Seeing as Charito and I were going to do something small and NOW T had his own ideas I had to find a way to keep this under control and manageable. I offered up the flyer to a small group of close family and friends. I had no idea what I was starting up, I had never run a drive before and with schoolwork overload, Xmas and T's bday approaching I did not want to overwhelm myself. So, I suggested people donate money so that I could easily shop one day and deliver the next. I literally gave myself a week to put this together. I did not have big expectations. I wanted to do just enough to acknowledge Triston's
T with the generous load of toys from the C family that filled my entire SUV
big heart and let him see it come to fruition. Can I tell you -WOW! Flyers went out Dec 13th and by the time our family and I headed to Toys R Us to shop on Dec 18th we had collected over $400 in cash. By the time we delivered the items on Dec. 22 we had provided over $500 in toys and electronics for patients ages birth to 18. That collection was also joined by other donations of toys and supplies people dropped off at our home. I was in awe. Triston was in awe. He was literally giddy over this project. Our garage was covered. I spent that week picking up items from friends, organizing delivery times and details with our trusty volunteers and slapping each item w a label. When I saw how big this thing was getting I knew for sure we needed a system (and a logo! Thank you, Uncle Joel!) that we could depend on for years.
Look at these gorgeous headbands and scarves made and donated by K's hairdresser. Can't you just pic these fancies on the bald heads of beautiful chemo-fighting girls?! And boys donning some bling of their own?! She also donated various Christmas ornaments. Wonderful!!
visiting some of G's nurse girlfriends!
I know he doesn't like pics of himself but had to sneak this goodie in!
G pushing the load! My fav pic
We needed one large truck, two SUVs and my van to haul it all! Thank you, Uncle Tom, Z family, Cathy!
Sorting through the stuff to deliver the perfect gifts to a 7 yr old girl and 10 yr old boy. Unfortunately many of the patients were on isolation so we were only able to deliver to two patients but T and his pal were ok with that. Even G had fun showing off his second home!
Caden hung out in the play room with his adopted "grandma Cathy" while we roamed the peds floor! She's one hell of a babysitter (and friend!)
And we ended the deliveries w a trip to the train display (made by one of the male nurses) that G adores! Everyone got a little tour of the peds wing.
It was quite an evening to say the least. One of my top memories of December 2011. Triston stated he couldn't wait to see what we do next year! I already have ideas! And having such a supportive group of people assisting to make it all happen was the icing on the cake! Thank you all! Thank you for turning my big guy's project into a reality! G's Choo Choo Clan thanks you!
And bc I was so proud of T's efforts to bring joy to others I shared his story with SuperSibs! (http://www.supersibs.org/) and sent them some pictures. Even a few of his school staff members were proud to take part in his adventure and donated. I wanted both organizations to know that along with the lessons we teach him at home, there are others in his life like school, parish and cancer support groups that help shape who he is as well. He has a lot of people rooting for him, too, not just for his little brother! We are so lucky!
