Awesome, Awesome, Awesome

Funny...I just finished typing the title of this post, and my mother called.  She said she texted Aly and asked her how the basketball event was, and Aly texted a one word answer back, "Awesome."  

It was an awesome event put on by the girls' basketball team, coaches and booster club on Tuesday night.  We cannot thank you, all, enough for letting us participate in your cancer awareness event.  It is wonderful that you choose to do an event, such as this, and keep it local.  We are truly blessed to be part of such a great community.  The saying, on the back of the t-shirts said, "finding a cure, starts with awareness."  This is so very true, and that is the best message to share.  Thank you, to everyone, who attended and showed their support for Aly and Tyler.  It was amazing.

To start things off, Aly and Tyler got to join both teams for a picture.  Then they were included in the starting line up and got to give all the players high fives.  Aly and Tyler were also brought to center court and a little of their stories were told.  They were greeted, by the crowd, with a standing ovation for their personal fights against cancer.  It was so cool and so moving to see the support.  

During halftime, Aly and Tyler participated in drawing names for the winners of the raffle items.  The first name to be called was Aly's social studies teacher, Mrs. Autio.  Mrs. Autio was one of a few people who was wearing a Rally for Aly t-shirt.  That was perfect!  Congrats Mrs. Autio and thanks for  wearing the Rally shirt!  Thank you to Mrs. Kelly, as well, for the special t-shirt combo she had on!  She had Tyler's T-Sizzle shirt and Aly's Rally shirt sewn together, so she had T-Sizzle in the front and Rally in the back.  Way to rock it Mrs. Kelly!  :)  

At the end of the game, both teams, coaches and Aly and Tyler joined hands, at center court, for a prayer.  They included the kids' fight in the prayer.  It was very touching.  

Thank you, so very much, for touching our lives in this very special way.  We had a great time.  Aly was  so excited and was just glowing after the festivities.  I know it gave her spirits a boost as it did mine, as well.  It's been a tough journey, and even though the cancer is gone, there is still a constant battle remaining.

STMA ROCKS!    

Today, Aly got up bright and early to go to the Children's Hospital for the Botox injections for her jaw.  Kevin took a turn in bringing Aly down to Minneapolis.  They had to arrive at 6:15am, for a 7am appointment.  The doctor likes to put the kids under with nitrous (laughing gas) so they don't feel the pain of the shot.  Last time, I took her, and he said, "these kids have been through enough."  Maybe I should've requested the laughing gas at the clinic last week when Aly had to have 4 shots!  

Anyways, please say a prayer that the Botox will stop the jaw locks.  This time they did a stronger dose.  She's still been having jaw locks a few times a day.  She is used to them now, but it would be nice to have one less thing to deal with!  Thanks!