There have been African-American judges, congress-men, Senators, etc.  For the first time, ever, there is an African-American President of the United States.  Here is what this translates to.  America is still the most powerful country in the world.  The leader of that country is the most-powerful person in the world.  African-Americans have gone from being slaves less than 200 years ago to having one of us hold the most-powerful office on Earth.

I tried to teach the girls some of what this means and what today’s activities were all about.  I think it is going to take a few more evenings of going over this for them to understand.  They need to understand what those who have come before them have done to make this happen; what people are doing today that will help them in the future; and what they can do to help themselves achieve any and every dream they have.

Alex in Fall 2008

At the age of 7, other than being a little manipulative, Alex seems to be the one that follows instructions the best, handles adversity the best, and holds no grudges. I enjoy spending one-on-one time with Alex and no matter what mood I am in and no matter what I have said to her, she can always be counted on for an “I Love You, Daddy.” at bed time. Cassie, on the other hand, is a little more trouble.

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On January 7, 2008, our lives were changed forever when our 10 year old daughter Emily was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in her left thalamus. Emily’s brain tumor, a pediatric low grade astrocytoma (PLGA) is the most common type of childhood brain tumor and yet, has historically received little, if any, dedicated funding or research. Consequently, there are few treatment options available, and those that are available are invasive, toxic and mostly ineffective.

Emily is determined to change all this and she has set her sights on raising $1 million to help fund PLGA dedicated research by December 31st, 2008. We, her family, have partnered with The Pediatric Low Grade Astrocytoma Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity (founded in August 2007) to help raise money for dedicated PLGA research with a goal of developing kinder, gentler and more effective treatments, AND a cure, for the thousands of PLGA children around the world.

I do believe this to be true. Please visit Emily’s website, www.colorforacure.com. You can buy a pixel of color for just one dollar. Each dollar – every cent – goes to PLGA research, and each pixel is added to a picture which is gradually completed as the goal of a million dollars is approached. You can make a difference in a child’s life, and make sure you tell a friend!