Love Through Action

2011-04-26T13:47:00.002-05:00

Our video from the St. Baldrick's event last September. We raised over $15,000. Thank you for donating!

Little Warrior is doing great. She had her two-year scans last November, and everything was still clear. We go back in May.

Little Warrior's Mama to Go Bald

2010-09-20T10:41:00.003-05:00

Please support me in "Shaving A Way to a Cure."

Little Warrior's Mama Speaks ... about how Little Warrior is doing, what the journey has been like, and why she (Mama) is shaving her head!

http://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/littlewarrior

Little Warrior Turns Five

2010-06-03T12:02:00.004-05:00

So I've been getting emails from people wanting to know how Little Warrior is doing. As you can see, she's doing just fine. She's a year and a half off of chemo and so far, all scans have been clear. Next scans are in July. (Knock wood), Kindergarten begins in August!

FROGGY GIRL 3!

2009-08-11T10:44:00.002-05:00

We've been having a wonderful summer. A terrific time on our Make a Wish trip to Disney, lots of fun in New Mexico visiting family, and a great time back at home, playing with siblings and friends.

And there's a new movie! Froggy Girl 3 -- "Sidekick." Enjoy! (This is what happens when you let your children read comics and watch "Young Frankenstein.")

Have you danced today?

2009-03-16T15:05:00.001-05:00

Well, why not?

WONDERFUL NEWS

2009-02-19T21:54:00.001-06:00

Little Warrior had scans this week ...

NED! (No Evidence of Disease). We are filled with gratitude and celebrating. And how better to celebrate than with a new installment of Super Froggy Girl?

How Little Warrior is Doing

2009-01-27T07:57:00.001-06:00

The Ben Show - 12 Days of Kindness

2008-12-13T10:30:00.002-06:00

We are completely thrilled and greatly enjoying following The Ben Show's 12 Days of Kindness for Little Warrior. This is so touching and such a gift.

Ben's mama has some wonderful ideas. Check it out!

Quick Note to Our Readers with Amazon Prime

2008-12-13T10:25:00.000-06:00

If you have Amazon Prime for free shipping, here's a quick (and cheap) way to put a smile on the face of a child with cancer -- Amazon has some great sales on toys right now. Go put one in your cart and when you check out, specify that it be sent to:

The Little Warrior Project--TCH
3526 S. Meadows St.
Alvin, TX 77511

These will go to the Candlelighter's Representative for Texas Children's Hospital. She'll distribute them to children who need a little "lift."

A good way to find things on sale is:

Amazon Toys "Movers"

Some examples:

Hannah Montana Doll -- $3.99

Scrabble Game Folio -- $4.99

Manley Art-tastic Magic Beads Fantasy Fun Medium Playset -- $5.99

As always, thank you for showing love through action!

A Visit with St. Nick

2008-12-13T10:19:00.002-06:00

"So what should I do about Love Through Action?" I asked my best friend. "I mean, now that Little Warrior is done (we hope) with chemo, should I close it, or stop posting, or what?"

Her answer was immediate and decisive. "You must keep it going," she said. "People need to be able to see Little Warrior getting better."

Okey-dokey!

You can't really tell in the video, but she is sporting a fine fuzz all over her head. No one can resist rubbing her head, including her siblings. It's like stroking velvet. She patiently tolerates it.

We got a bit of magic after our visit. Little Warrior's eldest sister asked Santa for snow. Well, it never snows in our town. Oh, maybe once a decade. Three days later, what happens but snow. So we're all pretty sure that this was the real Santa.

Wishing you magic this holiday season ...

A Random Act of Kindness -- to Little Warrior!

2008-11-30T16:06:00.002-06:00

Two days before Thanksgiving, Little Warrior went into the hospital for hopefully her last procedure, to remove the portacath through which she received chemotherapy. We wound up spending many hours in the waiting room. While we were there, a pretty lady who was there with one sister, waiting with their other sister and her child, darted out to the gift shop and returned with a Hello Kitty balloon, candy and a cute teddy bear, which she presented to Little Warrior.

This was completely out of the blue -- I don't believe we'd exchanged any words. But she felt moved to give LW a little treat. When I enthused over this, she demurred any praise, saying that the Lord told her to do so.

What I didn't say at the time, but should have (I don't think fast on my feet, especially when I'm really touched by something) is that God/the Universe/However you view the Transcending Mystery, speaks to us all the time. Choosing to act on that is very special.

So ... a good deed done directly for LW by a stranger. I have good friends, I told someone. I have good strangers, too.

Good News

2008-11-17T20:05:00.002-06:00

We got very good news today. Little Warrior had a CT and it was clear. No more cancer.

Footloose

2008-11-12T11:23:00.001-06:00

We introduced the kids to Footloose this past weekend. Little Warrior was especially caught up in the music.

FREE Good Deed -- Bone Marrow Registration

2008-11-10T13:05:00.002-06:00

I know you've been wanting to do this, but the $52 fee for doing a good deed slowed you down. You didn't have your credit card by the computer. Or at least that's what happened to me.

