A Visit to KidSPOT
-Caroline
Saturday, November 29, 2014
-Caroline
Monday, November 17, 2014
Comfort Foods
11/17/2014
"Dinner is served...black bean and mushroom quinoa stuffed peppers!"
Caroline made this for our mom on her last trip over to visit.
"Sad
to say nothing tastes good anymore -- not even the cinnamon rolls I
popped out of the can this morning! But I keep trying, tho my chocolate
consumption is way down. I gravitate to comfort foods like soups." Via
text from my mom.
Anyone have any great meal ideas for my taste-budless mom?!
I found this helpful list online (that obviously my lil sis already researched :).
10 foods that fight breast cancer
Mounting research shows that healthy eating
habits can put a significant dent in the new cases of
breast cancer. Here are ten of the most powerful
breast cancer–fighting foods
Research suggests that pterostilbene, a phytonutrient in blueberries,
can halt the growth of breast cancer tumours by causing cancerous cells
to self-destruct, a process called apoptosis. And frozen wild
blueberries are just as antioxidant- and nutrient-packed as fresh.
7. Spinach
The B vitamin is necessary for proper cell division, and stymies changes to DNA that may lead to breast cancer.
8. Eggs
Choline, an essential nutrient abundant in eggs,
is associated with a 24 percent reduced risk of breast cancer,
according to a U.S. study involving more than 3,000 women. This
essential nutrient, found in the yolk, is necessary to ensure proper
cell functioning. The U.S. Institute of Medicine says women should aim
for 425 milligrams per day; there are 126 milligrams in a large egg.
Other sources of choline include fish, poultry, pork, beef, broccoli and
wheat germ.
9. Salmon
Salmon
is one of the few foods to contain vitamin D in significant amounts.
Researchers at Toronto’s Mount Sinai Hospital determined that increased
intakes of the “sunshine vitamin” were associated with a 24 percent
reduction in the risk of developing breast cancer. Vitamin D
may prevent cells from becoming cancerous. Also, eating fresh or canned
salmon provides docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a supercharged omega-3 fat
that may kill off breast cancer cells and help stop the spread of the
disease to other parts of the body.
10. Rye Bread
Consuming whole-grain rye
can help slash breast cancer risk. A synergy between fibre, lignans,
vitamins, minerals and the phytonutrient phytic acid make rye bread a
breast cancer fighter. When buying, check the ingredient list to ensure
that the first item is whole rye flour and not wheat flour.
Special delivery
11/14/2014
I checked in with mom today to let her know she is getting a special delivery soon. A couple thoughtful things that friends sent me to pass along, in hopes to make her more comfortable. I will post a follow up once she gets the package, hopefully I'll get a pic!
In response to my message she reported back that she will be on the lookout, and that her morning had been a long one already. Leslie had been through a 3rd PET scan, bright and early at 7:30am. She'll get the results next weekend with the support of her sister Shelly by her side. She said it gets harder every time, as she quotes the words of legend Mike Ditka, "tough times never last, but tough people do."
I was happy to know the message of the package helped brighten her day and she was able to get some good rest later that night.
xo
Kim
Thursday, November 13, 2014
The Miss-Fires Speakeasy Benefit
I
am extremely grateful and consider myself very lucky to be a part of an
all women motorcycle club in NYC. We started it about a year ago and
it's been the best thing that has ever happened to me. The club we call
The Miss-Fires jumped at the chance to help my family and I. The minute I
had the courage to tell them the news of my moms situation and the
challenges we were facing, one of the girls, Moto Suzy, immediately
suggested we do a fundraiser to help. It quickly snowballed from there
and in about two and a half weeks we threw a fundraising event in a
motorcycle garage. The space was so graciously offered up by Miss-Fire
Val, who had just acquired the lease and let us use the space before she
began moving in. A truly giving and selfless woman
The Miss-Fires Speakeasy Benefit was pulled together extremely fast, because we had to. With help from coast to coast, many close friends sent product and support from as far away as California. The local NY Miss-Fires were in constant daily communication with me, posting and re-posting on social media helping to spread the word. While pooling their outside resources, we brought in a collection of amazing prizes for our raffle table, with whom I could not have done without Miss-Fire Lesley. Not only were these wonderful women donating their time and money but some pretty wonderful items from their own small businesses. The motorcycle community is a very close and strong one, the love and support is overwhelming.
