Team Canada Camp Here I come!!!!

Earl and Darby are about to set out on another trip of a lifetime, as Earl refers to his little hockey trips. They are leaving tomorrow for Calgary and the Team Canada Hockey Camp. I am not sure if I posted the story of the guys we met on our first trip to Detroit. We were on our way down to the dressing room after the game and part of group consisted of a group of Canadians from Calgary. While we were in the dressing room and Earl and Darby were flitting about in the back with the players...one of these guys came over to me and with great curosity asked me, "who are you and why are your boys so in with the players?" I told him Earls story and they were all happy to see how welcoming the Red Wings were. they were quite impressed with Mike Babcock and the Wings Organization for taking such an interest and going to the lengths that they were to give Earl a real time Hockey Experience. Soon I heard a request" Darby's mom...can you take some pictures of us?" cause here they are in the dressing room of the Stanley Cup Champs and no one has a camera. so I took a bunch of pictures, halled them out to the bench to take some more....and when we returned home I emailed the pictures to them. They were thrilled, because now they had proof and therefore bragging rights...with their friends and colleagues. I received a big thank you and a request to keep them up to date on Earl's health.

I recently emailed them an update telling them how Earl was doing and that he was hoping to come out to Calgary for the Team Canada camp. I received a reply with an invitation to join them in their suite at the Red/White game at the end of the camp. I told them I had to work out a few details and I would let them know if we were able to make the trip or not. The next email I recv'd said that they would like to help us make the trip...... As it turns out my new kitchen cabinets were the detail I was trying to work out and they are being delivered this Thursday...so I was not going to be able to take Earl. Darby is though and when I let this fellow know he replied that he/his company would love to fly Earl and Darby out to Calgary, put them up in a downtown hotel and meet them at the game on Thursday. They are ecstatic.....!!!!! The company's name is Plains Midstream Canada and they are ready to show these boys a memorable time. They will be picked up at the airport in a limo (Earl is so excited as he has never been in a limo beofre) We have spoken to Babs and he will get them into the practices on Wednesday and Thursday, and Plains Midstream has somehow obtained tickets for the boys to attend the Team Canada Dinner on Wednesday night. OOOOOOH I wish I could go too....but it's Darby's turn. They should have fun.

Believe in the Goal 2009

Hi Everyone,

Earl had a great time at the Believe in the Goal/ Super Summer Showdown hockey game. A big thank-you to Darren Helm and Donna Sutherland (Todd Davidson's aunt) for helping Earl and friends to meet some of the players.

On Wednesday Earl and I went to Larders Golf Club where the Golf Tournament portion of the fundraiser was held. We arrived before tee-off and as we wandered around Earl met a number of NHL & AHL players. Darren Helm, Jonathon Toews, Cam Barker, Nigel Daus, Jordan Tootoo, Alexandre Bolduc, Cory Schneide, Rejean Beachemin, and Ace Burpy!

The next evening we went to the Hockey Game at the MTS center, with friends Chris, Rob, and Earl and Ramona Reimer. It was so much fun and Earl's friends were excited as they were able to cash in on Earl's NHL and media connections, with a visit to the broadcast booth during the first intermission and a visit to the dressing room during the 2nd intermission. A good time was had by all and we have a few pictures to help us remember. I have to say it was very exciting to be in the dressing room with so many players from so many teams. If you didn't get a chance to see the game....mark it on your calendar for next year, as it truly was a great game and for a very worthy cause. Check out Todd's story by googling Believe in the Goal/ Todd Davidson.

Earl is also excited because he has been on the phone with Mike Babcock talking about the goalies for Team Canada.

Take care and I will have another update right away about the upcoming Terry Fox Run taking place on September 13 at Assiniboine Park.

Debbie

July Update 2009

Hi Everyone.

Another month has passed and I thought it time to give you an update. Earl is feeling more energetic these days and is excited about a number of things going on. Firstly he is getting revved up for the upcoming Terry Fox "Marathon of Hope" Run on Sept. 13. His team is already starting to grow, so check it out and add your name to the team. Secondly he is excited about his support team's first official meeting. We went to visit some friends at St. Boniface 5b, on Thursday and there ended up being 3 patients and Earl...so we decided that was enough to consider it our first group meeting.

