Thomas has had a lot of surprises in the last few months - some of them better than others. Coming to terms with his diagnosis has been a difficult process, for him and for our whole family. Those of you who've faced similar challenges can understand what I'm saying: it becomes the focus of your life. And it needs to be, because this is serious business.
However, no one can handle being serious 24/7 without completely cracking up, and we've been blessed by treats and surprises from many friends and family members ---- for which we cannot thank you all enough.
But in addition, we've been blessed by the work of good people we didn't even know before we began this cancer journey.
You might remember hearing stories about Chris Knox on TSN or in the Leader Post. He was a cancer patient whose story touched the hearts of the Rider Nation. The Rider organization had arranged for him to attend the sold-out Labour Day Classic. The team invited him into the locker room, and his battle with cancer suddenly became very public. On his behalf, a fan-driven fundraising drive was held to send him and other cancer patients and families to the Grey Cup in 2007. Chris passed away only two weeks after that memorable game. After his passing, his family was determined to keep the legacy of his spirit alive through the Chris Knox Foundation.
The foundation's goal is to give young (age 30 or under) cancer patients and their families a break from the realities of life with cancer. They help arrange for tickets to events like Rider games, concerts and shows. We were encouraged by another family from the clinic to contact the Chris Knox Foundation.
I've had the application form since shortly after his diagnosis, but had never gotten around to filling it out. The other family spoke so highly of the experience and what a lift it was for their daughter (a leukemia patient) to attend a concert (AC/DC!!) that I thought Tom might also enjoy an outing. So I filled out the form. The day I was going to pop it in the mail, we were in the clinic. Coincidentally, Chris' mom had stopped in the clinic to visit the staff, and we were introduced - instead of mailing in our form, I gave it straight to Sharla.
Through the clinic we received word last week that, if we were interested, Tom (plus 1 parent) would be invited to go to the Plaza of Honour dinner on Friday night. As if that weren't enough, this week Sharla called to see if our family would like to go to Sunday's Rider game vs. Edmonton. Would we? Would we ever!
Tom's is looking forward to attending his first black-tie event on Friday night, and also very excited to finally own a Rider jersey of his own so he can be properly decked out for this and future games. Since he's been in the hospital so much this summer, he has not yet been to a game. In the midst of the ups and downs of cancer treatment, it's terrific to have happy plans on the calendar instead of doctor appointments or chemo dates.
Of course, all of these plans are 'blood counts permitting' and are therefore subject to change. That's why Thursday's counts kind of got us down. So we are all keeping our fingers crossed that everything will work out. Early Friday morning, Tom and Mike are going back to the clinic to get his transfusion and have another blood sample checked, to determine what the day and weekend holds. Wish us luck - maybe even say a little prayer! Even if it doesn't work out, it's exciting to plan. And we've been advised that there will be other opportunities to look forward to, regardless - what a blessing!
It was Chris Knox's birthday just a few days ago (September 14). Although he's gone, he is certainly not forgotten. His family and friends, and all the families the Chris Knox Foundation touches, will keep his memory alive. I think we can get a sense of what a great guy he was, in order to have inspired such a legacy.
Wishing you all a safe and happy weekend - we'll let you know how everything goes.
With a heart full of appreciation,
Thomas' Mom
