the costumes available, playing princess, as every little girl should feel!
Mom relates, "Don't ever take anything for granted and enjoy life!" I think that's a 'given' with kids.... they never quite understand the gravity of the situation and help parents cope with their childlike naiveté. Clara has never let the expression of joy leave her sweet little face! She even directed this 'special' hairdo!
Labels: acute lymphocytic leukemia, cancer, cancer in kids, childhood blood disorders, childhood cancer, childhood diseases, Leukemia, Non-profit, Oldham Kids, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
| Monday, July 23, 2012
Charlie is a bright, friendly and utterly charming little 4 year old with a "monster" that lives in his little head.... a terminal brain tumor...Diagnosed with “diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma” or "DIPG”, Charlie was initially treated with radiation and steroids, but to no avail. This is a tumor that WILL take his life and sooner, rather than later.
"Right now, Charlie is in the ironically named "honeymoon period" of his disease. Like any normal 4-year old, he is bright, cheerful and full of life and love. All that is noticeable is a motor impairment in his speech ability, even though he talks non-stop and his cognition is above average. Already he has beaten the odds of a predicted nine month survival after his radiation and steroid treatment last year, but the tumor still lurks, unreachable, inoperable and fated to grow again at some unknown date.
Treatment possibilities have been explored, some tried. The focus now is on providing the best and happiest quality of life in the time remaining.
The disease is cruel, not merely terminal, but one where the sufferer often retains full cognitive awareness when motor functions fail in the final period."
In grappling with the horror, John and Abigail are determined that more help should be available for other families who face such a situation in the future. As a partial, but needed, distraction from the painful reality of the present they have put their efforts into fulfilling the cause of forming a foundation dedicated to families going through this horrible nightmare. Read more HERE about their foundation and the quest to conquer this disease and help families cope with this devastating diagnosis.
I ask myself daily.... why do people have to go through this? Why does this happen? What can I do to help?
What do you ask? How are you affected? Think about being handed something like this... what would you do?
If you dare, please take some time to read Charlie's Mom's journal and the letters she's writing to Charlie as they move through this nightmare of impending death. They are touching, heartbreaking and moving... click HERE to visit Abigail's Journal.
If you dare, please take some time to read Charlie's Mom's journal and the letters she's writing to Charlie as they move through this nightmare of impending death. They are touching, heartbreaking and moving... click HERE to visit Abigail's Journal.
Labels: brain tumor, cancer, cancer in kids, childhood cancer, childhood diseases, Oldham Kids, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
One of our angels has been honored.... | Tuesday, May 22, 2012
* Event photos and video courtesy of Zak Walsh, Tanner Friedman
Labels: cancer, cancer in kids, childhood cancer, Oldham Kids, soft tisssue sarcoma, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
| Friday, May 18, 2012
The Oldham Project is rocking the social media world!! In just the past couple days, Oldham has gotten at least 50 new followers on just Twitter alone! If you don't follow us on Twitter or Facebook, please do!
Labels: #bebold, bald women, Be Bold Feel Beautiful, bone cancer, bone cancer in children, breast cancer, breast cancer awareness, cancer, cancer in kids, childhood cancer, Oldham Kids, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
The Fingerprints of God.... | Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Labels: bone cancer, bone cancer in children, cancer in kids, childhood cancer, God, Non-profit, Oldham Kids, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
| Friday, May 4, 2012
Labels: cancer, cancer in kids, childhood cancer, non-hodgkins lymphoma, Non-profit, Oldham Kids, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
Almost done with treatment.... | Thursday, April 26, 2012
Labels: cancer, cancer in kids, childhood cancer, Leukemia, Non-profit, Oldham Kids, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
Kids will be kids.... | Friday, January 6, 2012
As a parent, we fret and worry from the time our kids are born about ear aches, sore throats and runny noses...that they'll fall learning to ride that bike or break their arm playing football, but rarely does the thought of cancer cross your mind. Rebecca P. relates the awful day she learned her son, Cayden had cancer. Having been assured by the physician's that this was "nothing" and "no big deal", "probably just a benign tumor", and cancer being the furthest thing from her mind, she arrived at the appointment, alone, with Cayden. Being taken from the treatment room, she was informed that this indeed was not only cancer, but Stage 3 Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, that in the past month, had now invaded his entire sinus cavity and had moved into his ear canals. In shock, trying to reach her husband, Cayden was left alone in the room, now knowing that something was desperately wrong. Every parents worst nightmare began. Diagnosed in June of 2011, Cayden has now undergone two extensive surgeries to remove as much of the tumor as possible, 15 weeks of chemotherapy and 8 weeks of radiation... and is a testament to faith. Coming from a strong Christian family, faith is their cornerstone, prayer is their language and peace fills their hearts. Rebecca says, "from the beginning, I've been given a peace and know that he's going to be fine." And even though she tears up and cries, she exudes a peace that can only come from a bigger source than herself...."so many of the horrible things they told us would happen to Cayden, didn't happen. He didn't loose his hair, he didn't get burned from the radiation and his hearing is still there! We believe it's because of prayer."
