By the way it's not too late to make help out by making a financial contribution.
Thanks to Becky Ziemer for organizing a Light the Night team to honor our daughter Ashley and to help blood cancer patients and their families fight against this deadly disease. On Saturday October 19th we walked more than two miles and raised over $600 for LLS. It was a gorgeous night with dry, warm weather, a stunning full moon and amazing fireworks. Click through the pictures below to get a sense of the evening. Or visit a previous blog post that describes last year's event. By the way it's not too late to make help out by making a financial contribution. "It means hope. Ashley’s experience was unfair, but knowing that others may not have to go through what she did is reassuring." - Koreena National Honor Society students at Oregon City High School (OCHS) recently raised $933.26 to help Leukemia and Lymphoma Society help patients who suffer from blood cancer. Ashley was named the Honored Hero for the campaign. Her life and spirit inspired the students to action. As mentioned in a recent OCHS blog post, Koreena G. Wagner, Ashley’s friend and an organizer for Pennies for Patients, said, “It means hope. Ashley’s experience was unfair, but knowing that others may not have to go through what she did is reassuring.” Check out the flyers that were used to advertise the event.
Thanks to Raelene Young for donating to Providence Willamette Falls Hospital Hospice's Light Up A Life program in memory of Ashley. Her generosity will help hospice patients and their families. International Rose Test Garden, Portland OR. © 2012 Nick Drew. Thanks to Paul and Debbie for inviting us to attend the annual Angel of Hope event at Riverview Cemetery. It was very helpful for me to hear what other parents have gone through after losing a child and validated many of the feelings I have had in the during 3 & 1/2 years. The Angel of Hope is based on Richard Paul Evans' national bestseller, "The Christmas Box." Annually, on the second Sunday in December, a candle lighting vigil is held at the Angel of Hope sites around the world at 7:00 p.m. local time. This commemorates and honors the memory of all children who have died. Ashley’s school counselor invited us to join her and Ashley’s friends as they walk for Light the Night which occurs annually in downtown Portland. We previously participated in LTN during October 2010 and really enjoyed the mostly-dry walk around the Willamette River waterfront. This year was no exception. The weather stayed dry and relatively warm and we really enjoyed our time. Thanks to my coworkers Becky and Carol for joining us in the walk. Ashley's friend's Koreena and Emily made a fantastic banner to honor her while we walked. Thanks to Susan Boardman for making a $25 contribution to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) and giving Team Ashley an enthusiasm boost. If you'd like to make a financial contribution feel free to do so here and help us help fight blood cancer.
Just launched this new website for Ashley. It has a fresh new look and hopefully stands out more than the previous site.
Ashley's third grade teacher, Mrs. Young, contributed to the Providence Willamette Falls Foundation Light Up a Life tree lighting ceremony by making a donation to the hospital's hospice program. A heart ornament with Ashley's name on it was placed on the Christmas tree. The donation will help hospice patients live their last days in comfort and dignity. Click here to see the letter we got from the foundation. Thanks Mrs. Young!
The Galloping Neigh Neighs finished 17th out of 40 four-person teams. We enjoyed the event and raised $120 for LLS. Thanks to everyone who supported us. Please visit this link for a video of us participating in the event.
Sara and I and Ashley's Uncle Dave and Aunt Amy are participating in a 5K event, Pineapple Classic, to raise money for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. We're calling ourselves the Galloping Neigh Neighs. Part run, part obstacle course we're inspired by Ashley's jumping and zest for life. If you'd like to help us out feel free to donate over at our team page.
Ashley's blanket drive at grade school has continued to inspire students to help others near and far. At John McLoughlin Elementary, a number of student leadership projects were started when principal Carol Sanders and counselor Sally Brown developed and promoted the Ashley Drew Leadership Project. Some of these projects were highlighted recently in UpFront, the Oregon City School District newsletter. The students who made and sold bookmarks to assist the schools reading program while raising funds to help Doernbecher Children’s Hospital fight cancer was very touching for us. As many people know Ashley was an avid reader and Doernbecher's staff were very caring during Ashley's last two days of her life.
Also in that same newsletter is a story about Carol being named new Director of School Improvement for the district. Congratulations to her for her achievements at McLoughlin and future endeavors at OC schools. |
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