One last Christmas

It was the weekend before Thanksgiving, but all through the house, Mike and Kara Landeweer’s friends gathered to celebrate Christmas.

A Christmas tree stood in the living room and decorations covered the front of their Arlington Heights home.

Even Santa Claus made an early visit Sunday.

For the Landeweers, Christmas couldn’t arrive soon enough. In a bedroom, 37-year-old Kara lay in her bed, her eyes closed, oblivious to the celebration in the next room.

This is likely the last Christmas she will spend with her husband Mike, a Mount Prospect police officer, her daughter Alexis, 2, her son Ryan, 6, and her stepdaughter Katie, 17. A brain tumor will soon claim her life.

Thanks to Elke Kadzielawski, the wife of one of Mike’s friends on the Mount Prospect police force, and the Landeweers’ many friends, the family had one last Christmas together Sunday.

Carolers from Christian Life Church sang on the lawn, and when a siren sounded, the group began singing “Here Comes Santa Claus.”

Santa Claus, Mount Prospect Police Officer Joe Morel, arrived, not by sleigh, but escorted by a Mount Prospect fire engine and patrol wagon.

He came bearing gifts from him and helpers, including a brand new bicycle and autographed pictures of Chicago Cubs players for Ryan and a Barbie doll for Alexis.

When Morel arrived, he handed Ryan a $20 bill - the money came from the tooth fairy, since Ryan had pulled out a tooth that day.

“Out of all the kids in the world this year, I decided I’m going to come to (your) house first,” Morel told the children, adding “My elves have been hard at work.”

It was a memorable afternoon for Katie, a senior at Christian Liberty Academy in Arlington Heights, who plans on being a nurse.

“I’ll definitely be here for the kids. I love them very much,” she said.

Mike Landeweer is humbled by what his friends and colleagues have done for his family.

“As horrible as this situation is, I’m blessed to have these wonderful people helping me,” he said. “It’s truly amazing.”

In March 2007, Mike, Kara and Ryan were sitting around the family dinner table, when Kara suffered a seizure and doctors later found a brain tumor.

“Basically, it was the worst case scenario,” Mike said.

The average life expectancy, Mike said, was around 11 months.

Kara went on to survive surgeries to remove additional tumors, radiation treatment and chemotherapy, and even the removal of a bone flap in her skull when she came down with an infection.

For most of this year, Mike said, life seemed relatively normal. But in August, she lost mobility on her right side and her health began to slide once more.

Eventually, it was found that the cancer had spread to the frontal lobe of the brain.

“At that point, there was just nothing left to do. That’s when we decided to bring her home,” he said.

She is receiving hospice care now.

“We are here not only to celebrate Christmas but to celebrate Kara’s life. She is a very strong, loving wife, mother and friend. She has never given up on her faith.

Kara always put everyone before herself. So to be a part of today is just a true honor,” Elke Kadzielawski said.

The police department and the entire village donated money, time and gifts to Sunday’s Christmas celebration.

“Kara’s a great girl. and it means the world to us that we were able to give them the opportunity to celebrate Christmas,” said Elke’s husband, Mount Prospect police officer Ron Kadzielawski. “To see the smile on the kids’ faces makes it all worthwhile.”

By Steve Zalusky Daily Herald Staff
One last Christmas for Arlington Heights family (original story plus reader comments)

Found letter sparks family to donate blood

On Dec. 21, 1944, close to the end of the Second World War, an 88-millimetre shell exploded 20 feet away from Daniel J. MacDonald, severing two arteries in his left leg.  MacDonald lost his leg and his left arm but the blood transfusion he received on the battlefield saved his life.

Last November, his son, Daniel Jr., found a letter written by his father, thanking the Canadian Red Cross for the blood.

On Wednesday, Daniel Jr. and his son, Nigel, currently a member of the Prince Edward Island Regiment training at CFB Gagetown, each donated blood at Canadian Blood Services in Charlottetown.  It was Nigel’s first time donating blood, inspired by his grandfather’s letter.

“Anything I can do to help I’m obviously willing to do,” Nigel, 22, said before giving blood. “If it’s going to help save a life on the battlefield . . . I know my friends have (served in Afghanistan).  “As soon as dad found the letter he called me and had blood services set this up. I thought it was a great idea.”