Surrounded by a huge support system in a small town, they have so much love, prayer and encouragement from family, friends and the community! Cayden appears to be a 'normal' 8th grade kid, attending school when he can, thinking about a future with the NBA and enjoying his friends. He would love to become a graffiti artist...He dreams of playing in the NBA and I'm sure as everyone else, thinks of growing old. With that attitude and the power of God, I believe he will!
Labels: brain tumor, cancer, childhood cancer, Kourageous Kids, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
"Don't be afraid, JUST BELIEVE!" | Monday, November 21, 2011
Our newest Kourageous Kid is Paige D. and she ROCKS! MSU Football fan and Fashionista all rolled into a pint sized, bundle of happy! Celebrating her 12th birthday just yesterday, the MSU team "Played for Paige" on Saturday as she cheered from the sidelines, with the team! Read about her journey and association with the MSU guys HERE.
Paige's journey with cancer started a few years ago, found accidentally after a fall in a skiing accident in 2008. A brain tumor was discovered and headache's ensued. It was eventually diagnosed as a Meduloblastoma, occurring in the area of the brain that controls balance and other motor functions. Paige has now undergone, a 6 hour operation to remove the tumor, 30 radiation treatments, 2 blood transfusions, 14 weeks of chemotherapy, numerous boosts to her immune system and 34 more weeks of chemo YET TO COME....but her mantra is, "Don't be afraid, JUST BELIEVE."
She's an athletic kid, a soccer team in Okemos..... but more recently, side-lined at her own games, but not at the MSU Spartan Stadium!
Initially, reluctant to participate in the Kourageous Kids program, she changed her mind and wanted to do it to "help other kids" with cancer... and help she will! She ROCKED her 'modeling session' with several outfit changes, all with coordinating accessories and scarves. Someday, Paige hopes to be a teacher. I think that she's already doing that.... teaching everyone about what it's like to not be afraid, how to be Kourageous and to BELIEVE! Including some giant men dressed in Green and White.
Labels: cancer, childhood cancer, Kourageous Kids, msu football, msu sports, paige duren, play for paige, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
"Hoping for a chance to exhale...." | Saturday, October 29, 2011
Jacalyn AND her parents are such warriors... she's again battling a recurrent kidney cancer, called Wilm's Tumor and as I write this, is again in the hospital, requiring a blood transfusion. Diagnosed a couple years ago, after Mom thought the Doctor was just going to tell them she had a urinary tract infection, they found a large tumor on her left kidney. 9 months of treatment, chemo and radiation, the tumor was gone....but a short lived victory. Another tumor formed in another 9 months, this time trying to dig deeper into this tiny child's body by attaching itself to her aorta and spleen.
They fight as a family... two smaller siblings giving of their time and attention, so that Jacalyn can spend weeks at a time in the hospital for another round of chemo and radiation. Parents doing 'tag-team' duty at the hospital, so she's never alone.
Jacalyn rarely exhibits fear and always has a giant smile on her face, despite only being able to attend school about a week and a half a month, missing her friends and all the 'girly girl' activities with them...and despite having her "Make-A-Wish" trip cancelled due to this new cancer recurrence. "We'll get to go again", she says with a smile and a side-ways glance at Mom.
Mom says, "She gives me strength... she goes through everything with a smile. We're just waiting for this to be over, hoping for a chance to exhale."
"In Heaven, I am going to have a giant house, painted hot pink. I am going to have wings and fly around, and grant all the wishes I want. I am going to get there when I am the oldest person in the world.... I am going to be 118 years old." - Jacalyn
Labels: cancer, childhood cancer, Kourageous Kids, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
Prayers for Adie.... | Friday, September 30, 2011
It is with a profound sadness that I bring the story of this precious little girl. Only God knows what His plan is for her....but we at The Oldham Project ask selfishly for your prayers for peace for this family and comfort for this beautiful, Kourageous Kid.
Here is her story, as told by her mother, Tammy.
"The photo shoot opportunity came that the perfect time! This experience made her feel so beautiful, fashionable and in control of her day. It also reminded her that even in tough times, her beautiful spirit and SMILE shines so brightly.
She has the word "DREAM" above her bed. On the letter "M" their is a small list that asks to list three of your dreams. Here are her top three: 1.) Become a black belt in Karate, 2.) Become a fashion designer and 3.) Be famous. Thank YOU and ALL the wonderful people at Oldham Project for literally making her dreams come true! Please mention in the bio how she had all of her outfits organized as well as accessories and make-up:)
Adie's journey:
In March of 2008, at the age of 5 and a half, Adalin discovered a bump about the size of a golf ball in her right groin. We went to Sparrow and discovered that she did indeed have cancer in her pelvis. The biopsy done at U of M stated it was either a triton tumor (nerve sheath tumor) or high level rhabdomysosarcoma (soft tissue tumor). Very aggressive and rare in children and difficult to treat due to a lack of information on how and what medicines can be helpful. The location and size of the tumor did not all the doctors to resect at that time.