One area of concern is our upcoming CT Scan and follow-up appointment with Dr. Wong. The last CT showed 2 nodules in Earl's left upper lobe and the next one will give us a better idea as to whether they are cancerous or not. If they are then an appt will be booked with the surgeon to see if he will operate and remove them.....Please keep this in your prayers.

Earl and I spent a week cooking out at Camp Nutimik earlier this month and it felt so good to be back serving the Lord in the kitchen. Earl was able to help out daily, but also was able to have a good rest. Earl was excited to share his faith story with 120 staff and campers, and the news we've had heard is that kids at camp are still talking about it....Way to Go Earl.

This Thursday Earl will be attending the "Super Summer Showdown" at the MTS Center with some friends. It is a fundraiser for Cancer in the name of Manitoba grown Todd Davison who played the game of hockey with tremendous speed and a big heart, never letting the big guys stop him. In 2004 on his graduation day from St. Paul's High School he also had a date with a doctor, who performed a biopsy on his left shoulder. Two days later he was introduced to his newest adversary - synovial sarcoma, a rare form of cancer that attacked the tissues surrounding the joint. Following months of extensive radiation and chemotherapy sessions, Todd underwent major surgery in March 2005 on his shoulder. This removed the tumor but left him with limited use of his left arm, and effectively ending his hockey career. Todd passed away in December 2006....which was the same time that I took Earl to the Pan am Clinic to have his sore knee looked at. Come and cheer on Jonathan Toews, Darren Helm, Cam Barker, Travis Zajac, Jordin Tootoo and many more as they put their talent and skills on display in a mid-summer all-star game at the MTS Centre to support young patients in Manitoba with Cancer. Tickets available through www.ticketmaster.ca.

Well take care
Debbie

June Update

Hi Everyone,

It's been a busy time since we last updated the BLOG, so I will try and recap as best as possible.
My last post told you that Earls Red Wings had won the conference final and when that happened we had to make quick plans to get down to Detroit for that weekend. I phoned Thursday at 7am and managed to get a flight out on Saturday morning. We arrived in Detroit (after an almost unthinkable problem with the airline) at 1:30, checked into our hotel where Earl had a quick rest, ate a quick supper and headed to the game. Once again the DRW treated us like family and a car was waiting for us in the lobby. Game 1 was terrifically exciting and we beat the Penguins 3-1. The other exciting thing that happened that night was that we met our friend Anne Marie and while speaking with her, Earl saw a man with one leg and was so excited, we had to stop him and talk to him. Well Billy and Earl were thrilled to meet each other and had a nice visit and we exchanged email/phone numbers. It turns out that Billy is at the game with his brother "Kid Rock", so during the 2nd intermission, Billy brings his brother up to meet Earl and after a quick greeting I get to snap a few photo's. After the game, we head down to the dressing room, which was an experience in itself, as the locker room is a media frenzy. In typical Earl fashion he walks right in like he is part of the team and wanders around making sure he visits everyone. I was amazed to watch him as he knew the names of many of the TV/media personalities, and even some impersonations. It was a blast, and before the evening was over (we once again were close to being the last ones out of the dressing room) Earl had met Ted Lindsay, Don Cherry, Ron Mclean, Scott Oak, Darren Pang, and of course our good friend Darren Dreger. It was 1:30 when we arrived back at the hotel and 2:30 before Earl was able to fall asleep. The next morning we were up early, picked up and at the Joe, for the morning skate. Earl was once again sitting on the bench and hanging out with the players. It is the coolest thing to sit back and watch as these caring players, coaches and equipment staff , take time at a very crucial and focused time of their careers to include Earl in their day. Earl had his new prosthetic leg with him and proudly showed it off, especially the artwork....Detroit Red Wings and the name of his favorite player Henrik Zetterberg. Z, by the way did autograph the butt of Earls new leg.

That evening we had dinner with my cousin Allan and his family wife Gail, kids; Trisha and Keith. We went to the game with them and into the dressing room after the game. They were thrilled and being Detroit fans for many years, have now dubbed Earl their favorite cousin. That night Earl met Garry Bettmen and told him he wanted to see the Red Wings....play the Winnipeg Jets. Detroit wins again 3-1.

