Newsletter: April 3, 2009
Love life and life will love you back. Love people and they will love you back. - Arthur Rubenstein
Hello everyone,
We hope you are doing well and enjoying the sunshine.
We have two opportunities for you to participate and support, both indescribably worthwhile.
Our beloved Julie
As most of you know, Julie Miles is one of three adults at the helm of Creek Kids Care. I know without a doubt that Creek Kids would not have lasted without Julie's practical and inspired guidance. She is an incredible friend, a gifted teacher, a thoughtful and deliberate parent of two sweet girls -- someone who always has left love and peace in her wake.
As most of you know, Julie has been battling metastatic breast cancer since she discovered a recurrence late this summer. The road has been rough, and for those of you who are following her path via Caringbridge, you know the amazing clarity and strength Julie meets each day with, despite months of pain and a wide variety of horrible side effects. The excellent news is that the cancer has not spread to her soft tissue (i.e. organs). The bad news is that the cancer has spread throughout her skeleton.
Recently, Julie began pursuing alternative treatments. The collection of them have brought great relief from pain. It is all our hope that they will help shore up her body and turn the tide. The appointments are expensive and are all out of pocket.
With complete awareness of what challenging times we're in, Cat and I would like to humbly request that you consider making a donation of any amount toward Julie's past and future alternative treatments. Do what you can, if you can.
Since Creek Kids is based on generous action of our kids, it's also not out of line to involve your kids (especially those kids who know her) in doing extra chores or something creative to raise their own contribution. As always, we look for heartfelt motivation, not any guilt or obligation.
You can send checks made out to Miles Family Fund to Julie Miles, 2785 Acacia Rd., Walnut Creek, 94595. Any amount would be so appreciated.
For those of you who would like to hear from and send your thoughts to Julie, please do so via this link to Caringbridge: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/juliemiles
Young and Motivated
In today's Walnut Creek Journal, Denny Cmiel, a fourth grader at Walnut Heights, was featured for conceiving of a way to help his aunt, who is suffering from Bile Duct Cancer. What began as a great idea has developed into Summit Shell Ridge Summit 2009, a 5K hike through Shell Ridge in Walnut Creek. It's happening NEXT SATURDAY, April 11th. The event has already exceeded the fundraising goals Denny had originally set and the event hasn't yet occured. Funds raised will go to Johns Hopkins to benefit Bile Duct Cancer Research.
We'd love to encourage you to participate with your kids. This event is a glowing example of how powerfully kids and teens (and adults!) can create change. There is so much power in action! We think the event will inspire your kids to "be the change." Click on the link to the event website for all pertinent information: www.bileductcancerwalk.org
Coming up
Mark your calendars for the 6th Annual Family 5K Run/Walk to benefit JF Kapnek Trust: Sunday, April 26, 9 a.m. at Miramonte High School. JF Kapnek is one of two organizations that Creek Kids supports. Last year, we had such a great time forming a Creek Kids team to participate. Let's do it again!
You can register at active.com and type in keyword "Kapnek". Proceeds from this event will support the Pediatric AIDS Fund - Zimbabwe. If you haven't before, we'd love to encourage you to check out JF Kapnek's website and learn more about what a great organization they are. We're proud to support them! www.JFKapnekTrust.org .
We'll be in touch again soon with spring events. Until then, take of yourselves and each other.
Warmly,
Laura and Cat (for Julie too)
© Creek Kids Care, 2006
