Upcoming Benefit

We hope you will all be able to join us this Saturday for our benefit for the Lewis Family!

WHEN:  October 26th from 11 - 2
WHERE: Briargrove Park (2301 Seagler Road, Houston, Texas 77042)
WHY:  To support the Lewis family---surround them with love and help ease some of their financial burdens
ACTIVITIES:  Fall carnival for the kids with pony rides, carnival games, face painting, bounce house, and prizes; family photo sessions
FOOD: There will be food trucks available to purchase food; you can also purchase snow cones and baked goods
ATTIRE:  Kids can wear their Halloween costumes and we hope that adults will wear their Team William shirts!
SILENT AUCTION:  Lots of wonderful auction items!  Some items include:  Signed JJ Watts football; Gift cards to Starbucks, Top Golf and Williams Sonoma; Matilda Jane clothes; Jewelry; Texan Tickets; Photography Sessions; Personal Training Sessions; Birthday Parties and so much more....

We hope that you can come (even it's just for a little while) and support William and his family!!  Looking forward to seeing you all there!!

A Break from the Reality....

Message from William: 

Finally, I get some relaxation.  Maybe that’s not the right word, but I finished radiation on Monday, September 30, 2013, and my last dose of the first round of chemo was Saturday 28th, so I am finally getting back to acting as if things are normal.  And to some extent, they are.  I don’t have to go to radiation, so I can get back to more regular work hours.  I don’t have to take chemo, so I don’t have to keep a consistent bedtime, and I don’t have those treatments staring me in the face all the time anymore, so I don’t have a constant reminder telling me, “Don’t forget!  You’ve got cancer!” 

I don’t know what this break in treatment means physically, obviously, since I don’t have a scan until the end of the month, but mentally, it’s so much relief.  I’m sure there are people reading who have already heard me say this, but I can’t explain how much it means to me.  I did it.  I got through.  I beat the treatment, so now it’s up to the medicine to do its job.  My part is done for now. 

I had seen the bell on the wall in the waiting room at the radiation center, but I didn’t really understand what the big deal was.  It’s a bell.  We’ve all seen bells.  We’ve all heard bells.  It’s not Christmas yet.  What’s all the hubbub about?  And then it starts to make sense.  Everyone gathered around, including the doctor and the tech, and they make you realize that it is an accomplishment.  I rang it twice and shared the third with Abigail.  I hope she remembers doing it with me, and she probably will, because she forgets NOTHING. 

Yes, you just lay there every day for a few minutes on the table during radiation every day, but anyone familiar with the process knows it takes a toll.  Consider that race finished, and I couldn’t be happier. 

I know it’s a long road, and I know this is only six weeks, but each step is a big one, and this is the first of many.  Thank you for reading and praying and doing all the things you do. 

Specific prayers: 

1.     That the treatment worked and does as much good as possible. 

2.     That the months go by quickly so that I can get back on the road. 

3.     Prayers that the October 29th MRI will show no new tumor growth.   

Message from Eda:
 

This weekend William and several Team William supporters showed up to walk the Head for the Cure 5K.  God’s grace rained down on us literally!  We enjoyed this walk to raise money for brain cancer research.  Although it is thousands of times smaller than the Susan Komen walk for breast cancer awareness, we were all there mighty in spirit showing William that we are behind him to beat this!  William received a keeping the “faith” award and was presented with a glass trophy that had the word “faith" inscribed in it.  These words move us in so many ways.  Faith to believe we can do this and faith to believe God will guide our family on this journey walking with us every step of the way.  Thank you to all those who came out and walked or rather “danced in the rain” and showed their support!  We continue to be blessed by so many who are willing to offer help in all kinds of ways!  Thank you to each and every one of you!

Specific Prayers: 

1.     As William celebrates his 34^th birthday this week, I pray that he has countless blessings this year!  (Birthday is Thursday October 17) 

2.     I pray that William continues to “Keep the Faith” and stay strong for his family and when he can’t, that I am there to pick him back up. 

3.     Pray that we all stay healthy during the beginning of cold and flu season.

4.     Prayers for a great turnout for the benefit so William will know how much support and rallying he has behind him to beat this!

