Bears Fans

We are still receiving great items for the auction. Check out what just came in!

2 Chicago Bears tickets

Bears vs Seahawks

Sunday, December 18, 2011, Noon kick-off

United Club Level tickets - Sec 209, Row 17, Seats 15-16

Parking Pass

COMP Buffet at 10:00am in the United Club (100 level)

Pre-game field access – 90 minutes prior to kickoff

LIVE Auction Items

Only 2 weeks until our Fundraiser for Drew and the Ames family!

Join us at Wheaton Bowl on
October 14th at 8pm
for our LIVE Auction and show some support for this wonderful family!

Items up for Auction:

*Devin Hester autographed Football with certificate of authenticity
*Dyson Vacuum - Dyson Ball DC 25 Animal

*Body Shape Kit

*Billy Williams Hall of Fame Baseball Bat
*2010 MLB "The Show" Video Game for Playstation 3
*Official Major League Baseball signed by Albert Pujois, St. Louis Cardinals
*2009 State Farm Home Run Derby Gold Ball signed by Cal Ripken
*Autographed Hall of Fame picture of Scottie Pippin
*Derrick Rose autographed jersey
*Dwight Howard autographed hat
*4 Lower Level tickets for an upcoming Bulls Game
*Poker Set
*United Center Luxury Suite (Suite L-55) for the 11/11 Blackhawks Game
*(2) blankets - choice of Swedish Weaving on Monk's Cloth, handmade, handwoven
*Lewek Photography and Frame Studio , One Outdoor Family Portrait Session at Lake
Ellyn or Panfish Park (one 5x7 print included)
*Three free months of Irish Dance Lessons
*Training Service for a 5K or Sprint Triathlon Gift Certificate
*Family Photo Session and Package C by Ideal Image Photography
*Derrick Rose signed All Star Bobblehead
*Patrick Kane autographed Blackhawks coffee table book
*(4) Tickets to Sox Game (2012) Season
*(4) Tickets to Blackhawks game (2011-2012) Season
*(4) Tickets to Cubs Game (2012) Season
*Family 4-pack of tickets to see Chicago Wolves game with $25 concession voucher
*4 Glass seats, 2 parking passes and 4 Ketel one passes to the Oct. 31 Predators vs. Blackhawks game
*Weekend getaway to Eagle Ridge Territories, Galena, IL
*PS80 Comfortmaker Gas Furnace with installation
*Web Site Service for a business or individual- 10 page website with contact form
custom designed- hosting and domain name included
*Water Pik Flosser for Kids
*Teeth Whitening by Dr. Wardell
*Sonicare Toothbruch
*Signature Card autographed by Ken Holtzman and Fergie Jenkins
*Punch card for 10 buckets of balls for the driving range at Village Links in Glen Ellyn
*One round of Golf for 2 including card at Eaglewood Resort and Spa
*One night weekend stay with breakfast for 2 at the Marriott
*One night stay in one bedroom suite at Timber Ridge Lodge and Waterpark, Lake Geneva
*One "Going Bananas" Little Monkey Bizness Birthday Party
*Makeup service for any occasion, will travel for onsite throughout chicagoland area.
Full face professional makeup application- false eyelash application
*Handmade colorful afghan
*Golf outing for 4 with cart at Cantigny
*Free month of Yoga at Yoga by Degrees
*Bowling party for 10 at Fox Bowl
*My Gym Wheaton Birthday Package
*Bag of Jibbitz for Crocs
*Autographed Otis Wilson Football with certificate of authenticity
*Autographed David Stern floor tile with certificate of authenticity
*Autographed Bobby Hull picture with certificate of authenticity
*3 hours of performance time for a private party by professional musician Adam James
*1 dozen vased roses
*$150 Gift Certificate to Elite Feet Dance Center
$150 Gift Card to The Capital Grille
$100 Gift Card to Morton's Steakhouse including 2 AMC movie tickets
*(2) childs Sonicare toothbrushes
*Certificate for 24x36 photo canvas from Minute Man Press
*Netbook Computer

Fundraiser Yard Sale!

If you live near San Antonio,TX

Come shop at our Fundraiser Yard Sale!

OCTOBER 8th

8AM to 2PM

at the

Bridgewood Liberty Field Park, San Antonio, TX 78254

(crossroads of Liberty Field Rd and Cavern Hill Rd near Shaenfield and 1604)

All proceeds will go to help Drew and the Ames family.

For more information or if you would like to donate items to sell you can contact Brandon and Denise Gardner at brandonanddenise@gmail.com

Thank you for your support and hope to see you there!

For All You Blackhawks Fans....

If you are a Blackhawks fan you will definitely not want to miss our LIVE auction!
Come to Wheaton Bowl on October 14th at 8pm and bid on these items...

4 glass seats, 2 parking passes and 4 Ketel One passes to the October 31st Predators vs. Blackhawks game

United Center Luxury Suite for the 11/11 Blackhawks game. Includes 12 tickets and 4 parking passes.

This Just In...

We are receiving so many great items for our LIVE auction!

Make sure to let all your friends know because the auction is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC starting at 8pm on October 14th.


