Kristi, Jon, Eva, and Jack

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jennifer Lehmann

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

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

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

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

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

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.