The Erin Project

Liz and Arya

2008-11-30T20:20:00.001-06:00

I don't know you personally, but when I came across your webpage, your sweet smile and winning personality(not to mention your mother's sense of humor) made you unforgettable. I am now an Erin Fan, and eagerly look forward to hearing about your escapades and to see how you're doing. I pray for you every day in Chattanooga TN, and if it's a school day then I send prayers your way from Kennesaw GA(where I go to college)also . I am a medical anthropology student and will very soon(in 2 semesters) begin teaching at a college or university. My larger goal with my research will involve helping to improve the Malaria situation(where it's very very bad) in Zambia, and other similar places.

I have heard that you like animals, and I have a sweet, somewhat silly, and definitely sneaky three year dog. Her name is Arya(pr Are-Ree-Uh), and she's a 55 pound ball of energy(mostly sneaky energy). I see that you have read the Eragon series and may have already heard the name. In one of the pictures I sent you, she is seen hintingly blocking the shower in the downstairs bathroom by laying in it right after following me around seeing me get ready to take a shower! In one she has her heard on top of the laptop. I'm not sure if she wanted to help, or just wanted some attention. There is also a picture of her on top of the cage we used to use at our apartment with her leg stuck. I couldn't help but laugh and take a picture before I helped her down. I also sent a picture of her looking sweet and innocent, thinking sneaky thoughts. The last picture is of the white squirrel in the back yard. We are so amazed by his ability to survive without much change of chamoflage and big dogs and cats around, just as we're amazed by your courage! sending you prayers from Tennessee and Georgia, Liz and Arya

Nancy Calloway

2008-11-30T20:20:00.000-06:00

I am Sarah Radencic's mom, ergo a big Erin Fan! I have seen my daughter glow and sparkle when she speaks of her lovely friend, Erin. I have come to love Erin through Sarah's words and eyes. She never tires of telling me stories of Erin who can do anything she decides to do. I am in awe! I was also Kim McLagan's best friend, and I know Kim would have loved Erin and her fire-like spirit! Kim would always tell me if there was any issue in my life that she thought might be giving me a bit of a hard time, "As my father always said, Don't let the buggers get you down!" And she would laugh so prettily - just like a little bird. Her father had raised her on a tea plantation in Africa and another farming plantation in Malaysia. She was indeed a lovely soul. She so reminds me of how Sarah speaks of Erin. I want to enclose a few pictures of Sarah and me if I might. the first is of Sarah in the Austin Bluebonnets, and the second is of Sarah, her Irish grandma, and me Jan. 07, and the 3rd is of me standing in the Sea of Galilee in Israel. My complete respect and affection goes out to Erin for all the work she has done to excel so greatly in school and also for all the work she is doing to make money for research. I cannot wait to buy one of her fabulous cook books! In fact I plan to buy many to give as gifts! I am also very greatful for all she has done for my daughter, Sarah, in teaching her so much about how to enjoy life to the fullest and with a sparkle in your eye! I hope to meet this wonderful young lady some day.

The Karstadts

2008-11-30T20:19:00.000-06:00

Hi Erin,

This is a really cool way to visit with you. So, some memories and updates for you, memories first. The first thing I think of when I think of Erin Buenger is Splashtown and that you taught me the Jacob’s ladder string trick. It’s pretty much wedged in my brain now. I still teach it to other people and they teach it to other people too and so on. A pretty simple thing but I thought it was cool that you got it out of a book, right? I could hardly learn it watching you do it, let alone you doing it from a book. Another memory is when I went to your house the last time I was there we made, or tried anyway, to make a small boat out of leaves, popsicle sticks, tape and string. It didn’t really work out. We set sail but oops-the string got twisted, the tape came loose, and there went our little vessel! Another thing we tried to build- a slide about 2 or 3 feet high made out of your piano chair. I remember laughing a lot and falling off it.

You have always been strong so stay strong and laugh as much as you can

Kelly

Hey Erin, mom’s turn.

I have hunted through the entire house for a picture of you that I know I have but I cannot find it. When I do I will email it to you, so if you get a random picture from me it will be “the one”. It is a picture I was taking in Davis and Hannah’s classroom while they were having a class party or something like that. But, in the background, there are two little critters running around, one is Kelly and the other, with a shocking crop of bright red hair is you. Both probably still in diapers?

You gave Kelly a board game one time, Labyrinth, we still play it a lot. In fact I have looked up the maker of the game online to find more interesting games that they may make. Anywho…we like to play it but avoid inviting Kelly’s dad, he is soooooooo competitive and does not want to lose so he takes hours to make a move. Kinda like a chess game you leave going for days! I like the game because it requires you to think a certain way, brain exercise.

I have attached some pictures of you and Kelly at the rodeo, do you remember the calf scramble? I’ll do the updates since Kelly missed that part. Most interesting is that she broke both of her arms. She bounced off of one of those big, huge, blow up slides at a church picnic, scrapped up her face and broke both arms. The looks she got when wearing two casts were fun and interesting! Strangers were always quizzing her so she got used to talking to strangers and she doesn’t seem as quiet or shy now. Not that we encourage her to talk to strangers!! We went to the River Walk in San Antonio and Larry and I walked a little way behind her and watched the reaction of people who noticed her arms as she walked by, that was fun. One comment we heard after she walked by was young man that said “Boy, I bet she could kick someone’s @?$#% wearing those things! The biggest downfall was bathing, she didn’t like that and neither did I, a huge production.

She recently tested for her second degree black belt, I like to watch her spar with boys and win! I agree with Kelly, be strong and laugh as much as you can. A quote that I took from a family who also wrote to you on Erin’s project, seems to say what I think (thanks Wunneburgers!).

"A keen sense of humor helps us to overlook the unbecoming, understand the unconventional, tolerate the unpleasant, overcome the unexpected, and outlast the unbearable."

A big ol’ hug to you, Kate

Sara Maley

2008-11-30T20:18:00.002-06:00

Gillian Peters

2008-11-30T20:18:00.001-06:00

I've been thinking of Erin and her / your family a lot and wanted to send something. Here's a picture of me with Erin's tomato plant she made for our food riddles in Spanish class and a little note.

After our food riddle project in Spanish class, I made a bulletin board of all the students' projects. I got so many comments on all of the wonderful and cute projects and everyone said it was their favorite bulletin board. However, Erin's tomato plant never made it out there, because it went above and beyond expectations and hence could not be stapled to the board in the hallway. It sat on my bookshelf along with a few other 3-D projects that could not be displayed and became almost a live plant to keep us all company in class. I've never had a very green thumb, so this paper plant stayed bright and cheery and I never even had to water it!

Here's a poem for Erinita, as we call her in 8th period:

Erinita, Erinita
siempre fuerte, aunque chiquita
Una muchacha feliz y bonita
!Cuídate bien, nuestra lucita!

(Erinita, Erinita
always strong, although small
A happy and pretty girl
Take care of yourself, our little light!)

Morgan Minter

2008-11-30T20:18:00.000-06:00

I don't know if you'll remember me but my name is Morgan Minter. I first met you at Relay for Life, the year you were the honored guest. In the past I've also had the privileged to attend First Presbyterian Music and Vacation Bible School together with you!

I was amazed to realize how many things we have in common. We're both in 6th Grade and I go to SFA Middle School in Bryan We both had art projects featured at the BISD Art Fest today. I loved you landscape drawing of trees, it looked similar to the photo of your backyard that is on your mom's blog page. You did a fantastic job with both of your drawings!

I also love to bead and am currently making earrings. I have a whole table of beads set-up in my living room and my sister, mother and I have fun mix and matching to see what combination turns out best.

I've always been impressed with your sunny personality and the fact that you never give up! I'll keep you in my prayers and I hope you get to feeling better soon.

Terri and Chrisotpher Leedy

2008-11-30T20:17:00.001-06:00

I have been reading your updates for several months now. Your strength, attitude, courage and beauty amaze and inspire us. Your smile makes me smile. My 4 year son Christopher has decided he wants to marry you, so if that does not work for you, please don’t let him know.

Since you like pet stories I will tell you one. When I was about 10 (I don’t want to give my age away, so I won’t tell you that was 30 years ago). It had been raining really hard. We had an old dirt bridge that went to the back of our property. The bridge had holes so you had to be careful to avoid the holes so you did not fall into the creek below. One rainy day I went out to feed the animals (we had cows, chickens, rabbits and pigs) and I found that one of the cows had fallen into one of the holes on the bridge. I went over to check on him and he was stuck pretty tight into that hole. I turned around and ran (as quick as you can through knee deep mud and cow poop) and ended up face first in the mud and cow poop mix. I had mud/poop in my eyes, my ears, my nose, everywhere. I did not think my family would quit laughing long enough to come help me get the cow out of the hole. We rescued the cow (and yes, I finally did get a shower).

I am a dispatcher. I dispatch police, fire and ambulance crews as they are needed. I learned of Neuroblastoma through 911 cares. They did a story on Marissa Monroe and from there I went to the loneliestroad website and found I wanted to do something to help. So in my off time I have been working on raising money for the band of parents. I work part time for my brother’s race team (if you ever want to check out a race car up close) I can hook you up. You can go to WWW.BILLMCANALLYRACING.COM to see some of the cars.

I will send pictures in next day or so. You stay strong and know that you are in our nightly prayers.

