Kassidy's Journal

August 28, 2008

Sorry it has been so long since we updated. We have been trying to stay busy, we have to....we miss Kassidy so much!

We thought the grief would be easier now, but it seems to be harder to cope. We went through the shock of her losing her battle and it was hard to believe what had happened. Now the shock has worn off and we KNOW that it is real. We had milestones to get to before, like her first birthday without her, the first Christmas, and the first anniversary of her heavenly birthday. Now we have reached the year mark and we dont have any milestones to reach. Now the pain of her being gone is even more real. We can fo places that we have been with Kassidy and have those happy memories come back.

It's sad but we can smile also. We thought going to new places would be better but we learned the hard way that it's not. We went to Cedar Point in Ohio for a weekend trip. We were standing in line and there were two girls behind us about 15-16 years old. They had long blonde hair and were playing with each others hair putting it up in ponytails.

They were sisters...even now it makes me cry because we just looked at each other and I know we were all thinking that that's what Kassidy and Courtney would be doing if Kass were here. So, even the new things hurt. Just the smallest things make us remember Kassidy, like the smell of chocolate, songs on the radio, watching her favorite TV shows, the kids going back to school, every day that we walk into gymnastics...it never ends. We know time heals and it becomes easier but it will never be the same.

Unless you have lost a child yourself, you cannot understand real grief. You can lose a parent and it's hard.

But God does not program us to lose a child. God knows what it is like to lose a son. He is al loving and caring but he grieved when Jesus died on the cross for us. When a spouse dies, the other person is called a widow. What do you call a parent when they lose a child?? There is no word in the English language that describes that....because children should not die first.

....Courtney has started back to school. She is in the 7th grade. I can't believe how much she has grown and what a young lady she is becoming. It's hard to believe that she will be in High School next year. Where does the time go?

She is still doing gymnastics and will compete this year as a Level 8 gymnast. I know she is healing with time as well.

She talks more about Kassidy with the other girls at gymnastics. This summer when she went to camp she met a little girl from Northern VA who had Alapecia (she did not have any hair). She was bald and looked like Kassidy did after she lost her hair. Courtney took right to her and one night went to her cabin and talked with her and her teammates. When she got back she said that she had told them about Kassidy. This was a first for Courtney and we feel like this was a huge step to her healing. She talks alot about Kassidy and her memories of things they did together.

She is reading a book that was given to us "90 Minutes in Heaven". She reads a little bit at a time but she takes it everywhere with her..even to school. At night sometimes she will read to me in bed. What a great book and it gives Courtney some peace and is healing for her and for me!

We finally have the memorial garden just like we want it.

We have put landscaping lights in it and at night it is absolutely beautiful. I hope any one that can will come back and take a look. Our final piece for the garden we have to order. We are getting a bench with Kassidys name made into the back of it. Then it will be perfect for a beautiful angel!

In closing, we will continue to update her website. We thank everyone for continuing to check in. We hope that her website will be inspirational to those that visit.

Remember to hug your kids tighter, tell everyone you love them. We all need to realize that our children do not belong to us, they are gifts from God that he expects us to take care of for him while they are here on Earth. Life cannot be taken for granted. Each day is a gift to be used as preparation for what comes next.....Eternity

God Bless Everyone!

June23, 2008

One year.....we can't believe that's it's been almost a year since Kassidy was healed and went to live with Jesus. Many moments were filled with worry, anger, frustration and grief. You don't know absolute helplessness until you have seen your innocent child withering away in a hospital bed....knowing that nothing, no person, no technology, no amount of money or power can keep her alive. No matter what the future held, we made the most of each day we had with her. We made many memories laughing, goofing off and just being near the amazing child that we would come to call our hero and "our champion".

We believe that while this illness could have destroyed a family, and many families are broken after losing a child, it also had the potential to strengthen a family. Our family is emotionally closer. We no longer take things for granted. We see the value in living every day to the fullest.

Now learning to live after the loss of a child, we feel we have learned a tremendous amount about life. You can learn more about what's really important in life in a few short months on a pediatric cancer ward than most people will learn in a lifetime. Don't sweat the small stuff. Parents get upset for some of the smallest and silliest things. Their child gets a stain on their good shirt--SO...it's just a shirt. At least they were able to eat, drink, play or whatever it was that created the stain. Kids are kids...let them be kids...play, have fun, slow down and really interact with your kids. Laundry and house cleaning can usually wait a few hours while you spend some quality time with your children. There are so many things that we used to think were such a big deal, but now seem so small in the big picture of life. Most important is to hug your kids a little tighter, hug your spouse, parent, nieces, nephews, cousins,etc. Tell them you love them. You never know what might happen that you wont get that chance again.

Our family experience with childhood cancer has made us survivors. We have lived through it and learned from it. It has strengthened us in who we are individually and as a family. As we reflect on this life changing experience it seems like only yesterday though it has been almost a year. We've met many people along the way that will remain in our lives forever. Because of those strangers, friends, and our family we have survived. And for that support we will forever be grateful.

Your laughter and your smiling face

That twinkle in your eye

Your sassy little attitude

And the clothes you loved to buy!

The jewelry and all the bling

The make-up and gymnastics

You were growing up so fast

We always called you "plastic".

Computer,cell phone and AIM

Never anywhere without them

Talking with friends, having fun

and being silly at the gym.

Beautiful on the inside and out

God called you to live in Heaven

You changed the world with the heart you had

And forever we will keep BELIEVING!!

Keep Believing...Kassidy did!!

April 13, 2008

The 7th grade class at Check Elementary School dedicated this years Yearbook to Kassidy. We went to the yearbook assembly and they presented the first yearbook to Danny, Tammy and Courtney. On the back cover is a picture of the pink balloons at the release they had at the school. The other picture is of Kassidy's classmates sitting in the grass in the shape of a ribbon. This was beautiful! Then you turn 2 pages into the yearbook to a two page layout of PINK!! One side is pictures with Kassidy Forever In Our Hearts written in a big heart. Also on this page Courtney wrote a note that said "Kassidy Foster is my sister. She was the greatest sister in the world. I am sure she was a very good friend. I know she is with me and my family too. She is with you guys too! Kassidy will stay in my heart forever and ever. I Love You Kassidy!" On the opposite page is the dedication page written by Kayla Underwood...the friend that spoke at Kassidy's memorial service and funeral. I know this is kinda long but I wanted to put down what she wrote. We had a chance to preview this before the yearbooks were printed. We didn't change anything because I know this came straight from the heart and that's what matters. So here is the dedication:

What does it take to be a champion? Will, determination, talent, drive, kindness? It is rare to find all these qualities in one person. Our community was blessed to be in the presence of a true champion: Kassidy Jordan Foster.

Kassidy was a 12 year old girl, an active gymnast, honor student, loving daughter, and kind friend. Kassidy aspired to be a great friend, to be understanding and trustworthy, to be kind and not argue, Kassidy wanted to be the bigger person in everything she did. Little did Kassidy know, or any of us know, what was in store for her.

In January 2007, while training in gymnastics, she fell and hurt her knee. Kassidy had been sick over the past few months and gymnastics injuries were nothing new, but her knee would not heal. Kassidy's parents, Danny and Tammy, and her sister Courtney took her to the doctor at the end of March.

