ROSS Kids Graduation

Today was a big day for Izzy and her sisters. They got to graduate from Ross Kids (notice Izzy shaking the Dean's hand...big time!) I was able to take some fun shots on the grounds of the Michigan Union Building. Also, it was Lorin's last day at Bryant Elementary and Izzy got to help throw her a going away party.

Cory graduates Friday. The girls fly to Utah with Grandma and Grandpa Costley on Saturday. And Cory and I start the long driving trek on Tuesday! Goodbye Michigan :(

Add-on to last post

Izzy caught Lorri's attention the moment her file showed up as a new cancer patient. She has been there for us in a major way! They're kind of bonded at the hip whenever they get the chance--two peas in a pod :)


Lori = Mrs. Claus! Known to pull the biggest stuffed bear out of the tiniest cupboard to surprise Izzy. One was so big I had to push it in the stroller instead :) We laugh a lot with Lori .

Goodbye UofM Cancer Center

Today was our last Cancer Center appointment before the move and it was very hard to say Goodbye to these special friends. I have never met a more concentrated group of amazingly selfless and empathetic people.

It was Pajama Party at the Cancer Center today. Dr. Connelly was upset he didn't get the memo. Dr. Connelly and Izzy have a race down the hall after each check. He usually cheats and grabs a medicine push-cart to roll on--all in hopes that Izzy will bust up laughing. Their giggle sessions together are a unique experience.
Judy is our Spinal Tap lady--thanks to how patient and loving she is, Izzy doesn't hate her for how bad those hurt. In fact she's a favorite!

Marcia takes care of all of Izzy's infusions and transfusions--we spend a lot of time getting TLC from her. She must never have a bad day--always happy!
More of our happy cancer center family. Jessica in the bottom right is a Childlife Specialist and becomes mommy to my children as soon as we step in the room. Izzy adores her. For me to get to talk to doctors, check email, or read a book is her goal--ready to take her to Dallas with me :)

I think we're the only non-employees who have a free pass back into the offices (we get in trouble if we don't sneak back and say hi). Anne made Izzy this blanket. Lorri, Lori, Deb and others shower Izzy with gifts every time they see her (Think Christmas once a month). As soon as they send pictures ;), I'll post a few more "family" faces.

Wish Ball

Last Saturday the UM Stars (a student run organization that supports Make-A-Wish) held their annual Wish Ball. The event was a formal dinner and dance to get support for fulfilling more wishes. Izzy was one of the honored guests, and the UM Stars did a fantastic job.

Izzy sang "I am Like A Star" in front of 200 peole--belted it out loud and clear.














(Izzy and Kevin, a doting UM Star) (Wyatt, Izzy, and Brooklyn dancing the night away)

People were very generous in providing silent auction and raffle items and in bidding on them.
Some of the items included sports memorabilia (e.g., signed Tiger's baseballs, Red Wing jerseys and a Rich Rodriguez signed football). It was an inspiring thing to see so many people willing to sacrifice for someone else.

As it turns out, Kerri was also one of the honored guests. She was the keynote speaker and got a standing ovation at the end. It was a great feeling to see Kerri be recognized for all of the amazing things she has done this last year (i.e.,mother a daughter trying to survive cancer, help two other children thrive and support a husband trying to fulfill his dream all at the same time).