On Tuesday we headed to Pittsburgh in a rental car.....for game 3 and a quick peek at the beautiful city. We lost that night. The next morning we headed back to Detroit and then home to Winnipeg. It was a fast paced holiday and we were exhausted by the time we arrived home.

We had a visit with the oncologist on the 9th and were told that there is another nodule growing in his right lung. Upon receiving the ct scan report, it seems there are 2 nodules appearing in his right upper lung. The plan is to wait until Sept at which time a new scan will be done and a plan will be made. Please keep Earl in you prayers.

a

Hi Everyone,

Well today is a good day. Earl's Red Wings won the Western Conference Final last night and we are off to the Stanley Cup Finals in Detroit this Saturday. We will be attending Games 1 & 2 against the Pittsburgh Penguins...(the same team we beat last year).

God is so good. When I made my first call to Air Miles, I was told there were no flights available until Sunday,,,,,So I started to try and make a new plan. In my "never take no for an answer" mode, I decided to call back and all of a sudden there were tickets available for Saturday getting us into Detroit just after 2pm, so we can make it to the hotel freshen up and get to the game early. Earl's response when I told him, was it's amazing what can happen when you have faith. How true that is. And once again, I must also say thank you to Mike Babcock and the Red Wings, for continuing the Dream of a Lifetime for Earl.
Take care and we will update when we get home.
Debbie & Earl

GO RED WINGS.....ALL THE WAY TO THE CUP

A new and improved Earl

HI Everyone,

I have been tardy in updating the BLOG...so for that I am sorry, but as many have said....no news is good news RIGHT!!!!

Right. Earl is doing very well these days. We have started the process of reducing his pain meds and he is starting to come to life. He has less nausea and less tummy upset and is starting to sleep less. He has completely recovered from his lung surgery and even though the tumor they removed was malignant Dr Wong will not be treating Earl with chemo. He is confident that the whole mass was removed.....praise the Lord! Earl will see him again in June for follow-up.

Earl's rehab is going very well and he is progressing with his leg at an amazing speed. The prosthetists, Dr's and therapists are all impressed with Earl's success with his new leg. He has starting walking and running....yes running on a treadmill and is starting to train for the Terry Fox Run, which will be held in September.....Mark this on you calendar....because Earl is making his running debut....for Terry! As his energy returns, he is getting motivated to get active, in fact, on Wednesday after rehab in the morning, he played street hockey with his worker our dog Sauer and a buddy. He did a great job and had so much fun. Here is a video...you can watch.
Take care and keep praying.
Debbie & Earl

It with great sadness that we share with you the passing of our good friend Samantha! We met Sam and her family while we were in Toronto in 2007 for Earl's limb salvage surgery. Earl heard the Dr's talking about a girl who had been newly diagnosed and after they left he said he was going for a walk. 20 mins later he came back and said he had met a young girl, named Sam and her family. He told me they were very worried and he encouraged them by sharing his story and his knowledge of osteosarcoma. He also told them if they had any questions they should talk to me, because in his mind I was an expert. We met and over the next 1 1/2 years have become great friends and supporters of each other. Sam was an amazing young woman with a strength few people have, big bright smile and boy was she a fighter. We will miss her, but fond memories of our time with her will not be forgotten . Heaven will be a little britghter now with the arrival of this precious angel.
Debbie

Taken from her Obit...

Mar. 7, 2009 SAM SAMANTHA JEAN FLANNIGAN: As expressions of sympathy, donations to Mt. Sinai Hospital Foundation earmarked for "Sarcoma Research" in Samantha's name would be greatly appreciated by the family by calling the funeral home at 519-742-4481 or condolences at www.mem.com Isaiah 41:13 For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear, I will help you.

Want to HELP....Here's your Chance

As many of you may know Earl is back on the ice playing hockey again. He is hoping to return to the ice one more time this year....so here's hoping he recovers to that point. Earl is a member of the Manitoba Sledge Hockey Team, which is new in Manitoba, this being it's second season. Last year the team had 8 players and this year has grown to in excess of 25 players. We are also happy to announce that we are now a part of Hockey Manitoba, which comes with many benefits and helps us get more ice time. Sledge hockey is a para Olympic sport and in fact Canada has the best team in the world. Anyway....just wanted to give you some background. The opportunity for Earl to play hockey again has made him so happy, and once again he has the ability to get out there and shine.