For the month of November, thanks to a generous donation, you can sign up to be on the bone marrow donation list -- for free!

Simply go to: http://marrow.org/ and at the "Become a donor" box, click Join. It'll take a few minutes to register, so plan accordingly.

If you join by November 30, then they'll send you a kit -- all you have to do is swab inside your cheek and send it back. Presto, you're on the list.

And you've done a pretty fabulous good deed, right in time for Thanksgiving.

Pass this on to your friends and family!

Happy Halloween from Little Warrior

2008-11-01T18:30:00.001-05:00

Happy Halloween!

The Hair Fairy Sends Her Love

2008-10-22T15:00:00.000-05:00

Little Warrior received a visit from the "Hair Fairy."

Donating Hair

2008-10-16T11:28:00.003-05:00

Little Warrior, in honor of your journey and to celebrate your spirit, I am growing out my hair so that I can donate it to Locks of Love. It sounds like you are going to be done with your treatments pretty soon. My hair doesn't grow that fast! I found your website in June and I've been growing my hair ever since. I still have about 2 inches to go. So, if I haven't gotten it done by the time you finish treatment, I want you to know that I will. I told my hairdresser back in June about my plan and I told her all about you!

Jody from Minnesota

Thank you, Jody! You should send us a "before" and "after" picture! Also, two other great organizations are Wigs for Kids and Pantene's Beautiful Lengths.

Little Warrior Gives Away Little Lambs, Little Lambs, Little Lambs ...

2008-10-10T23:18:00.002-05:00

We're at the hospital this week and Little Warrior was given a terrific gift -- the opportunity to give to others.

The Little Warrior Project

2008-10-04T13:57:00.002-05:00

Would you like an update on Little Warrior? It's good news.

She has been responding very well to the chemotherapy. She had tests about a week ago which showed that her heart is handling the heart-damaging drug just fine, and there are no visible tumors inside her. So as far as we know, she is cancer-free!

She has two more chemo hospitalizations to go. If all goes according to plan, her last day of treatment should be Halloween.

So, if you've done a good deed and haven't written to us about it, now would be a great time! Or if you've had an idea and haven't done it yet, this is the month!

I've received several notes from folks wanting to send something to Little Warrior. In keeping with the spirit of Love Through Action, I've coordinated with the Senior Parent Consultant for Candlelighters at our hospital. Any gift sent to the below address will be distributed to a child at the Texas Children's Cancer Clinic. I can tell you from personal experience, that she has a good eye for seeing which kid really needs a little lift on any particular day.

If you have a deed in mind, we'd prefer you do that, but if you really want to send something to a child with cancer, send it to the consultant at:

The Little Warrior Project
3526 S. Meadows
Alvin, TX 77511

What will we do with this website after Little Warrior completes treatment? I'm not sure. Still thinking ...

Thank you again, for your good deeds, your prayers, and your love. They have sustained us as a family, and have given Little Warrior a clear vision of what is good in this world. And for me personally, her mama, your good deeds always seem to come when I really need to see something beautiful.

Good Deed from our house

2008-09-20T14:50:00.000-05:00

Little Warrior's big sister "Bo Peep" wanted to do a good deed. On her own (because I must admit, I loved her long hair), she decided she wanted to donate it to Wigs For Kids to other children who have cancer like her little sister.

from a Childhood Cancer Survivor

2008-09-20T13:29:00.001-05:00

Well, how about for my first good deed in little warrior's name, I tell you about my foundation and ask that you allow me to set up a section on the website dedicated to Little Warrior. I have forms on the site, and I would be able to inspire others to "get MAD! M.ake A. D.ifference today! (TM)" through your beautiful daughter.

Alex, 13, founder of Awareness Angels, warrior for all kids out there, and fighting a rare and misunderstood disease.

http://awarenessangels.forumakers.com
http://myspace.com/awareness_angels

http://caringbridge.org/visit/alexsjourney

4 Great Deeds

2008-09-20T13:26:00.000-05:00

from Barbara:: I had been thinking of what one thing I could do to honor Little Warrior but I had several opportunities that seem to come up as I guess they might when we look for them. For that I especially thank Little Warrior as they really enriched me by allowing me to become friends with some very nice people.; The first one was the opportunity to help organize a neighborhood block party. We were allowed to shut off the street traffic. For admission we collected canned foods for the area food pantry. I met some new neighbors and really had a good time.; The second was to help hang wallpaper with a new friend. It was very rewarding to spend time with her and to accomplish a redecorated room!; Then I gave one of our new puppies away to a little boy. He was so excited. I loved doing it!; The fourth was one that I would have never done before my search for good deeds for Little Warrior. An older woman was standing outside the grocery store and had several plastic bags filled with groceries. She asked me if I would take her home. Normally I would have said no or ignored her. But this time I listened. She was very nice and said she had walked a long way to the store and had brought frozen food. She was afraid the items would defrost. So I took her home and she was very appreciative. I am going to follow through and call her to see how she is doing.

