First of all, Luis had so much energy that he ran around the Croatian Centre all evening and was the last one to leave. He even wanted to stay up when we got home around 9:00 p.m. He had so much fun seeing familiar faces and many children his own age, including his cousins and daycare friends. And to top it all off, on Monday, we learned that his blood counts were pretty good, near normal in fact. That explained his energy level. Luis' immune system wasn't as weak as we thought after all, but I'm still glad he wore a mask.
Secondly, what a turn out! The fundraiser was sold out and it was amazing and touching to see how many people came together to support my family. For those who couldn't be there, you missed out on quite an evening.
Windsor Fire & Rescue
Windsor Fire & Rescue came to the event and offered tours to families. They were great and even donated to the fundraiser for the short while that they were there. Firemen are the best!
Ron Gudel, Magician/Hospital Volunteer
Ron, the magician, walked around wowing the crowd with his magic tricks. Then he made Luis float in the air. It was very exciting to see. Luis, however, did not enjoy that trick so much. He has a fear of falling ever since he fell off a stretcher the first day he was diagnosed. Sorry Ron, I forgot to tell you that ahead of time.
Brendan Friel, "Mr. Brendan"
Mr. Brendan, a teacher from Luis' daycare, performed a mix of kids' and adult songs with his acoustic guitar. His voice was stunning and so many people commented on how great he was.
Canadian Blood Services
The Canadian Blood Services booked over 10 appointments for blood donations in Luis' honour. This entire week, they will be taking appointments in his honour, regardless of your blood type. Luis has already had 4 transfusions and will likely need more over the next two years. I desperately want to donate blood but my doctor said 'No'. So I'm begging anyone who can donate blood, to do so for me and obviously, for Luis. Book your appointment today by contacting Canadian Blood Services at 1-888-2-DONATE (1-888-236-6283) or contact Maureen Macfarlane, Community Development Coordinator at 519-251-4203 or email maureen.macfarlane@blood.ca to schedule your appointment.College of Massage Therapy
We had a group of massage therapist students from the College of Massage Therapy offering free massages all night. I finally got mine in the last 30 minutes of the evening. I had to wait my turn because all 4 tables were full. I heard Rob on the microphone make an announcement that my mom was looking for me. That ended my massage rather quickly. The people around me laughed at the marks on my face from the massage table.Ala Naar
The belly dance troupe, Ala Naar, also performed. Luis asked one of them why they didn't have many clothes on. She told him it was so they don't sweat so much. He later told me about this discovery in a matter-of -fact manner. Thanks for clearing that up with him, Jen :) He also asked me if I remembered the girls with the sparkly bums. He said he liked the purple one the best. Way to go Brenda. You won over Luis!
Clowns
All night the kids were running around with balloon swords made by Trixie the Clown. Another clown, Marny Jengles (sorry if I'm butchering your name!) was also selling clown noses and entertaining the kids. Luis brought his clown nose to the hospital yesterday to show Ron the Magician because he does a magic trick with him that changes one red ball into three.
Master of Ceremony, Rob Rea
Rob is an old dear friend who agreed to be our MC for the evening. He did his best to follow a choppy guideline I gave him and kept the evening humming along. Thank you for going with the flow and helping clean up. Your help was appreciated.
Thanks!
So many people came together to make the fundraiser possible. I will do my best to capture everyone:
My mom, Kathy,
who dedicated herself to the fundraiser and made it come together.
My family
Daddy Luis' family
Luis
for being healthy enough to join us!
Croatian Centre
Ron the Magician
Mr. Brendan
Ala Naar
Massage Therapists from College of Massage Therapy
Rob Rea
Windsor Fire & Rescue
Trixie the Clown
Marny Jengles
(again, sorry if I've got your name wrong)
The Children's House Montessori
for having your classes prepare the most adorable centerpieces for our tables. They were beautiful!
The 350+ guests who attended, especially those who traveled great distances to be with us.
The many more friends, family and complete strangers who offered a donation.
The 70+ companies, friends, family and complete strangers who contributed to the raffle/silent auction:
Barry Macdonald
CAW Local 444 & its members
Donna Mae's Diner
Homestyle Delicatessen & Bakery
Jodi Green
Le Bourgeois Fine China
Wholesaler
Lia Sophia (Dawn St. Jules)
Pretty Poochie Dog Grooming Salon
Pro-Craft by Moe Adams
Schwabs Deli
Shelley Andonian (Avon)
Sue Morris
Tony's Barber Shop
Vic Bodnar
Youssef Hair Boutique
As you can see, there are many people to thank. I'm sure this list is not complete but I will update it if/when I realize I've missed someone or made a mistake. Please send corrections, links and/or additions to bigbraveboy4@gmail.com.
Thanks again to everyone!
--Mommy
So happy the day was successful and that Luis had lots of energy. So sorry we couldn't be there.
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