Pam Perrone

2008-11-30T20:16:00.001-06:00

I actually met Erin a couple years ago at Aerofit. I was her swim instructor. I instantly liked Erin. She was so full of life, caring, funny and just would brighten my day at each lesson. I had never forgotten her. Then, at the beginning of the year, I am invited to a parent conference and in walks Erin. A grown up beatiful 6th grader. How time flies. I am currently the Inquire counselor at Jane Long so I have the pleasure of seeing Erin's bright and smiling face each day. She really is an inspiration to us

Sarah Radencic

2008-11-30T20:03:00.001-06:00

One picture is from Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day and the other is from London Bridge in 2003. My mom took me there and to England for Spring Break together. It was a special treat to get to be in Ireland on such a special day. One of my grandma’s is 100% Irish and then there is a “wee bit” on the other half of my family. I wanted to share some of my favorite Erin moments, since I have had trouble narrowing them down to just one or two. Even though I have only known Erin for less than a year, she is enriching my life in so many ways. I know that there are many more than these, but I tried to not hog a lot of space! So…here they go:

~The first day I met her, with her feet not touching the floor from her chair, she had the brightest, warmest smile I have ever seen – with a sparkle in her eye. She was still in 5^th grade and I just kept thinking WOW, I can’t wait to have that sparkle in my Science class!

~At the beginning of the school year Erin, her mom and I were talking and I can’t really remember what brought on the comment other than we were talking about all the choices of clubs and the like you have in middle school. I think I said something about with all the choices you could find what you really like or are good at. However, I will never forget Erin’s response of “I’m good at everything I try” – and she was!!! If only all children, and adults, had that outlook they would accomplish things of the imagination.

~Warm Donuts on a Friday morning while Erin told me the story about the character they forgot to mention in Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry – the red haired penguin. She was reading the book at the time and had brought a picture to show me of this elusive character. Was a pretty cute penguin that looked very excited by a fight by two manly looking girls!

~Getting to hang with Erin and Jackson at Texas Children’s while they built a huge Star Wars craft out of Lego’s (amazing accomplishment to me since all the pieces seemed to be black, grey or white). It was a little peek into her world and I was glad she let me in.

~Hissing Cockroaches at the Girl’s Science Day at A&M – never have I been brave enough to hold them, till Erin did and told me it wasn’t bad at all. They were almost cute, almost!

~We had a debate in class about drilling for oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Erin was on the “anti-drill” side and I will for ever be impressed by her insight and pointed arguments – how many 6^th graders would bring up the Carter administration’s influence on our gas mileage and know that was a good argument against drilling in Alaska.

~One day at lunch when it was one of those warm fall days and Erin had begun to where hats, I looked over to see Erin standing with her head tilted up towards the sun – eyes closed and hat off – soaking in the sunlight and warmth. She looked so happy just to be standing there, embracing the sun. It is one of my favorite peaceful images that can always make me smile.

~Getting to eat lunch with Erin in the teacher’s lounge during practice testing for a week was a big treat for me – telling me about recipes and her yummy lunches. It was great to get that quiet time just gab about nothing of super importance.

~The day of Wii – I got to see Erin filled with speechless excitement, the smiles on some of her closest friends faces, and her mom beam at her happiness. I was so appreciative to have been able to be a small part of that.

~The cocked-eye look when something is totally absurd or ridiculous – priceless, as are the giggles.

~Running around the room giggling insanely with a green pillow person, swinging his arms –and hers- wildly…everyone got a good laugh at that one. Way to break up the stress of practice TAKS test. It was great!

~When Erin felt comfortable enough with me to lean on me during lunch outside time if she was tired, cold or just wanted to chat.

~Erin and family recently introduced me to the wonders of Boggle (which I am in desperate need of practice). I had never played the game, but how fun!! Thank you for teaching me such a fun new game. It was more fun than Scrabble (for me).

~Everyday with her smile, the sparkle, her excitement about learning, and kind words to everyone she saw.

~Talks about politics, the environment, alternative energy sources, Chet, plasma cars (so super cool!!!), Lego’s, our dogs, horses, how our Dad’s are named Walter, funny stories about the Pips, about places we have traveled, crazy things kids can do, flying cars…so many topics and I loved getting to talk about everyone of them.

The Reeves

2008-11-30T20:02:00.002-06:00

Our family has many cherished moments with Erin. Tiffany knew that Erin would be a special friend for her from the first day they met at Covenant Presbyterian Preschool. Erin has always had such a sweet, sunny, and fun disposition. She especially remembers how she and Erin would play “kitties” together, running around and meowing like two kitty friends would! Tiffany enjoyed the two years she was in school with Erin and has been glad to keep up the friendship ever since. They have enjoyed each other’s birthday parties and other get-togethers. Tiffany and Kaleigh love to spend time with the fabulous, beautiful Erin, whether at a birthday party frolicking in the lake by Erin’s house, or having Erin sleep over, or making lanyards. The Reeves family absolutely loves Erin and has a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for her. She has remained a fighter, an activist, a go-getter, and has accomplished more in her childhood that many adults ever accomplish. We attribute much of this to her wonderful parents. Erin is a true, noble inspiration to all of us. We love you Erin!

Jennifer Newsom

2008-11-30T20:02:00.001-06:00

I don't know you all that well. But, I did spend a semester helping Mr. Cady with the Children's Bell Choir at First Presbyterian Church. That was several years ago now. What I learned about you in that short time is that you are an amazing girl - strong, smart and very funny! Since then, I have kept up with you by reading your Mom's blog several times each week.

A little something about me - I work at Texas A&M. But, my passion is teaching Girl Scouts and volunteering for Relay For Life. You are one of the reasons I participate in Relay For Life each year. (I also contribue to Lunch for Life each month in your honor.)

I know you are going through a really tough time right now and I just wanted you to know there are lots of Erin fans out there that are praying for you. You are an inspiration to so many. You are definitely a hero to me!

Blessings to you and your family.

Jennifer

PS: The attached picture was from Relay For Life in 2008. That's me in the dark blue t-shirt and tan hat. You might recognize some of the other girls in the photo. They've gone to music camp at First Presybterian too.

The Porters

2008-11-30T20:01:00.001-06:00

We've never met, but I have been reading your mother's blog. My husband Christopher works at TAMU and my son Donovan had a nueroblastoma tumor resected in Dec. 2005 when he was not quite 2. I love your mother's blog and enjoy reading about what you are up to!

When we were still living in College Station, we heard you and your mom on the radio! You were so articulate and intelligent. What I remember most is your cute voice and positive attitude. You spoke about ice cream and making the best of things! We aim everyday to try to follow your lead!

Donovan was too young to remember anything of his many days and hours at TCH but we have always said that he enjoys life with special gusto! In the pictures you can see that he always has a big smile and trying to find a way to have fun. He will be 5 next month. His brother Nickolas is 11. As a family we enjoy going to Houston Texans and Rockets games! And the boys are training for the 2020 X-games....D on scooter and Nickolas on the skateboard!

Terry Anderson and Rose Eder

2008-11-30T20:00:00.000-06:00

Here is a pix of me and Terry and a note for the Erin project. Wow, I was so amazed when I started reading those letters! Talk about positive and uplifting - it seems like an absolutely swell idea. I'm keeping my eyes on the website to stay updated. Know that you are all in my and Terry's thoughts.

hugs, Rose

The Beginning (or Erin’s First Birthday)

The Day: June 20, 1997

The Place: the lavender LDR (#4) at St. Joseph

Who: a very pregnant Vicki, Walter, myself, and a labor nurse

The scene: Us running circles behind Vicki in her striped shirt as she paced around the room between contractions. Since Vicki wanted to be move about and not stay in bed, she provided a moving target for the labor nurse who had the challenge of trying to catch up with her long enough to hear the baby’s heart rate. "Bubba" Walter and I were there of course for moral support and general cheerleading.

Finally Vicki reached the end of her patience - she decided she might as well have the baby and get this over with. So she jumped in bed and soon there was a small head covered with red hair emerging. Yes! It was Erin!

The Stats: Time of birth was 12:08, a very considerate time of day for all of us. The 124th baby born that month at St. Joe's. Weighed 8#2, 9/9 APGARS (excellent, but no surprise to us!)

The very first thing she did was open her mouth very wide and begin ear splitting squalling. Then, if memory serves me, she smelled milk, decided that she had earned a good meal after all that work of being born and she found the breast.

It was a very happy day to finally get to meet Erin, whose presence continues to make our world a happier, special place because she is in it.

from your friends Terry, Rose and our two puppies Kona and Bear

The Tjoelkers

2008-11-30T18:21:00.000-06:00

We know Erin likes to laugh. Bet you didn't know we were all so good-looking!

The Thornburgs

2008-11-30T18:20:00.000-06:00

Anja Schwalen

2008-11-30T18:19:00.002-06:00

What I remember most about Erin.

It's funny, and maybe a little trivial, but what first comes to mind was that we went to see Vickie and Walter after they just had Erin. I remember being very surprised that they had another baby after Davis, who was about 10. Anyway, we went to your house and Erin was a tiny redhead rolling on the floor. I remember saying: "Oh, she has red hair - that's amazing" or something like that, because neither Vickie nor Walter are real redheads.

Another thing that sticks out for me about Erin is how well she seems to get along with many different kids, maybe because she has a wide array of interests and isn't bossy, but personable. I know that both our kids, Sandy and Tommy, really like her, and the two don't agree on too many things these days.