Barbara Tippie
Madison Christian Church
Groveport, OH

Loving Their Neighbors

2008-09-20T13:19:00.000-05:00

From the Williams' family:

Our neighbors have four children, ages 5 through 10 years of age. Their parents are currently in divorce proceedings and the kids are understandably upset by this. Our good deed was to invite them into our backyard to play. We also frequently give them breakfast or lunch and Popsicle treats. We want to honor Little Warrior by helping these kids through a rough time.

Eve Williams, Eve Marie Williams, Pam Williams
Madison Christian Church
Groveport, OH

Virtual Walk for Curesearch

2008-09-20T13:17:00.001-05:00

I'm playing catch-up ... we've been out of commission due to Hurricane Ike. First, from ChemoAngel Carrie:

In honor of precious little warrior. I am doing the VIRTUAL Walk for Curesearch to help raise money to find a cure for childhood cancer~~

If at all interested in also doing this for Renna~ please follow this link.

You aren't doing this for me, I get nothing out of it. You are doing it for the precious little children who are living day to day with cancer~~

God Bless each of you~~

A quick message from Little Warrior

2008-09-05T12:12:00.001-05:00

For everyone who donates blood, a message from Little Warrior!

Micro-deed -- Little Warrior and Mama

2008-08-30T10:52:00.002-05:00

Even a teeny good deed can make you feel good! There's lots of "button" or "sound" books in the cancer clinic, but the majority of them have dead batteries. So we're a two person search and rescue team ...

Family Slumber Party 2

2008-08-23T15:45:00.001-05:00

An additional thank you to the "Hair Fairy" and the Great Blue Heron Girl Scouts for the special pillow.

Nurture the Nurses!

2008-08-17T19:17:00.000-05:00

"Love is the Guiding Principle"

Each time the Little Warrior goes back to the hospital, her mother tells us how loving and caring everyone is. I am so grateful for the care and concern that the staff and volunteers show for her that her PopPop and I sent a goodie basket to the nurses station on the 9th floor of her hospital, as a tiny gesture of thanks for all they do for her and for the others in their care.

Little Warrior's Lala

More Feeding the Hungry ...

2008-08-07T11:26:00.002-05:00

I am a "feeder." Those of you who are feeders or are related to one know what I mean. I love to feed people. Just ask our nurses and fellow patients, who think that a carrier of cupcakes is permanently attached to my arm.

This week, I lost a dear member of my family to cancer, who was also a feeder. Kisses to heaven, Cousin Nell, and thanks for all the recipes over the years.

All of this is to say I really enjoyed reading about this good deed. There is more than one way to feed someone:

I have struggled to identify sufficient kindnesses to do in Little Warrior's honor. One thing that seems worth sharing is that for a long time I have made it a habit to buy a bag of groceries to go into the ‘stop hunger’ bin in the grocery store. Now I buy two and one in is her honor. I think the world would be a better place if everyone had enough to eat. -- Era

Daddy and Daughter

2008-08-01T22:43:00.002-05:00

There is not even a smidgen of doubt as to who is Little Warrior's favorite visitor -- her Daddy.

"Playing Doctor"

2008-07-22T23:43:00.002-05:00

Playing doctor with a child fighting cancer is more than a little detailed ...

Not Puzzlin' -- Good Deed!

2008-07-22T10:13:00.004-05:00

from Shannon, of Unmitigated Bliss:

It was a small effort, but the little man and I donated a puzzle to the library last week. We donated it under the name, "Little Warrior." I love keeping Little Warrior in mind as we move through our days.

--
Thank you, Shannon and Little Man. This is a GREAT good deed! Little Warrior loves puzzles and we discovered that finding a puzzle in the hospital library with all its pieces is difficult. I assume it's that way at many libraries!

Gift box from an anonymous friend

2008-07-17T23:10:00.000-05:00

Okay, granted, Love Through Action is about people doing things for other people as a way to send love to Little Warrior. But my video camera was there, and Little Warrior received a box from an anonymous friend, so I just had to add this video to the Love Through Action blog.

If this looks like fun to you, visit Chemo Angels. You can sign up to send gifts or cards to someone undergoing chemotherapy. (Not anonymously -- so you can get to know each other.)

For I was hungry and you gave me food ...

2008-07-16T22:30:00.000-05:00

A seminary classmate of Little Warrior's mom did this lovely deed:

On a rainy Sunday morning three weeks ago, I took some breakfast sandwiches, sweet rolls and coffee to some homeless people who were sleeping in the doorway of a church in downtown Boston Massachusetts. I did it with you in my mind and heart.

In the Autumn, when I return to Boston, I will continue to keep an eye on these people and take them food, to pass on the love of your boundless spirit - Little Warrior, and "one tough cookie." You and your family inspire me every day. Thank you.

With love from your friend in Boston whom you haven't met yet,

Tim

More from "The Change"

2008-07-16T22:10:00.002-05:00

There must be something about that sandwich shop....the girls and I stopped by this morning and we were approached by a gentleman with a toddler in the car. He said that he lived 90 miles away, was in town for a job interview, had gotten hopelessly lost, and could I please spare some money for gas. Ordinarily I would be wary of a story like this and - if anything - pull a token dollar out of my wallet. Not today, though, I thought of LW and pulled out a $10 bill to share. Was it a legit story? Who knows. Does it matter? Not today. At best, I helped a father and his son get home. At worst, I gave a con artist some money that will still - I hope - help out his young son. Either way, I did it for LW and hope that it will help spread love and grace.

