One of our angels has been honored....
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Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Our precious angel Adalin Farnum has been honored this week in the Detroit area in a "random act of kindness." The Arts and Technology Center school in Pontiac collected money and helped to build a small, landscape garden, dedicated to Adalin James Farnum (October 1, 2002- October 14, 2011), one of our Oldham Kids photographed in 2011. One of Adalin's last requests was that her family and friends who loved her and wanted to continue to honor her, would perform 'random acts of kindness' until she directed them otherwise. TV 20 was there to record the event which aired on television last week. Her mom, Tammy and siblings, Kate and Jack also attended the event to honor Adie. These school children, who didn't even know Adaline, have become part of her legacy through this garden. They will be reminded each time the see the plaque bearing her name, to again, think of someone or something in need and perform that random act of kindness. Adie would challenge everyone who reads this blog post to do the same thing... take a moment to look around you and find someone to help, someone to bless, someone to share Adie's legacy with. I'm sure you won't have to look far. Adie will open your eyes!
* Event photos and video courtesy of Zak Walsh, Tanner Friedman
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!
Our facebook page is HERE! And our Twitter handle is @oldhamproject.
These sources will keep you up to date on a daily basis on what we're doing, where we'll be and the clients we're serving! And always remember, SHARE with your family and friends. HELP us, raise awareness of cancer and other illnesses that are taking the lives of loved ones daily!
"I'm tougher than I thought..."
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Monday, May 14, 2012
Cyndi found a lump... as so many women who find their own breast cancer. After a confirming mammogram, she was diagnosed with Triple Negative, Stage II breast cancer. With the bravery of so many women we see, she embarked on a journey of chemo and radiation. 16 weeks of chemo and 6 1/2 weeks of 5 day/week radiation, took it's toll, but as you can see, she's making the journey back to "normal". "It's kind of scary being done with chemo and radiation... I'm sometimes wondering if somewhere, 'it's' still there..."
As a beautician in 'real-life', hair is important to her and her clients...but she's faced her baldness and hair regrowth with dignity, class and style! With her new grandson, Easton as her inspiration, she says, "I'm trying to get back to my pre-cancer life... and I'd like to find a way to give back to the cancer community." Driving to the East Lansing studio from the southern Michigan border, she thought it important to participate in the "Be Bold, Feel Beautiful" program to help raise awareness of cancer and it's devastating effects in women. She also recently participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure at the Michigan state capital earlier this month, again, demonstrating that she's not going to remain silent about what cancer does to women. She's already finding ways to 'give back' to the cancer community!
The Fingerprints of God....
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Tuesday, May 8, 2012
13 year old Montana is a remarkable young women, full of faith. This is her story.
Montana discovered a lump in her left thigh the day after a double-header softball game. Thinking it was just a pulled muscle, not much was thought about it, until an x-ray confirmed bone cancer. Her parents were called back to the Dr's office without Montana to discuss the findings and options. The tumor, approximately the size of a volleyball, was consuming her left femur. After further testing, it was discovered that she had 10 tumors in her lungs as well. As she and her parents thought about the options, Montana said, "I looked at what I wanted my life to look like", in making decisions about treatment. Initially starting chemo quickly to stop the tumors growth, she underwent 8 rounds of chemo, before considering any surgical intervention. "I wanna play sports" was her first thought when presented with the surgical options of amputation or limb salvage. Can you imagine a 13 year old being given the option of losing her leg or losing most of her mobility and potential activity with the other option?
Her left leg was removed on October 25, 2011, almost at the hip joint and she got her prosthesis 6 weeks later. "I want to try out for the track team. I want to play lots of sports to show people that I may only have one leg, but I'm not disabled. Just because I have a metal leg...it won't limit me."
The oldest of 6 children, Montana is showing her parents and siblings what determination and faith look like. "I want to participate in the Paralympics someday!"
A young, but faithful follower of Christ, she exhibits great faith in God. "I do rely more on God, it's not just a saying for me."
When I asked about how she felt about all this... She related something that her physical therapist told her recently..."She said I should get rid of this crutch because I don't need it anymore! The more confident I am, the less awkward other people will be around me."
She has faced the loss of self, the loss of a limb and great fear, but has come out stronger and more confident on the other side. "Hair isn't everything, nor are two legs." I asked her about fear and loss..."I cry for my leg. I cry for the loss of the hair I had, but I don't dwell there."
Click HERE is a short video about Montana!
We can all learn from this young woman's journey of loss and great faith. She is a remarkable example of a young woman beyond her years in wisdom and confidence.
"Chris LOVED his pictures and had a great time having them done!" says Mom, Elizabeth.
Chris is a video game loving, 14 year old, who just happens to be going through treatment for
Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma... you'd never know, looking at him and listening to his Mom talk about how active he is!
The cancer, discovered when Christopher complained of pain in his kidney. Thinking it was a kidney stone or an infection,
Mom took him to the hospital, where a CAT scan and biopsy the next day confirmed the worst. Elizabeth said, "Oh my God,
I thought I'd die when they told me. I was scared to death and just kept thinking it was a bad dream."
Finishing up treatment just last month, he now appears to 'be in remission.'
Chris hid within his video game world... 'withdrawing' from life, says Mom. As most teenagers, showing little emotion about his disease and the possiblity of him dying from it.
"But we learned that together, we can pretty much endure anything and that God won't give me anything I can't handle."
Chris is still tired, but becoming more himeself every day.
Elizabeth's message to other parents facing the same challenge of a child with a life threatening illness... "Don't give up, there is always hope."