They finally found out that she had osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. Kassidy and her family were scared, but optimistic, their strength came from Kassidy, and she knew whatever happened she was going to be happy. She had thousands of people all over the world supporting her. Check Elementary and the whole county of Floyd supported Kassidy and two little boys with brain cancer named Chance and Joshua, through fundraisers and the website www.samefight.org. We had t-shirts, bracelets, held bake sales, walks and more. While we were supporting them they were strong and fought, keeping Floyd strong and bringing the community together.

For four months Kassidy fought, she braved a leg amputation and chemotherapy, a fight only a true champion can win. At the beginning of July she went to California on a "Make-A-Wish" trip to shop at a four story mall. She told her daddy it was the best day of her life. On the flight back home Kassidy started to have difficulty breathing. The day she returned home they put her in the hospital. The doctors said she had only a short time, Kassidy's lung had collapsed and the other one was beginning to deflate. She fought, with her family by her side, until her last breath. On July 16, 2007 at 8:35 she passed away. Kassidy kept fighting until the time was right.

Everyone has a purpose and I think Kassidy's was to show people how strong you can really be. To take a look at what you have and be thankful for it. Kassidy was my best friend, a hero and a CHAMPION! Kassidy will never be forgotten and we will always miss her!

At the end of the assembly they did a slide show and in it was some pictures in memory of Kassidy. I'm glad that Kassidy had such an impact on these kids! It was amazing to see the kids with KJ written on their faces and they were wearing their shirts made to support her during her fight! I only hope that they remember the strength and courage that she had and hold on to that when they go through lifes struggles.

Please continue to check in as we will be updating some things coming up.....like Danny will be speaking at the 7th grade recognition service on the 23rd. We continue to do things in her memory and still read the well wishes and guestbook and want to thank everyone for keeping us in their thoughts and prayers. Please continue to do so as we are coming up on the year anniversary of Kassidy going to heaven. What a celebration she will be having on her first birthday in Heaven!!

April 13, 2008

It's been several updates since I have posted. Tammy has done the past several updates so I ask her if I could post something this time. I have sat down in front of this computer many times during the past several weeks with the intentions of posting something, but I really had a hard time.

I still find it hard to believe all that has happened. It is amazing the way Kassidy's fight is still on people’s hearts. So many things have happened since July 16th 2007. There have been blood drives in Kassidy's honor and memory. A scholarship from Fredricksburg, VA, Paragon Gymnastics has established to remember Kassidy. John Macready and John Rothlisberger... 2 former Olympians have started the Kassidy Foster Memorial Scholarship at Flipfest (a 9 week camp). We also learned during one of Courtney's meets in Knoxville, TN (Flipfest) that a gym from North Carolina started a "penny's for Kassidy fundraiser" and they raised enough money to have 2 scholarships at Flipfest in Kassidy's memory. www.flipfest.com (search Kassidy Foster Memorial scholarship). Kassidy and Courtney's home gym in Christiansburg, VA (www.vatechniques.com) held Kassidy’s Rock Star Invitational and the State of VA board, called VAUSG, they regulate all of the gymnastics teams in VA, chose Kassidy to receive the Spirit Award. She was the VA Gymnastics "Athlete of the year in 2007". Her coach said it took all of 5 seconds for the board to pass that vote to honor Kassidy.

Kassidy started her tough journey to heaven on March 29th and through it all my family stayed the course and kept our focus on GOD and you are right it was very hard to do that at times. A major crisis hit my family last year, losing a son or a daughter at such a young age is the pinnacle of all crisis..... nothing else compares. I lost my mother to cancer in 2001 and thru it all the enemy would throw all kinds of bad news and he would use it to push us away from GOD. Kassidy knew she was not going to win the battle on earth but the comfort that GOD gave her was true. She faced knowing she was going to die head on and never lost her sight on Jesus. He showed her a glimpse of heaven and she was not scared to die. The same spirit that comforted Kassidy and us is the same spirit that comforted Jesus Christ on the cross. The enemy kept hitting us but he did not prevail.... GOD in us did and that is how we keep going. I recently met a new friend and he had lost his father and we were talking and he gave me a very powerful word that no one else had. He told me that he believed that GOD will use certain people to carry out his work in the form of angels. He said since Kassidy faced death the way she did and won that she will go to people who are facing the same thing she went thru. She will comfort them in her way and tell them I have done this GOD will take care of you.

It is amazing the way GOD is using children to draw the unbelievers to him. I saw on TV where over 80,000 people where saved in Russia because of a teenage girl. GOD used my daughter the same way and for that I know I will get to see her again. Tammy told me she had a dream. She dreamed that Courtney ,Tammy and myself were at an amusement park and I told Courtney to go back to the park and get me something. Tammy said she got scared Courtney would get lost so we started looking for her. Tammy dreamed she was looking for Courtney and was very upset and Kassidy came out of the crowd and hugged her, she said she could feel Kassidy squeezing her and then she woke up. Tammy said that is Kassidy's way of telling her she is ok.

We are doing ok. I can honestly tell you that GOD's grace and comfort to us is real and so is he. Kassidy knew more about GOD than some people do in a lifetime. She was my daughter and I feel she died before her time. I always wonder what she would be like now she would be 13, but GOD'S time is always right. We have an "On Time GOD". Keep GOD the center of your life.... and remember you are one step away from your miracle and be ready to take that step. The love of GOD is like the ocean....you can see the beginning but not the end.

I ask you to come back to this site and read our updates from last year. Take care. Thanks for your prayer and support you have given us and "Keep Believing.....Kassidy did.

March 8, 2008

Hello to everyone! I know it has been several months since we updated but so much has been going on. We are keeping busy with Courtney's gymnastics meets and various functions in Kassidy's memory. First we would like to tell everyone about the blood drive that was held in Rocky Mount in Kassidy's honor and memory. We had 54 donors that day...16 of those were first time donors!! That was wonderful!! We are still planning to do another blood drive this spring/summer in Christiansburg as well and hope to get an even better response to that one. We also had a meet at our gymnastics facility called "Kassidy's Rock Star Invitational". They gave special awards to each level gymnast that had the highest event score. For the Level 7 Courtney won the award which was a plaque and it was called the Kassidy Foster Rock Star Award. This was special to Courtney. Courtney also had her highest overall score of the year at this meet...that was a fitting tribute to Kassidy!! Check out the news article about the meet at http://www.roanoke.com/news/nrv/wb/149508.

We have also traveled recently to Atlanta,GA and Columbus,OH for meets there as well. So we have been very busy and on the go lately. At the Kassidy meet the parents presented us with a picture that was drawn by an artist. It touched us that the parents would do this and it is a very special picture to us. It is 16X20 and is a drawing of Jesus hugging Kassidy. You can even see the nail marks in Jesus' hand. They both are looking towards you and there is a look on Kassidy's face that makes you think that she is saying " I miss you all but I wouldn't be anywhere else". It's a look of contentment and peacefulness. We will try to get a copy to put on this site. Also please check out www.kassidyspage.com to see the video of Kassidy doing her gymnastics routines. We will try to update again soon and add some pictures. Continue to pray for all those that continue their fight.

January 9, 2008

We just wanted to let everyone know about the upcoming events we have planned in Kassidy's memory. On Jan 29th, at Faith Fellowship Church in Rocky Mount we are holding a blood drive. It will be from 12p-6p. You can call the church to sign up 334-3477. We are trying to raise awareness about how much blood a cancer patient actually needs during treatments. And to increase the donations in the state of Virginia (which is the lowest state in blood donation). If you are able to, please think about coming out and giving. Also on Feb 3, Virginia Techniques Gymnastics is holding the Kassidy RockStar Invtational meet. There will be more information on this coming soon and I will update as soon as times become available.