Daniel MacDonald Jr. said he was in the process of helping move his mother, Pauline, when they found the letter. It was written in May 1946 to the Canadian Red Cross. Col. Al Rogers, who established CFCY Radio, drove up to Bothwell to pick MacDonald up and drive him back to Charlottetown so MacDonald could read the letter on the air.

MacDonald Jr. said he heard the story before but never gave it much thought.  “My father would never talk about the war. He’d say ‘you can find better things to do with your time’.”

Pauline MacDonald suggested her son do something with the letter besides store it in a shoebox where it could get lost.  With Remembrance Day next week, the timing of the donation, and the story behind it isn’t lost on either Daniel Jr. or Nigel.

During November, Canadian Blood Services, the Canadian Forces and the Royal Canadian Legion are asking Islanders to donate blood as a way of honouring the contribution of Canadian Forces personnel in Canada and around the world.

“We never know what’s around the next corner, none of us, (or) when we’re going to need blood to save our lives,” MacDonald Jr. said. “It’s a good message to get out there, to encourage all Islanders, all Canadians, all other troops to get involved in blood donating.”

MacDonald’s letter is now on display in the Prince Edward Island Regiment museum at  Queen Charlotte Armouries.  Daniel Jr. felt since his father was an honorary colonel of PEIR from 1977 to his death in 1980 that it was the most appropriate place for it.

Read full story and the family history - An Inspirational Act

Inspirational Mom Marathon

The down-turned economy has left many small business owners wondering what the future holds for them. The fear of losing their business has encouraged several mom entrepreneurs to look for opportunity while others cut spending and layoff employees.

Thirty inspirational women will be highlighted over a period of 30 days on The Mom Entrepreneur blog, which offers tips, advice and resources for balancing motherhood with running a company. These mom entrepreneurs’ stories demonstrate how these amazing women have decided to make “lemonade from lemons” using a little creative ingenuity.

“I have received dozens of emails from mom entrepreneurs all over the country telling me their “glass is half-full” stories,” said Traci Bisson, owner and founder of The Mom Entrepreneur. “From Misty Gibbs, owner of My Inspiration Lounge whose vision is to “help women feel empowered, especially during this time, so they can take control of their lives and become better prepared for future downturns,” to Sarah Laufer, owner of Play Outdoors whose business launched in 2008. Laufer has decided to focus on “being who we are and continuing with our goal of creating a place where parents and kids are encouraged to get outdoors”.

These women and 28 more will be featured in a 30-day inspirational story marathon starting November 15 and concluding on December 14.

Mike Michalowicz, author of “The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur” (Obsidian Launch, LLC, 2008), in a guest post for The Mom Entrepreneur blog said “so here we sit, as entrepreneurs, on an economy that sucks. It will either revive over the next year or two or even perhaps die. But one thing for sure, it will get worse before it gets better. And it is now, right in this moment, that it is the best time to start a business.”

The 30 stories in 30 days marathon will highlight mom entrepreneurs who also feel that now is the best time to start or grow a business because even in a sour economy lies optimism, promise and positive change.

To learn more about The Mom Entrepreneur and to follow the 30-day inspirational story marathon, visit http://www.themomentrepreneur.com/.

Game, Set, Wish: Secrest meets Agassi

Pennsylvania Wish Kid Meets His Tennis Idol, Andre Agassi

Mark Secrest had only day-dreamed about hitting tennis balls on center court with his all-time favorite tennis player, Andre Agassi. Then on Sept. 27, Mark found himself volleying shots and trading tennis stories with the eight-time Grand Slam champion when The Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation^® and the Make-A-Wish Foundation^® teamed to grant his wish.

Secrest, an 18-year-old from Huntingdon, Pa., met Agassi on Saturday during the Bryan Brothers’ All-Star Tennis Smash at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, Calif. He and his family arrived in a limousine to find a red carpet waiting for them.

Agassi arrived soon after, and he was ready to show Secrest some of his best tennis tips. They spent more than an hour volleying on the stadium court, with Agassi coming to the net and offering Secrest pointers several times. They wrapped up the session with a friendly game – as they played, tennis fans were trickling in for the afternoon of charity matches. They cheered as Agassi and Secrest exchanged shots. Occasionally, Agassi would fire a full-power, pro-style blast over the net, delighting his wish student.

“It is the most amazing thing that could ever happen to you, if you like tennis,” Secrest said, savoring the memory.