"Change," I like your philosophy!
-- Little Warrior's mom

Church Group Does Good Deeds!

2008-07-16T21:56:00.002-05:00

Oooh, a group of people doing something in honor of Little Warrior -- what a great idea!

Your picture was introduced to our Adult Bible Fellowship. You are so cute! We appreciate the opportunity to send you our love-in-action deeds as we were able help to a new widow. Her son had just placed on the hospice program and she has been understandably distraught by all these recent circumstances. We descended on her home to trim trees, weed-whip buildings and fence rows, weed flower beds, clean gutters, wash windows, and other miscellaneous chores. She was also taken out to lunch on another day by some women in our class. Sprucing up her place a bit was our attempt to make her feel better. It was a great time of fellowship and work for all of us. So Marenna, we want to collectively appropriate those good deeds as a message of our love to you.

ABF, Madison Christian Church, Groveport, OH

Good Deed - Anonymous gift for baby and mom to be

2008-07-15T18:00:00.002-05:00

From "The Change":

When out at a restaurant/sandwich shop with my three little ones last night, a gentlemen who worked there approached me to say hello to the littlest rosebud (not quite 7 months old) and to share - he was bursting with excitement - that he and his wife are expecting their first child. His wife is just one month along and he shared that 10 years ago, with a previous significant other, that she lost a pregnancy at 5 months so she was very nervous. I thought that this was a great opportunity to honor LW by doing something I wouldn't normally do, so I stopped by a local farm today and purchased some hand knit baby booties for the soon-to-be new addition and an organic lavender sachet to help mom unwind and relax. I dropped the package off anonymously with a card for dad to share with his growing family. Here's to another beautiful life!

Awww -- well, Little Warrior looooves little babies, so she gives three cheers for this deed!

Third Hospital Chemo

2008-07-14T18:56:00.000-05:00

Time for in-hospital chemo number 3. Just normal life on the oncology floor ...

Good Deed: Gift of Life

2008-07-12T10:23:00.000-05:00

From Ali:

This morning, I donated platelets for the first time. I'll be going back in two weeks, and again, and again.

Little Warrior is the one who inspired me to get off my butt and make the jump from whole blood donations to platelets.

Ali, thank you so much for doing this. This is a tremendous gift. Apparently, from spinning whole blood donations to get out the platelets, it takes 6 adult donors to make up one pediatric unit of platelets. And platelets are what they are always low on.

This is ... literally ... giving of yourself. Little Warrior hasn't received platelets (yet), but every time we go in for in-hospital chemo (which is where we are right now), she needs a blood transfusion at the end of it. I never take it for granted. Watching the red blood drip into her, and seeing the color come back to her cheeks (and the ensuing energy boost), I always think about the fact that the blood came from people ... people who took time off of work, or time off from fun, and braved needles to give their blood.

Or platelets. Thank you.

Eggy Toast

2008-07-09T12:25:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, the simple pleasures can be the best ... so don't forget, good deeds don't have to be profound. Handing someone hot, a cool bottle of water, can be tremendous. Or giving a pump-spray bottle of bug repellent to a homeless person.

Preparing for CT Scan

2008-07-07T16:51:00.002-05:00

Little Warrior prepares for her first non-sedated CT, with the help of her loving siblings.

Just Hanging Around

2008-06-29T20:20:00.000-05:00

Godmother K. has complained that it's time for another video. Well, for the most part, we've just been doing normal stuff. I mean, assuming "normal" includes getting chemo and having to stay inside because your ANC is too low. But anything can begin to feel normal. In any case, Little Warrior still manages to have a good time.

Feed the Hungry and improve your vocabulary

2008-06-29T14:53:00.003-05:00

Young ones can do good deeds, too!

We are both going to go to freerice.com for ten minutes every day. We'll improve our vocabulary (in anticipation of sixth grade) and help feed hungry people in LW's name.

From Anne K. and Janine G.

Good Deed, for another Good Deed

2008-06-26T16:07:00.003-05:00

Real Tegan reports that her sister is going to do the MS 150 in September. One of her donations came in honor of Little Warrior!

The Slumber Party

2008-06-21T17:47:00.002-05:00

The Husband turned 40 and I turned 39. (Yes, we have the same birthday. Isn't that the coolest?) Little Warrior was in the hospital. Okay, so we'll just have a family slumber party. After all, all you need is love. Of course, cupcakes don't hurt, either.

The Adventures of Super Frog Girl

2008-06-18T11:34:00.003-05:00

Little Warrior was getting accessed a few weeks ago (meaning: a needle is punched through her skin into her port) and I complimented her bravery, noting that she's a superhero. "No," she said sadly, shaking her head. "I don't have a cape."