On November 8th at 10pm, The Miss-Fires put our best flapper foot forward and opened the party doors to over 150 guests. They played Texas Hold'em, ate popcorn and pizza (donated by a local motorcycle-enthusiast owned restaurant), tipped the Miss-Fire 'cigarette girls' (who gave out bubble gum and chocolate cigarettes), drank specialty vintage cocktails (crafted by my extraordinary bar manager Miss-Fire Amanda) and danced amidst the smoke machines until 5am. We had an amazing time and the love was felt throughout the night.
I talked to some wonderful, encouraging people who related to our cause. Sweet friends and strangers alike didn't hesitate to come right up and offer their help and encouraging words of love for my mom. Many of them had someone they love battle breast cancer, or had a connection to Occupational Therapy and/or Autism. I had two women offer to help, wanting to volunteer their time to my mother and her clinic. They were disappointed to hear it was in Washington state. :) Another inspiring woman Elli, who I am proud to call a Miss-Fire, presented me with a check for $500 from a foundation she has a personal connection to. The Foundation is in honor of her Aunt Florina Rusi Marke, a person of energy and optimism.
http://www.florinamcancerfoundation.com/#!about_us/csgz
I could go on and on about this event because I am so proud to be associated with this selfless group of women and to see what we can accomplish for each other. It was reflected in the character of the people that assembled on this evening, by their willingness to give their support to our benefit. The success of this party was a testament to our groups positive energy and kindness the girls show each other everyday. I am extremely touched and excited to share that we raised $5,500 for my mom and her clinic and had the best time doing it. Business upfront but always a party in the back.
Thank you Miss-Fires for your continued love and support.
-Kim - See more at: http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/don-t-let-cancer-close-doors-leslie-kenney-s-autism-clinic-/246837#sthash.qgLeFDOC.dpuf
The Miss-Fires Speakeasy Benefit was pulled together extremely fast, because we had to. With help from coast to coast, many close friends sent product and support from as far away as California. The local NY Miss-Fires were in constant daily communication with me, posting and re-posting on social media helping to spread the word. While pooling their outside resources, we brought in a collection of amazing prizes for our raffle table, with whom I could not have done without Miss-Fire Lesley. Not only were these wonderful women donating their time and money but some pretty wonderful items from their own small businesses. The motorcycle community is a very close and strong one, the love and support is overwhelming.
On November 8th at 10pm, The Miss-Fires put our best flapper foot forward and opened the party doors to over 150 guests. They played Texas Hold'em, ate popcorn and pizza (donated by a local motorcycle-enthusiast owned restaurant), tipped the Miss-Fire 'cigarette girls' (who gave out bubble gum and chocolate cigarettes), drank specialty vintage cocktails (crafted by my extraordinary bar manager Miss-Fire Amanda) and danced amidst the smoke machines until 5am. We had an amazing time and the love was felt throughout the night.
I talked to some wonderful, encouraging people who related to our cause. Sweet friends and strangers alike didn't hesitate to come right up and offer their help and encouraging words of love for my mom. Many of them had someone they love battle breast cancer, or had a connection to Occupational Therapy and/or Autism. I had two women offer to help, wanting to volunteer their time to my mother and her clinic. They were disappointed to hear it was in Washington state. :) Another inspiring woman Elli, who I am proud to call a Miss-Fire, presented me with a check for $500 from a foundation she has a personal connection to. The Foundation is in honor of her Aunt Florina Rusi Marke, a person of energy and optimism.
http://www.florinamcancerfoundation.com/#!about_us/csgz
I could go on and on about this event because I am so proud to be associated with this selfless group of women and to see what we can accomplish for each other. It was reflected in the character of the people that assembled on this evening, by their willingness to give their support to our benefit. The success of this party was a testament to our groups positive energy and kindness the girls show each other everyday. I am extremely touched and excited to share that we raised $5,500 for my mom and her clinic and had the best time doing it. Business upfront but always a party in the back.
