I Don't ♥ Cancer

ZAK REMAINS CANCER FREE!!!!!!!!!!

This morning Zak had his 6 month CT scan.  Although we got the results much sooner than expected, I am very happy to announce that Zak remains CANCER FREE!  We are so lucky to have friends and family that care so much about us.  We could not have done this alone!  We love all of you : )

Zak gave a speech to the student body at McHenry West high school during the St Baldrick’s head shaving event. He was nervous but yet very courageous to talk to his peers about his experience and how important early detection is. He did a great job and we are very proud of him for doing this! Click below to see the speech:

Zak’s St Baldrick’s Speech

As you all know, cancer is a battle that is very difficult if not impossible to fight alone. Here is a story of a 35 year old man that is facing this disease after losing his job and with no insurance. A benefit is being held in his honor, details in the story.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbieber/4333184335/sizes/l/

So Zak bought himself a truck as a pretty much stock 1997 F150 Extended Cab. Through the Make-a-wish foundation, he was granted a “Wish” and decided to have his truck “Tricked”.

Here’s what he had done: Running Boards, Running Lights, Stereo w/ Subwoofer, Blue Tooth, Remote Start, Decal on Back Window, Chrome 20 Inch Wheels and Tires, Tonneau Cover, Extensive Body Work/Paint, Full Detail, Dual Exhaust and LAMBORGHINI DOORS!

A HUGE shout out to Exclusive Auto in Fox Lake for doing the work and to Kristi, our Make-a-Wish Coordinator! We love you guys!

www.wish.org

www.xclusiveauto.com

So it’s been almost a month since Zak has gotten his license.  I thought I’d let you know how he’s doing.  After many years of saving money (birthdays, graduation, Christmas, etc.), he was able to purchase a 1997 Ford F150.   Due to the fact that Zak had cancer, he is being granted a “wish” from the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  It has been decided that his truck will be “tricked-out”.  The process should begin sometime in January, and we are very excited to see the outcome.

Zak got his driver’s license today! Look out world!

Last night we went to the 2009 MCHS Football awards night. As a Sophmore, Zak received his minor “M” this season. Each of the boys on the team were announced by name in alphabetical order, and we were told what award each was receiving as they walked across the stage’ but the audience was asked to hold their applause to the end to keep things moving. Zak was the second to last to be announced (Woods, a name that almost always guarantees a last or near last place in alphabetical order), and against Coach Beagle’s instructions, the audience surprised Zak and us with a roaring applause! The poor guy after him didn’t stand a chance! The evening then went on with more awards, with the majority of the time being spent on the Varsity team.

At the end of the evening, coach Cooper came to the podium to make a special announcement. He proceeded to talk about the many injuries, trials and tribulations the Sophomore team had to overcome this year “…not only did these boys have to deal with injury, but two with open heart surgery and one with cancer.” After some very kind words about Zak’s character, coach Cooper asked us to come to the stage to accept a gift from the efforts of the boys participating in the head shaving and the lift-a-thon event. Teary eyed and humbled, we made our way to the stage to accept this gracious offering. Traci gave a wonderful and very poised “Thank You” speech and then was surprised yet again when Zak came to the podium after her to thank his teammates, coaches and friends for their support and concluded with “…and I would also like to thank my Mommy for her support, I couldn’t have done this without you.”

We wanted to let all of our friends know that the Walla-Pa-Looza organization will be putting on another “Musical Fundraising Event” to benefit cancer awareness, research and patients called Jolly-Pa-Looza! The event will feature 3 bands: Blush, Bony Knees and Always Frantic as well as food, drink, silent auctions and … A MEAT RAFFLE!

Also if you are not friends with Walla-Pa-Looza on FACEBOOK, then WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Join the other over 1,000 fans!

From the folks that brought you Walla-Pa-Looza comes THE event of the Holiday Season:

Jolly-Pa-Looza!

♪ ♫ 3 Bands ♫ ♪

Bonny Knees

Blush

Always Frantic

Pizza by Halftimes, Beer and Beverages available for purchase at the event

• Meat Raffle • 50/50 • Silent Auctions •

for details: www.walla-pa-looza.org

What: Jolly-Pa-Looza 2009, A musical fundraising event to benefit Cancer awareness

When: Saturday December 5th, 2009. 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Where: Johnsburg Community Club at 2315 W. Church Street in Johnsburg, IL

Well at this point, Zak’s chemo sessions have been completed. Tomorrow (Wed, Oct 28th) he will go back for follow up testing to hopefully get the all-clear. We will have the results the following day Thursday, October 29th. Keeping MANY fingers crossed.