Here are the latest items we have received....

Signed Blackhawks coffee table book by Patrick Kane
Derrick Rose signed All Star Bobble head
(2) $100 Chipotle Gift Cards
HTC Thunderbold 4G Smartphone
Family 4-pack of tickets to a Chicago Wolves game (includes a $25 concession voucher)
4 tickets for each of the Cubs, Hawks and Sox for an upcoming game in 2012
$100 Gibson Steakhouse Gift Card
Autographed Derrick Rose Jersey
Autographed Hall of Fame picture of Scottie Pippen


Like I said... tell your friends and come support the Ames family!

6 Days 5 Nights

Monday, September 19, 2011

We are home from the hospital! This fever admit had us there for 6 days and 5 nights which was 1/2 the time we spent there after round 2. We were able to leave last night after another blood transfusion and got home just in time for me to get all of his meds going and then had to get up early enough to get all of his morning meds done in order to be at radiation by 6:45am! Drew has been fever free since early on Saturday and his blood cultures have all been negative since that first one that was positive. They sent him home continuing the IV antibiotics and he is still on the IV antifungals from our last episode with the pneumonia. We will continue with radiation for the next 4 weeks until that is done and we have an appointment with his doctor tomorrow, including labs, to try to determine when we will start this next round of chemo which is supposed to be the end of this week already.

Just some pictures from our week.

This was our ride to radiation during our stay.

Arriving at radiation. It was quite the ordeal to have to be transported.

We made a new friend with a new roommate this time. He was an 8 year old boy who had the same interests including video games and legos. We have been lucky enough to get a video game console almost every time we have been admitted, even though lately they are limited because someone has been stealing the actual game systems from the hospital. Yes you heard me right - someone is actually stealing the playstations and xboxs from the oncology ward at a children's hospital - unbelievable!

You can see how rosy Drew's cheeks are in this picture. I think his temp was down from almost 105 to 103, so he was really making an effort to want to play.

We had a surprise visit from Uncle Eric and Aunt Autumn. Drew was pretty happy to see them and so were we!

Drew was unhooked from all the monitors and IV's for a minute while we went downstairs to radiology to repeat a chest xray. When we got back to the room he wanted to switch beds, so here he is in the "comfy" beside chair that they call a bed for parents.

It can get fairly boring at times in the hospital, so you have to be creative finding things to do. Here Drew was playing hockey in the kleenex box with some lego pieces. I think in this picture he had ripped it open and was saying peek-a-boo!

Not the best lighting, but just a picture to show I do exist. We were down waiting at radiology and it was later in the evening so they weren't really open and all the lights were dimmed in the waiting area.

The 3's Have It

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

I am a 33 year old mom with a 3 year old son. Today marks the 3 month mark since the day of diagnosis. It feels like 3 years. I feel like I've aged 30 years. We have completed 3 rounds of chemo and 1/3 of radiation and yesterday we came back to the hospital for our 3rd fever admit. His blood cultures have come back positive for an infection. He is on 3 different "anti" medications (2 antibiotics and 1 antifungal).

Just a few stats from our last 3 months:

Surgeries: 2 - 1 craniotomy and 1 venous port placement

CT scans: 4

MRI: 4

EEG: 2

Number of times under anesthesia: 20

Lumbar Punctures: 5

Blood Transfusions: 5

Platelet Transfusions: 7

Overnight Hospital Admits: 7 totally 31 days plus 7 other day trips

I wanted to share some pictures from the last week when we were home after this last round of chemo. Drew was doing so well that I thought just maybe we would avoid this dang fever and any complications this time.

Brooke and Drew actually wrestling! (Although I made sure Brooke just mostly laid there as Drew climbed on her.) What a wonderful site to see them playing together.

Brooke, Kelsey, Dallin & Drew

Brooke was able to come with to radiation last week. We go so early that we are done in time to get her to school. I had mentioned that she might be able to come with, but when morning came it was so early I really didn’t want to wake her, but Drew insisted and he was so excited to show her what he does. This was the first time he actually rode on the bed down the hall. Every other time he has made me carry him. Sorry for the blurry cell phone picture, but if it wasn’t for the cell phone camera we wouldn’t have many pictures at all!

We had some beautiful weather and Drew actually wanted to get outside. Before when we would try to get him to go outside or for a walk he would say that he didn’t like the smell of outside. Thankfully, that has improved! We went for a walk in the stroller and then played a little t-ball and even got up on the trampoline.

This picture was from the other day when Drew said, “Mom! Tickle me!” What a wonderful request!

I will update our status here in the hospital as I can. Thank you all for your prayers and support. Again we cannot express enough how much we appreciate everyone and all that you have done and continue to do for us.

Fundraiser Auction Items!

I thought I would get everybody excited about the wonderful items we have received for our LIVE auction for our fundraiser for Drew!

The auction is open to the public and will start at 8pm October 14th at Wheaton Bowl.