Thank you Miss-Fires for your continued love and support.
-Kim - See more at: http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/don-t-let-cancer-close-doors-leslie-kenney-s-autism-clinic-/246837#sthash.qgLeFDOC.dpuf
11/11/2014
I am extremely grateful
and consider myself very lucky to be a part of an all women motorcycle
club in NYC. We started it about a year ago and it's been the best thing
that has ever happened to me. The club we call The Miss-Fires jumped at
the chance to help my family and I. The minute I had the courage to
tell them the news of my moms situation and the challenges we were
facing, one of the girls, Moto Suzy, immediately suggested we do a
fundraiser to help. It quickly snowballed from there and in about two
and a half weeks we threw a fundraising event in a motorcycle garage.
The space was so graciously offered up by Miss-Fire Val, who had just
acquired the lease and let us use the space before she began moving in. A
truly giving and selfless woman.
The Miss-Fires Speakeasy Benefit was pulled together extremely fast, because we had to. With help from coast to coast, many close friends sent product and support from as far away as California. The local NY Miss-Fires were in constant daily communication with me, posting and re-posting on social media helping to spread the word. While pooling their outside resources, we brought in a collection of amazing prizes for our raffle table, with whom I could not have done without Miss-Fire Lesley. Not only were these wonderful women donating their time and money but some pretty wonderful items from their own small businesses. The motorcycle community is a very close and strong one, the love and support is overwhelming.
On November 8th at 10pm, The Miss-Fires put our best flapper foot forward and opened the party doors to over 150 guests. They played Texas Hold'em, ate popcorn and pizza (donated by a local motorcycle-enthusiast owned restaurant), tipped the Miss-Fire 'cigarette girls' (who gave out bubble gum and chocolate cigarettes), drank specialty vintage cocktails (crafted by my extraordinary bar manager Miss-Fire Amanda) and danced amidst the smoke machines until 5am. We had an amazing time and the love was felt throughout the night.
I talked to some wonderful, encouraging people who related to our cause. Sweet friends and strangers alike didn't hesitate to come right up and offer their help and encouraging words of love for my mom. Many of them had someone they love battle breast cancer, or had a connection to Occupational Therapy and/or Autism. I had two women offer to help, wanting to volunteer their time to my mother and her clinic. They were disappointed to hear it was in Washington state. :) Another inspiring woman Elli, who I am proud to call a Miss-Fire, presented me with a check for $500 from a foundation she has a personal connection to. The Foundation is in honor of her Aunt Florina Rusi Marke, a person of energy and optimism.
http://www.florinamcancerfoundation.com/#!about_us/csgz
I could go on and on about this event because I am so proud to be associated with this selfless group of women and to see what we can accomplish for each other. It was reflected in the character of the people that assembled on this evening, by their willingness to give their support to our benefit. The success of this party was a testament to our groups positive energy and kindness the girls show each other everyday. I am extremely touched and excited to share that we raised $5,500 for my mom and her clinic and had the best time doing it. Business upfront but always a party in the back.
Thank you Miss-Fires for your continued love and support.
-Kim
The Miss-Fires Speakeasy Benefit was pulled together extremely fast, because we had to. With help from coast to coast, many close friends sent product and support from as far away as California. The local NY Miss-Fires were in constant daily communication with me, posting and re-posting on social media helping to spread the word. While pooling their outside resources, we brought in a collection of amazing prizes for our raffle table, with whom I could not have done without Miss-Fire Lesley. Not only were these wonderful women donating their time and money but some pretty wonderful items from their own small businesses. The motorcycle community is a very close and strong one, the love and support is overwhelming.