We managed to get through the holidays, and we are doing OK. We held the balloon release for Kassidy's 13th birthday in December. We had a good turn out and everyone came back to the house for refreshments. The tombstone is a beautiful tribute to Kassidy. With friends and family we gathered and remembered the happy times with Kassidy. This was a good day for everyone. Then Christmas came.....we did OK. We remembered Kassidy in the gifts that we gave...lots of Angel gifts this year! We want everyone to remember that she is with us all the time...right in our hearts! We kept our chins up through the new year and are looking forward to 2008. We will never forget Kassidy...she is always with us...even though we are doing better I guess we will always have those moments that cause an emotional break down and shed the tears. I don't think that will ever go away! But we have many happy memories also and not a day goes by that I don't think of something she said or did and it makes me smile. So right now it's still a little bit of an emotional roller coaster and I'm sure it will be that way for awhile longer.

Here is the lyrics to one of my favorite songs right now. Because God is the almighty one and we have to keep praising his name so that one day we will be reunited with Kassidy.

God Bless You All...We Love You

Keep Singing

Another rainy day
I can't recall having sunshine on my face
All I feel is pain
All I wanna do is walk out of this place
But when I am stuck and I can't move
When I don't know what I should do
When I wonder if I'll ever make it through

I gotta keep singing
I gotta keep praising Your name
Your the one that's keeping my heart beating
I gotta keep singing
I gotta keep praising Your name
That's the only way that I'll find healing

Can I climb up in Your lap
I don't wanna leave
Jesus sing over me
I gotta keep singing

Can I climb up in Your lap
I don't wanna leave
Jesus sing over me
I gotta keep singing

Oh You're everything I need
And I gotta keep singing

December 16, 2007

We are still going to be doing the balloon release at Wilson Cemetery today to celebrate Kassidy's 13th birthday. Anyone that wants to attend is welcome. The ice here is melting rapidly but I know the wind is going to be getting up later. We will release the balloons at the cemetery but will not stay too long due to the temperature and wind. Kassidy's tombstone is set and is our tribute to her. We welcome everyone to stop and take a look at it. Also we have a memorial garden in our front yard and we welcome anyone that wants to stop and look at that as well. This spring it will be prettier as all the plants will bloom...of course all are pink!!

Yesterday we attended the Christmas Gathering for the gymnastics team. We love to attend these events with our gymnastics families that have given us so much support. But at the same time, this is one of the saddest times for us as well. We have always attended these with both Kassidy and Courtney and these are the times that we have to face the reality of a family of three now. Courtney had a good time visiting with all of her friends! Also the booster club is giving a Kassidy Foster Memorial Scholarship award. The coaches nominate 5 girls and they have to write an essay about being a team, being caring and giving, overcoming obstacles and what gymnastics means to them. These were given to the scholarship committee as an anonymous essay and they were voted on. They presented the award yesterday as well. The recipient was Colleen Shang which is a level 10 gymnast. It was a good essay and made me cry. Congratulations to Colleen!!

We know that the days ahead are going to be tough but we will be alright with Gods help and grace. We will make this the best Christmas we can for Courtney's sake and the rest of the family. We have our Kassidy angel ornament at the top of our tree and she will always be with us. Even though she is not here in body she will be with us at Christmas and every day because she will always be in our hearts!!

I hope that every one slows down and enjoys the time that they have to spend with all their relatives and friends!

I hope that everyone has a very Merry Christmas and God Bless you all!

December 16, 2007

I hope that every one slows down and enjoys the time that they have to spend with all their relatives and friends!

I hope that everyone has a very Merry Christmas and God Bless you all!

November 21, 2007

On Nov.17th, Tammy Courtney and I went to Fredricksburg, VA to visit Paragon Gymnastics. As you may remember from a previous update, the last time Kassidy competed there, she won 1st place on vault in her age group. Paragon has been so supportive, along with many other gymnastics clubs, they gave out the 1st Kassidy trophy that was awarded to the gymnast that won 1st place on vault, a young lady from Richmond Olympiad won the trophy. They awarded us with a plaque that says "presented to the Foster Family......2007 Commonwealth Cup Level 7 Vault Champion Award is dedicated in memory of KASSIDY FOSTER"--- "walking in the footsteps of a Champion... in our sport and in our hearts".

That trophy will be presented to to the level 7 champion from Paragon as long as they have that meet at their gym.

On November 18th we went to the Hotel Roanoke where the Old Dominion Eye Foundation has a Christmas tree ever year. All the families of loved ones who donated some of their organs are invited to hang an ornament in honor of their loved one on the tree. We framed a close up picture of Kassidy that showed her beautiful blue eyes, that is what we had donated. One set of her corneas went to Manassas, VA and the other went to Sacramento, California.

Kassidy's birthday is on December 10th she would have been 13. On Sunday December 16th, we are meeting at the cemetery to release balloons for her birthday at 2:30. This is an open invitation to you if you would like to attend, her headstone in which we have some neat designs of Kassidy should be in place by then. (Wilson Cemetery in Check VA)

Thanksgiving is tomorrow, it will be a lot different this year without Kass but we have a lot to be thankful for, we know Kassidy is in heaven with the one she loved so much. Gods plan for her in 12 years was a legacy. What Legacy will you leave to your family and friends when you are gone? Think about that. God made you, you are not here by accident, He made you and put you on this earth for a reason, and life's greatest joy comes when we discover his purpose for our lives and we begin to follow it. If you had a choice to die young and change a lot of people (or the world) or die old and change no one....what would you choose? Kassidy had no choice, she discovered God's purpose for her and she followed it. It is not too late for you to discover your purpose and to follow it...." Keep Believing" ........Kassidy did.

Thanks for your prayers and support We will update soon.

November 6, 2007

Over the past several months since Kassidy went to Heaven, we have received cards, hugs, hand shakes, phone calls, e-mails, anything that someone had on their heart to tell us they where thinking about us. But recently we received a poem from Kayla Underwood, and Chelsea Lambert signed kassidyspage.com, they went to school with Kass ... these two touched Tammy's and my heart so I would like to share it with you....word for word... they are to Kassidy not to us, this is PRICELESS.

hey Kassidy

i really miss u, life is soo different since u left, i think of you often, so does all my friends at FCHS. i try totalk to you in my prayers wondering if you can hear me, hoping you can. i wish i could have seen you more, gotten to know you better, and could have at least said goodbye. i am extremely sad you are gone,but happy you are healed. if you can hear me tell Jesus i said hi, i miss you so much. i saw a picture of u the other day, and began to cry, it amazes me i still can, after all the tears came from my eyes already, well bibi for now i miss you. Chelsa

My Best Friend, My Hero, My Champion

is looking down on me today saying I am ok.....

I'm right here with you and miss you too.

I know you can't see me but you can feel me.

I love you as much as you love me,

Tell daddy I'm still his baby girl,

Tell momma not to shed her tears because I'm always going to be right here.

Tell Courtney she's not alone she still has her best friend because its never going to be the end.

I'll be here everyday when you feeling the pain

I'm your little angel that wants you to have it all and more.

So Kassidy my blonde hair blue eyed angel wait for me with JESUS at those gates of Pearl!!!!!