How can you help?

1) Join us on Saturday April 4th at the Manitoba Moose game. If we sell 100 tickets we will be included in the opportunity to sell 50.50 tickets at MTS events. This is a great way for the team to raise funds. The cost for you to purchase the Moose game ticket is only $15. and we will all sit in the same section.
2) We are hoping to get Earl his own equipment
3) Each team member is given a pledge form....if you think you would like to help out with a donation please let us know.
4) The team is also looking for corporate sponsorship, with which they can purchase sleds, ice time, jerseys and other equipment, and host awareness activities throughout Manitoba.

You know my number so call if you are interested in attending or helping out in any way.

The game should be alot of fun and we can sell more than 100 tickets....so come on out and have some fun while supporting Earl, his team and a very worthy cause.

Have a great day,
Debbie

Surgery a Success

Hi Everyone,

Earl had his surgery on Tuesday and it was short (only 1 hour 10 mins) and everything went very well. They were able do the surgery with a scope which was great news as it will make for a quicker recovery for Earl and it enabled them to get a good look around the lung, which was healthy and showed no other tumors and to remove the tumor. Earl had a bit of a hard time with pain...I am not too impressed with the pain management provided, but Earl is a trooper and made it through the pain. He was feeling more like himselft yesterday and he may even come home today.

I will update again later and share the rest of the story, but right now I need to get on my way to the hospital.

Debbie

Go Wings Go!!!!!

Hi Everyone,

Earl, Darby and I had a great weekend in Minneapolis/St Paul,,,,shopping and hockey,,,What else is there to life!

We left on Thursday, arriving in Albertville around 2:30, checked into our hotel and then headed to our favorite outlet mall. We shopped and shopped getting lots of great deals. The deal of the weekend for Earl was buying 2 NHL jerseys at the Mall of America for $32 US (total that is) and for Darby CROCS fir $2.99 a pair. Darby broke an all time record by buying 10 pairs of shoes!!!!!
We had a great dinner at a Thai restaurant, watched some TV and then crashed for the night.

The next morning we woke up had breaky and then headed back to the Mall to finish up. We stopped at our favorite hamburger place "Culvers" and headed into to St Paul. We checked in and then....guess what!....we went to the Mall of America, where we shopped and had dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp.

Saturday morning we headed to the Xcel Energy Center for the Detroit Red Wings/Minnesota Wild morning skate. We had a difficult time finding our way into the arena until Andreas Lilja (who wears # 3) saw us and walked with us down to the dressing room. How cool is that! Once we arrived Earl was in his Happy Place surrounded by his favorite coaches and players. Darby and Earl were certainly made to feel at home and just visited and hung out with the guys. We had taken some pictures when we were in Detroit in November and had them blown up, so Darby and Earl had fun getting the guys to autograph them all. We hung out for quite a while and if you ask the boys I am sure they will have some stories to share with you. Earl wore his prosthetic to show everyone and was walking around without his crutches.....smiling broadly.

After we had lunch at the White Castle, we headed back to the MOA and finished some shopping, then back to the hotel where Earl had a little rest before the game.

We were at the arena by 6 and watched our team unfortunetly loose to the Wild. (5-2) But we congratulate Tomáš Kopecký, on the birth of his baby and on scoring a goal. What a way to celebrate the birth of your baby on the same day. After the game we ventured or should I say adventured our way down to the dressing room. There were quite a few Detroit fans, so we were thankful that we had our "Special Access Passes", but still had a bit of a struggle getting past security until Jiri Hudler (#26) helped get us through. We had a nice visit with Jiri, Chris Draper and Steve Yzermann, before heading into the dressing room. We hung out again and then said our goodbyes....funny we were almost the last to leave the dressing room.

Once again a very big thank-you to Mike Babcock and the Detroit Red Wings for making yet another dream come true!!!!! I will post some pictures, in a bit.

Earl heads into hospital tomorrow morning for surgery at 10:30...so please think of him and keep him in your Prayers.

