Tonight's picture was taken in August of 2009. By this point we knew that Mattie's situation was terminal. He was having trouble breathing and needed to be constantly on oxygen (as you can see in this photo). Mattie's care team encouraged us to wait until the end of treatment in order for him to apply to the Make a Wish Foundation, for something special. NOT a good plan, as that day of remission never came! Instead, Peter and I went out (with my parent's help) and purchased this ride on vehicle. Mattie always wanted one and it truly made him happy to spend his last couple of weeks on this earth riding and driving. He was a natural driver. I did not know that at first, which was why I was sitting in the passenger seat sticking close just in case. Mattie called this vehicle, "Speedy Red." In fact, I recently learned through Facebook that one of our supporters has a daughter and her daughter (who I never met) wrote a short story about Speedy Red!
Quote of the day: Expect nothing. Live frugally on surprise. ~ Alice Walker
Out of the blue, I was contacted today by a former researcher at NIH. Peter and I don't work with her often, but we have had the opportunity to interact with her at conferences and at a brainstorming session regarding how to implement the Standards. In any case, to my surprise, she told me that she nominated me for the Ellen Stovall Award. The announcement for the award recipients went out today, and unfortunately I wasn't selected. But I am deeply honored to be nominated, especially given the caliber of the person nominating me.
The award is given by the National Coalition of Cancer Survivorship (NCCS). NCCS’ mission is to advocate for quality cancer care for all people touched by cancer. Founded by and for cancer survivors, NCCS created the widely accepted definition of survivorship and defines someone as a cancer survivor from the time of diagnosis and for the balance of life. In fact, NCCS considers caregivers as survivors too.
I have always thought of applying for the award, but never have. My gut feeling is that childhood cancer is not in the forefront of the hearts and minds of NCCS. The focus is adult cancer. With that said, I am honored that someone feels that the work we have done for the childhood cancer community is worthy of recognition.
To learn more about the award and the nomination process, go to:
https://www.canceradvocacy.org/stovall-award/nominations/
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