Pray for Tina

Tina Nealon Ilapit is a mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend and my cousin. She has been with the love of her life, Bruce, since she was 13. They celebrate their 20th anniversary this year. She has 2 beautiful children, Quinn, who will be 11 in a few days and Laina, who is 9. She is beautiful, generous and a joy to be around.

She is fighting for her life.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 24 and again at 31. The first time took a lump, the second time took both her breasts. The threat of cancer returning took her ovaries and uterus. In May of this year, it took a good chunk of her liver when she was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer. She is 39. Cancer has been stealing pieces of her for the last 15 years. She has suffered through all of this with dignity and grace. Her thoughts are for her family and friends.

Here is my request to you:

Pray for Tina

Pray for her family, pray for her friends. It doesn't matter if you're religious or not, good thoughts go a long way for healing. You might not know her, but she could be your mother, your sister, your daughter, your wife, your cousin. She is in the hospital right now fighting and needs all the positive energy she can get. Her body may be frail, but her will is strong. She is amazing and I love her.

Update 2/19/11:
Tina passed away yesterday evening surrounded by her family. Thank you for all the well wishes.

Surfers Healing 5k Fundraiser

Surfers Healing is non-profit organization that offers a free day of surfing to those with autism. It is funded solely by donations and is run by AMAZING volunteers. The families are treated with dignity and love. Our 7yr old son, Xander, has participated in the camp 3x and this will be his 4th. We have been so grateful to this day of non-judgement, where Xander can be himself and people actually celebrate his awesome quirks. Please donate if you're able.

Update:
I was able raise $720. Thank you so much for all your support.

Tip a Cop

Hey all. I know I haven't been great about blogging. Lots going on.

My cousin, Tina, has stage four cancer and there's a fundraiser going on to help her and her family. Her husband, Bruce is a police officer and his fellow officers have come together to help. Please watch the story below and help if you can.

http://www.wavy.com/dpp/news/local_news/chesapeake/police-wait-tables-for-tips

A Better View of Xander's Progress

I know, I know. More video? Yes. This is actually a better look at Xander's progress over the last year. It's pretty drastic.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptHwUsSf5tI

Lights, Camera, Xander!

I've started to document Xander's progress over the last few months. I'll be adding more from his earlier years. He can't have a true conversation with anyone;however, he's getting better at answering questions with complete sentences.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qgS5XGdgo6U

The Frisbee Apocalypse

My conversation with Spencer last night:


Spencer: "Frisbees are bad guys you need to hit with a bat or they'll eat your eyeballs and you become a frisbee."

Me: "You mean zombies?"

Spencer: "Oh, you're right, zombies."
 
I fear for my child's survival in the coming zombie apocalypse

A self-advocate's letter to her younger self

I recommend going to this link. Amy Gravino is a young woman with Asperger's who I find very inspirational.
http://blog.autismspeaks.org/2010/04/15/itow-gravino/

You can also find Amy's blog here:
http://minikitkatgirl.blogspot.com/