On November 8th at 10pm, The Miss-Fires put our best flapper foot forward and opened the party doors to over 150 guests. They played Texas Hold'em, ate popcorn and pizza (donated by a local motorcycle-enthusiast owned restaurant), tipped the Miss-Fire 'cigarette girls' (who gave out bubble gum and chocolate cigarettes), drank specialty vintage cocktails (crafted by my extraordinary bar manager Miss-Fire Amanda) and danced amidst the smoke machines until 5am. We had an amazing time and the love was felt throughout the night.
I talked to some wonderful, encouraging people who related to our cause. Sweet friends and strangers alike didn't hesitate to come right up and offer their help and encouraging words of love for my mom. Many of them had someone they love battle breast cancer, or had a connection to Occupational Therapy and/or Autism. I had two women offer to help, wanting to volunteer their time to my mother and her clinic. They were disappointed to hear it was in Washington state. :) Another inspiring woman Elli, who I am proud to call a Miss-Fire, presented me with a check for $500 from a foundation she has a personal connection to. The Foundation is in honor of her Aunt Florina Rusi Marke, a person of energy and optimism.
http://www.florinamcancerfoundation.com/#!about_us/csgz
I could go on and on about this event because I am so proud to be associated with this selfless group of women and to see what we can accomplish for each other. It was reflected in the character of the people that assembled on this evening, by their willingness to give their support to our benefit. The success of this party was a testament to our groups positive energy and kindness the girls show each other everyday. I am extremely touched and excited to share that we raised $5,500 for my mom and her clinic and had the best time doing it. Business upfront but always a party in the back.
Thank you Miss-Fires for your continued love and support.
-Kim
I
am extremely grateful and consider myself very lucky to be a part of an
all women motorcycle club in NYC. We started it about a year ago and
it's been the best thing that has ever happened to me. The club we call
The Miss-Fires jumped at the chance to help my family and I. The minute I
had the courage to tell them the news of my moms situation and the
challenges we were facing, one of the girls, Moto Suzy, immediately
suggested we do a fundraiser to help. It quickly snowballed from there
and in about two and a half weeks we threw a fundraising event in a
motorcycle garage. The space was so graciously offered up by Miss-Fire
Val, who had just acquired the lease and let us use the space before she
began moving in. A truly giving and selfless woman
The Miss-Fires Speakeasy Benefit was pulled together extremely fast, because we had to. With help from coast to coast, many close friends sent product and support from as far away as California. The local NY Miss-Fires were in constant daily communication with me, posting and re-posting on social media helping to spread the word. While pooling their outside resources, we brought in a collection of amazing prizes for our raffle table, with whom I could not have done without Miss-Fire Lesley. Not only were these wonderful women donating their time and money but some pretty wonderful items from their own small businesses. The motorcycle community is a very close and strong one, the love and support is overwhelming.
On November 8th at 10pm, The Miss-Fires put our best flapper foot forward and opened the party doors to over 150 guests. They played Texas Hold'em, ate popcorn and pizza (donated by a local motorcycle-enthusiast owned restaurant), tipped the Miss-Fire 'cigarette girls' (who gave out bubble gum and chocolate cigarettes), drank specialty vintage cocktails (crafted by my extraordinary bar manager Miss-Fire Amanda) and danced amidst the smoke machines until 5am. We had an amazing time and the love was felt throughout the night.
I talked to some wonderful, encouraging people who related to our cause. Sweet friends and strangers alike didn't hesitate to come right up and offer their help and encouraging words of love for my mom. Many of them had someone they love battle breast cancer, or had a connection to Occupational Therapy and/or Autism. I had two women offer to help, wanting to volunteer their time to my mother and her clinic. They were disappointed to hear it was in Washington state. :) Another inspiring woman Elli, who I am proud to call a Miss-Fire, presented me with a check for $500 from a foundation she has a personal connection to. The Foundation is in honor of her Aunt Florina Rusi Marke, a person of energy and optimism.
http://www.florinamcancerfoundation.com/#!about_us/csgz
I could go on and on about this event because I am so proud to be associated with this selfless group of women and to see what we can accomplish for each other. It was reflected in the character of the people that assembled on this evening, by their willingness to give their support to our benefit. The success of this party was a testament to our groups positive energy and kindness the girls show each other everyday. I am extremely touched and excited to share that we raised $5,500 for my mom and her clinic and had the best time doing it. Business upfront but always a party in the back.