Debbie

Upcoming Surgery

Hi Everyone,

We have seen the lung surgeon and the date has been set. Earl will have what they call a wedge resection of his right lung on February 24th at Health Science Center. The surgery will take place at 10:30 am and he is expected to be in hospital for 3-4 days. (provided there are no complications) We were at the hospital today for a pulmonary assessment and Earl did great. We have one more pre-surgical appt next week with the anesthesiologist.

Earl is not to worried and as usual has a very positive attitude. His rehab and working with his prosthesis will be put on hold for a while, but I am sure he will be back at it in no time.

I came up with a plan to keep his mind off of the upcoming surgery...and thankfully Mike Babcock came through again, so we will be traveling down to St Paul next weekend to see the Detroit Red Wings play the Minnesota Wild. Mike is one incredible guy and we are blessed in getting to know him. Earl will be able to attend the morning skate and then of course the game in the evening. He is hoping we will be invited into the dressing room after....so let's all cross our fingers.

Earl will be playing his last sledge hockey game of the season on Monday Feb 16 from 8:45 to 11:00 at Silverstone Arena in Fort Richmond. So if you want to see him in his glory and check out the game of Sledge Hockey....come on out...I know he'd love to see you there.

Please keep Earl in your prayers and keep in touch.
Debbie

Update

Well today was the day we went to see the oncologist for Earl's first follow-up. As usual I get all worried and my tummy does loop de loops, and this I have learned is my way of getting prepared for whatever news we are about to hear....(which most often is not news we want to hear) Well the news today was news we did not want to hear.....the tumor in his lung is cancer and has grown in size from 2.0 cm to 2.7 cm since his last scan in September. We had been told in September that the 6-7 nodules in his lungs were gone, with only 1 remaining. It appeared at that time that the remaining tumor/nodule was benign and we were informed that because of that Earl would not receive further chemo. The plan was to have a nice break, enjoy life and reaccess in January.
As of today the plan is that we will be referred to a thorasic specialist here in Winnipeg and Earl will need surgery to remove the tumor. There are no plans for chemo and Dr Wong feels that the surgery will be the solution. Osteogenic sarcoma cells can be very tricky little guys and can stay dormant, so they will continue to follow-up with the CT scans and bloodwork every 3 months.

Earl is taking the news very well....as he always does and continues to amaze me and all who know him, with his positive attitude and bright outlook. Praise God for giving Earl the ability to look forward to the next day and good health and not dwell on the present.

Take care and we will update when we have news from the surgeon .
Love Debbie

Earl's 21st Birthday BASH

Hi Everyone,
Thanks to all who attended Earl's 21st Birthday BASH. It was a smash hit with over 70 people in attendance. Earl was so excited to see everyone...he really had a great time. Whatever the future holds for this very special young man....I know and he knows that without a doubt HE IS LOVED and holds a special place in the hearts of many.
Here are some pictures taken the night of the party.

Earl went for a CT Scan and blood work on Wednesday and we see the oncologist next Monday. We ask that you continue to keep Earl's remission in your prayers. We have been blessed by our Lord and we continue to trust in his healing power. We believe that our Lord is the mightiest of all physicians and that he holds Earl in the palm of his hand.

We also ask that you include in your prayers our little friend and neighbor Peter Dias, (4 years old) who was taken by ambulance to hospital early this morning. We are not sure what is going on, but we ask that you keep him and his family in your prayers. We also ask that you pray for our friends Samantha (from Ontario) and Ramona (here in Winnipeg) as they both continue to deal with recurrences of cancer. They are both beautiful young women and we love them very much.
Take Care,
Debbie

Happy New Year!!!!!

HI Everyone,
It's been a while since we've really had anything to report. Earl continues to work hard at walking with his prosthesis at Rehab. Our time is M W F from 10:30 - 11:30 if you'd like to come down. He spends the time warming with crutches (after we get the prosthesis on...which some days is quite a chore) and then he starts walking with no crutches/canes. It takes a lot of concentration because he has to put his weight on the new leg the right way....or it bends and he falls. He has practiced falling and doesn't like doing it...! We can bring the leg home on weekends, but he hasn't brought it home for the last 2 weekends, due to the fact that he hasn't been feel well as of late.

