Sisterhood Of The Baking Shoes

Vote for Gretchen!

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 20:24:49 -0500

“Lack of awareness is the primary challenge. Very few people know that pediatric cancer is the public enemy #1 in terms of diseases that steal the lives of more children in the U.S. than any other. But once you tell someone about the need, you get their attention. And once you get their attention, you have a good chance of getting them involved and give them the power to know that they can make a difference. It is proven time and time again when someone registers to hold a Cookies for Kids’ Cancer event who has no connection to me or Liam.”

Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is committed to raising funds to support research for new and improved therapies for pediatric cancer, the leading cause of death by disease for children under the age of 18. Through the concept of local bake sales, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer provides the inspiration and support for individuals, communities, and businesses to help fight pediatric cancer. There are many ways to support Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, including sending cookies for birthdays, anniversaries or just because. You don’t have to eat or bake cookies to be a “good cookie”. Other supporters have run marathons, held tag sales, organized golf tournaments, collected spare change, and hosted car wash to support the cause. There is also an online place to donate once or once a month.

Roughly, 25 percent of kids diagnosed with cancer will not survive, Gretchen Witt’s son Liam among them - he did not live to see his seventh birthday. In fact, pediatric cancer claims the lives of more kids in the U.S. than any other disease. The reason why is simple: lack of funds to get promising new treatments into the clinic. Approximately nine out of 10 research proposals submitted to the government for consideration each year do not receive funds, so money raised in the private sector is the only way to bring potentially game changing new treatments forward. Cookies for Kids’ Cancer gives individuals anywhere and everywhere the opportunity to “Be a Good Cookie” and join the fight against pediatric cancer by providing the inspiration and the how-to’s needed to host a bake sale. Gretchen, via Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, literally puts money in the hands of doctors at leading cancer centers around the world to fund research that is changing pediatric cancer outcomes for the better. But Gretchen will not stop until kids stop dying from cancer. That’s why Gretchen is a 2011 Woman of Worth!

They Did It!

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 22:23:00 -0400

May was an incredible month for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer! Thanks to hundreds of bake sales, corporate donations, and even our little $5K donation from Marriott, Cookies was able to raise over $500,000 for pediatric cancer research!

We are excited to continue adding to this growing number when we auction off The Baking Shoes. We will hold the auction throughout the month of September to go along with the official Pediatric Cancer Awareness month. So, save your pennies because we have the shoes and something else pretty awesome to go along with them!

You can read the official press release from Cookies for Kids’ Cancer below and remember…always LOVE LIKE LIAM!

COOKIES FOR KIDS’ CANCER SUPPORTERS UNITE TO MAKE MAY 2011

THE ORGANIZATION’S BIGGEST FUNDRAISING MONTH ON RECORD

Events raise over half a million dollars and achieve largest match from longtime supporter

The Glad Products Company

Califon, NJ – July 18, 2011 Cookies for Kids’ Cancer and The Glad Products Company announce today that May 2011 was the biggest month on record in the organization’s nearly 3-year history with the most bake sales held and the most money raised in a month. Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is a national non-profit organization committed to raising funds to support research for new and improved therapies for pediatric cancer, the leading cause of death by disease for children under the age of 18 in the US. Founded by Gretchen and Larry Witt who were inspired by their son Liam’s courageous battle with cancer, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer inspires individuals, communities and businesses to help fight pediatric cancer through the concept of local bake sales.

During May, more than 300 individual events combined to raise over half a million dollars in donations to the organization. The achievement was inspired by what should have been the 7^th birthday of the Witt’s son, Liam, on May 13^th. Known to many as Prince Liam the Brave, Liam came to the end of a courageous 4-year battle with cancer in late January. What followed was a call to action from both the organization and longtime corporate partner The Glad Products Company to honor Liam’s birthday and to inspire support for the fight against pediatric cancer. Glad stepped forward with the promise to match funds raised at bake sales in May up to $225,000. This match represents the company’s largest single donation to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer in the shortest amount of time. Because of the match, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer’s total income for May, counting both the event donations and the Glad match, totaled more than $750,000.

