Eight years ago my very good friends (Dave and Deb Wittman) lost their son Mark Thomas Wittman to a cancer known as neuroblastoma. I guess I had lived a sheltered life to that point, because I had never heard of this cancer, nor did I know that there were cancers that specifically affect children. I didn't know a one year old child could even have cancer? How?!?!?
Mark was here for a short time but had a profound effect on my life. It wasn't that I was around him on a daily basis. I didn't witness (first hand) most of the funny stories I've heard. However, I was fortunate enough to see a little boy who was born with the will and determination to fight. I reflect on that daily as I want to complain about a bad day at work, the traffic that I sit in, or any of life's little inconveniences! Just when I want to complain, Mark kicks me in the butt with some reality. The reality that I've never seen true hardships! The hardships that not only these brave little guys and girls go through on a daily basis, but the stress, pressure and strain that it puts on the parents bond with each other, life and religion.
Becoming involved in this event has been one of the best things that could have ever happened to me from so many aspects. I've learned so much about these horrible diseases, I've met incredible families whose children have been affected by these illnesses, I've meet the Doctors and Nurses who treat these children (Laura, Peggy and all the nurses who put this on year in and year out), I've met and made a great friendship with Isaac Wargo and his incredible family. Isaac is the little stinker in the web pictures who shaved my head last year. He was diagnosed with infantile fibrosarcoma and was going through rounds of Chemotherapy at the age of 6 months! (I'm saying!Traffic, what traffic, right?!?!) The kids, the families, the strength is just amazing to me. Isaac is in remission now and is a four and a half year old rough-neck boy who gives his three older brothers a run for their money! You should see these kids! One just as cute as the other!
This year (March 10th) with my 9 year old son Max and Markie's big brother Blake (age 11) along with some very close friends and family, we will participating in our 9th St. Baldrick's celebration at Helen Fitzgerald's (Proud to say that the Snow Angels have been here since the beginning). Each year we've sent email blasts, held auctions, knocked on doors, held special events and marched in parades. We've done what we could in order to get the word out and raise money for this incredible event. With the efforts to bring more attention to this wonderful event, we (The Snow Angels) give a little time, a little money and a little hair. But it would all be for nothing if it wasn't for the incredibly generous donations of our friends (new and old) and family!
Words cannot express the gratitude that I feel for each and every one of you. Your friendship and your support!
Thank you!