Items up for auction:

Autographed Otis Wilson Football with certificate of authenticity

Autographed David Stern floor tile with certificate of authenticity

Autographed Bobby Hull picture with certificate of authenticity

Signature Card autographed by Ken Holtzman and Fergie Jenkins

Teeth Whitening, Value $500

Dog bone and Groom, Value $60.00

(2) childs sonic care toothbrushes, Value $90.00

Adult Sonic care toothbrush

Bowling party for 10 at Fox Bowl

Water Pik flosser for kids

$150 Gift Certificate to Elite Feet Dance Center

$150 Gift card to Capital Grill

One round of Golf for 2 including cart Eaglewood Resort and Spa

Golf outing for (4) including cart at Cantigny Value $420

One night weekend stay w/breakfast for 2 Marriott Hoffman Estates

Certificate for1 Dozen vased roses, Value $75.00 Fresh and Silk

$100 Gift card to Morton's steak house/2 AMC movie Tix

1/8 K73 Pocher Alfa Romeo Spider Touring Gran Sport 1932 kit

Set of Cobalt La Creuset cookware

Dyson Vacuum

We've got even more items being raffled off that night as well! Please come and help support Drew and the Ames Family! You will not be disappointed!

Another Fundraiser!

FUNDRAISER

Come and help support Drew and his family.
All proceeds will go directly to the Drew Ames Foundation

Barbie Princess Charm School
No School Dance Camp
October 10th 9:30-3:00

Learn how to be a barbie princess
morning activities - 9:30-12:00
Make your very own tiara and princess handbook.
Dance to catchy tunes from our favorite Barbie Princess movies.
When a break is needed we will have a tea party, pink treats and all.

Barbie Princess Charm School Movie Viewing
afternoon activities - 12:00-3:00
View the newly released Barbie movie with friends while we enjoy a picnic lunch together.
Don't forget to bring your favorite Barbie to keep you company while you enjoy the show!
Following the movie we will have a dance party with hoola hoops, freeze dance and party lights!

Wear comfortable clothes and your ballet or jazz shoes.
Full day dancers need to bring a sack lunch,
morning snack and water bottle will be provided.

all ages are welcome
half day option is available for the younger dancer
$20 half day (morning only) $30 full day

Register at Elite Feet Dance Center
Phone 630.858.2477 web www.elitefeetdance.net
SIGN UP NOW SPACE IS LIMITED

Chemo & Radiation

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

We came home Sunday after finishing round 3 of chemo. This was one of the shortest stays we will have for chemo with what was suppossed to be only 2 nights, but ended up being 3. We had planned on going in Thursday after radiation if his counts were where they needed to be (ANC - 1000) in order to start the next round . The Monday before his ANC was back down to under 100, so we really didn't think he would be ready, but we got the lab results and his ANC was up to 750. Since he had bounced back so well and we were already delayed a week with the pneumonia, they really felt like we should get started. It was getting late in the afternoon on Thursday at this point and I was going to have to head down with Drew alone, so we made a plan to just come in early Friday morning instead. Well then our nurse practitioner called back and told us that there was one bed open on our floor right then and come Friday there were 6 scheduled admissions with no guaranteed beds. We know all too well the waiting game there at the hospital, so we decided to go in early and grab our spot. After our last admission of 11 nights, 3 nights seems like a breeze!

I love this picture of Drew because it reminds me of him as a baby. He even looks like he has little chubby hands (which really is probably just swelling from all the fluids running through him). He has just had to grow up way too quickly through all of this.

We started week 2 of radiation on Tuesday. They were closed Monday for Labor Day, so we got the day off! Yesterday Drew's nurse Annie forgot to have him pick out a toy from the treasure box, but oh boy did she make up for it today. We opened the lid and right there on top was this huge box with 2 huge shoot guns (as Drew calls them)! It's a Nerf Dart Tag set.

Drew had a great day today. He's still sick from the chemo, but today only vomited once and he has had an appetite all day long. He hasn't really gotten sick at all from the anesthesia everyday at radiation either. They say any negative side effects, like a sunburn type reaction at the site where the beam enters, are usually delayed 2 weeks, so next week may be more telling, but so far so good. Tomorrow he gets another dose of chemo here at home and we will check his labs to see if his counts are falling yet. We are just hoping and praying that we can get through this round without a fever or any other complications.

Radiation

September 1, 2011

Last Monday we started Radiation treatment. It is so nice to be so close to home and only have a 10 minute drive. So far things have gone really well. Our scheduled appointment time is 10:15am and of course Drew can't eat in the morning because he gets put under general anesthesia each time, but he has done great! Each morning he tells me what to pack for when he's done. Popcorn seems to be the food of choice lately. Next week we will be moved up in the schedule to a 7am time which will be easier on him as far as the eating situation. We have 4 treatments done and 26 to go. Tonight we are heading back down to the hospital to begin round 3 of chemo.

Last Tuesday Uncle Bruce was able to come with us to Radiation. Drew was very excited to have him there and show him what he does. Look at that smile on his face!

After radiation on Tuesday, we went downtown for a blood transfusion and Aunt Debbie came with to help. She sat with Drew and read books and he fell asleep and took a much needed nap.

Drew is feeling pretty good and today we were able to spend some time outside playing in the water before going back to the hospital.