( Kayla Underwood)

Thank You so much, please continue to pray for us, Kassidy's 13th birthday is Dec.10th... Christmas ... and her 40 weeks of chemo would have ended in Dec also. I will update with some more of the words Kassidy wrote herself in her journal during her fight.

October 21, 2007

It's been a little over 3 months since Kassidy lost her fight and times are still hard. I still find it hard to believe she is not with us any more, she will always be in our hearts. Every time I close my eyes I see her face. I know she is home and fully healed and that makes me homesick. We had the song "Home Sick" by Mercy Me played at Kassidy's services, that song is different when you have lost a loved one, you know they are home (Heaven) and being homesick is truly what the song is about.

We prayed for Kassidy to be healed on this earth, that was not GOD'S will. I received a letter from Pastor Gary Martin(he was Kassidy's Children's pastor and now pastors a church in Martinsville, VA), he was one of the pastors during the services. The letter talks about a man who was 58 years old and had cancer. He got mad at GOD because he would not be able to see his children and grandchildren grow old. He was angry that this all-powerful GOD would not heal him. His wife called a pastor to pray for him ,which he did the letter stated. The lady called the pastor and thanked him for praying for her husband and told him he had died. She also told the pastor that he was not mad at GOD anymore after he had prayed for him. She told him they read the Bible and prayed together before he passed. She told the pastor "My husband was not cured, but he was healed". Think about it... we prayed for the healing and that is what GOD did for us. Kassidy loved Jesus, she would defend him, she would let no one do anything without acknowledging him. Kassidy told Tammy to not worry about her, she was going to be ok. A pastor told me today...." GOD showed Kassidy a glimpse of heaven so she would not be afraid". I feel something happened to Kassidy to comfort her, I think back now about how strong she was, the things she said, the way she acted, never really showing how much pain she was in, she struggled some, but not the way people think she did.

Scriptures in the Bible do not support people in Heaven having knowledge about what we do on earth. I believe that when Kassidy got to heaven, she was able to tell my mother and Tammy's grandmother things we were doing. I believe every time someone goes to Heaven they tell everyone there what they need to know. Kassidy will get to meet the people whose life she changed and they will tell her all the things being done in her honor. I hope that Kassidy remembers the way Tammy and I raised her, as a Christian, I hope she says "My mom, dad and sister are right ...there really is a heaven!" I hope she remembers all the conversations she and I had about Heaven. I know she will be waiting for me when I get there.

There are people who will read this.....young or old, single or married, rich or poor, some who have lost a parent, brother or sister, husband or wife....but if you are reading this and you have lost a child, one of your own, you understand, that losing your child to a horrible disease like cancer and watching them die and it is nothing!!!! I mean nothing!!! You or anyone else can do, if you can face this and get through it, nothing else compares to it, anything else you face in life, you can get through it. First Thessalonians 5:16-18 says " Be joyful, pray continually no matter the circumstances, give thanks always for this is GOD'S will in Christ Jesus"

Thanks for your continued prayers and support . Share Kassidy's story with someone and please continue to check in on her website We will update soon.

September 26, 2007

People have ask us "how we are doing" or "how are we feeling " since Kassidy lost her fight. We tell them we are doing ok, but on the inside, we are not doing good at all. Tammy and I have often wondered how Kassidy was doing....think about it, she was 12 years old and we ask her was she feeling and she would always say ok, but deep down inside she had to be "feeling" horrible. That is one of he things we are struggling with right now, we never knew"how she was feeling". Her attitude and the way she acted told us the way we think she felt. As I said on my previous updates, I said I have some cool things to share about Kassidy. We were going through some of her things that she had while she was in the hospital, we found a teen book that she had to write down her feelings. This is written by Kassidy...I will not add or change any words.....

I WANT.......The days and years go slow so I am very close to my family.

I NEED.........Nothing but faith,, Bravery and prayers from friends and family that care.

I FEAR..........The thought of cancer causing death. But I KNOW I'm not going to die!!!!and also losing my hair.

I WISH..........I understood why and when. I didn't have questions on how it started.

I HOPE..........I DON'T loose my hair The doctors(s) said I may or may NOT loose it. So I hope I don"t lose my hair.

I EXPECT......to get through this. And when I do have children I can tell them my story of when I was 12 and had cancer.

I AM..............HEALED IN JESUS NAME!!!!

I LOVE..........My family and friends and everybody else whos praying for.

But most of all I love Jesus!!

Those words were a blessing to us, we found that book after she passed away , we know she wrote that down when she first found out she had cancer.She always was my rock even when she was down mentally as far as she could go.We were at home with Kassidy and she was taking a shower. She was in the shower and she could see herself in the mirror, she had one leg... no hair, I ask her was that the first time she had saw herself that way , she said "yes". Then she said "dad I still think I am beautiful".... I told her I thought she was beautiful too. Then she gave me a hug and got me wet and she laughed real hard about that. Think about what she was thinking, a 12 year old seeing herself like that in the mirror but she thought she was beautiful. I think that was amazing. She ask Tammy one night.. Kassidy said "mom I thought cancer was for older people", Tammy told her that cancer did not care about the age of people.Kassidy said "Thats alright I am still smiling"We think back now and wonder how was she feeling. Finding the things she wrote and some of the things she said, maybe she was not feeling that bad, we believe that GOD himself was with her all the time comforting her and telling her she was going to be ok. That helps but the days are not getting better,we knew she was not feeling well after she passed....but right now the emptiness is deep. I wonder why Kassidy.... why Kassidy.. she already knows, God has told her and he has showed her. Just think of all the people that will come up to Kassidy in heaven and say ..."I am here because of you... because of the faith and strength you had, I am in heaven TODAY".......how cool is that !!!

Since Kassidy passed away I have had 2 pastors that told me , They thought Kassidy had ministered to more people in her 12 years than some pastors do in there whole mnistery. I know she impacted alot of people. I ask one of our pastors if he thought it was possible that some of the people that changed their life because of Kassidy if they could have been someone who was going to do something real bad to society, he said maybe they would be the next Billy Graham

Thanks for your continued support and prayers. Share Kassidy's story with some one whom you think could benefit from her story......keep checking in and GOD BLESS...

September 10, 2007

Hey everyone! I've let Danny do the last few entries and I guess I'm ready to come back and talk for awhile. Writing everyday to let you know how Kassidy was doing was easy for me, to be able to share her strength and faith with everyone. Since she went "home" it has been hard for me to want to come to this site and write. I thought that everyday would get easier, emotionally, but instead it has gotten harder. I miss her more today than yesterday and I think I will miss her even more tomorrow. I know she is better off in heaven but here on earth my heart is breaking. I wonder if there will ever be a day that I can get through without crying. Everyday driving home from work by myself is the worst time. It seems that every song on the radio I can relate to her, and I have time to think about her life and remember....and miss her even more!! I wonder if she knew how beautiful I thought she was, how proud of her we were, how much I loved her hugs and kisses, how her little smile just made me light up inside, how very much we loved her.....and how I now miss ALL of those things. I know that time will let us heal and the memories will make me smile...I know that God will help us get through this tough time. He hasn't left us through our entire journey and I know he will be with us now.

