Millie's Princess Run

Saturday was Millie's Princess Run. Millie was diagnosed with Pre-B ALL (same diagnosis as Presley) when she was 4 years old at PCMC. When it was time to celebrate that she was done with treatments the nightmare of relapse became reality. Millie then endured two bone marrow transplants. Bone marrow transplants are hard. Millie and her family spent many days at the hospital. Miliie never gave up, when she was the sickest on the hospital floor she would be drawing pictures for the other kids. Her example of strength and the ability to smile thru it all is amazing. She reminds me a lot of Presley. Her smile and her ability to win the hearts of strangers. Millie left her sick cancer body behind and earned her angel wings about a week before her race. I can only imagine the heartache that must have been to not have thier little girl with them on Saturday. The race also served as a celebration for Millie.

Just before the race was to begin! These two love each other so much

Ready for the Princess Run!

Everyone thinks we are twins!

Daddy, Crew and Presley finishing the 2K! First official race for all three of them!

The past few weeks have been hard for me and the other cancer families with the reality that life is so fragile. Yes we are given a 90-95% cure rate. But that leaves that 5-10%. Each day is a gift. We can't live with any regrets, we make the most of what we have not knowing what the future holds. I really can't think of the future too much. I remind myself to just live for today with my special daughter. I use to worry about her getting too spoiled, now I try to spoil her as much as I can. Some criticize me for that, fortunate for them they have never felt what I have.
The run was amazing. It was hot but I didn't mind. I had pictures of those little bald heads flashing in my head. I was so proud when my little fighter just 2 days after getting chemo treatment rode her bike for the 2K. I think I'm safe to say she was the youngest child to do the race without help from a parent. You go girl, chemo doesn't even stop you. I know Millie was cheering her on and telling her to "Stay Strong". I loved seeing her wear her bib number and her princess crown on her helmet. One camera guy especially feel in love with her, hoping he will share the footage of the race. Daddy pushed Crew and ran along side with Presley. Good job daddy your first official race! We even got daddy a new pair of running shoes for the event. The 5K didn't start until after the 2K. I ran and my strength came from those kids fighting cancer. Childhood cancer events leave an impression on you that you can never forget.
One of Millies dreams was to be a clothes designer. A company out of American Fork heard of this and made that dream a reality at the age of 7 for Millie. Just weeks before her passing she drew a picture for Persnikity and they sent it to the design team who created an outfit based on her drawing. Millie was never able to model the outfit. The owners of the company asked Presley if she would model her outfit. What an honor. I can't wait to see cute Presley modeling for her friend Millie.
I will always support other cancer kids. A calling in life, I can never deny. Something I am proud to support and feel so much pull to support. Those cancer kids and moms are so near to my heart. I think about them so much. I almost cringe when I see those pink ribbons everyone. Don't get me wrong breast cancer is a hard journey too. Childhood Cancer gets less than 3% of all federal funding for research and developments for a cure. I support pink ribbons too but I want to see GOLD ribbons as much as I see pink! The month of September will never be the same again. Wear gold to help them grow old.