“As a way to honor Liam and inspire people to join the cause, Glad held our largest match since we began supporting Cookies for Kids’ Cancer in 2009 in the shortest window of time,” shared Molly Steinkrauss, Public Relations Manager for Glad Storage Products. “It was inspiring to see how friends, families, communities and even strangers came together to help Cookies for Kids’ Cancer raise more money and host more bake sales in one month than ever before.”

“We are humbled by and grateful for the goodness of people who host Cookies for Kids’ Cancer bake sales. And we are especially thankful to Glad for their ongoing support in the fight against pediatric cancer,” says Gretchen Holt Witt, founder of Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. “Each day, our mission is to not only honor Liam’s love and passion for life but also to keep alive his desire to take care of others. We do this by supporting new, safer treatments for pediatric cancer, because every child deserves the chance to grow up. We already know children who are benefitting from treatments funded by Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. Every effort counts, and every dollar counts.”

The news of May’s record-breaking success comes on the heels of the organization’s announcement of $700,000 in grants to top pediatric cancer research centers, with plans to grant more funds again in September during pediatric cancer awareness month.

About Cookies for Kids’ Cancer:

Cookies for Kids’ Cancer was founded by parents inspired by their son’s fight against cancer. Today pediatric cancer remains the number one disease killer of children in the United States, due in large part to a lack of funding for research into new and improved therapies. Through the concept of local bake sales and online cookie sales, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer inspires individuals, organizations, and businesses to join in the fight against pediatric cancer by raising the funds and awareness necessary to change the facts of pediatric cancer and provide more families with the hope they deserve. Cookies for Kids’ Cancer grants funds raised to leading pediatric cancer research facilities including Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Dana Farber Cancer Center. For more information, visit www.cookiesforkidscancer.org. Follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cookiesforkidscancer and Twitter www.twitter.com/cookies4kids.

The Glad Products Company
The Glad Products Company is wholly owned subsidiary of The Clorox Company. The Clorox Company is a leading manufacturer and marketer of consumer products with 8,300 employees and fiscal year 2009 revenues of $5.5 billion. Clorox markets some of consumers’ most trusted and recognized brand names, including its namesake bleach and cleaning products; Green Works^® natural cleaning and laundry products; Armor All^® and STP^® auto-care products; Fresh Step^® and Scoop Away^® cat litter; Kingsford^® charcoal; Hidden Valley^® and K C Masterpiece^® dressings and sauces; Brita^® water-filtration systems; Glad^® bags, wraps and containers; and Burt’s Bees^® natural personal care products. The company’s products are manufactured in more than two dozen countries and sold in more than 100 countries. Clorox is committed to making a positive difference in the communities where its employees work and live. Founded in 1980, The Clorox Company Foundation has awarded cash grants totaling more than $77 million to nonprofit organizations, schools and colleges. In fiscal 2009 alone, the foundation awarded $3.6 million in cash grants, and Clorox made product donations valued at $7.8 million. For more information about Clorox, visit www.TheCloroxCompany.com.

Cookies Grants $700,000 to Top Pediatric Cancer Centers

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 16:07:17 -0400

Cookies Grants $700,000 to Top Pediatric Cancer Centers:

What a wonderful thing to see today! We are so happy to have contributed just a tiny bit to those grants!

Marriott Hotels & Resorts Supports Cookies for Kids' Cancer

Wed, 18 May 2011 20:22:17 -0400

…and The Baking Shoes!

After putting my tired kiddies to bed tonight, I grabbed my phone to catch up on some emails and I happened to see an email from a wonderful woman with Marriott International. I have been in contact with her lately while pitching them the idea of giving a grant to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. Well, it turns out that Marriott really is everything it stands for and MORE. They have generously agreed to donate a whopping $5,000 to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer!

We at The Baking Shoes are beyond grateful to Marriott for their generous donation and we have had a marvelous time on this journey.

The Shoes have returned to their temporary home and have quite the story to tell. The auction will take place very soon and we have some great stuff to go along with them so keep an eye on us and we’ll keep you posted.

Once again, thank you to Marriott for their amazing contribution to this incredible foundation. And thank you to all of you for following us!