Thank you Miss-Fires for your continued love and support.
-Kim - See more at: http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/don-t-let-cancer-close-doors-leslie-kenney-s-autism-clinic-/246837#sthash.qgLeFDOC.dpuf
The Miss-Fires Speakeasy Benefit was pulled together extremely fast, because we had to. With help from coast to coast, many close friends sent product and support from as far away as California. The local NY Miss-Fires were in constant daily communication with me, posting and re-posting on social media helping to spread the word. While pooling their outside resources, we brought in a collection of amazing prizes for our raffle table, with whom I could not have done without Miss-Fire Lesley. Not only were these wonderful women donating their time and money but some pretty wonderful items from their own small businesses. The motorcycle community is a very close and strong one, the love and support is overwhelming.
On November 8th at 10pm, The Miss-Fires put our best flapper foot forward and opened the party doors to over 150 guests. They played Texas Hold'em, ate popcorn and pizza (donated by a local motorcycle-enthusiast owned restaurant), tipped the Miss-Fire 'cigarette girls' (who gave out bubble gum and chocolate cigarettes), drank specialty vintage cocktails (crafted by my extraordinary bar manager Miss-Fire Amanda) and danced amidst the smoke machines until 5am. We had an amazing time and the love was felt throughout the night.
I talked to some wonderful, encouraging people who related to our cause. Sweet friends and strangers alike didn't hesitate to come right up and offer their help and encouraging words of love for my mom. Many of them had someone they love battle breast cancer, or had a connection to Occupational Therapy and/or Autism. I had two women offer to help, wanting to volunteer their time to my mother and her clinic. They were disappointed to hear it was in Washington state. :) Another inspiring woman Elli, who I am proud to call a Miss-Fire, presented me with a check for $500 from a foundation she has a personal connection to. The Foundation is in honor of her Aunt Florina Rusi Marke, a person of energy and optimism.
http://www.florinamcancerfoundation.com/#!about_us/csgz
I could go on and on about this event because I am so proud to be associated with this selfless group of women and to see what we can accomplish for each other. It was reflected in the character of the people that assembled on this evening, by their willingness to give their support to our benefit. The success of this party was a testament to our groups positive energy and kindness the girls show each other everyday. I am extremely touched and excited to share that we raised $5,500 for my mom and her clinic and had the best time doing it. Business upfront but always a party in the back.
Thank you Miss-Fires for your continued love and support.
-Kim - See more at: http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/don-t-let-cancer-close-doors-leslie-kenney-s-autism-clinic-/246837#sthash.qgLeFDOC.dpuf
I
am extremely grateful and consider myself very lucky to be a part of an
all women motorcycle club in NYC. We started it about a year ago and
it's been the best thing that has ever happened to me. The club we call
The Miss-Fires jumped at the chance to help my family and I. The minute I
had the courage to tell them the news of my moms situation and the
challenges we were facing, one of the girls, Moto Suzy, immediately
suggested we do a fundraiser to help. It quickly snowballed from there
and in about two and a half weeks we threw a fundraising event in a
motorcycle garage. The space was so graciously offered up by Miss-Fire
Val, who had just acquired the lease and let us use the space before she
began moving in. A truly giving and selfless woman
The Miss-Fires Speakeasy Benefit was pulled together extremely fast, because we had to. With help from coast to coast, many close friends sent product and support from as far away as California. The local NY Miss-Fires were in constant daily communication with me, posting and re-posting on social media helping to spread the word. While pooling their outside resources, we brought in a collection of amazing prizes for our raffle table, with whom I could not have done without Miss-Fire Lesley. Not only were these wonderful women donating their time and money but some pretty wonderful items from their own small businesses. The motorcycle community is a very close and strong one, the love and support is overwhelming.