Super-Sewer-Mary (an honorary grandma) whipped up a beautiful cape, decorated with little frogs. And in a flash of light, Little Warrior's alter-ego Super Frog Girl was born. The first of her many adventures ... ribbit, ribbit:

Special Tipping -- Always a Good Deed!

2008-06-17T21:31:00.002-05:00

A friend, DK, home from her first year of college, started working as a server at an inexpensive local restaurant. Last night was her first night on her own after a week of shadowing other servers. My family went there for dinner (sitting in the section of another friend who is also working there for the summer).

DK’s section was next to ours. When DK went out of sight to process a credit card, I took $10 to her customers’ table. I told them I was a friend of their server DK and that not only was it her first night (which they knew) but that they were her very first table. I told them that I wanted DK to have an extra good night, and that I wanted them to leave the $10 with their tip but not let her know I was involved. They were happy to help.

There was no time for me to tell them about LW even though I was doing it with her in mind.

--

Note from Little Warrior's Mom: I waited tables while in college, so I know this was appreciated by DK! That first night is terrifying!

Brightening the World ...

2008-06-17T18:13:00.000-05:00

Renna,

I've followed your story since the beginning and I've been touched by all you've been through. So today Little Warrior in honor of you...I donated 15 dollars to the local florist to either send flowers to someone they knew could use a smile or to put towards the cost of someone else sending flowers. Today someone's day will be truly brightened in your name. I will post another deed soon.

Elizabeth

Wheels on the Bus

2008-06-16T20:53:00.001-05:00

And you thought it was just a shoe ...

Little Warrior, Her Haircut, and Nesting Material for Baby Birds

2008-06-12T22:01:00.002-05:00

Well, the "fine thinning" of Little Warrior's hair has turned into heavy shedding. We decided a haircut was in order. That evening, she told Daddy all about it.

Heavenly Hats

2008-06-07T18:20:00.000-05:00

Little Warrior's hair is beginning to fall out. Not in chunks, but a fine thinning all over. I gently stroke her hair and blond strands cling to my fingers.

The Heavenly Hats Foundation to the rescue! Today, we received a box in the mail from them. Little Warrior was so excited! She has modeled all her hats for us.

If you're looking for a good deed for a group -- here's a good one. Hold a hat drive or hat parade at your work, school, church, etc.

Good Deeds from Facebook

2008-06-06T23:33:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Jenna for setting up the Love Through Action Facebook group and for forwarding these on:

I make it a point not to do too many nice things, so this was a tough one. Hope the munchkin is OK - keep me updated.

So anywho, I sent my mom flowers on my birthday to thank her for the whole birthing thing and what not. I sent her flowers to work with a note saying that it's because of her that I have the chance to have a good life and thank you.

Anonymous

AND....

Here's my good deed this month-

A few weeks ago an elderly man backed into my car while trying to park for church. He wasn't even aware he had hit me, but he left quite a noticeable dent in the front of my car. He left that day after the service before I could talk to him. I thought about what to do, and several people urged me to call him up, tell him about it, and make him deal with the insurance company, etc. I decided instead just to take care of it on my own and not embarrass or bother him. It ended up not being much money after all. I know his insurance would have covered it, but I felt better just quietly taking care of it for him.

Kate, Newcastle, Maine

Love through Comic Book

2008-06-03T08:42:00.002-05:00

Oh, this is so cool. Thank you to the anonymous person who did this, and thank you to the recipient, who posted about it on her blog. You both rock.

Condensed version of her post:

I know that some of you are aware of my Amazon wishlist ... I unexpectedly received an item from my wishlist in the mail!

After getting my surprise copy, I read it through and loved it ... It was a great book, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Of course, I wanted to figure out who had sent this to me, and so I checked the receipt. I found this note:

from a blog reader, in honor of Little Warrior
see http://lovethroughaction.blogspot.com/

As a result, it's only right that I give Little Warrior a little blog time here...

... I can honestly say, Little Warrior, that this good deed made me feel pretty good on a dark day. Thank you for inspiring people!

Now I need to keep LW in mind when I'm out and about and think of a good deed I can do.

Finding a Deed "Outside the Norm"

2008-06-02T20:56:00.001-05:00

Ok, I'm obsessing. I try to do good deeds all the time, but I've been stuck on the 'something you wouldn't normally do' part. As I told LittleWarrior's mom a while ago, I even make soup for people I don't like. So it's taken me a while to find something outside my norm.

I was on a date with my husband last night (rare enough, but hey, the babysitter is finally home from college)--dinner and a movie at the local mall. The mall just put in those rent-able SmartCart strollers, and someone has left one in the middle of the parking lot, ignoring
that 'DO NOT LET THIS THINGY LEAVE THE BUILDING' sticker. So I pushed it back to the entrance, dumped the soda cups in the trash (remember when strollers didn't have cup holders!?) and left it just inside the door, so some kid might get a free ride and some parent might get to
lighten the load.

Hanging in the Hospital

2008-06-02T19:07:00.003-05:00

All is fine, though we may need a blood transfusion tomorrow a.m. But after that, Home, Cheeves!