Afterward, Secrest enjoyed the use of the VIP locker room and again met up with Agassi. Secrest offered him a few gifts to remember the occasion: Huntingdon Tennis t-shirts for Agassi and his wife, plus a Penn State sweatshirt. Agassi also had a parting gift for Secrest – the racquet that he used during the charity event, which he autographed.

“That’s sitting in my room, at home where nobody touches it!” Secrest said, laughing.

He added that the wish brought joy to his family who accompanied him – parents Alan and Kathy and brother David.  Every bit of it, from his health obstacles to meeting Agassi, is a blessing in Secrest’s eyes.

Agassi thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity to make Secrest’s wish come true. Reflecting on the day, Agassi commented, “Mark is an engaging, soulful young man who taught me to enjoy and appreciate the time we have. It was a privilege for me, more than Mark will ever know, to be a part of his wish.”

When he wasn’t getting tennis advice from Agassi, Secrest also watched a pro-am doubles match featuring James Blake. The two met after the match, and he also spent time chatting with the event hosts, Mike and Bob Bryan, who recently won the Olympic men’s doubles bronze medal and their second U.S. Open men’s doubles title. Secrest also caught a glimpse of women’s tennis star Lindsay Davenport.

Secrest’s mother, Kathy, marveled at the time Agassi devoted to her son’s wish. She was told the tournament was Agassi’s only public tennis appearance for 2008.

“And he chose to spend an hour with my son,” Kathy Secrest said. “Mark got the greatest gift of all.”

About the Make-A-Wish Foundation: The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Founded in 1980 when a group of caring volunteers helped a young boy fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer, the Foundation is now the largest wish-granting charity in the world, with 66 chapters in the United States and its territories. With the help of generous donors and nearly 25,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants a wish every 40 minutes and has granted more than 171,000 wishes in the U.S. since inception. For more information about the Make-A-Wish Foundation, visit www.wish.org and discover how you can share the power of a wish^® .

The Best Companies for Working Moms

Working Mother Magazine has released their annual rankings of the best companies for family friendly employment.  The top 10…

• Abbot
• Baptist Health South Florida
• Bristol-Myers Squibb
• Earnst & Young
• IBM
• KPMG
• The McGraw-Hill Companies
• Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman
• PricewaterhouseCoopers
• S.C. Johnson & Son

According to the article there are many companies with innovative and progressive cultures that support a balanced life of work and family.  The list includes several new companies including Dell.

From flextime and telecommuting to backup child care and parental leave, these winners are expanding the concept of family-friendly benefits to make sure they cover adoptive parents, fathers and grandparents as well as working mothers—even as the economy stumbles.

View the full list of top 100 companies

View the entire article

Neighborhood clean-up picture wins Outstanding Photo

When people listen to the radio today it conjures up thoughts of music, shock jocks, and talk radio.  Imagine a radio show that inspires people to clean up their neighborhood.

PCI-Media Impact, a not-for-profit organization that produces social change television and radio programs around the world, was recently awarded Outstanding Photograph by InterAction for James Rodriguez’s snapshot of Guatemalan children participating in a clean-up of their neighborhood in San Pedro, Guatemala.

To address the unhealthy waste management practices in rural Mayan-Quiche speaking Guatemala, PCI-Media Impact partnered with local radio stations and local organization La Asociacion Juventud Kiche to produce the radio serial drama Jach b’al Re Loq’ b’al K’u'x (The Love Recycle). The drama featured two of PCI-Media Impact’s most recognizable character types: Chelly, an 18 year old woman who wants to improve the earning potential of her father’s farm, and Don Tavo, Chelly’s father who become ill after struggling to make the farm a success. The drama unfolds as the Tavo family attempts and fails in attempt after attempt to raise different crops. With no success, the family starts recycling inorganic materials and finally establishes a secure income for the family.

The program mobilized local youth, who listened to the program in school each day, to organize a clean up of their towns. The award-winning photograph captures one of those initiatives.

Source: CSR Wire, PCI-Media

Spike TV helps 140,000 Dads stay connected to kids

Spike TV has spent the past year helping encourage dads to take an active role in their kids lives through the True Dads Take Action initiative. Now, the network that celebrates men of action is reaching out to the dads in our armed forces to help them stay connected with their families while deployed abroad through True Dads in Uniform.

True Dads In Uniform is a partnership between Spike TV, the USO and United Through Reading that seeks to connect military fathers with their families by providing our servicemen with the means to videotape themselves reading stories and send these personal video messages on DVD to their families at home.