On November 8th at 10pm, The Miss-Fires put our best flapper foot forward and opened the party doors to over 150 guests. They played Texas Hold'em, ate popcorn and pizza (donated by a local motorcycle-enthusiast owned restaurant), tipped the Miss-Fire 'cigarette girls' (who gave out bubble gum and chocolate cigarettes), drank specialty vintage cocktails (crafted by my extraordinary bar manager Miss-Fire Amanda) and danced amidst the smoke machines until 5am. We had an amazing time and the love was felt throughout the night.
I talked to some wonderful, encouraging people who related to our cause. Sweet friends and strangers alike didn't hesitate to come right up and offer their help and encouraging words of love for my mom. Many of them had someone they love battle breast cancer, or had a connection to Occupational Therapy and/or Autism. I had two women offer to help, wanting to volunteer their time to my mother and her clinic. They were disappointed to hear it was in Washington state. :) Another inspiring woman Elli, who I am proud to call a Miss-Fire, presented me with a check for $500 from a foundation she has a personal connection to. The Foundation is in honor of her Aunt Florina Rusi Marke, a person of energy and optimism.
http://www.florinamcancerfoundation.com/#!about_us/csgz
I could go on and on about this event because I am so proud to be associated with this selfless group of women and to see what we can accomplish for each other. It was reflected in the character of the people that assembled on this evening, by their willingness to give their support to our benefit. The success of this party was a testament to our groups positive energy and kindness the girls show each other everyday. I am extremely touched and excited to share that we raised $5,500 for my mom and her clinic and had the best time doing it. Business upfront but always a party in the back.
Thank you Miss-Fires for your continued love and support.
-Kim - See more at: http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/don-t-let-cancer-close-doors-leslie-kenney-s-autism-clinic-/246837#sthash.qgLeFDOC.dpuf
The Miss-Fires Speakeasy Benefit was pulled together extremely fast, because we had to. With help from coast to coast, many close friends sent product and support from as far away as California. The local NY Miss-Fires were in constant daily communication with me, posting and re-posting on social media helping to spread the word. While pooling their outside resources, we brought in a collection of amazing prizes for our raffle table, with whom I could not have done without Miss-Fire Lesley. Not only were these wonderful women donating their time and money but some pretty wonderful items from their own small businesses. The motorcycle community is a very close and strong one, the love and support is overwhelming.
On November 8th at 10pm, The Miss-Fires put our best flapper foot forward and opened the party doors to over 150 guests. They played Texas Hold'em, ate popcorn and pizza (donated by a local motorcycle-enthusiast owned restaurant), tipped the Miss-Fire 'cigarette girls' (who gave out bubble gum and chocolate cigarettes), drank specialty vintage cocktails (crafted by my extraordinary bar manager Miss-Fire Amanda) and danced amidst the smoke machines until 5am. We had an amazing time and the love was felt throughout the night.
I talked to some wonderful, encouraging people who related to our cause. Sweet friends and strangers alike didn't hesitate to come right up and offer their help and encouraging words of love for my mom. Many of them had someone they love battle breast cancer, or had a connection to Occupational Therapy and/or Autism. I had two women offer to help, wanting to volunteer their time to my mother and her clinic. They were disappointed to hear it was in Washington state. :) Another inspiring woman Elli, who I am proud to call a Miss-Fire, presented me with a check for $500 from a foundation she has a personal connection to. The Foundation is in honor of her Aunt Florina Rusi Marke, a person of energy and optimism.
http://www.florinamcancerfoundation.com/#!about_us/csgz
I could go on and on about this event because I am so proud to be associated with this selfless group of women and to see what we can accomplish for each other. It was reflected in the character of the people that assembled on this evening, by their willingness to give their support to our benefit. The success of this party was a testament to our groups positive energy and kindness the girls show each other everyday. I am extremely touched and excited to share that we raised $5,500 for my mom and her clinic and had the best time doing it. Business upfront but always a party in the back.
Thank you Miss-Fires for your continued love and support.
-Kim - See more at: http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/don-t-let-cancer-close-doors-leslie-kenney-s-autism-clinic-/246837#sthash.qgLeFDOC.dpuf
It's All About the Kids
11/03/2014
Thank you to our supporters so far -- we really appreciate your kind acts and words of encouragement.