What I have come to admire over the past six years is the courage and vigor she has shown while dealing with her disease. It has been inspiring to see how she has lived life to the fullest, something that many of us fail to do, even if we get to live a hundred years. I am sure that many of her friends will agree.

About me: I am Anja, and I was born in Germany (a long time ago). Vickie and Walter are literally the first people I met in College Station when I came over in 1990 to visit my future husband Walter K. for the first time. I remember we had lunch at Café Eccell and Bob Calvert was with us, too. Back then, Davis was a toddler J and very active….I remember thinking: "There seem to be at least some nice people around here - maybe I could get used to this country after all…"

I love languages; although I majored in Spanish, I have mostly taught German over the past 15 years, trying to convey the European perspective on things to my students, more or less successfully I think. Books are my constant companion; I love to read autobiographies and theological stuff. Our family enjoys long road trips through the American West, tent camping (most of the time), and going to Germany and Holland in the summer.

Kathy Jurgens

2008-11-30T18:19:00.001-06:00

Erin, I just had to send you a picture of Hans and me and Eddie (one of my 'girls'). That's what Hans' grandpa calls my horses - I have two mares and he always refers to them as the 'girls'. He gives me a bad time about them and says the girls get treated better than he does but I know he likes them too. This picture was taken when Hans and Ellie came to visit me in Ellensburg, Washington last summer. Hans especially likes the horses and his Uncle Quinn's two dogs so it was no surprise to hear he liked your dogs.

I'm not sure which is worse - mischievous dogs or mischievous horses. Early one summer morning Eddie managed to get her back leg through the rungs on the barn gate and stood there and rattling it loudly. Of course I heard her and yelled at Hans' grandpa to "come help me, Eddie is stuck in the gate"! By the time I got out there she'd managed to get it out without hurting herself. Early (like 5:00 am) the next morning I hear this pounding noise coming from the pasture again. Only this time when I looked out she had one of her front feet in the water tank! I have no idea how she managed that trick but I wasn't about to go running out to help her outof her mess. This time I just opened up the window and hollered at her to get out of there!

Erin, I love your spunky spirit and especially enjoyed the recent 'worst day of your life' story. I've had a few of those days myself and in looking back I got a pretty good laugh at myself. And of course, as Ellie's grandma, I am especially fond of all girls with red hair and freckles!

Thank you for sharing your days with us. Enjoy your Wii and hope your back in school soon.

Hans' Grandma Kathy (also known as The Spoiled Cowgirl - Lara and Elle can explain that one to you)

The Wunneburgers

2008-11-30T18:19:00.000-06:00

Hello Buengers,

Here’s an entry for The Erin Project.

I have a Word document called “Quotekeepers.” It’s a running list of those that come to me at the bottom of emails or through internet ramblings or whatever. They are thoughts that I am not clever enough to create or eloquent enough to put into words but make me stop and smile or maybe offer an “Amen.”

This photo pretty much sums up our take on Billy Graham’s quote, "A keen sense of humor helps us to overlook the unbecoming, understand the unconventional, tolerate the unpleasant, overcome the unexpected, and outlast the unbearable." I’m pretty sure that we epitomize every one of those offenses here. This was taken a couple of years ago after a wedding. Yes, Aaron is wearing a tux as he was an acolyte for the service. Throughout elementary school, he had quite a run of wedding appearances. We were considering making a business card and hiring him out to strangers. Why would we come home from a wedding, pull out our horns and take a picture? I’m not sure but I suspect it was time for our annual Happy New Year card that never got printed or mailed. Whatever the reason, I’m glad the kids humored their parents. There is a more reverent version too but this is one of my favorite family photos. It reminds me of the Christmas that the Wunneburger Family Band wowed family and friends with their rousing polka-style rendition of Jingle Bells. Abby laid down a solid “oom,” Anne a crisp “pah” and Aaron kept steady time with the jingle bells. I suppose we should make a new photo now that Aaron has his own “ax” (as in the trombone, not one-to-grind).

I hope this made you smile and reassures you that other kids also have parents who exert their love upon their children in strange yet wonderful ways.

Kristi, Jon, Eva, and Jack

2008-11-30T18:18:00.003-06:00

Hi Erin, this is Eva, your pal in NB. We have grown to care so much for you and are truly inspired by your humor and energy! For the time being, Eva is out of chemo and is slowly growing her hair back.

Some interesting facts about Eva. She loves music. All types of music but especially the Imagination Movers. She loves them the most. She has just discovered at 2.5 years old that her voice has range so she likes to sing "Happy Birthday" in an opera style around the house all the time. Of course, each day, we celebrate a different birthday from each family member to all her stuffed animals. Yesterday, she sang, "Happy Birthday Mardi Gras!"

Also, something funny about her is that she demands that you dance with her whenever there is music playing. There is no standing around watching her! Nope, you're in it!

I sure hope that we get to meet you someday! Maybe one time you come up here to Dallas.

You are so great and thanks for keeping us in good humor.

Eva (and her Mom, Dad, and big brother Jack)

Kristi
www.goodnightmom.blogspot.com

Jane Riley

2008-11-30T18:18:00.000-06:00

This is a picture of my daughter Kathleen and me this weekend at Mom's Day at her sorority. I have told her about you and how I think you are such a cool person (and your mom). Kathleen loves Chet Edwards and Barak Obama just like we do! I know you are having a hard time now so I thought a funny story might bring a smile to your sweet face. I don't know if you know this, but our office is having a "boot camp" every Tuesday and Thursday. Today we had a different trainer and he really worked us. Beverley told him that I ate at Mcdonald's yesterday and he made us do twenty extra pushups. Needless to say, we were all mad at her for squealing. Then, she complained about all the "butt kicks" and he made us do 20 more pushups! We were not happy with her! We all weigh in and get measured on Thursday. I will let you know how it goes. Erin you are a darling girl and so brave and strong. Love you, Jane

Missy, Les, Heidi, Will, and Ryan Morgan

2008-11-30T18:17:00.001-06:00

I love the idea of the Erin Project. Ya'll do such a phenomenal job with your website. I've attached some pictures of our family.

Les and I have been married almost 19 years. We met at the beach in Panama City, Fl. He was down here working with a group of about 20 guys all from Calgary, AB. That's in western Canada, but I would bet you know that, Erin. You seem like such a bright girl.

When I read about all your activities, it makes me think of my daughter, Heidi. She just turned 16 last Sunday. Yikes! I can't believe she is 16! She is working on her driver's training on-line. She says it is boring and she's having a hard time getting through it. She is a good driver though. She also plays soccer and swims. I think she is a natural athlete. She is like you, Erin. She's pretty good at whatever she tries. She's also really smart. She got an A in honor's Chemistry. She is in the 10th grade and I don't think she's ever gotten a B. She works hard though. If you have a facebook you can find her under "Heidi Elizabeth".

My son, Will, is 13. He's a cutie, but boy does he know it. Not that he's stuck up, I have TRIED my hardest to teach him modesty, but it is something he struggles with a bit. He also plays soccer and swims. He also plays basketball. He's a very aggressive athlete, and I keep warning him that the fun will be over when he breaks a bone. He's not a great listener though. His teachers can attest to that. He spent two days last week in In School Suspension. Not a usual place for him, but I think he deserved it. He actually told one of his teachers that "this conversation is over". Gee, I wonder where he heard that? He's gonna make a great lawyer some day cause he loves to argue!

My baby is Ryan, and as you can tell from the pictures he, like you, has cancer. He's got the same kind as you, Erin. That's my "N" word. We found out Ryan had NB just after he finished Kindergarten. He's now in the 5th grade. He's been through a lot and even has a scan tomorrow. He's probably a lot like you, Erin. He just sort of goes with it. He's very thoughtful like his Dad. We're always trying to teach our kids to think ahead, but Ryan just does that naturally. I had surgery yesterday and he stayed home with me today. Yesterday, he had thought it all out and had everything set up for today. He had emergency contacts in case something happened to me. He makes sure I have everything I need. He's just a really thoughtful kid, and so full of life and joy. Les and I are very lucky to have such great kids-much the same way your parents are lucky to have you and your brother.

I wish TX weren't so far away and we could meet you. There are many times I can so relate to the things your mom writes. It sounds like ya'll have such an awesome family. I wish all of ya'll the very best and I'm gonna stay tuned to your blog so I can keep up with all your fun activities. You just amaze me how you go, go, go! Take care, Les and Missy Morgan (SuperRyan's mom and dad)

Cricket Blake

2008-11-30T18:16:00.001-06:00

This picture is a bit old seeing as how Coach Magnuson is pregnant with her now 14 month old, but it will do for now. (Pictured is Coach Hobson, Coach Magnuson and myself, Coach Blake).

I do not have Erin in class, but her life and her all around spunk inspires me daily. When I see her it makes me smile. Her love and compassion for others in contagious, and I wish I could be more like her. God bless you Erin, and BTHONB!

Anytime you feel up to it, you can come kick the soccerball around with us at after school practice. We would love to have you!