This past weekend we went to Fredericksburg, VA to Paragon Gymnastics. Their Parents Association held a sleepover in Kassidy's name. Danny and I took some of Kassidy's team mates that wanted to go. Everyone there was wonderful. They coach (Craig) explained to the kids that were there (128, one of the biggest crowds they have had for a sleepover) about Kassidy and that she had lost her fight with cancer but they still wanted to remember her because of her love for gymnastics. Every year their gym has a meet called the Commonwealth Cup. Last year, Kassidy won first place on vault at that meet. So from now on the gym is giving the girl that wins vault in level 7 at that age group a trophy that is in memory of Kassidy. How wonderful is that? She will be remembered every year! They gave our team t-shirts from their gym and I think the girls had a blast at the sleepover. They played games, climbed the rock wall and got to know some of the other gymnasts from Paragon. They gymnastics community is so giving andWell, I've rambled enough for one day. this gym has a BIG heart!!

In the next few weeks there is a horse show in Salem in Kassidy's memory....this idea came from our neighbor, Mr.Tuck. I'm looking forward to this event and we plan to attend at least some of it. I have never been to a horse show before! Kassidy always said she would love to have a horse but knew that we didn't have enough time to take care of one. But she loved to see them and I know she will be watching and smiling.

I know Kassidy is with us, all the time. I'm sure she would be touched by everything that everyone has done and everything that is still being done in her memory. I know we can not begin to thank everyone for everything, prayers, letters, cards, fundraisers, hugs or just being in your thoughts.

We will be updating on SameFight still and updating the journal pages and thank you page. We are also in the process of changing Kassidyspage.com so please keep checking back. We will also try to post some more pictures. Please continue to send your thoughts...it's good to still log on and see that people are checking her page. If you have a memory, a story, how she touched your life or her situation has changed your life we would love to hear from you.

Courtney has her first night of basketball practice tonight so we better run and get her there on time. Please keep Courtney in your prayers also...she is only 10 and doesn't express her feelings. I know she is missing Kassidy but she doesn't talk about it...so pray for her that God is helping her to get through.

God Bless you all!!

Tammy

August 22, 2007

We received a letter from the Old Dominion Eye Bank , the letter said......Take comfort that both of Kassidy's donated corneas were transplanted. Two people are now able to see a sunset, a mountain range, or a loved one's smile because of this difficult decision your family made. One of her corneas went to a recipient in Mannassas, Virginia and her other cornea went to a recipient in Sacramento, California. I hope this knowledge will ease the pain by the loss of your loved one during this difficult time.

This does help because this is something we prayed for to happen. We thank GOD those prayers were answered. It is cool because Kassidy is helping people from VA to California, we hope there will be a time that we can meet these people or at least talk to them on the phone.

Courtney has gone back to school and is doing ok, she is still doing gymnastics also now she wants to play basketball. I have returned to work. Tammy will return on Monday, she wanted to make sure Courtney was ok in school. Friday at Kassidy's school, each student will release a pink balloon (400 of them) and then they are going to plant a pink dogwood at the school. They are doing this in Kassidy's honor. Tammy and I are going to attend along with some members of our family.

We have been going through some of Kassidy's things , we have alot of cool stories to share so keep checking in for future updates .We miss her so much, it is still times when we say something about "the girls"... it is still hard to believe she is not here with us. I have always thought that she was at camp, spending the night with one of her friends, or she will come home tomorrow, well I got up one morning last week and I realized she was not coming home. But that is ok ,we know she is not hurting anymore and having the best times in heaven.

Keep checking in.....Kassidy's page will continue to be updated for a very long time .You guys are our family and we love each and everyone of you, please continue to pray for us and especially the ones who do not know Jesus. We don't know when our life will change , In January, our family was healthy, going places, visiting family and look how that changed. So love your loved ones unconditionally....tomorrow may not be here, make the best of the time that you have. I will update again soon!

Sunday, August 5, 2007

Just a quick update to let everyone know how we are doing. We had a fairly busy week .We spent time at home,going to gymnastics with Courtney, spending some time with my family and Tammys family. We went to church Wednesday night, it was emotional for us because we have not been to a Wed. night service in a while, but also we had not been there since Kassidys memorial service. We went to Blacksburg to the "Stepping Out" where Courtneys gymnastics club got to put on a performance for the crowd. Thanks to some of my officiating buddies Amy and Rob Morrow for stopping by just to visit Tammy and myself. After we left there we went out to eat and then went bowling with my sister and her boyfriend,we had fun but it was tuff because we have always had Kassidy with us at both places. I also went to work Thursday for meetings all day.

We got to spend 4 months with Kassidy and we have so many stories with her during that time so on my future updates I want to share some of those stories with everyone, some of them will be sad but they will also make make you well like I hear on a radio station ..."warm and fuzzy". We want to encourage everyone to keep visiting same fight and also.....kassidyspage.com . She has over 60,000 hits on there we will continue to update there to. Also keep doing the donations although Kassidys fight is over... samefight has a general fund that is helping other families so there is a need there to. We are in the process of starting scholarships in Kassidys name at Floyd County High School(where she would have attended) and also my family is going to have one at Franklin County High School(where I graduated) ..so we have alot of cool stuff happening so keep checking in especially for the stories we have to share with you guys about Kassidy during her fight.

We have received so many cards from people that has told us stories about how Kasssidy has changed peoples lives. I am going to put our email on here. I want you to email us and tell us your stories datakaco@swva.net Thanks so much we will update soon

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

We got home yesterday.We left gymnastics camp with Courtney and went to Pigeon Forge.We had a good time at camp, Tammy and I just hung around,ran some errands and took it easy.Those of you who know something about gymnastics can appreciate the current and former gymnastics that was there.... Courtney Kupets 2004 Olympic silver medialists...Kip Simons 1996 Olympian ...2004 olympic Silver medialist Jason Gatson and Brett McClure.... many current college gymnasts and of course camp directors 1996 Olympian John Macready and 3 time Olympian John Roethisberger. John and John are such great people. They have visited Kassidys and Courtneys gymnastics club, Virginia Techniques in Christiansburg also. They came to do motivitional speeches and trained all the team there also. They started a scholorship in rememberence of Kassidy at there gym in Crossville TN. It is called The Kassidy Foster Memorial Scholorship, you can read about it at there web site at Flipfest.com. We took pictures that is on there web page with the olymnpians.We have been told that Kassidy is gone but not forgotten...as long as Flipfest camp is open ,that scholorship will be given to a young gymnasts every year. Courtney (Kassidys sister) won it this year.Kassidy has touched many peoples lives and it will continue.

We spent some time in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg , every store we went into brought back so much memories of Kassidy because the last 3 years that is what we did after camp,shop, ride go-carts, play mini golf, just walked the streets in Gatlinburg and we had to get the air brushed shirts for the girls also ,everything we did this year we done the last 3 years, oh the memories.

Before we came home ,Tammy, Courtney and I stopped by the cemetery, we had not been there since the funeral, we knew Kass was gone but when you get home and she really IS NOT there that is when you know she is in heaven with Jesus.As we where reading the large amount of cards from the week, Tammy said that it will humble you, the words of encouragement from you guys will humble you. (and made us cry even more) but it is all good.