By the way, if you are dignified and don't enjoy a 3 year old laughing about breaking wind ... don't watch!

First In-Hospital Chemo Stay

2008-06-01T23:59:00.000-05:00

We're in the middle of our first admittance to the hospital for chemo. So far, so good. Her hair is starting to fall out and she doesn't have much appetite, but no nausea, and still a decent amount of energy. And still a great sense of humor. She passed gas and when I asked her about it, she said, "I stepped on a FROG!"

Thanks to everyone for their good deeds. They buoy us.

Having Fun at the Cancer Clinic

2008-05-30T12:06:00.000-05:00

Maybe you envision a kids' cancer clinic as dark and gloomy, with bald dark-eyed children moaning and holding iv poles.

The truth is delightfully different. It's a place for healing and thanks to wonderful volunteers, a place for fun. I talked to one of the volunteers, Tara (not pictured), yesterday. She's there every Thursday. She's an artist and wanted to share her passion with kids fighting cancer. She glowed, talking about it. She says she's gotten far more out of it than any of the kids. (The kids might argue her point.)

Gardening, Patience and Prom Dress!

2008-05-27T19:10:00.001-05:00

Dear Little Warrior,

My friend Marianne passed on this opportunity to pay it forward in your honor, so I'm writing to let you know what I've done.

I spent two hours last week gardening for a friend who has just had surgery for liver cancer. I had already offered to do it, but when I started getting discouraged and my back hurt, thinking of you helped me to keep going!

Then I went to help my parents set up their new computer, and took my dad to the pool so he could do his exercises. He gets very cranky when he's exercising, and it would have been easy to be cranky right back at him, but as I was about to snap back, out of the blue I thought of you, and I didn't say what I almost said!

Tomorrow, I'm taking a teenage girl I know, who has thyroid cancer, to shop for prom dresses. We'll do that in your honor, too!

Thank you!
Kim S.

Complimentary Deed

2008-05-27T19:05:00.001-05:00

Today, I received very nice customer service over the phone. When I was done, I asked the CSR to please connect me with his manager because I wanted his manager to know that he'd provided me with good service. He was shocked and so was his manager. We are always so fast to criticize and it was a lot of fun to give a compliment instead. I did this with you in mind, Little Warrior.

Amelia S.

The Cool Breeze of Good Deeds

2008-05-27T19:03:00.000-05:00

So, I want to do something more than this, but as a start, I've started adding two dollars to every tip I give and will be doing this for a long time, at least a year, although it seems like such a small thing to do, yet feels good to me, I think I might keep it up forever. I'm sure I don't even notice those few dollars, but having been a waitress (however briefly and pathetically) I know that that bigger than expected tip (I already always tip 20% minimum) is just a nice little smile for someone's day, or extra food on the table or that extra little surprise to yourself or whatever. I'll do this with taxis, eating out, baggage helpers, etc. I travel kind of a lot so it adds up. It is small but it reminds me to live generously, and that I have been given SO MUCH by luck and my parents and those who love and care for me and I can afford to give more back to the world. Each time I do it, I think of LW and how someday she will know that while there is no reason that this happened to her, because it did, at least it helps some of us to remember to do more good in the world and be more generous.

Second small thing is that we have three working air conditioners that we don't want anymore (so much energy and they are so loud) and I thought I would sell them for $25 each so that I could but the $75 back toward a newer nicer quieter one. But I thought of LW and said, hey, it is one little thing I could do that I wouldn't have normally done. So, three air conditioners are sitting free on our sidewalk, with the request that people who need a free one take them.

Name Withheld Upon Request

Deeds and Letter

2008-05-25T11:47:00.000-05:00

Dear Little Warrior -

When you were sick the first time, I held a blood drive in your name. Then I held another a year ago. You didn't need the blood at that time, but I was thinking of you and all of those who needed blood but never had a chance to donate. You have never once had the selfish thought that you would just walk right by that bloodmobile because you just don't like needles. I hope that when you are grown up enough to make that choice, you think of the cost to others. If you do, you'll be a lot more aware than most people.

In February, a friend in my MOMS Club watched her 3-year-old hemophiliac son fall 18 feet out of a window by pushing too hard on the screen. He was life-flighted from Tyler (grandma's house) to Dallas Children's and spent a couple of weeks there. He broke several bones in his face and needed reconstructive surgery. He needed a lot of expensive medication (one was $27,000 per day). He has only 8 teeth until his permanent ones grow in. I took up a collection from my MOMS Club for this friend. We took over $1200 and many gifts and necessities up to Dallas. I was doing this for Aaron and Amy, but it was you I was thinking of. All of your time at Children's Hospital helped me to understand the need for gas cards, parking passes, unscented lotions, entertainment for mom, gift cards for the restaurants, etc. We cleaned this mother's house and stocked her fridge with groceries and casseroles.

Again, in April, a friend from MOMS Club had her 5-month-old baby in Children's Hospital. She was diagnosed with a chronic lung disease. She's now home and healthy, but for two weeks, I helped take care of this mom and baby with visits, food, treats, house cleaning, and babysitting. I drove all the way to the airport to pick up the child's grandma and take her to Children's Hospital. I was thinking of you on that drive.