Mary Ann Jacob

2008-11-30T18:15:00.002-06:00

My name is Mary Ann Jacob and I know of you guys from several different areas. I work at the A&M Press as design manager (I design the books), so I have known of Walter for a long time. I have worked there for 20+ years. My husband, Maury, is an avid windsurfer and is friends with Michael Opersteny and Ed Cook. We have been to several of the huge fireworks shows that Ed has put on at his house, so we met there as well and that is where I have seen Erin. We know Sam and Jade, and Michael used to take my son wakeboarding at your lake. I have followed the blog for quite a while now--I believe Mary Lenn Dixon is who told me about it. I also go to St. Francis church and heard about the wonderful lanyard workshop held a couple of weeks ago. I put together the newsletter and saw the photos taken that day. I know you all hear this all the time, but Erin is such a beautiful girl. She, and all of you are inspiring. I know you all are dog lovers, so I thought i would send you a couple of pictures of my dogs. We now have three...Shep is the sheltie, Luke, the golden retriever and Shelley is the beagle. She is just a little over a year old and I'm taking her to obedience school. She is very smart and sweet. We got Luke almost a year ago from a golden retriever rescue group in Houston. He had heartworms and was not always treated very nicely, but he is a sweetie and seems to be very happy now. Shep is about 10 years old and we have had him since he was a puppy. We got him when my son, Ben, was in the 4th grade. He is a very quiet, shy, sheltie. They all really liked the snow we got back in December, but they were happy to come inside after they played in it.

I'll send more photos and info later, but I wanted to get started. I have a photo that was taken of me and Chet Edwards at an awards dinner in the fall. I believe he came to visit you the next day. I could tell that he cherishes his time with Erin and thinks the world of your family. I'll send it soon! My husband and I were happy to get to sit with him at the dinner and visit. He is such a good guy.

You all are in my prayers every day.

The Humphries

2008-11-30T18:15:00.000-06:00

Erin (and all of her family!) is in our thoughts and prayers at all times, but thought I'd actually DO something since it is a new year.

I'm attaching pictures of Andrew & Sally Kate. We have so many "Erin thoughts". When I think of Erin, I picture a very smartly dressed young lady with a HUGE smile on her face and a personality bigger than life. We are blessed to count all of you as friends and will continue our prayers that the neuroblastoma bad guys go down hard. I'm thinking the fencing should scare them!

I have never seen Erin when she wasn't smiling. I just know she's not feeling good a lot of the time, but you would never know that by the smile on her beautiful face.

Alison Kutzenberger

2008-11-30T17:57:00.001-06:00

I've attached some pictures of my husband and I that we just took in Hawaii over Christmas. I included my husband because his heart has too been captured by that sweet Erin. I though she would enjoy seeing some of these. The pictures are of us horseback riding and zip-lining in Kauai. I also visited Pearl Harbor, so I have some pictures of that too if my little history buff would like to see those.

My favorite memory/story of Erin:

I remember when she was in 3rd grade running across the playground, through the 5th grade's recess ground and into the building. She always had a huge smile on her face as she ran straight towards me for a hug before I opened the door for her. I knew right then I had to start a crusade to get her in my homeroom when the time came. I know that our sweet Mr. Ogden didn't stand a chance when I heard that Erin was on the same mission. Erin was and will always be my "little ray of sunshine". In our year together, she made me smile, laugh, cry, sweat in a tv interview, broaden my knowledge of government, and made my heart fuller. :-)

I miss you all dearly,

Phyllis Wall

2008-11-30T17:56:00.001-06:00

I am Phyllis Wall. I teach 2^nd grade Sunday school at First Baptist Church in Plainview, Texas. I have always been involved with children in one way or another. I love kids!

We have a new granddaughter, Adelyn Reine, our first, that lives in the Dallas area.

You both are a true inspiration to all who stop by your site.

Shari Feinberg

2008-11-30T17:55:00.000-06:00

I have so many wonderful memories of you and especially Erin from the clinic. I can only imagine that from the first day I met you all when we were starting the Topo/Cyclo and it was of course a crazy MONDAY in the clinic. Needless to say everything in Erin's comfort zone in terms of the clinic was missing (most notably Heidi not being there) and in I come to do the exam. I remember Erin not responding all that well to me and really made me work for the limited physical she would let me do. I remember being pretty stern with her and not backing down one bit all the while shaking in my shoes.

After all was said and done you pulled me aside in the clinic and shared the most valuable piece of information that I would need to be part of the "Erin crew" You told me about the knock knock jokes.

When she came into clinic the next day for the drug I remember going to a knock knock joke website and coming to the infusion room to test out my comedic skills. From that day forward I felt a bond with Erin that would stand the test of time. Over the many months of visits/exams/scans I was so fortunate to meet the rest of the gang-- Davis, Walter and of course Nico. I have heard all about activities on and off the "pitch" and do miss those visits very much.

Although some clinic visits on Mondays don't go so smoothly since I left ;) reading the blog makes me truly grateful to have made a difference in Erin's life and clinic experiences. Please know that I am only a phone call away if Erin needs to hear a goofy knock knock joke.

Missing you and all my NB families very much. May you all have a happy, safe and HEALTHY 2009.

Autumn Lewis

2008-11-30T17:45:00.000-06:00

I met you family when I was a student at A&M. I used to babysit Davis and my sister Rian used to babysit you when she went to A&M. It really makes me feel old that someone I used to babysit is in college! I have a younger cousin that is also fighting cancer and our family had t-shirts made that say "CANCER STINKS". It has become our new motto. Just remember that even though cancer stinks, you have such a zest for life that is much stronger than any cancer cells! Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers daily.

Margaret and Keith Bryant

2008-11-30T17:34:00.000-06:00

This is supposed to be about you but thought I would tell you that our memory of you and your family goes WAY back. You can ask your dad and mom about that. I remember seeing Davis as a tiny baby in your parents' arms as we were all leaving church. You can figure out the year.

Then we moved away and returned in 2001. You were already dealing with your challenges at that time. I follow your blog almost daily and keep you and your family constantly in my thoughts. BUT on to what I should be saying.

I share your love of reading and know that you enjoyed THE LAST OF THE REALLY GREAT WHANGDOODLES as much as I did ... and still do. Isn't that a great book? Did I share the sequel that one of my first grade students wrote? If not I will do so. I always asked my students to draw a picture of the Whiffle Bird. What picture did you have in your mind? Wasn't Ms Andrews smart to say that no pictures would be in the book - each person should make their own! I really like that.

You have moved on to titles that are new to me but sound very intriguing. I am going to check them out.

It is good that Davis is back from Budapest, that is too far away but he probably has wonderful stories to tell.

Brooke Robertshaw

2008-11-30T17:18:00.000-06:00

I don't know Erin in person, just through the words on her blog. I'm amazed with her ability to do so much in one day, really - I wish I could do half as much as Erin does in a day! I'm particularly taken with her willingness not to let anything stop her in pursuing her love of soccer. I was once an athlete too (whitewater slalom kayaking) and so I understand pushing through for the love of sport. I also relate with Erin's love of her animals, I know how important they can be in rough moments and moments of joy. Erin, and the rest of her family, is in my daily prayers.

A little about me? I'm a 3rd year PhD student (Erin's site is GREAT for procrastinating!) in Instructional Technology at Utah State University, a knitter, and a peace and human justice activist. I am also active in my church community, First Presbyterian Church of Logan. I live here in Logan, UT was born and raised in Blacksburg, Va (by 2 retired PhD's - my father was an engineering professor and my mother an administrator at Va Tech) but my home now is Eugene, Oregon. I have 2 cats - Ava, a very codependent little white cat, and Max - an orange and white cat who's favorite toys are all my white Mac & Ipod related cords. My favorite movies include The Parent Trap (the original), The Life and Times of David Gale, and Finding Neverland. My favorite books are Long Quiet Highway by Natalie Goldberg, Practicing Peace in Times of War by Pema Chodron, the Handbook of Ethical Research with Ethnocultural Populations and Communities, and, I have to admit, sometimes I still pick up one of the Ramona books by Beverly Cleary - I really do love Ramona.

-- Activism is being a voice for the voiceless, standing up for the weak and the frail, engaging the human spirit. I am an activist because being an activist makes me feel alive. ~Anita Roddick, founder The Body Shop ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Meaning exists neither in us, nor in the world, but in the dynamic relation of living in the world." ~Etienne Wenger

Kathy Sustaire

2008-11-30T17:13:00.000-06:00

How honored I was to repeatedly have you as one of my tribal children in VBS. You would appear like magic whenever I sat down, hop into my lap and snuggle in for a spell. Then you would pop up, give me a hug and off you’d go. Then came July 2002. I knew you were on my ‘list’ but I had no idea if you would be there. Then, the side door of the sanctuary opened and there you were. I will never be able to fathom what it took for your Mom to bring you to me and turn to leave just like she did every year on the first day. Neither your mom nor I uttered a sound but the look we shared said it all. You found your nametag and snuggled onto my lap for our opening activities. You made the week in customary Erin style. I made the week also, and all my kids had a ball. They never knew that one of their ‘siblings’ was never out of my sight or farther than my arm could reach. Sweet, adorable, wonderful, astonishing, amazing Erin, you took my heart the first time I saw you, with your huge sparkly smile, beautiful twinkly eyes and wonderful zest for life. When I look at you now, I still see that special little child, but I also see the amazing young lady you have become. What a delightful gift of God you are! The world is a better place because of you.

In the summer of 2007, your amazing Mom wanted to know why we all checked your blog and if anyone read it all the way to the bottom. I have decided, if your Mom agrees, to share my answer to that question with the Erin Project.