We realized God had a plan for Kassidy before her life began, he knew she would be on this earth for 12 years and during this time tell her about God , he had to find a family that would fullful his plan for her,he needed a family that would stay strong, believe and trust in his son Jesus and I am thankful that we had that opportunity to fullfill his plan. We still have alot of work for him and we are committed to continue Kassidys fight.... but in a different way.Kassidy past that Monday morning at 8:35, we were at her beside . At 837 I told everyone that right then 2 minutes later....Jesus had Kassidy by the hand and he was leading her before God , Jesus said "Father this one is with me......God said"Kassidy I am proud of you,you fullfilled my plan for me" ....Then Jesus took her into heavens gates. I know this happened I am so thankful and I believe with all my heart that she is in heaven because of our families faithfulness and love for Jesus. I will continue to fight the new fight for Kassidy and one day I will see her again and this time it will be me standing before God with Jesus.Then I will see my Kassidy again. Thanks for your prayers,cards and for your love for Jesus I will update soon.

Danny Tammy Courtney and our Champion "Kassidy"

Monday, July 23, 2007

Hello everyone. We will continue to update - maybe not day to day like the past. We ...as well as you (our prayer warriors) will need to continue to lean on our GOD for help and direction, so we will update you guys so you will know how to pray for us.

Kassidys funeral was great. We were able to see again how Kassidy's fight touched people and changed there lives. There were about 20 people that accepted Christ in their life at the funeral. When we met with our Pastor to discuss the arrangements , we talked about this. You probably remember from a previous update I posted. When we were in the hospital with Kassidy, she and I talked about Jesus. She told me she knew she was going to go to heaven but she wanted to make sure herself, so we all held hands and we said the sinners prayer as a family. So I knew she would be ok having the same thing done at her funeral. After the funeral, Pastor told me he thought it was around 50 people that publicly raised their hand and said the sinners prayer.... GOD IS GOOD!!!!!

SO NOW WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE..........

Today is Monday, we are in Crossville, TN at gymnastics camp with Courtney. .....John Macready and John Roethlisberger are two former Olympians that have about 8 weeks of camp for young gymnasts from all over the U.S. Kassidy and Courtney have been coming to this camp for the past 4 years. Courtney still wanted to come to camp for her scheduled week, but she wanted Tammy and I to attend also, so here we are .The staff here is wonderful! John is in New York commentating on the Pam Am games so he is allowing us to use his cabin. There are about 250 plus gymnasts here so that will help keep Courtney busy for a while. Tammy and I will just hang out and enjoy the day and run a few errands for the staff. I told Tammy this morning it is funny being here with no responsibility at all but we know that will change soon. So at the end of the week will keep up with our normal family trip after camp and go to Pigeon Forge and Dollywood... this is something we also have done for the past 4 years. Courtney got one of her friends from gymnastics to go with her. Then we will return home.

Boy how fast does your life change! 2 weeks ago (Monday), we were on our way to California with Kassidy, 1 week ago to this day (Monday) we were crying because she lost her fight on this earth, and today (Monday) I am telling you guys what we are doing without Kassidy in our lives..... life does go on. Please continue to pray for our family and remember your life can change in an instant also. Get your heart right with God, don't wait......... Kassidy did not want to wait and now she is living with her Lord and Savior.

THANK YOU for attending the services...thank you for the cards and flowers. and a big THANK YOU for the ladies of Havens Chapel in Check for the meals after the grave side service. We love you guys .......we will update soon.

Saturday, July 21, 2007

We had another great day. We started out going to the funeral with Tammy's mom and dad to see Kass. It went pretty good. Then those who visited got to saw the pictures we had to set up. We want to thank Becky Sallie for her hard work on the pictures. I also want to thank her so much for the development and for managing of kassidyspage.com. After we set the pictures up, we came back home and my family came. We had lunch, then arrived at the funeral home. My family, including my father ,(mom is in heaven) was able to to see Kass. At the memorial service I got to see alot of my past friends and of course our church family, but in Floyd Tammy got to visit with alot of her family and friends she had not seen since high school and of course the kids from school. We got to meet not only kids from Check Elementary and all the other schools, but also we had some high school students too. Kassidy's age was different from Chance and Joshua. God used Kassidy's fight to reach not only elementary students or high school, but also college students. We have seen ourselves and have been told stories from people who go to work or to school and realize their problems were not that bad. They thought about Kassidy and this disease she had and knowing what she was going thru was nothing compared to thier problems. We knew from the beginning that ever one goes thru a life changing experience and I want to thank GOD for being with my family and this county during the last 7 months.

Today is a day everyone will face, the burial of a loved one. I know this will be difficult for us because if you told me in January we would be doing this to our Kassidy we would not have believed you. She will be gone, but not forgotten. She not only changed you in some way, but she changed me. Yes, she changed me a lot, she taught me how to love unconditionally and to forgive those who had a negative impact on my life in my past. We were able to tell Kassidy how much we loved her in the last 4 months. I want every person reading this to take your last 30 seconds with your loved ones and tell them you love them in that 30 seconds the way we did with Kassidy over our 4 months with her. Once you lose that time you can't get it back.......We love you guys!

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Wow what a day. It is 11:10 pm and we just got home. We started off this morning and went to the funeral home to see Kassidy. It was very emotional, but knowing she is in heaven with our Lord took the pain away. I forgot to mention on my previous updates that we were able to donate Kassidy's corneas. Their is a waiting list of 933 people in the state of VA that is waiting for that transplant, please pray that who ever receives her eyes that their body accepts them. We should know in about 60 days. After that we went to my dads house to have lunch and get ready for the memorial service. We started receiving friends at 5:00 and at 7:00 when pastor started the service people there were people waiting to see us. The service was very good and at the end pastor gave an altar call and around 30 people got saved. Praise God! We knew that Kass had a impact on peoples lives and we saw it tonight. To the people that we got to talk to ....thanks for coming, thanks for your words of encouragement and prayers. To the people that we did not get to speak to thank you for visiting and we are sorry we did not get to meet you. We love you. Pastor Josh said he thought there was about 700 people that showed up and 500 stayed for the service. That was truly amazing. You guys showed up to see a 12 year old who lived her life for Jesus; you guys are awesome. Tomorrow we are going to go to the funeral home, get the pictures setup and take Tammy's mom and dad to see Kass. We hope to see you guys tomorrow night in Floyd at the funeral home. Remember we love you guys and thanks for your prayers and cards. Our Champion, Kassidy, would really be proud of this community. We love you!!!!!

Wednesday, July 17, 2007

Yesterday was a busy day. I have often wondered why people wait until the last minute to make arrangements for their lost loved ones ...but now I know. We first went to the funeral home to make the arrangements for Kassidy. We were choosing the casket for Kassidy and we had decided on two, so we chose the least expensive one. Tammy spoke up and said "Kassidy is looking down at us from heaven and saying....mom and dad you know I am high maintenance (daddy calls her plastic), you had better not put me in that cheap casket"....so of course we choose the expensive one, (and of course it is pink). So we laughed about it. Tammy said people probably think we are crazy being happy right now when we are out making these tough decisions, but when you have the joy of the Lord in your heart, trust and love him as much as we do and know he had us by the hand (and a lot of times carrying us) thru this battle with Kass, knowing she is in heaven with him; you can't help but to make a joyful noise with the inner peace he has given us. Then we headed to Franklin County (my hometown) to the flower shop (Flowers by Jones) to choose the flowers (yes they were pink). Then we went to Faith Fellowship Church to meet with our Pastor (Gary Hoffman) to make the arrangements with him and Pastor Josh about the music. After that we went to Blacksburg to the gymnastics club to speak to some of the parents there, and of course Courtney ended up spending the night with Katie Sallie (one of Kassidy's best friends). So Tammy and I left and went home for the first time in many, many, many months without the 2 kids. We finally got to talk about Kassidy's passing on the way home and we cried so much. I had to get up this morning and run a lot of errands. Tammy stayed here and her best friend from high school spent the day with her. We have the arrangements set up so anyone came come visit us. We do not have any private services because it is very important for us to meet as many people who prayed for Kassidy. I know she touched many people her age and the parents that have kids her age, so come say hi. Tomorrow morning will be difficult because we go to the funeral home to see her, then we are going to go to Rocky Mount to my dad's house and then leave for Faith Fellowship for the service there. Again come visit say hi. We love you guys and thank you for your prayers and support and remember we are family and like Kassidy did.................Keep Believing! Kassidy is our Champion!!!

