I don’t really personally know any families who have been through what we have.  Through an amazing series of events (which I have NO DOUBT were GODS hand) I met Kate and her family.

My church was getting a new pastor.  All I knew was that they had 3 children all around my kids ages.  Fast forward to the brand new school year.  I always get anxious for Jonathan.  How will he do, how will the kids treat him, will they accept him, and will he get hurt.  Across the blacktop I see a cute little blondie…wearing a AFO on one leg (ankle foot orthotic…just like jonathan )  Seriously…I got excited, cuz we dont really have any friends who have to wear one too.  I HAVE to meet her!  She probably thought I was a crazy lady the way she looked at me that first time I introduced myself.  ”Hi, I’m Jonathan’s mom….this is jonathan…he wears a leg brace too!”  They both looked at me like, “so what.”  ”She says, I’m Kate”.    She was so polite…but I could tell she wanted to go play…so I said goodbye.

Then at church on Sunday, the new pastor (who I adore) started talking about his family and his daughter who had brain cancer not once…but twice.  Im a crying mess, of course…If you know me, I cry at commercials.  I go to pick up Jonathan at the end of church…and there she is…sweet, sweet Kate.  I instantly put two and two together…Kate is the pastors daughter…the one who had brain cancer not once…but twice. This was one of those moments…I have had a few, where different strings of my life collide and I instantly know there is something at work greater than myself.

Kate has a sister Olivia and a brother Will. They have both seen their sister go through things no sibling ever should.  No child should EVER have to endure the devastating effects os Cancer. Kate’s story is here.  She has also had brain surgery, which left her body paralyzed on one side.

I love me some Kate…and I know you will too.  That first Christmas after Kate’s diagnosis, the family spent it on the Oncology unit, not sure if it would be Kate’s last Christmas.  You see, this kind of brain cancer, well… the kids typically do not survive.

Looking around the Oncology unit…seeing that they were not alone, the family organized “KATES CRAZY COOL CHRISTMAS”.  An entire community came together to donate gifts to the children and families on the Oncology unit at Christmas.

Fast forward three years.  Kate has had a reoccurrence of the brain cancer and just finished treatment in May.  Her most recent scan was CLEAR. She continues to defy the odds and the medical community.   Kate and her family are new to California and even though she is not in treatment…are continuing the tradition of BLESSING other children and their families currently spending their Christmas in the Oncology unit.

This year…YOU CAN HELP!   Kate is looking for Gift Cards to bless families spending their Christmas in the Oncology unit.  Here is what Kate is doing this year for “KATES CRAZY COOL CHRISTMAS” :

(from Kate’s Mom Holly)

There are so many families I could tell you about. Some we knew well, others time was short, but the connection was deep. Most of the children’s stories I have followed, mostly with various forms of brain cancer, their sites are only updated yearly now. A memorial to a precious child who fought a very terrible disease. I guess 3 years in the pediatric cancer world is enough time to see its effects.

Then every once in a while you meet one little one who not only captures your compassions, but inspires you deeply. We met this little guy through the Christmas drive you all generously made happen. He was the one who passionately loved country music. He is blind from his brain surgery, but sees life more clearly than most. Currently he is undergoing the same treatment plan Kate just finished.

I received a call the other day and his unmistakable voice poured through. My smile was instantaneous. He has that effect on most. He shared about his recent MRI, and made sure to tell me about his birthday. And without fail, almost always reminds me to thank those who gave to the Christmas drive 2 years ago. So thank you… from one of the most delightful boys you could imagine.

And so here we go…. into another Christmas season. We are so grateful to the many of you who have supported this effort to bless families suffering through childhood cancer.

Another glimpse into the lives of a few of our brave fighters this year…

Little Russ man. Little Rusty was diagnosed with brain cancer (Pineoblastoma) at the tender age of 4. Spread throughout his spine, the prognosis was painful, 20% chance to see the next Christmas. Well that next Christmas is here and so is our brave man! After multiple rounds of chemo and high dose chemo with a stem cell transplant, Rusty just finished his radiation. Scans will be after the holidays.
Rusty loves all things football. He knows every NFL team, their mascot, colors, and many of their players. When he isn’t calling plays and practicing his touchdown dance, he can be found playing with his lightsabers defending their home from the Darth Vader and the dark side. His smile is contagious. Despite all he has faced this past year, he remains joyful bringing happiness to everyone he spends time with.

Tyler. After a common childhood fall at the age of 2, it was discovered that Tyler had rhabdomyosarcoma of the mandible (jaw). He underwent surgery resulting in various complications, chemo and radiation, with 54 surgeries to date. Tyler gets to enjoy this Christmas in remission, but continues to face many setbacks from his battle, with the potential for more surgeries. His grandmother boasts you will never meet a little boy that cares more for others than Tyler.

Gift cards of any amount to places like Target, Wal Mart, Toys R Us, Visa, Gas, Food.  Anything will bless these families.

Any donations can be sent to Kate’s Crazy Cool Christmas c/o Holly McRae @ 5354 Haven Ave Alta Loma, CA 91737.

Kate and Patrick  :)

Will, Kate and Olivia Patrick too!My assistant Jonathan

Thank you for your generous support.