[From August 2007: “Since you asked……”

I regularly check in (and read all the way to the bottom) because the Buengers are very special to me. Yes, all of them. Vickie, you and I clicked way back when on the tennis courts, way before both Erin and Rusty (and maybe even Davis?) I do remember when the two of you were shuttling back and forth between CS and Stanford, wasn’t it? Then we had the great adventure of the mixed doubles tennis team. What a blast! Then, I retired due to the impending arrival of Rusty and you kept on going. Then, along came our Erin and you kept on going. What a delight she is! Such a beautiful sparkly smile and ever so twinkly eyes with just the perfect touch of devilment in them. Quite an amazingly miraculous young lady and so smart! Then, I volunteered on the Gardening Group at FPC and became better acquainted with the other Dr. Buenger. The one who talks so far above my head it’s embarrassing, but always seemed just to smile and tolerate my chattering away at him about whatever was on my mind. As we dug up shrubs and planted shrubs and tackled all manner of weeds in overgrown beds and discussed the wisdom/peril of even thinking about removing certain items, Walter was the one who encouraged me to become an Elder and I am so thankful that I listened to him. I had to believe that I could do it if he thought that I could! And, then there’s Davis. How he’s grown into such a handsome man! Remember those plaid pants that he wore every Sunday for a time? Always so mannerly and gentlemanly. I am so proud to say that I have a friend that is taking Rice University by storm(and duct tape and other strange things!). I am also so proud of his maturity in handling the incident in the hotel in Houston and of his being so sensitive toward Erin’s comfort in whisking her away to safety. Wow! What a man you have raised.

I am in total awe of the way your family has handled the whole NB journey. I am so thankful that we still have such a healthy Erin to love. I am thankful that I have such friends. I am thankful that you so freely share the details of your lives with all of us who love you.

I have to go now because I can no longer see what I’m typing……

Love and huge hugs to you all!!!!!

ks]

Well it’s happened again…..I’ve got to find a tissue!

I still can’t find the picture I’ve been looking for, but will send it on when it surfaces!

Love to you all,

Catherine Ezzell

2008-11-30T16:47:00.000-06:00

Here is some brief information about me, I will send a picture later.

I grew up in Canadian, Texas, where my family still owns and publishes a weekly newspaper. As I tell friends, I was "raised on a newspaper" and became interested in librarianship in the 8th grade. At that time, I was the youngest student to work in the high school library during study hall, it was highly unusual for an 8th grader to work in the high school library. But the librarian quickly became convinced I was serious about it.

I have worked at Bryan Public LIbrary since 1972, first as an Assistant Children's LIbrarian, then after leaving for a year to attend TWU graduate school, I returned in 1977 to become the Technical Services (Catalog) Librarian, which I dearly love. I still substitute in the Children's Dept. on a regular basis, so I haven't lost that contact.

I am also a Storyteller and a poet, as well as being President of the Children's Museum of the Brazos Valley Storytelling Guild. I perform for various groups, at church, elementary schools and of course here at Bryan Public Library. I write both children's and adult poetry, and have had two published. My most recent poem THIS SPECIAL DAY was set to music by Bob Leslie and we sang it prior to the Christmas Eve Service this week. I am very proud of that accomplishment.

I collect postcards, bookmarks, miniatures, and unicorns. I have over 2,000 postcards and have been collecting them since I was ten years old. I have a fair amount of miniatures as well as a fully furnished dollhouse, built by a former church member.

For Erin, I admire your great courage and your usually cheerful demeanor. I love your huge smile and your friendship with everyone! I pray for you on a regular basis.

Must close for now. Best Wishes, Catherine (nickname Cat Queen)

Clayton Sue, Charlotte, Clarke, Ellen, and Ralph Benson

2008-11-30T16:42:00.000-06:00

Jennifer Lehmann

2008-11-30T16:27:00.001-06:00

I'm a college kid, procrastination is my specialty. Here's is my submission, finally!

1. Photos are attached! One of just me & one of Christi Thomas and I.

2. Erin's story was introduced to me through my organization, Kids Cancer Crusade, in 2006. I know I found her website, not the other way around, but I don't at all remember how. I know it is probably somehow attributed to knowing Christi Thomas. It is clear that Erin's mom has "fallen down on her funniness" so that isn't the thing that keeps me visiting Erin's site. ;) So what keeps me coming? Perhaps it is the fact that she is walking inspiration, being over 6 years from diagnosis, and loving and living each moment with everything she has.

3. I am currently a nursing student with the hopes of working in pediatric oncology. I'm a textaholic. I take too many pictures. I danced ballet for 10 years and taught it for 5 of them. I think whoever thought to combine chocolate and peanut butter is absolutely brilliant. I believe it is totally acceptable to skip class or work every now and then to do something fun with someone you love. I believe in make-believe & miracles.

I also saw that you're posting blogs if we have them...my personal one is jenniferlynn714.blogspot.com and the organization one is crusadingforacure.blogspot.com

The Lilies

2008-11-30T16:27:00.000-06:00

Colton, Weston, and Mrs. Lilie first heard about Erin when Colton was in Kindergarten. If she was able to go to Mary Branch she was going to be in Colton's class unfortunately due to the first round of Chemo's in 2002 we didn't meet Erin until the Fall of 2003 in Miss Hanson's class. Erin is such a delight and fun person to know ..oh and by the way , did we say "Smart?" Colton enjoyed getting to know Erin a great deal and by third grade they loved reading "Hank The Cowdog" book series. Erin and Colton were in the same class together that year and pretty much sat at the same table the whole year. This was a special year for Colton because he and Erin read books together, ate together, and played many times at the park after school. This was the year the PPR Gang name and friendship developed even more. Colton and Weston still talk about the PPR Gang, the fun times, and just being great friends! As a matter of fact, the day the snow came to B/CS, Weston shouted from the backseat "Wow, this is the time the PPR Gang should get together!" In Fourth Grade, the Lilie's moved from Mary Branch ( a very sad day in our lives) however, we have kept in close contact through the website and mutual friends of Erin's happenings!! Colton missed his friends very much the first year in fourth grade. He wrote a story about Erin and being a cancer survivor. He knew what it meant to be a survivor!

Now, one of the amazing things Mrs. Lilie was able to do with Erin was when she was in 3rd Grade, Mrs. Lilie (being the counselor at the time at Mary Branch) and Erin went to all of the individual classrooms to tell the boys and girls Erin's amazing story and why she had no hair. She was amazing on how she spoke to the students and shared her story. She became the most popular girl in school!!!!

We love Erin dearly and wish we could see her more but know we keep in touch almost everyday through the website. Go PPR!!!!

Meg Beneville

2008-11-30T16:26:00.000-06:00

Hi! My name is Meg, and I came across Erin's website pretty recently (maybe 2 months ago?). I'm 17 and a senior in high school, and I've been so inspired by Erin!! I really admire her cheerful personality and her wonderful smile! It amazes me how busy and involved she is with school and her activities! One thing I love about Erin is her true individuality-- she knows exactly what her interests are, and pursues them thoroughly. At her age I think that is pretty rare and certainly very commendable! She fights her cancer with such grace and determination, and I am very grateful to you for allowing me to "know" her through your words.

As I mentioned, I'm a senior in high school in a town 45 minutes from New York City. I follow a bunch of children's stories online because it is a cause that has affected me personally. One of my best friends died from relapsed ALL just four days after her fourteenth birthday, on December 8, 2004, when I was in eighth grade. Today (the day I'm writing this) is the anniversary of her death, and I figured this would be a good day to submit my part of the Erin project. My friend Nora was always so caring towards other people, so it feels right that I picked today to help Erin in this small way. I've raised over $9000 for childhood cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering, where Nora was treated-- last year I organized a read-a-thon in her memory (http://readfornora.pledgepage.org if you want to take a look!) Reading was something Nora and I both loved, so it was a great way to honor her memory. I know Erin likes to read too-- there's nothing better than a good book! Has she read the book Inkheart by Cornelia Funke? If not, I really recommend it, I read it when I was about Erin's age and it is still one of my favorites. Besides reading, I also love horseback riding, singing, piano, learning languages (I want to major in french and/or japanese in college) and travelling!! Anyway, that's all I can think of right now!

Thank you for sharing Erin and your family's story with me! She is such an inspiration.

Fran Vick

2008-11-30T16:25:00.000-06:00

I first saw you, Erin, at the TSHA meeting at Corpus Christi—was that just last year?—when you came bouncing up to talk to your father at the head table at the banquet. I was sitting with him. We had to sit up there and try to act official and sophisticated and educated while the rest of you were probably having a lot of fun in the back of the room. It is a lot harder for me to do that than it is your father. I am way into fun. I was delighted with this charming elfin, redheaded little Irish beauty of a daughter of his who came up, and told him so. I was particularly surprised since I would not ever be able to describe him in such a way. You must take after your mother. Is that right? Although you do have your father's coloring. I don't know. It gets confusing trying to figure out this family resemblance business. Maybe you are a great combination of both of them. That sounds about right. All I know for sure is that you are definitely Irish. Isn't that great? I am, too, so of course I am partial to the Erins of the world.