Monday, July 16, 2007

Hello everyone, this is Kassidy's father, this is this first time that I have posted anything about Kassidy's fight. As many of you know, we have been in this battle for many months. We have basically stopped our life to be with Kassidy. We have not worked in months. When Kassidy was first diagnosed we made the decision to stay with her every minute we could. The doctors told us that the survival rate with bone cancer was very slim. After Kassidy received several treatments, she had her amputation and also more spots appeared on ct scans throughout her body. We knew that time was limited. This made it very tough for us because of her age - she knew when things were wrong and we think maybe she kept it from us because she did not want us to worry. We took advantage of that time by going out with her when she was able to go. I cannot tell you how many times she would tell us she was sorry that we had to miss work just to stay with her. She hardly ever thought about herself. One night in June we were at home, we all held hands and Kassidy led our prayers that night. She prayed for the other kids she knew were sick, but she did not pray for herself. She was always thinking about others! Going to California was something she wanted to do. I was very scared to take her that far away from home but she was determined to go. I prayed and asked GOD to get us to California and back and when we got back to VA he could do what he had to do. That is exactly what happened. Kassidy got her wish, she pushed herself so hard to do her trip, she was hurting the whole time and she never once admitted it. The last several months I knew Kassidy was not improving. She told us she wanted to know everything. When she asked if she getting better we had to tell her no the chemo was not working. We talked to her about doing experimental drugs. She told me not to worry, it was not going to come to that. She knew she was going to get to go to heaven. We never thought it would end this quickly but when I saw the xrays Friday I knew it was over. Kassidy did not ask this time because she knew her body was not right. We took her to the 10th floor knowing it was almost over - broken hearted, numb, sick, scared speechless, any feeling you could have knowing your child was gonna die and nothing could be done. BUT we know who Jesus is... Kassidy's whole life was for him, she was my prayer warrior... oh to sit here and remember how she prayed makes me cry. She fought very hard before she passed.

It is almost midnight and we are home without Kass. We will decide tomorrow about the arrangements. We want to meet you guys and get to see the people whose life Kassidy touched. We will make this a celebration for Kassidy. I know this is long, but Kassidy is in heaven right now. I thank GOD that he allowed me to be the father of the most beautiful girl I know. Thanks to everyone who signed her page, prayers and cards we hope to see you at one of the services. We are all family!!!

Remember to slow down....love your loved ones unconditionally...enjoy life, live for Jesus ....Things can change in an instant...I know...it happened to my family. We will update soon.

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Kassidy has shown what a fighter she can be. She is still hanging on and fighting. She is getting pain medicine that helps her breath better but lets her rest also. If we let her wake up she gasps and struggles because she cannot get enough air in her lungs. We have told her that it is OK to go and be with Jesus and oh, how many times we have told her we love her and will see her again in heaven. It just breaks our hearts to have to sit and wait for Kassidy to decide when it will be time to go "Home". We know she will be in a better place, free of sickness and pain, and being a beautiful angel ! So, we just sit and wait for the right time to come, for only God knows when that is. Continue to pray for peace, for Kassidy to have no fear about dying, and strength for all of us during this time.

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Dear Lord, please give me strength while writing this. Yesterday we came back to the clinic for OP chemo. Kassidy had been complaining that she was having difficulty breathing. We were giving her oxygen just to keep her comfortable. They did a chest x-ray and the right lung has totally been taken over by disease and her left lung is filling up also. She talked to us for a little while yesterday and then went to sleep. They are giving her pain medicine every two hours for pain and to help her breathing. We laid in the bed with her last night and read her a book about Heaven. She had told us she was scared to die because she didn't know what Heaven was like. This book gave scripture and told her how wonderful Heaven will be. We told her it was OK to go with Jesus. That she could close her eyes and when she wakes up she will be able to run to God. That she will be totally healed and will run to God on both legs. I'm so glad we got to go to California and she enjoyed herself so much!! It was like she knew and used all her strength she had left for the trip and when we got back home she let go. She knew something wasn't right but was so brave and strong. She has been an inspiration to us all! Right now we are just saying our goodbyes and letting her know that Joshua and Chance will be waiting for her to show her around, and Grandma Ruby and all our other relatives that are in Heaven will be there to meet her. Dear Lord, this is the hardest thing a parent can go through. Please pray for peace for Kassidy. Please pray for strength for our family. Right now we are just waiting for her to go "home". It's hard just waiting for her to take her last breath. Dear Lord.....we give her to you...please take good care of her.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

We are home!! I love to go places but love it even more to come back home!Kassidy had such a good (but long) day yesterday that today she has slept a lot. She has been complaining that she is short of breath and she even had oxygen while on the plane. We thought it was because of the flight but even after we were driving home she wanted the oxygen because she felt like she couldn't get enough air. I called the doctor on call and Kassidy is suppose to go in for outpatient Chemo tomorrow anyway so she is going to get a chest xray then to see what is going on. Her foot and ankle also swelled during the plane ride....I guess from lack of movement to keep the fluid moving...I don't know. She says that she just doesn't feel good, and we are hoping it's just that she is worn out from all that shopping yesterday! I guess we will wait and see tomorrow...that's how we live minute to minute! Pray that her breathing will get better and that she will feel better all over. Thanks for all the prayers for our safe journey and return!

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

We had an excellent day today!! Kassidy said it was the best day of her life. We were met at the mall entrance today with a red carpet with people lined up on both sides and balloons all the way down to the door. This brought tears to our eyes! The Make-A-Wish rep, Karla, met us and some other staff from the mall (Sofie). Also, Sandy, one of the owners of the mall met us as well. She presented us with a gift bag and was super nice. From there we were taken to Abercrombie at 9am. Kassidy got to shop in the store a whole hour before the mall even opened. The sales people there were great and they really got into helping Kassidy pick out outfits!! She spent most of her money in this store. Then we headed to M.A.C for her makeover. Her make-up was beautiful! Then we headed to her favorite store, Limited Too. We spent the rest of her alotted money there. For such a short time she definitely made a whirlwind of shopping!!! From there we went to lunch at the Quattro Cafe. Kassidy had actually gotten hungry (Thank God!) and we had got her and Courtney some Chicken Nuggets from McDonalds. So here we sit in this fancy little restaurant and they are eating from McDonalds! HEHE! The CEO of the California Make-A-Wish foundation came and met us at lunch! His name was Mike and he was such a great guy! The chef there prepared Kassidy a special cake and it was delicious!! After lunch we went to Tiffany's to try on jewelry. We got to go into the private room (with a guard outside the door) and Kassidy tried on jewelry that was worth more than our house! The last ring she tried on was a rare pink diamond and was worth $998,000...almost a million dollars! WOW! We took lots of pictures and that's the only way we will see those rings again! We had several hours so we had some other stores that had gift bags for Kassidy, including Nike, Colors of Benneton, and Dounney Bourke (hope that's spelled right). This was so nice of everyone. At 4:30pm we had our last appt at a salon for Kassidy and Courtney to have a manicure. They loved this. It was almost 6pm and Kassidy was still going! She had done so good, stayed awake except for a short nap at noon, and she enjoyed every minute. I asked her when we were leaving if this had been a good day and she said it was the best day of her life! And said with that million dollar smile. No matter what, this day and seeing her so happy has been priceless! We are almost all in bed now. We have a very, very early morning when the limo picks us up out front at 5am to go to the airport. Our flight leaves at 7:25am. So I better head to bed myself. I just want to say that this trip has been wonderful. The hotel, The Westin at South Coast Plaza, was great. The staff was incredible, with special thanks to John (Valet) and Daniel. All of the staff was wonderful!! The mall staff was incredible and also the Make-A-Wish staff!! We could not have been asked to be treated any better. Kasidy has definitely been treated like a movie star!! Well, better get to sleep. We praise God that he gave us such a good day for some wonderful memories!!