XO,

Rachel

Head over to GladtoGive's Facebook page to view a message from Liam's mother, Gretchen Witt

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 17:08:00 -0400

Head over to GladtoGive's Facebook page to view a message from Liam's mother, Gretchen Witt

A Quickie Update

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 07:36:00 -0400

The Shoes have made it safely to Canada! This is the final leg of their journey and they will be headed back to DC and prepared for auction soon, but not before they live it up for a little while in Quebec so stay tuned!

Really Long Overdue

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:19:00 -0400

As you may have suspected, the shoes successfully arrived. Can I just tell you that they are heavenly? Moving on. They arrived in February and, like most northeastern states, we were in the middle of a never-ending winter.

All that snow prevented me from doing much; however, I was fortunately able to host a bake sale last October. Two friends and two carloads of baked goods later, we were ready. After about twelve hours, we were left with two lollipops, a piece of apple cake, and a few mini-cheesecakes. We raised $545.97, and Glad to Give matched that to give us a grand total of $1,091.94 to donate to Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. This just proves that literally anyone can pull off these bake sales! If two 16-year-olds can do it, anyone can! The great thing about it: Cookies for Kids’ Cancer provides steps and resources on how to plan, prepare for, and host a bake sale on their website.

(Yes, that is an apron and yes, I am wearing layers…it was cold!)

(Round 1: Less than ½ of the food baked)

(Almost there!)
Of course, before I sent the shoes home I just HAD to bake in them! I whipped up a batch of Jayma’s flourless peanut butter cookies and turned up the Shania Twain songs (because that’s the best kind of music you could listen to while baking).

And you know what, they were AMAZING!

After our fun, I tucked the shoes in and sent them on there way. THE SHOES HAVE GONE INTERNATIONAL!!!!
Elizabeth :D

Love Like Liam

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 00:05:16 -0500

Love Like Liam

Last Day in L.A.

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 23:55:42 -0500

So as I gear up to have a very gleeful weekend, the shoes sadly are spending their last night here in this wonderful city before running off to Pennsylvania to see Liz!

But before I pack up these pretty little ladies I just had to bake in them. So I hit the kitchen in 1950’s style and baked up some chocolate chip cookies!

I love you shoes! Have a safe journey on your way to Liz, and now more than ever let everyone hear your amazing message! Lets find a cure for Pediatric Cancer!

Also in light of today my deepest condolences go out to Liam’s family. You’re in my prayers and thoughts.

We’re sad to share that Liam, the 6 yr old boy at the...

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 13:49:00 -0500

We’re sad to share that Liam, the 6 yr old boy at the center of Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, lost his battle to pediatric cancer on Monday. His friends at Glad are mourning his loss along with his family and pass along the family’s request that all their friends and supporters help them spread the word about pediatric cancer and Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. Honor Liam by helping Cookies for Kids’ Cancer reach 50,000 fans TODAY. Like them now and inspire others by sharing this post!

Spread the Word and Make a Difference

L.A. Journal Entry "Donation Day"

Thu, 20 Jan 2011 17:01:12 -0500

Hello lovely followers! Today has been an amazing day!

This morning (very early) I visited the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital to donate blood platelets (a coagulant).

The shoes were quite the little celebrities upon my arrival. So many people were commenting on them and each time I took the opportunity to tell them their meaning to which I received so much enthusiasm.

The donation process could not have been more pleasurable. All of the nurses, receptionists and doctors were so lovely and helpful and they really made the experience very rewarding.

After some paperwork and a quick anemia test (they draw some blood and test it to make sure you’re ready for the full donation process) I was ready to start the two hour process.

The staff was incredibly kind. They let me choose a movie for the two hour donation process (decided on Anchorman, very funny!) and covered me in what I can only estimate as 8 blankets. The process was very relaxed and the staff was very attentive.

Once we were done I was treated to a nice little chocolate chip cookie and some good old fashion Orange Juice to help me build up some strength and then once I was strong enough I was released. My nurse kindly informed me that my donation today will help 2 children, and in that moment it was entirely worth the pinch of a needle.