My name is Fran Vick and I work with your father and other friends of yours, like Mike Campbell, at TSHA. They are the official, sophisticated, educated ones. I provide the fun. I am the current president and your father takes over the presidency in March. I can hardly wait until that happens. I hope I will see you at the TSHA meeting in Austin. I am going to be making a speech at the banquet and your father will again be at the head table. I promise my speech is going to be short! So maybe you can come bouncing up again to charm me when it is over. The picture I am sending is one that was taken to help promote the Silent Auction at the meeting. I am wearing a hat that will be in the silent auction. I am not too sure anyone is going to want to buy it after my modeling debut. What do you think?

Jacob, Samantha, and Ryan Wilson

2008-11-30T16:24:00.000-06:00

We don’t really remember the first time we “met” Erin. We had known about her and her family for quite some time. Jacob had taken a class from Walter and we had learned much about Erin through mutual friends. Our first image of Erin is her standing on the stage at Relay for Life when she was the honorary chair. The two things I remember the most from that night are her smile and her laugh. We have had the joy of seeing Erin fairly regularly at Branch over the past couple of years and because Ryan plays on sports teams with Noah’s younger brother, we see her at the ball-field on occasion as well.

Erin and her family exude this truly positive energy, a spirit that is incredibly powerful and moving. It always strikes me when I stand next to Erin that she is not a physically imposing young girl….yet, in my interactions with her, the stories I hear about her….she seems larger than life itself. When you look at her, especially with her broad smile, you can almost see her spirit dance!

Ryan’s experience several years ago helped us to focus our priorities in life and has colored many of the things that we do. Like Erin, Davis, Walter and Vicki, we spend a great deal of time together as a family….whether it is playing basketball on the driveway, playing soccer on our king-sized bed (yes, we really do this – especially when the weather outside is being uncooperative), fishing in a nearby pond, or exploring our backyard. Not everyone understands the kinds of games we play but when you have had to entertain a 3 year-old with nothing more than a blown-up surgical glove for over 8 hours in a treatment room, well, you know that things get quite creative! BTW, we called that glove-soccer and often had our doc and nurses involved as well.

Ryan and I also love playing football in the backyard. Because of his desire to play tackle football, he and I often head out into the backyard, with its thick, soft St. Augustine grass, don our best athletic gear (sans pads and helmets), and engage in the epic battle of the sport. He loves to receive the ball, run down the “field” and avoid being tackled by his mom. His mom, on the other hand, is not as speedy as she used to be and is often the target of a 7-year old hurling himself at her through the air. We typically land to a fit of laughter.

We also enjoy lots of books, including the Magic Tree House series, Cam Jansen (but don’t tell anyone, since Cam is a girl!), Jigsaw Jones, The Zack Files, and Harry Potter. Ryan started reading the first Harry Potter book this summer and although it is a hard read for him, he keeps going…and in fact, loves to take it in the car with him.

Our favorite movie so far has to be Transformers. It is the first (and only) PG13 movie Ryan has ever seen. We did not get to see it on the big screen but have enjoyed it at home…a lot! I am not sure what it means to be a mom who can actually quote Optimus Prime….at least Ryan thinks I’m cool! Ryan is also a big fan of Star Wars, Madagascar, and That Thing You Do (a movie directed by Tom Hanks about a one-hit-wonder band called the Wonders….Ryan likes the drummer named Guy. He enjoyed watching the drum scenes so much that he has asked for a real drum set for Christmas…..I hope Santa also knows something about soundproofing since we have neighbors that live fairly close).

Other than time spent playing, being with friends and family, fishing, reading books, or watching movies, Ryan also loves to swing. He especially enjoys the swings on the front playground at Branch. He says it makes him feel like he is flying. When I sit and watch him do this, I can see the joy and wonder on is face as he literally rockets through the air. On occasion, he will jump off (at times, a bit too high for his mom’s liking) and for just a moment, I can tell by his expression, that he experiences what it must feel like to soar!

Erin, we love reading about you and your family, and the wonderful things that you do…your work to be a strong advocate for pediatric cancer issues (I don’t know many junior high students who actually get calls “just to chat” from their state representatives), your gourmet creations, your athletic accomplishments, your academic achievements…..but mostly, we just love to hear about you, well, being you. That bright, vibrant and incredibly special young woman who seems to have the ability to truly touch all whom she meets!

Erin, we send you best wishes and keep you in our hearts!

Will, Evelyn, Patrick, Dina, and Molly Lacey

2008-11-30T16:23:00.000-06:00

We have been following Erin's story for quite some time now. How long? That is a wonderful question and one that I could not answer as telling time isn't as easy as it used to be, for me anyway. In the 'old' days way back before I was married and had kids the passage of time was associated with where (and what grade) I was attending school.

Now?

I am 12+ years out of college and 11 years in the same job so that annual 'resetting' of the life clock hasn't happened and the past 12 years now fall into one of three general phases:

BM - (not to be confused with a bodily function) Before Marriage

AM - (not to be confused with the morning) After Marriage

AK - (I have no silly thing to say here) After Kids

Since our son Will was born in 2004 that means I could have been following your story for 4 years....or six months....since my feeble intellect is completely incapable of discerning the difference. In any event, it has been wonderful to get to 'know' your via your webpage and to also learn that Texans don't all ride horses, wear gun belts in public, can finish sentences without a 'YaaHOOOO', don't all have long handlebar mustaches, and are just as wonderful (if not more so) than people everywhere else.

You have singlehandedly debunked every thing about Texans that I had previously believed to be the absolute truth. (I don't know why I have intermingled Yosemite Sam and all of Texas but I'd like to blame to many cartoons as a youngster and not nearly enought travel outside of New England).

I love all of your stories and it is so wonderful to get to know you, your passion, your commitment, your personality, as well as your struggles. I managed to get past the age of 30 before I truly learned that life, in fact, is not fair. To see you dealing with adversity in such a mature and optimistic manner is a wonderful source of strength to me so I thank you for that.

Here is some useless information:

-Maybe it is just us but in our "AM" period our house had two coffee tables and four end tables. After kids?

We have one end table hidden in a corner and wedged behind a "Pack & Play"....that's it. Everything else (along with sleep) has vanished.

-I really do not enjoy, like, or use any sort of lotion or cream. I despise putting on sun block, chap stick, or any sort of lotion. Right now my lips are impossibly chapped and I have a cold. If I sneeze violently it results in a tear in my lips and bleeding. However, I still refuse to do anything about this. The only exception is sun block...I do it to avoid skin cancer (I am pale white, covered in freckles, and 'had' red hair). I do the sun block thing but it makes me feel terrible. I have no rational explanation for this.

-I never worse sunglasses, owned sunglasses, or believed in sunglasses. One day last year I was going to a Red Sox game after work with a colleague and he talked me into buying a pair since it was impossibly sunny that day. Ever since? I don't know how I survived without sunglasses. I wear them all the time and in fact I wore them today (I take a train and walk to work) and it was 15 degrees farenheit outside.

-I usually eat all of my sides with a meal before the main course and it drives my wife insane. Burger and fries? I eat the fries and then the burger. Steak, asparagus, and mashed potatoes? You guessed it...the steak comes last. I don't know why this is and I also do not understand why my wife gets so upset with me.

-My office is 64 degrees right now and I keep placing a winter hat on one hand in lieu of gloves to try and warm up my blue fingers

-I always brush my teeth in the morning...but not every night at bedtime. I need to practice better oral hygiene.

-Our dog Molly turns 7 in January and every time I wonder how old she is I have to remember what year I was married (Oct 2001) since I know Molly was born in January of the following year ('02)/

-I sometimes type faster than I think and this can and has resulted in horrible spelling errors (and using the absolute wrong words at times). I also hate to proofread so please forgive my lack of attention in this note. I always promise to try harder, but I never do.

-Don't be afraid to add pickles to any recipe....you'd be surprised what it can add.

-I like to cut up chicken breasts into bite size pieces and add them to a heated pan with sautéed onions. I cook the chicken in Italian dressing before adding pickles, mushrooms, and rice. I then add some hot sauce after placing a serving in my own dish since no one else in my house likes hot sauce.

-I always go a minimum of 3 weeks beyond the date than any reasonable person would go and get a haircut.

-I once boarded a plane to a foreign country for a week without a passport, any luggage, and seven dollars in my wallet.

-I don't like musicals, operas, or any sort of performance that uses dance or music to communicate. I'd rather light myself on fire than sit through the movie "Grease"....it is my wife's favorite movie.

-I love that my cable box has a built in DVR.....and I hate when there are programs in the DVR because I feel this intense pressure to quickly watch all of the programs. What is that all about? The whole point of DVR is to watch the shows when you want to but if there ever happens to be two episodes of the same program in the DVR I end up having a near mental breakdown. I've actually stayed up until 1am some nights simply to get 'caught up'. How absurd is that? I think I'll go home and throw my television in the trash because it really is not supposed to create stress nor lead to insomnia. I thought the electronic age was supposed to make life easier?

-I love the idea of the Erin Project

-I had precisely 2 classes in my college career before 10am...neither worked out well.

-Only 2 others before 11:15 am...by junior and senior year I had picked a major that allowed me to have all of my classes after 11:15am with no classes on Monday or Fridays. I also picked this major since there was no math requirement other than some absurd computer class (I had to switch out of Psychology as a major since statistics was a required course).

-I part my hair to the right....I tried the left once but it made my brain hurt. However, I'm thankful that (for now) parting my hair is still a requirement

-I once had a full leg cast on my right leg....it was green.