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Today has not been such a bad day. This morning we woke up and got ready and went out driving. We drove up to Huntington Beach and went out on the pier. We watched the lifeguards/jr. lifeguards doing some training, some beach volleyball, kite flying and the SURFING! Kassidy got tired very quickly so we got back in the van and drove down the Pacific Coast Highway and just enjoyed the drive. Then Kassidy wanted to come back to the hotel and lay down. Her leg is still hurting where we think she pulled her muscle so we went back to the hotel. Me, Connie and Courtney went over to the mall and checked out the stores to see where we thought Kassidy would enjoy shopping. We came back in time to take pictures of Kassidy having her "spa facial". This was arranged with the spa next door and they came to the room to do it. That was great and Kassidy enjoyed it. They left a lot of products for Kassidy to use and we can do more facials on our own later!! Danny and Courtney went to the pool and went swimming for a little while. We got out and went to a few stores this afternoon and picked up some fruit for Kassidy to eat. She still is not eating real well, but at least starting to and trying hard....she's just nauseated...not throwing up but just doesn't want food....but she has to eat to keep up her strength....so she is trying. Tonight we have just relaxed around the room and are ready to go to bed. Tomorrow is Kassidy's big day to go shopping. We are getting room service with breakfast in bed in the morning and then the limo is going to be here at 8:30am to take us to the mall. She gets a red carpet entrance to the mall before it opens and gets to shop at Ambercrombie for 1 hour before it opens to the public. Then she is suppose to go have a makeover at M.A.C. She has several other surprises for the rest of the day but I don't want to ruin it for the update tomorrow. So I will leave it a surprise for you all as well! Off to bed now, early morning and busy day...will update late tomorrow. Please continue to pray that Kassidy's leg will feel better and the pain will go away. Also that she continues to try to eat a little more each day. Thanks for everyone's thoughts and prayers. God Bless You!

Monday, July 9, 2007

We have made it to California!! It was such a long day for everyone! We drove to Richmond last night and got up this morning to be at the airport by 6am. Our flight left at 7:15a and we had one layover at Charlottte. When we got off the plane at Charlotte Kassidy did something to her rt hip and it has been very painful ever since. When we boarded the flight to Los Angeles she asked for medicine to help her relax and sleep for the flight. So, I think because she hasn't been eating it affects her much more than usual. She has been asleep ever since. She wakes up and is in pain so we are just taking it easy tonight and letting her (and everyone else) relax. I hope she will feel better tomorrow and be more awake and alert. She doesn't go on her shopping trip until Wed and she should feel a little better by then (hopefully, please pray that she wll feel better and can enjoy herself). Well, we are going to try to find something to eat and then we are just chillin' for the rest of the night. Tomorrow is a free day for us and we have not decided what we want to do....Sea World, pool, ???? California is definately nothing like home!!! We may drive down to the beach tomorrow and watch the surfers, that's something we can't see in Virginia!! Danny is upset that we came all th way to CA, our room is on the 10th floor with a beautiful view of the park but across the street is the mall and we are looking at SEARS!! Danny says he came all this wa to look at Sears!!! Well, better go and find something to eat since we haven't eaten since around 8:30a and the clock says 3:45p but our bodies tell us it is almost 7p so we have missed lunch and are now getting a late dinner. SO, the natives are restless and wanting food so we better go....we will update again tomorrow!

Sunday, July 8, 2007

We are still waiting to make a decision about California.....Kassidy is more awake today but still does not feel like eating. That worries her about going because she is not hungry. We are making her some strawberry ensure shakes trying to get some calories into her and hopefully that will perk her up. She wants to go but is scared also. We just don't know what is the right decision..go or not go??? So we are waiting and will let Kassidy decide later. We have a few hours before we need to get on the road to Richmond so we will update again when a decision has been made.

Saturday, July 7, 2007

We are waiting till tomorrow to see if we are going to be going to California. The last three days have been challenging. Kassidy has not eaten and has slept most of the time. She is talking very little and at times not responsive. We are hoping this is from some of the medication we are giving her. She has not received anything since about 1pm and she is still sleeping. The good thing is that she does not seem to be in pain. That is a blessing. We are not sure she is taking a turn for the worse but we know we may not have much time. So, we will wait and see what the morning holds......please continue to pray for our entire family.

Friday, July 6, 2007

Our hearts are heavy as we write this tonight and our thoughts and prayers are with the Harman family. We have shared in their emotional roller coaster as we are traveling that same path ourselves. It is comforting to know that Chance is completely healed beyond any healing he could receive here on earth. We are at a loss for words..... We will update tomorrow as we begin to pack for Kassidy's trip.....but for tonight we pray for strength, comfort and peace to be with the Harman family. (Read more about Chance here)

Wednesday, July 4, 2007

Well, we returned to the hospital last night because Kassidy had a slight fever and she cried that she did not feel right. She knows her body and and she knows when something is not right so we were admitted to PICU and then transferred to the floor late last night. She did receive 2 units of blood and we were discharged this afternoon. She even wanted to go to the mall before we came home. Then we went and bought fireworks for tonight. Kassidy's Grandma and PaPa, Aunt Cathy,Uncle Paul, Sarah and Nichole and her friend Nikki all came to the house and we set off our "fireworks". They all had light up necklaces and bracelets on that the Rahmes family had given Kassidy as a present. Kassidy and all the others loved them lighting up in the dark!! This was a good 4th of July! Kassidy also received the gift that the Lynchburg Academy team and coaches had made. It is oragami paper cranes...1,000 of them. Each containing a special get well message. This is a Japanese tradition to help cure sickness. They are all connected together and have a ring so they can be hung up. We came home and hung it over her bed. She loved it and went to the nurses station at the hospital just so she could show all the nurses and tell the story about it and who made it for her. Thanks so much to Sasha and Lynchburg Academy!! Kassidy is already asleep tonight and resting peacefully. Tomorow we will try to start getting all our stuff together for out trip....she is so excited!! While she is asleep we better get some sleep also. Thanks again to everyone for all the cards she received this past week....it is amazing how many cards she is still getting. Please continue to pray that her counts improve and she is ready to go to California!! We praise God for letting us have this time together!

Monday, July 2, 2007