Long Overdue Update...

I can't believe we haven't provided any updates since July! So sorry for our laziness...

Things in our lives have been amazing and we continue to be surprised at all the blessings that come our way on a daily basis. Since the update about Brad being in remission as of July 16th, many wonderful things have happened.

The best news of all is that Brad continues to become stronger everyday! Although cancer continues to be part of our daily conversations, we don't talk about or make predictions on when his first relapse will occur. His hair has fully returned and is almost black now. He also just seems to have a heck of a lot more of it! We are certainly looking forward to this Christmas being so different and much happier than last year's.

In August, Avery went to spend nearly a week at Camp Kesem, which was sponsored by the University of Richmond at Westview on the James camp and retreat center. Although he was nervous to spend the time away from home, we were looking forward to his opportunity to interact with other kids his age who can directly relate to his feelings about dealing with a parent who has cancer. As did the camp staff, all campers had to choose nicknames and Avery affectionately became known as "Mashed Potatoes", but shortened it to "Taters" throughout the week. It was clear when Brad and I picked him up the day of the family picnic, that Taters was extremely popular at camp and found significant value in his experience. Avery's favorite activity during the week was the zipline and surprising to us all - he LOVED singing the camp songs and performing in the talent show. He led the kids and camp staff in a dance he created called the "Mashed Potato Shuffle" and his group became known as the "Mashed Taters and Gravy Crew." He is still talking about his experience and wants to return next year.

After some significant conversations with Brad and deep soul searching, I made the decision in July to resign my position with the YMCA at Virginia Tech at the end of August. I didn't have another position lined up and was unsure of what the future held, but truly just wanted to be closer to home after all that we have endured since last December.

After applying to a variety of positions and doing some temp work, what I considered to be the most wonderful opportunity presented itself in August. I applied, had many interviews and was offered a position as the Office Manager for the American Cancer Society's South Atlantic Regional Office here in Roanoke. Much of what I do is administratively based here in Roanoke, yet also provides support and direction to the other 5 offices within the region. I still have the wonderful opportunity to interact and serve alongside volunteers, provide mission based experiences to my own staff (i.e. retreat, professional development opportunities, etc...) and more importantly, work with an incredibly talented team of professionals who are clearly dedicated to serving others in the fight against cancer. Although I just started this week and have a ton to learn, I am thrilled to have found the opportunity to work for another action and impact oriented organization committed to making a difference in the lives of others.

I continue seeing blessings and miracles at work in our lives daily and am so thankful for being led down the right path. Many continued thanks to our friends and family who still reach out and support us in more ways than we could ever mention. We love you all.

Hugs,
Sandy