Our mom spent this Halloween with the "Red Devil", a nickname given to the chemo drug Doxorubicin because of its nasty side effects and red color. This was her second dose. She also made it through another work week, tho she had to cut down to 50% of her caseload to conserve energy. The need for an OT hire is more crucial than ever. Her first viable applicant has responded to the job post, so now she needs the financial backing to make an offer. She is competing with large companies that offer up to $20,000 sign-on bonuses, but hopefully that will not sway potential candidates. New picture posts show why she must push forward -- its all about the kids.
Healing Session
10/12/2014
Our mom had another "healing session" (chemo infusion) yesterday with a
new drug called Doxorubicin. The last 2 months of getting Abraxane
wasn’t effective enough. It went fine and then she had a hanker'n for
some homemade granola.
Today she went in for some more "healing" and got an injection of Neulasta, a drug used to stimulate the growth of healthy blood cells in bone marrow (after chemo is given). It causes bone pain. She's been feeling light headed off and on and had to go lay down. The new chemo drug is going to make the few remaining hairs she has left fall out, so she might just buzz them off. Her wig looks really similar to her regular hairstyle. So she's still a babe. We love her and wish her sweet healing dreams as she rests. xo
-Caroline
Leslie's Story
10/12/2014
Strength, resilience, and selflessness. These are the traits of our mother, Leslie, who has dedicated her life to helping others. It's taken all three, and then some, to get her where she is today. Our mother bravely went back to college after a divorce, while single parenting us four kids, to become an occupational therapist (OT). As an OT, Leslie focuses on helping people with a physical, sensory, or cognitive disability be as independent as possible in all areas of their lives. She customizes therapy activities specifically for each person and their goals. After working in the public schools and outpatient rehab settings, she started a private practice to specialize in sensory processing disorders that impact life for children and their families. She loves the challenge of working with kids on the autism spectrum, most of whom have sensory processing as their number one difficulty. Her clinic, KidSPOT, has been doing well in Kennewick, Washington for five years. There are very few specialized therapy options available in the area, and clients drive long distances to get the services and support that they provide. Leslie has gained an outstanding reputation for her expertise, calm and kind ways, and generosity of time.
This summer our mom was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer, invasive ductal carcinoma, triple negative, Stage IV. It is aggressive. Being the “go-getter, get-it-done” kind of person that she is, she has kept working through several months of weekly chemotherapy treatments and numerous medical appointments. If cancer weren’t enough, she also has Type I diabetes to complicate matters. Even with medical insurance, treatment is very expensive and has imposed financial stress at a time when stress should be minimized.
How Your Donations Will Help:
Being self-employed, it is necessary for Leslie to continue seeing clients to generate income for overhead costs and to keep her clinic doors open. Since the side effects of chemo are cumulative, she knows there will quickly come a time when she can’t give her usual 110 percent. Being in a business partnership with physical therapist colleagues, Leslie’s share of expenses is necessary to successfully keep the clinic going. If she fails to meet her commitment, the continuation of both therapies will not be possible. It is urgent that she find a talented OT to work for her and with her clients.
The demand for occupational therapists is big, and most want to live and work in more densely populated areas than rural Eastern Washington where her clinic is located. Recruiting and paying for this private practice OT position is a lofty task. Leslie needs help to fund this search and to offer a competitive salary. Free and low cost job posting sites have not proved helpful so far. Enlisting more expensive OT associations’ recruiters would be most effective. Because of your help, when the goal is met, Leslie’s business will be able to continue free screenings for children, and serve deserving families.
Our mother's example has given us strength and courage throughout our lives. She inspires us everyday, and we are amazed by all that she does. She has always put everyone else first, and now it's time that we do the same for her. Let's help Leslie get through this difficult time, so she can continue to inspire and touch other peoples lives.
To donate, please click on the "DONATE" button located in navigation bar. If you would prefer to mail a check, please email Kim at krackenney@hotmail.com.
We are grateful for your help.
For more information on KidSPOT visit www.mykidspot.net.