We began a six month chemo protocol at the start of April in Lansing with the amazing MSU Oncology team. God Bless, she handled the chemo with very little side effects. In May she started six weeks of external radiation. Adalin embraced her faith, spunky spirit and take charge attitude every single day. It became very clear to all that cared for Adalin, that they would have to explain in full detail what they intended to do for her and then get her approval. Whether it was drawing blood, positioning her for scans, what size gown fit her best and where and when they could check her vitals. (Terri, now that you got a chance to get to know Adie, I hope that last part made you chuckle).
When it came time for surgery we discovered the tumors had not shrunk as much as all would hope. The doctors at MSU and U of M thought a hemi pelvictomy (removal of the right pelvis and leg). Though the news was devastating to James and I we didn't share that part with Adalin at the time. We kept praying that someway, somehow, we would have other options before having to put her through such a difficult and life changing surgery.
Our beloved doctors at MSU helped us with referrals to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota and St. Judes in Tennessee. Mayo agreed with U of M that it the surgery was the best chance to get all the tumor out. We hadn't heard from St. Judes at that time so decided to finish out her chemo schedule and get ready for surgery in September. About three weeks before the scheduled surgery at Mayo, scans looked very promising and we got the call from St. Judes. They believed they could resect the tumor and save the leg and pelvis. Many prayers were answered that day and so many times after!
Adalin had a resection surgery and also interal radiation to the tumor sight at St. Judes in late August. At the time is was very successful. She finished her chemo protocal in in October and got the chance to be "in remission" for about 14 months. We would do follow up scan here in. Lansing and at St. Judes about every 3 months.
In November of 2009, scans showed reoccurance in the upper right high. We immediately stared the same chemo/radiation/surgery protocol. They were encouraged that because of how well Adalin had handled this experience the first time, medically they could repeat the entire process. In May of 2010 she completed another chemo cycle and another resection surgery. The tumors were then considered stable and she was off treatment for 8 months.
In January of 2011 the tumors began to grow again and we decided to two experimental drugs from St. Judes. The first drug worked for about 3 months and we discovered the 2nd and final drug was not effective in July.
Since July of 2011, Adalin has progessed in need for our MSU palitative care team to manage her pain from tumor growth.
This final update brings us to our current situation.
From day one she has had God "giving her a piggy back ride" Since her final return, with God's love and grace she has enjoyed many high quality days and that is what we will focus on!"
Adie is currently hospitalized on high powered pain medication, but does have periods of lucidity and is still in full control of her treatment, as she was of her photo shoot. She painstakingly chose just the right outfits, with all the matching jewelry and accessories, AND makeup to coordiate with each... must be the budding fashion designer! She chose the poses and declined one if she didn't like my suggestion. She is a child who wants to be in control, and the end of her life is no different. Just yesterday, after my visit with her, she woke long enough to choose the images she wanted on a billboard that will be going up in Lansing in the next couple weeks, to show the community what a Kourageous Kid looks like! Adie is my HERO!
Keep this family in your continuous thoughts and prayers as Adie spends her final moments here with us.
Labels: cancer, childhood cancer, Kourageous Kids, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
These kids need your help! | Wednesday, May 25, 2011
The Oldham Project is launching our specialty program for children undergoing treatment for cancer or other life threatening illnesses, called Kourageous Kids! We are putting together goodie bags to give each child that comes into the studio to be photographed. We've had marvelous, re-usable shopping bags donated and printed by our friends at Slick Shirts. We're having Kourageous Kids t-shirts made for each child and want to fill these bags with all sorts of "kid" related items.
We would like you to consider organizing a 'drive' at your workplace. This wouldn't take a lot of work, but would bring great benefit to these sick children. We have already received tons of coloring books and crayons to insert in each bag, but we'd like lots of the following items. Perhaps you might organize departments at your workplace to compete to see who could bring the most items! Make it fun and creative, while helping us to give more to these children and make their day a bit brighter!
UNO card games
Skip-Bo card games
Plain decks of cards
Bottles of bubbles
Hand held games
Smaller board/card games
Gift certificates for free ice cream cones/candy/ etc.
Books
We would need at least 75 of each item. Please consider how you might partner with us to make this happen in the next couple weeks. We'll be happy to come and pick them up and provide brochures and posters for you to use to advertise your 'drive.' Please call me if you have questions, to "claim" your drive item or to let me know of an alternate item(s) you've thought of! We'd like to collect all items by June 15th. We know it's difficult in these tough economic times for businesses to donate a lot of money, but this is a way to mobilize all the people in your business to 'donate' just a little, that can make such a big impact!
Your generosity will make a child's day. Most of these kids are part of a family who is struggling with daunting medical bills and is unable to provide even the simplest entertainment for these children. Help us brighten their day!
I look forward to hearing from you soon!!
517-256-0490
Labels: cancer, childhood cancer, Kourageous Kids, Terri Shaver, The Oldham Project