Earl will go for blood work and a CT scan this Wednesday with the follow-up appointment on January 19th...with Dr Wong. Please keep him in your prayers as we will find out what is happening with his lungs. We are also hoping to find out if the benign tumor is doing anything and if it is...what the plans are for removing it.

We had a nice Christmas with Family and Friends...and a lot of just resting. Hope you had the same.

Earl turned 21 on Friday and I am trying to plan a little party for him.....stay posted for the details.

Debbie

December Update

Hi Everyone,
Earl is back to the routines of daily living. and learning to use his prosthetic leg. He was casted for it in October, fitted after we got home from Detroit and has been using it for three weeks now. Last weekend he was able to bring it home for the weekend and will bring it home every weekend now. He goes to rehab M W F at 10:30. He is very excited about walking with his new leg and is determined to work hard and be successful. This week he started walking with one crutch and next week will begin trying to walk with canes. We are hoping that he will eventually walk with no aids. The other thing we are working on is getting in and out of the "bucket" by himself. The alignment is very important and it takes a bit of adjusting but he is getting better everyday.
The next exciting news is that Earl is playing hockey again. It is called sledge hockey and is played sitting in a sled. The same rules apply and they even get ice at the MTS Center once a month. It is a new sport in Manitoba and we are hoping to see it grow so that they can have a league. You can make pledges for Earl and his team through SMD or by contacting me and I will get you a copy of the sponsorship package. He would love to see you out there cheering him on....he really hasn't changed as far as loving to have someone in his camp cheering him on.
Take it easy...


Debbie and Earl

Was it a DREAM?

Hi Everyone,

We are back from our trip to Detroit, but still grinning from ear to ear. Our living room looks like a souvenir shop...jerseys, hockey sticks, pucks, posters, banners, magazines and books, ticket stubs and visitor passes........all Red Wings of course.

We arrived in Detroit on Friday night, checked into our hotel and spoke to coach Babcock. We were in for a whirlwind of hockey and spending time with an amazing group of people. We attended two morning skates (pre game skates), two practices for the Red Wings and one practice for the Pittsburgh Penguins, two hockey games and two after game visits to the Red Wings dressing room. Earl and Darby sat on the bench during practices and visited several times (actually about 6x) with the players and coaches in the locker room. It was so cute to see Earl crutching from room to room like he was meant to be there. The guys were even teasing him that he should come on the road with them. Earl and Darby could light up a room with their smiles and not only did I enjoy the hockey part I was beaming as a proud mama.

We stayed at a fantastic hotel and even took in a NFL game...in a suite I might add. The Detroit Red Wings, Mike Babcock and Anne Marie especially, took such good care of us and honestly made us feel like family. There was not a single moment that I wished I was somewhere else.

We met so many people I can't list them all, but some of the highlights were Head coach Mike Babcock...who made this trip happen, Paul MacLean, Brad McCrimmon, Jim Bedard, Keith Mc Kittrick, Steve Yzerman, Gordie Howe, the whole team, Jim Devellano, Ken Holland, and Pittsburgh Players: Sydney Crosby, Marc Andre Fluery, Tyler Kennedy. Evgeni Malkin and Matt Cooke.

A big thank you to Anne Marie Krappmann and Lisa and the staff at the East Gate and the Staff at Olympia Entertainment. You all made us feel so special!!!!

Debbie, Darby and Earl.

Detroit Here We Come!!!!

HI Everyone,

In just 60 hours Earl, Darby and I will be heading to the airport and departing for Detroit....aka Hockey Town and home of Earl's team, The Detroit Red Wings. We are staying at the G.M. Renaissance Center, which is just 2 blocks from Joe Louis Arena. If you haven't heard this news before, you need to know that we are going as guests of Mike Babcock the head coach. What an amazingly nice man he is. We have been in touch with Mike by email and chatted on the phone several times and Earl gets so excited, it is a thrill to watch him. We are all quite excited and those of you who know Earl, know he is ecstatic and counting down the hours.

Earl has not been feeling the best these last few days, but we are praying and confident that he will be feeling much better by Friday. I actually had to take him to emergency at St B. last night because he was sweating to the point of being soaked, feeling nauseous and had a heart rate of 160. We ended up leaving without seeing the Dr. after sitting for 3 1/2 hours. The ER was so busy and Earl could not sit any longer. I had them check him out before we made the decision to leave, and his vitals had returned to normal. There are many things going on in his life that are causing him concern and stress and I am keeping a close eye on him.