In March, April, and May, I have, along with my MOMS Club, cooked dinners for the attendees at Bo's Place (www.bosplace.org). I hope none of you never need their services, but I'm glad to say they are there if you do. My MOMS Club also raised over $750 to help with Bo's Place's operating expenses. Now we're gathering handmade blankets for Project Linus.

When you were sick you were surrounded by the family and friends that your wonderful parents were clever and resourceful enough to gather. I was not of much use to your parents before and even now I am one among hundreds who are waiting for just a word to give anything you need. Not everyone has that support. Everything I did for other sick kids and their families I hope I can say I would have done anyway. But know that I was thinking of you and of my own, healthy daughter when I did all of this. It's a great world, filled with wonderful people. Most of them aren't doing the things I do. Some of us pull weeds from a neighbor's yard or take chicken soup to a sick friend. Some of us just stop in the middle of the road, get out of our cars, and help a turtle safely from the road to the ditch on the other side. But whatever it is, this world is full of love if you only look for it.

Your world is full of love. You are made of love and light, a child of the stars, a 'gift from the sea.' Whatever your journal ends up saying, you will never know the number of people who are thinking of you with love at any minute.

Love,

Rachel Y

Happy Third Birthday, Little Warrior!

2008-05-24T20:03:00.000-05:00

Planned radiation complete, 3 chemos done.

More Deeds!

2008-05-21T14:29:00.001-05:00

Just read comments from our original post. Sorry, chemo brain is evidently transferable!

I generally try to do good deeds without a reason. And i have been trying recently to give the standard 10% to a charity or life-improvement organizations (even if it's not a charity). Today I am making an additional donation over my 10% in thinking of Little Warrior. -- Steven R.

--

On Saturday I was out running errands and took a detour through Chic Fil A for a quick breakfast. I saw that the car behind me was a police officer. I asked the lady at the window if I could pay for his as well and if she would just tell him Thank You. She teared up and said sure. I am hopeful that even though it was small gesture it helped the police officer get off to a good start. I love this idea and am planning on posting many more good deeds inspired by Little Warrior!! -- Carla

Thank you!

Flowers "for" Little Warrior

2008-05-21T12:02:00.000-05:00

Oooh, another good deed and they even included pictures! We love pictures!

Noah and I adopted a planter downtown in our little Colorado town for Little Warrior. We planted purple petunias, white allysum and yellow daisies. We are going to work hard all summer to grow our flowers up big and strong and healthy, just like Marenna is going to do! We will send pictures of her flowers when they grow up.

Noah has been off-therapy for his bilateral Wilm's Tumors for nine months. He is 3 1/2 years old.

The Meyer Family!
Mathew, Ellen & Noah

Thank you, Noah and Family!

Good Deed from NY! (Mmmm, Donuts ...)

2008-05-19T20:52:00.000-05:00

My name is Susan and I stumbled across your blog a long time ago through Nancy Q's blog (I think). My son has Williams syndrome so I read Nancy's as well as some others' blogs. I had not read your blog in a long time and then one day I decided to check in and see what was going on and was very saddened to see that LW's scan had come back as abnormal. I've been checking daily since and praying for you all as well. I've done a good deed in LW's name and here it is:

I know a family (we see them socially but are not close friends) whose 6 year old daughter, the eldest of four, was diagnosed with leukemia last July. She went through chemo and radiation and had a bone marrow transplant in November. Last update I heard is that she is doing well and as of Feb was out of home isolation. I have sent them a Dunkin Donuts gift card to treat the kids to donuts. I included a note telling them about LW and about her book of good deeds. I know the kids will love the donuts!

Last Day of Radiation ... we hope and pray

2008-05-19T13:29:00.000-05:00

(22 weeks of chemo to go ...)

2 More Deeds -- Batteries and Lunch!

2008-05-18T20:03:00.000-05:00

From a dear friend, currently away at college, who began babysitting my crew when she was only 12 years old:

The other day one of my friends needed batteries for his homework (I think his calculator ran out). I gave him some of mine, and he wanted to pay me but I told him no. Instead, he is going to do a good deed in Little Warrior's name and give me the story so I can send it to you. Tomorrow, I will buy lunch for another friend, in your name. I will keep looking for good deeds and sending you my stories. See you soon!

Another Good Deed -- and spreading the love ...

2008-05-15T21:29:00.000-05:00

from Marianne:

I've been looking for an opportunity and found one this afternoon. I stopped at Starbucks. Behind me in line were two teenaged girls, one wearing a tee shirt from a recent musical performed at a local high school. I told the girls that some friends had seen the musical and said it was outstanding. The girls were pleased. I paid for my drink and told the cashier that I would be paying for whatever the girls ordered. Of course the girls said, "Oh, no. You don't have to do that!". I told them that I did have to do it and that I'd explain after they ordered.

