Or, at least, I try to be. But, for all that I try, I fall in love with people. They come into my life and before I know it, they are so much a part of it that I can't remember a time when they weren't there.
In November of 2007, I fell in love with Ylaria and her family.
Life is strange in the ways it works. It can be so painful. It can take so much away. But, in the same breath, it can give just as much in return. I'm not entirely sure I am worthy of the friendship I've made over the last year and a half. In fact, I'm fairly convinced that I'm not. All I know now is that I wish on stars and watch for signs. I light more candles and make more wishes. I believe in magic. And, I'm praying that it's real. Because Life needs magic from time to time.
Now is one of those times.
Ylaria is 3 years old. She loves Dora the Explorer, Cinderella and band aids. She has the most amazing laugh you'll ever hear and when she smiles, that happiness stays with you for days. Ylaria is magic.
Ylaria has Neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is a childhood cancer of the central nervous system.Ylaria was diagnosed Neuroblastoma, Stage IV in June 2007. She has been fighting for her life ever since. Treating at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) in NYC, Ylaria and her family frequently travel between California (home) and NY for treatment. Due to the demands of Ylaria's treatment, mom is the only one working at the moment so that dad can travel with her for her chemo, radiation and other treatment needs in NYC. Ylaria and her family have a strength and determination that is awe-inspiring. And, for all that they have given me, I am now trying to give a little back in return.
In an effort to help them in this battle, my amazing cousin, Sonia, her friend, Allison and I are putting together a fundraiser for Ylaria and her family. So mark your calendars! On Friday. April 24th from 9-11pm, at Lounge 11 in Hoboken NJ., we will be raising money to help cover some of Ylaria's medical expenses. There will be a $40 cover charge, $20 of which will go to Ylaria. Once you're in, it's open bar, but you *need* to be there between 9-11pm. Can't make it? Never fear!! To make a donation (no amount is too small) simply click here .
Thank you so much for your support. I know that times are tough right now, but I also know that they are even more tough for those in greatest need. Any support you can give would be very much appreciated. Please let as many of your friends know as possible. If only because the world deserves to know Ylaria and share in the light of her magic.
Thank you!
Ylaria's website is: http://www.caringbridge.org/
2 comments:
Oh man, I would LOVE to attend your fundraiser...sadly, I'll be down here at school. (I'm from DE and my girlfriend is from NJ though so we're definitely familiar with Hoboken!) I'm going to donate though! Good luck with the fundraiser, and plleeeaase let us know how it goes!!
GOOD CHOICE! (I'm rooting for UNC too... Duke stinks!)
and of course! I once ran a huge fundraiser for the little boy I knew who had NB, and we were able to raise over $4,000 ... woo hoo! It's hard work to organize something like that, but it's sooo worth it! Also, I love your blog layout - did you change it? I don't remember it always looking like this :-)
PS. Ylaria is SO CUTE! A lot of other NB sites have linked her, so I've been reading her for over a year now. She's in my prayers!!
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