-I love to read, but I rarely find the time. I was on a summer vacation in NH with my family and I HATED the beach. While everyone was swimming I was moping around the house (I forget how old I was but I'm guessing 12) and I picked up a book. It was "Thinner" by Stephen King and I could not put it down and I was completely engrossed. I've loved reading ever since and would only pick up a book prior to that if I was forced to for school. I'm currently reading "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell. I enjoy his work...he makes my brain feel like someone is making it stretch and use muscles it rarely uses...which is nice. I also enjoy reading 'some' science fiction for this very same reason and that is probably why "The Stand" by Stephen King is my all time favorite sci-fi book. I also just finished reading "The Mayflower" by Nathaniel Philbrick for the second time....I really enjoyed reading about King Phillips war as it is a fascinating story that is never told. My other recent favorite was "Over the Edge of the World" about Magellan's circumnavigation of the globe...it was really quite mind boggling. I'd rather light myself on fire, or watch Grease, than get in a time machine to be a crew member on that voyage

-I wear glasses when I read in bed and when I sit at my desk

-I have a map of the United States and a map of Massachusetts on the wall in my office. In my first job here at this company from 1997 until 2000 I used to have to work on a technical support desk solving finance, business, software, and technical problems. Given my aforementioned schoolwork you may wonder how I got that job....I often wonder myself. In any event, it was a challenging job (in a good way) and it is also where I met my wife and when I would ponder a question I couldn't quite answer I'd look at a map. Something about looking at a map allowed me to focus on the problem while not focusing on the problem and eventually it would allow me to untangle the mystery and solve the problem. I've had my current job since the spring of 2000 and since I'm 8 years in this position those types of challenging problems are not something I face 25 times a day. However, I still haven't taken down those maps and I don't think I ever will since there are other problems in life that staring at a map can help you to sort out.

Sarah Klein

2008-11-30T16:19:00.000-06:00

My name is Sarah Klein. I'm 19 years old and I've lived in southeastern Wisconsin all my life, right along Lake Michigan. Here is a picture of my sister and I in front of Lake Michigan in Wisconsin. Its quite snowy here right now and we're going to get even more snow this week!! I also included a picture of my family's dog, Jasmine. She's an Australian Cattle Dog. The last picture is my sister, mom and I on the Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls in Canada. I thought Erin would enjoy this. Its funny because we were totally soaked after that boat ride!!

I found out about Erin from Christi Thomas's website but really started following her story when I got the link from Will's website.I love Erin's smile. She always seems so happy. I really love her red hair too! My dad has red hair so my mom was hoping my sister or I would have red hair but she wasn't so lucky! I love reading all the Erin stories. I also really loved Erin's halloween costume this year! :)

I currently go to UW Oshkosh and I'm a nursing major. I love cooking also. I first found out about Neuroblastoma when I was browsing an American Idol forum one day. Someone had a graphic about Christi Thomas in the signature. I was curious so I googled her name. All the stories have really touched my life. I actually try to donate blood when I can now. In my free time, I love listening to music and going to concerts when I can. I also love traveling and going on roadtrips. So much fun!

The Weberlings

2008-11-30T15:55:00.000-06:00

What a great opportunity to tell you how I feel about my friend Erin.

When I see you (usually up at TCH) you are a bright spot in my day. You are adorable and wonderful. The sound of your voice is sweetness and light. You make me just feel happy.

Becky and Wilson Wood

2008-11-30T15:45:00.000-06:00

When I was first about playing on your mom's soccer team, I was scared because I had not played in so long. But when I came out to the field to watch and saw your smiling face, I knew I could do it! I played all season and did not get hurt even one time.

I am sending a picture of my pets. Pinto Bean the Beauty Queen is from the pound and she was already old when I got her. Her pound name was Marilyn, but it did not quite fit. She was actually the grand marshall at Weinerfest! Cisco is 8 and a sweet dog. We love you!

Kathryn Rierson

2008-11-30T15:43:00.000-06:00

My name is Kathryn. I'm going to the University of Minnesota for school and I hope to be a special education teacher concentrating on mostly deaf kids. My reason? Because I am deaf. I use both speech and American Sign Language to communicate. I'm sending you the ASL alphabet just in case you were interested. I have six brothers and sisters so its pretty busy all the time at home. Recently my school broke a Guiness World Record of how many flu shots are given to people in one day. It was pretty cool to see eventhough I couldn't get one. I've had Guillain Barre Syndrome (when virus attacks the nervous system). Anyway, my school broke the record. And soon I am going to get tgus amazing video phone. I will be able to call people up easier. I am really excited. I know you are really busy with all your fun activities, but if you ever have a chance to write to me, I would love to hear from you!

Annabelle Hicks

2008-11-30T15:30:00.000-06:00

Beverly Evans McDonald

2008-11-30T15:16:00.000-06:00

Here's a good looking group, snapped in November 2000.

Left to right: Uncle Michael from Calfornia before he and Kim had a little girl of their own, Aunt Beck on the floor, Moo, Mom Vickie with Erin, and Aunt Beverly with Racehl at Aunt Beverly's house in Richardson, Texas.

I remember that Erin told us she was wearing a rubber dress because it could stretch! We also got to see Erin dance as the Sugar Plum Fairy, at dazzling speed. Mr. John asked her how to do a "plee," and she was too polite to tell him it was "plie."

We had a good visit, went down to the creek, and had a great time.

Clara and Marvin Moss

2008-11-30T15:15:00.000-06:00

This is Spooky with Erin.

Spooky came from wherever she was in our house the minute she was aware that Erin was visiting. Spooky loved Erin from the time she was an infant in her carrier (milk breath or whatever). We know that Spooky did love Erin & it lasted.

Julia Cook

2008-11-30T15:11:00.000-06:00

When I was four years old I moved to Leisure Lake and became Erin's neighbor. But before that time, when I was two years old, I was with my Dad visiting his friend Michael and was playing with his son Sam. Sam told me his friend Erin was coming to play also. This was the first time I met Erin when I was two. This picture was taken when we played together for the first time. Since that time we played together many times and have had a fun time. Erin I really hope you can get better soon and we can play again.

Dale Baum

2008-11-30T15:00:00.000-06:00

I’m already on your website. (In the History Department group photo I’m the guy in the sport jacket standing in the front row on the right side.) But I wanted to have a little space of my own. Thus, here is a photo of me standing near the precise spot in a modern apartment complex where a shell casing fired by a Japanese submarine landed (in what was then a farmer's field) in February 1942 during the Second World War.

The submarine was trying to hit the oil storage tanks in the old Goleta (or "Ellwood") Oil fields. Although only a pumphouse and catwalk at one oil well near the shoreline (about a half a mile away from the spot that I’m pointing to) were damaged, Japanese Captain Nishino Kozo radioed back to Tokyo that he had left the nearby city of Santa Barbara in flames! But no casualties were reported and the total cost of the damage was officially estimated at under $1,000. However, news of the shelling triggered a tremendous invasion scare along the entire West Coast.

When you and your parents visit California, I will show you the Ellwood Cliffs (now devoid of storage tanks and oil drilling rigs) and point out to you the spot in the ocean where the submarine surfaced. Today the cliffs and the beach which they overlook are quite beautiful and are protected by many well-organized environmental groups.

Everyday people walk their dogs on the trails leading from residential areas to the cliffs. Unleashed dogs often run up to me because they instinctively know just by looking at me that I am a "dog lover." Indeed, in all my trips to the cliffs, I have never once encountered an unfriendly dog. When I arrive at the ocean I always think of you. I hope our paths cross soon in the future. I will be so happy to to see you.

Jesse, Mary Ann, and Ed

2008-11-30T13:55:00.002-06:00

We love you Erin! You are an absolutely lovely person. I love your smiles filled with light and your sparkly eyes. I love how you find solutions to problems. You are smart, funny, and beautiful. I’m so glad you are a part of our lives.

You are a very good friend. Thanks for always being nice. You are very very kind.

Sending you love,

Mary Ann & Ed & Jesse

The DeAtleys

2008-11-30T12:09:00.000-06:00

Bryan Stockton

2008-11-30T09:15:00.000-06:00

The stories I have read on the blog or from talking to your Aunt Kat (I know her from church) describe a young lady full of life and trying so hard to just be a normal young girl. Your not normal your extraordinary . I have enjoyed reading about your soccer team and your trips to Moe Ranch.

Since you like dogs I have included a picture of my dog, Ringo. Ringo is mostly Cardigan Welsh Corgi with a mix of something else. Ringo won’t say but he appears to be ok with whatever the mix is. He does not play the drums but has propensity to run around in circles when he gets excited .. thus his name. One time he caught a baby possum in the back yard. He looked so proud with the possum in his mouth. A lot more fun than any chew toy I could purchase at Petsmart. I eventually got him to let the possum go and when I checked in the morning the possum had left. Ringo’s big adventure occurs whenever I have to leave town for a few days . He then gets to go to the doggie dude ranch in Sachse. Ringo has made friends with Lola the pot belly pig . I’m not sure Ringo knows what Lola is, but they have an understanding. Lola weighs somewhere around 200 lbs. He also enjoys chasing goats and making friends with the other dogs .

I’m looking forward to hearing about your next great adventure on your blog or from Aunt Kat.

The Kellstedts

2008-11-30T09:01:00.000-06:00

We wanted to take a few minutes to let you know that we've been thinking about you and praying for you (individually and as a family).