Would you all please keep the family of our friend Andi, in your prayers as they prepare for Andi's passing. Andi is a lovely 18 year old young lady, who we met here in Winnipeg as we have both been on the same journey. Andi's cancer PNST or peripheral nerve sheath tumor is a very rare sarcoma and has really taken a toll on this beautiful young girl. Earl is very disturbed but all of this and really has a hard time understanding why things like this happen.

We will make sure and post a Detroit update and put up some pictures when we get back.

Debbie

Another Big Day

Hi Everyone,

Just a quick note to let everyone know that Earl had his first fitting for his prosthesis today. It is quite the contraption but Earl doesn't seem to be uncomfortable, so that's great. I won't try to describe, because in this case a picture saves a thousand words. I will post a picture very soon. Earl was so excited and is really looking forward to the end product, but he will have to be patient (which we all know is not easy for Earl), because the process of creating a prosthetic and learning to walk with it, will be quite long and intensive. Earl wants to walk without aids TOMORROW.

We are looking forward to our trip to Detroit, and of course I am looking forward to spending time with my two boys,,,,and no interruptions.

Take Care,
Debbie

October Update

Hi Everyone,

I am starting to get comments about no updates....so here it is. Earl is doing very very well, and recovering and getting stronger everyday. Tomorrow is a big day, as the prothesist will begin the process of making a prosthetic leg for Earl. It starts off with a 3 hour appt, where they will create a casting from which they can make the leg. It will be somewhat cumbersome but whatever it takes Earl is prepared to give it all he has. He has been attending Rehab 3x a week and is showing signs of getting stronger. It's actually pretty humorous to watch him as he flexes his muscles in the mirror, hoping to see a visible change. It takes a while Earl!!!!! Even though he is getting stronger each day, he still gets very tired and is sleeping 12-14 hours a day some days. The medications he is taking for pain really drain him of energy. His movement specialist has started to take him off one of the medications that controls his tics, so that is taking a little toll on him also. This poor guy, nothing every seems easy for him.

We are getting very excited about our upcoming trip to Detroit. We have been in contact with Mike Babcock the coach and he has invited Earl to come down to Joe Louis Arena for the morning skate on each of the two games days, for a Saturday practice and at some point time to hang out in the dressing room with the players. When Earl heard the plans, he was shivering with excitement and it is so much fun to watch him as the anticipation grows. He has now started converting days to minutes. Earl doesn't count sleeps...he counts days broken down in minutes.

He keeps himself pretty busy and manages to get out everyday. He tries to have 2 walks a day and can be seen by many of his friends walking down the street in our community of Whyte Ridge. He says he often gets invitations for a ride home, but declines telling them that he needs to get strong so that his prosthetic will be successful.

We had some sad news recently about our friend Andi, who is a young lady (18) and is battling cancer. She has been switched to palative care and is experiencing much pain as the cancer rages through her less than 100 lb body. Please keep her and her family in your prayers and think of Earl as well, because this is very hard on him. He is such a sensitive guy and finds the thought of his friends being so sick unbearable at times. The other night when we got news from Andi's mom, he broke down in tears as he reached for me to hug him.

Take care and please try and keep in touch....Earl is missing phone calls from many of you!
Debbie

Earl Starts Rehab!

Hi Everyone,
Sorry there has not been an update lately, but like they say, "No news is good news"

Earl is doing well and has started going to a rehab program for amputee's. He will be attending M W and F's

We received news today that the prosthetist who works at the rehab program will not be able to ( or is not willing to) make a prosthetic leg for Earl. Our Rehab therapist has invited us to attend a clinic next Tuesday Oct 14 where we will meet two other prosthetists who may be willing to give Earl a chance at trying a prosthetic leg. Please pray that:

1) One of the prosthetists will give Earl a chance

2) That the process of casting and development of the leg will happen quickly

3) That Earl will be strong enough to give it his best shot

4 That it would work.

Earl really wants this, let's pray together that he is given the chance.

Debbie