Ringing the Bell

William and his Girls!

Family Photo

William and his radiation MD - Dr. Bloome

Go William - thanks Charlotte for the banner!

Team William Before the Head for the Cure Walk

William Pushing His Girls

William and His Neuro-Oncologist Dr. Gilbert

Keeping the Faith Award

Remember Benefit October 26, 2013 

 

Shirts

Just a reminder that Thursday is the last day to order shirts before the benefit!  We can't wait to wear our shirts and support the Lewis Family on October 26th!

Strength in Numbers

I remember waiting to hear the news about what the neurologist said at that initial appointment.  They were headaches that were most likely migraines and nothing to worry about. Whew, a sigh of relief.  Then days later- a panicked phone call from one of my best friend’s in the whole world – you know, the kind of friend that feels like a sister. The kind of friend that you love so much – the kind of friend that her pain is your pain.  I remember Eda telling me that William’s MRA preliminary results had come in and that they were sending him straight to the ER to be admitted. I had this pit in my stomach – and there our journey began. 

It has been one of the hardest things to watch Eda and William fight this battle. They did not choose cancer...it chose them.  I have been blown away by the amazing strength, courage , composure, grace, hope and faith that they have demonstrated thus far in their fight against brain cancer.  Anyone that knows this beautiful family knows how great they are. They are blessings to all that know them, and their two girls are the the most precious dolls!! 

So many thoughts went through my head the first month while we were all adjusting to this diagnosis. One of the first things that came to mind was the importance of  capturing the moment.  To capture the big things, the small things, and all the things in between that we might take for granted. To take photographs and make hard copies of memories.  To live fully and love deeply - the right here, right now. This was their new story. Not the one they wanted nor chose, but the hand they were dealt.

I could think of no better way to capture the moment than to send an email  to the most amazing photographer I know, Shalonda Chaddock, asking for a favor.  I stumbled across Shalonda, photographer behind Chubby Cheek Photography, years ago and she immediately stole our heart.  She is one of those unique individuals that just has a glow and sense of warmth about her. I am serious. She just radiates energy and happiness and has this larger than life personality. Not only that but she’s just one of those people that always go above and beyond and inspires.  Her pictures say it all without any words.  Her pictures are the kind that capture relationships - every essence of the joy, love, laughter, and intimacy shared between families. Her pictures are absolutely beautiful treasures that capture the heart and soul of her client. They show love. They tell stories.  Not only is she oh so talented behind the camera, but she also has a heart of gold, and her reply to me came as no surprise. It read something along the lines of … Honestly I didn’t even have to read your entire email because I didn’t need to, but I will tell you that I am more than willing to do a free mini session.   She has a total servant’s heart of gold and such a incredible act of kindess for a total stranger.  I wanted to share with all of you these amazing pictures that so beautifully capture the love  shared between this special family.  These pictures tell a story of love but also in their eyes, I can see hope, faith, courage, tenacity, and perseverance. It’s everything they are fighting for---their family!

Be sure sure to check out her website at www.chubbycheekphotography.com!!

I have been amazed at the outpouring of kindness, compassion, and support for William and Eda. Team William is a dream team.  I can tell you that the overwhelming support that has poured in has indeed lifted them up...even in their darkest moments. There is something true about strength in numbers. You can feel it. We are stronger together, and it has been humbling and exciting all at the same time to see family, friends, and even total strangers band together.  Here is a quote that is close to my heart. Margaret Mead wrote, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world.”  While I don’t know if that is totally true, I do know that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change individual lives in the world. Thank you for loving my dear friend and being such an important part of our growing group, Team William, to  mobilize support for William and Eda. We can make a difference in their lives and unite with them as they hold strong to hope, show unwaivering faith and patience, and continue to gain strength in their fight against cancer.

Don’t forget to come out to our great benefit on October 26^th!! We are going to literally surround William and Eda and their girls with so much love on this day and along the way, are going to raise some funds that will help cover their mounting medical costs. Spread the word! Hope to see you all there!

Love, Charlotte Eccles