Some words that come to mind when we think about you are daring, brave, funny, infectious smile, spunky, positive, vocal soccer player, warm and cool. We love you and your family.

We thought you might like to know a few things about the Kellstedts that not everyone knows.

1. Elizabeth was 10 pounds (even) when she was born. She was a content baby who as long as she was well-fed would gaze adoringly at her big sister and dog Hoover.

2. Abigail was a not-so-cuddly baby who was walking at 9 months and pointing at things saying "Zhiss?" and "Zhatt?" We think she was saying, "What's this?" and "What's that?"

3. Deb had a unique summer job when she was 19 years old at Central Dupage Hospital in Chicago. She showed up there to work as a temporary worker (ask your parents what a temp. is) and was whisked into a locker room to put on scrubs including the shower cap, mask and foot coverings. She spent the summer as the secretary to the O.R. Her primary tasks included bringing donuts into the doctors' lounge, recharging the batteries for the on-call beepers and destroying flies that made it into the O.R.

4. Paul spent several summers during college working as a painter. His main gig was traveling around the Midwest painting Denny's restaurants. Name a small town in Wisconsin or Missouri or Illinois, and he probably painted the Denny's there. His specialty was painting the pole that said "Dennys-Always Open."

We hope to see you soon, Erin!

Susan McGrail

2008-11-29T15:18:00.000-06:00

I've visiting adopted family in Aros, Norway. I had hoped to send a photo of me making a snow angel==one of my fondest memories of growing up in New England and NW Pennsylvania. It's a real art to not deface the snow angel when removing your body from the snow. Well, it hasn't snowed yet, so that wasn't possible.

We celebrated Thanksgiving several times last weekend, the most satisfying celebration being one for thirty English speaking friends of the Hagens, from eight to nearly eighty years in age. I have a picture for you, we're toasting Erin. However, I cannot download it to their computer. So this lurker will send it when I return to wonderful warm TX where I don't have to wear several (read: five) layers of clothing to stay warm.

Erin is so graceful. I remember the comfortable feeling that enveloped me when I took a snapshop of Vickie and Erin reclining together in a chair in Guest Lodge at Mo.

Steven Kochevar

2008-11-29T15:10:00.001-06:00

I heard about Erin’s Project from my mom and wanted to submit the
attached pictures. They are of me with my improv comedy group: they were
cooperative for the first shot, but they are all very high-strung,
theatrical people so things got a little hairy on the second one.

I also wanted to wish ya’ll a very happy holiday season. I was in
Massachusetts with my parents for Thanksgiving, and then we went to New
York to stay with Chris for a few days. I’ve got one more week of
classes until Winter Break and after that I’ve got one more semester of
college until I graduate. After graduation, I’ll be working in New York
at Goldman Sachs, a bank, actually a bank holding company, assuming it
still exists.

The names of the people in the pictures are (from left to right in the
not-crazy one) O'Hagan Blades, Charlie Croom, Gabe Seidman, Nell
Klugman, Lindsay Schare, Sam Lasman, John Yates, Alex Klein, Me, and
Brandon Berger. They all say hi. Together we’re called The Viola
Question. We do improv shows all throughout the year, both on and off
Yale’s campus, and we go on tour twice a year. The closest we’ve ever
gotten to Texas is Tulsa, Oklahoma, where we went my freshman year. I
have a lot of fun with the VQ, and some of my best friends at school are
in the group with me.

I really hope we get to see ya’ll this winter when we’re down in Texas.
Maybe we can set off some fireworks at New Year’s. I have many fond
memories of doing that when Erin was very young. I especially remember
when Davis attempted to simultaneously ignite as many Bees as possible.
I remember showers of sparks raining down on the parked minivans, looks
of concern on adult faces, and pure delight in Davis’ eyes. If we do end
up celebrating this New Year’s with pyrotechnics, I promise to do my
best to burn down as many houses as possible using only Bees.

I hope these pictures are worthy additions to the collection. I miss
ya’ll a lot and hope to catch up soon. Happy Belated Turkey Day!

Nicholas Borski

2008-11-29T15:08:00.000-06:00

Dinny and Brian Linn

2008-11-29T14:59:00.001-06:00

Aloha Erin

My favorite Erin story is from almost six years back when you first
got a sensible haircut (like mine).  I asked you if you'd like a story
and we wound up reading together.  I know we did the The Hobbit,
Grimm's Fairy Tales, Tintin, Momotaro, and Sherlock Holmes and several
others.  A lot of these stories were pretty scary for a five year old--
like when Bilbo meets Gollum in the dark or when he goes down the
tunnel and talks to Smaug the Dragon.  But you were always very brave
and insisted we push on and find out what would happen.  After a
while, we were reading 'grown up books' and you had learned quite a
lot about the crime, detectives, witches, goblins, thieves, and other
creatures.  Even though continue to think you were really Holmes (and
not Watson), I have to say that  reading to you was one of the best
things I have ever done.  Thank you for letting me share your life.


Here's another story:

When we started Sherlock Holmes and in the first page Watson goes into
an opium den to find a missing husband.  I had already read it before I
realized I should have changed it to a more kid-friendly scene.  Erin
says, "what's an opium den?"  I say, "its a place where people go to
smoke opium."  Erin, "Oh, what is opium."  Me, "It is a drug that they
used to give people for pain."  Erin, very matter of fact, "Then I have
probably had it.  Go on."  She never lets minor stuff get in her way.

UPDATE:


What do you think of our "new look"?   Hairstyles are different here
in Singapore, but as you can see we are making a big effort to fit
in. Brian needs to get out in the sun a bit more. You would think our
daily time in the pool at the University would brown him up a bit.

We are having a good time here, and though we look pretty lean, we
are eating all kinds of different foods.  We just got back from
Vietnam, and I admit we were a little picky there.  No weasel, snake,
boar, not even a snake-fish did we order.  Actually there wasn't too
much ordering, just grabbing what we could from the breakfast buffet,
sharing a 12-hour ride on our bus withh fourteen undergraduate
students, their teacher, and a Vietnamese guide, who had arranged for
the "boxed lunch" we devoured somewhere in the middle.  The local
ideas of "sandwich" changed as we got further and further from the
cities. Always interesting, and since we were starving, fairly
edible.  But it was fascinating, going through one tiny village after
another.  Shacks of various kinds, many with a satellite dish
attached.  At night, we could see into the big front room, and nearly
always the TV set provided the only light inside. Behind that front
room, they had one sleeping room, a tiny kitchen, and a bathroom of
sorts. The kids go to school in the morning, or in the afternoon. Not
enough teachers for a full day.  During the off times, they play in
or near the river, or help at home, driving a few cows up or down the
dusty road, feeding chickens while their parents work in the rice
paddies, or ride up and down the dusty, winding road on one of the
millions of motorbikes that cover Vietnam likes fleas on a dog--not
Teddy but some flea-bitten dog.

We are missing Clio, and sometimes the comforts of home. We miss you,
and hope you are feeling better now.  We hope you are catching all
the good wishes, warm thoughts, and love that we are beaming your way
across this amazing planet we call home.

Beth Sullivan

2008-11-29T14:57:00.001-06:00

I found Erin via another NB webpage (Will I think?). I follow some NB kids since a friend lost their son to the monster. Erin just lights up my screen. Honestly there is something VERY special about your girl. She reminds me of my daughter Abby. We have two daughters (Katie-13, Abby-11) and a son (John-4), who’s from Guatemala and is a real hoot. Erin’s love for soccer and her cute little freckle face are just like Ab! Something about that girl just warms my heart. Abby plays for a top soccer team here in Massachusetts (we live in Orleans, MA on Cape Cod) and I love to hear about Erin’s exploits on (and off) the field.

I have attached a picture of the kids (since I am a chubby, middle aged Mom who doesn’t have many pictures that I am willing to share)!

Sorry for the rambling. I didn’t know really what to say, but wanted you to know that I check in on Erin often and can say that she’s the cutest kid in Texas!!

Chris Kochevar

2008-11-29T14:45:00.000-06:00

One of these is a picture of our kittens, Hustle and Flo. It was taken about a year ago, when they were still cute. They are still generally cute, just a little bigger and fatter now.

The second picture is me with Hustle in my shirtsleeve. This was also last year, because now she would not fit.

The third picture is me and my boyfriend, Gene. I'm not sure when this was taken, but it was the most normal-looking picture I could find of us.

The last picture is the most recent. It's what happened when we tried to all get together for a "family" picture. Gene is holding cat-treats to try and make Hustle sit down with us for a picture. Clearly, Hustle is too fat and ravenous to pay any attention to the camera, and we had to give up. We will try again soon.

Memories of Erin:

I met Erin very early on in her life, but my clearest memories are from when we were both a little older. Since our families would get together every few months for Mexican food or New Year's parties, I watched Erin grow up in stages. Before I realized it, the happy baby that I first met had become a sweet and attentive young person dealing with a bigger challenge than I had ever faced. While we may not have said a lot to each other over the years, I thought about her often and I still do. The stories on "Erin's Home" show that her sweetness, brightness, and sense of humor have not changed since we last lived near each other.

Good luck with everything. I will be reading your blog every day. My family's thoughts and prayers are with you.

Texas Aggie Soccer Team

2008-11-29T14:43:00.001-06:00

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