While we waited for our drinks I explained about Little Warrior and why I was doing a a good deed. One girl said to the other, "You should do that, too." I told her I agreed, took out my business card, and wrote the facebook group name and Little Warrior's name on it.

Now I want to print labels telling people how to report their good deeds in Little Warrior's name. I will attach the labels to the back of my business cards and start handing them out! So, please tell me the best way for people to get their stories to you.

Much love,

Marianne

Note from Little Warrior's Mom: probably the easiest ways to get them to us are either through this website -- in comments -- or to email to littlewarriorsmom@gmail.com . As always, Thank You -- we are so touched.

A Day in the Life of Little Warrior

2008-05-15T16:23:00.000-05:00

Some things you'll hear:

"It's not The Clinic ... it's The Donut Store!"

During puppet show, when the socks start fighting ...

"Okay, take a deep breath ... Okay, now blow it out ..."

Good advice for us all!

Spring into a good deed ...

2008-05-14T19:56:00.000-05:00

Oh, I just love this one from Unmitigated Bliss. Every spring, we all watch The Secret Garden and do some planting. Little Warrior likes picking the flowers. :)

On Monday, I thought of Little Warrior. I dug up some plants from my garden for friend in a new house. At the last minute I grabbed my trowel so that I could just plant them for her instead of just dropping them off. It was a small gesture, but LW was on my mind.

Balloons are Magic!

2008-05-13T18:17:00.000-05:00

Quick Deeds!

2008-05-13T12:41:00.000-05:00

Quick Deeds by fellow seminarian, Earthbound Spirit. (We love quick deeds, because they show how easy it can be to have an impact on others ... do it on the fly ...)

(1) As we walked into Starbucks the other day I handed my dear friend Cat my card and told her to order what she wanted, my treat. Partly as a thank you - she's been such a great sounding board at seminary - but I also told her about LW & your request & asked her to do something good for someone. I think the barista heard me - because when we picked them up she said "I accidentally made them grande, not tall, hope you don't mind!" and gave us a wink.

(2) We almost always give to food pantry collections at church. This weekend was the letter carriers collection - leave a bag of food by your mailbox for them to pick up. I never do that - but this time I did.

Happy Mothers' Day from Little Warrior!

2008-05-11T19:32:00.001-05:00

Good Deed from Australia!

2008-05-10T11:02:00.000-05:00

Dear Little Warrior,

At your mother's suggestion and in your honor my wife, Kristi, and I have decided to be more generous with someone this week than we would otherwise have been.

His name is Aaron, he is the son of a friend of ours, and and he is graduating from high school this month. I wrote him a letter and I was sending him a check for $50 as a graduation gift (he's not rich and I expect he'll need money for college expenses). Then I thought about your bright smile, your courage, and the wonderful gift of love and life you have brought to your family already.

So I tore up my first check and wrote another one for $100.

If Aaron knew, he'd probably write you a thank you note. This is, anyway, a thank you note from me and from Kristi. You have had a positive effect on one of our actions. I trust the results will ripple forward for a long, long time.

Best wishes,

Bob and Kristi
Australia

P's Good Deed

2008-05-07T23:21:00.000-05:00

I'm SO excited! The first entry in Little Warrior's book!

From My Brand of Crazy:

Had a big garage sale this weekend ... I had a very young couple come the first day, with their 10 month old baby and the Mom proudly announced how happy she was with the assortment of stuff I had out, because they had just gotten their very first house to rent and all they had was a bed, a crib and a can of paint.

Hence, my Good Deed For Little Warrior!

They took home whatever they wanted, at no cost.
And they were good people. They could have hogged and taken much more than they needed...hell they could have taken lots of stuff and then had their own sale...but they didn't.
They took my dinette, some dishes, pots and pans, some paintings and toys for the baby.
Right before they left, she asked me why I had done it and I told her the story of Little Warrior and asked that pay it forward. She said she would...and I believed her.
I couldn't help but be excited for them. I remember that young-and-just-starting-out-feeling!

What You Can Do

2008-05-04T09:44:00.000-05:00

Thank you for all of the prayers and the requests to help. We are humbled by your offers and have been giving it serious thought.

You know what we need? A way to explain to LW when she's older that even though we empathically do NOT believe this happened for a reason ... short of finding the cure for all cancer, there could not be a reason that would justify this happening to her ... even though this didn't happen for a reason, good still sprang from it. As good can spring from heartbreaking situations.

At the risk of sounding like a lifetime movie or a book by Mitch Albom ... I want to give her a book of good deeds done in her name.

So, my friends ... you asked, here's my answer. Do a good deed, one you wouldn't ordinarily do. Give a banana to the homeless guy, take a Starbucks gift card to a nurse and ask her to give it to a Mom or Dad who really needs it. Mow someone's lawn.

And then tell me about it. You can post it here in comments, or post it on your blog and send me the link. Then I'll post it on this blog, so that everyone can read, and follow along with the project.

I'll compile all those into a book. And when she's old enough to ask, "Why?" I'll explain that there is no why. But that good things can still result. And that there were a whole bunch of people sending her love, and the way they showed that love was through action.