Our goal is to help connect over 140,000 servicemen and their families across all branches of the armed forces through direct network contribution, sponsor contributions and the help of viewers like you. Visit the links below to find out more about how you can help. They are the fathers of our armed forces.

They are True Dads in Uniform.

After the Storm to come out on DVD

Due to come out this month is an incredible video called After the Storm - The Project Joy Story.

Healthy Lunches Help Kids’ Concentration in School

Healthy foods should be included on the list of back-to-school supplies for your children, says a University of Michigan Health System expert.

Dietitian Catherine Kraus explained that a healthy, balanced diet enables neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain) to function more efficiently, resulting in improved concentration and memory.

“Childhood is a crucial time when bodies are growing and brains are developing. Its so important to fuel the body with good nutrition, and teaching children smart eating habits at a young age is a great idea. It starts with the parents serving as the role model,” Kraus said in a university news release.

She suggested a number of ways for parents to provide well-balanced meals and snacks to give children the energy and nutrition they need to perform well at school.

Make sure children eat breakfast. Research has shown that children who skip breakfast don’t do as well in school as students who eat breakfast. A healthy breakfast includes a whole grain cereal, oatmeal or bread with a protein such as peanut butter or a hard-boiled egg. Including whole fruit instead of fruit juice adds more vitamins, minerals and fiber into the diet. Dairy products are acceptable as long as they’re in the form of fat-free or low-fat milk, yogurt or cheese.

While many schools are striving to include healthier items on their lunch menus, there are still plenty of unhealthy items such as pizza, nachos, and sweetened drinks.

“When children consume a high-fat, high-sugar meal, their bodies will crash, and they will become very tired and lethargic — which is not going to help them perform at their best level in school,” Kraus said.

If you’re concerned about the cafeteria choices at school, give your child packed lunches that include a type of whole grain, such as bread or tortillas, with a lean protein, such as tuna, turkey or chicken. Include assortments of fruits and vegetables in various colors and sizes. Healthy beverage choices include water, fat-free or low-fat milk, or 100-percent fruit juice.

At dinner, half of your child’s plate should include vegetables and fruit, one-quarter should consist of a lean protein, and one-quarter should contain whole grains, such as brown rice or whole wheat pasta.

“A smart dinner will help your child’s brain function. If they are satisfied after dinnertime, then they will sleep through the night, and a child needs at least eight to nine hours of sleep a night in order to function while in the school the next day,” Kraus said.

Source: NLM News

Young boy plays baseball despite cancer

Inspirational stories and people can be found in towns and cities around the globe.  One particular young man of note is Hudson Davis of Lafayette, CA.

The Contra Costa Times provided an in-depth article chronicling Hudson’s efforts that one would find truly inspirational.

The 12-year-old from Lafayette is nearing the completion of a Little League season in which he helped pitch and hit his team to first place and was named to his league’s all-star squad. That would be a distinguished achievement for any youngster.

What’s especially remarkable about Hudson is that he did all that while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments for a malignant brain tumor discovered long before his season started.

Nothing was going to stop Hudson from playing baseball.  His persistence inspired his parents, coaches, friends, teammates and even Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins.

For Hudson, the motivation was simple.  He wanted to play baseball.

“The only time you saw a smile on the kid’s face was when he was on the baseball field,” said Greg Davis, Hudson’s father.  “It was the only time he could really escape all the things that were happening to him.  He’s been through hell and back with all the stuff he’s been through.  But playing baseball definitely helped him get through it.”

The best news is that the tumor is gone, and that Hudson had his final radiation treatment on Wednesday. He will continue long-term care for the foreseeable future, but the worst appears to be over and his prognosis for survival is excellent.

Read the entire Contra Costa Times article here.

Near the beginning of his treatment Hudson was befriended by Jimmy Rollins of the Philadelphia Phillies.  Jimmy Rollins was named Major League Baseball’s National League MVP of 2007.  Jimmy dedicated his first homerun of the 2008 season to Hudson.

On May 11, with the Phillies visiting San Francisco to play the Giants, Jimmy invited Hudson down onto the field during batting practice so they could meet and talk face-to-face for the first time.  Jimmy has been a real inspiration for Hudson.

hudson

Sources: contracostatimes.com, abeldogs.com

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