From there I took a little walk around the hospital in an attempt to find the cafeteria. I took the adorable little giraffe elevator down and met a few kids along the way. There was an adorable little girl, who insisted on holding the door for me even though it was 4 times her size. There was a mother crying being comforted by other members of her family. All these bittersweet moments of children being released and admitted. It couldn’t have been a more life changing experience. I am so humbled and grateful for the health of my family and friends and I want nothing more than to see these children and their family’s have a moment of solace. THAT IS WHY THIS CAUSE IS SO IMPORTANT.

I hope everyone has an extremely blessed/beautiful day!

xo <3

Becky

The Baking Shoes Take L.A.

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 19:20:00 -0500

So yesterday was the first big outing for the Baking Shoes (and also my 22nd birthday!) and what better way to introduce the shoes to this wonderful city than with a trip to The Golden Globes. I also got a chance to spread the word about Pediatric Cancer to some very inquisitive folks!

As I was waiting outside my apartment for my friends to arrive, I was approached by our local security officer who said “I just had to come back by and patrol those shoes” after a few minutes of chatter I explained to him the cause behind the shoes and even gave him the web site where he could donate. He was enthusiastic about it and I was warmed by his genuine interest.

After catching a quick movie in Beverly Hills (Country Strong was amazing!) we walked down toward the location where the Golden Globes were being held. My friends and I make a point to try and see the red carpet of as many events in LA as we can and this occasion was made even more poignant by exposing more people to the shoes. We saw so many famous faces, but the real stars among the herds of people were the shoes. I received so many compliments on them, and each time a person would approach me I would kindly inform them of their meaning and where they could donate.

After the red carpet we took off to have a nice dinner near my friend’s house at Little Dom’s. By the end of the night my friends were so well versed with the cause they actually started telling people as well. The interest was so infectious and it really gave me a sense of hope. Hope that I would love to be payed forward to the children who can never have enough of it.

COMING UP:

On Thursday morning bright and early (8am) I will be giving platelets at the Los Angeles Children’s hospital. A process that takes around 2 hours, but that proves invaluable to the children there. Platelets are a clotting agent in the blood which help to prevent hemorrhaging, and therefore help serve leukemia patients as well as aid in bone marrow transplants.

UNTIL NEXT TIME! Please consider donating either whole blood or platelets/plasma. Yes needles are scary but an hour or two of your time and the pinch of a needle can help save a child’s life! And if you’re still squeamish please go to http://www.glad.com/gladtogive/ and donate what you can to help find a cure for Pediatric Cancer!

Donate through the Children’s Hospital

http://www.chla.org/site/c.ipINKTOAJsG/b.3476085/k.BD1F/Giving.htm

Happy Days for All,

Becky

Becky here letting everyone know that The Baking Shoes have...

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 19:31:44 -0500

Becky here letting everyone know that The Baking Shoes have officially arrived in Los Angeles!

The lovely Spades are officially bicoastal! I’ll be updating regularly with the exciting events I have planned (keep an eye out on Sunday when the shoes take a trip to a very GOLDEN event)!

Becky

Long Overdue

Sun, 09 Jan 2011 20:38:00 -0500

As most of you have suspected the Baking Shoes have made! It has been such a whirlwind of activities, and constant running since I have been home from college that I haven’t really gotten a chance to sit down and update this. I know, I know, for shame. Anyway, the shoes had their first official outing on Christmas eve!

I have some pictures of the festivities but I’m currently waiting for my aunt to send them. Another for shame. So consider this updated when they make their arrival. Needless to say the shoes made a smash hit at my family function. The relatives absolutely loved the shoes and were so inquisitive. Aunts and cousins alike all insisted on trying them on, and were more than eager to learn about the cause they stand for. One of my aunts was actually thinking of getting her own little piece of the bidding during the auction come April. (If she wins I am so taking them back : D ) Other than that they made there way to get a little holier with me at Christmas eve mass. Let me just say there was not a head that did not turn to admire those shoes when I walked by. I even had the pleasure of enlightening some of the patrons. Many a Gleek was among us at church and knew all too well of Miss Pillsbury. I informed them of the cause, where they could go to donate and how much any small amount can help. Here’s to hoping they seriously took my suggestion to heart.

I then proceeded to take the shoes out for a little New Years fun and ended up watching the flick, Black Swan. If you haven’t seen it yet, well you simply must. One word, Fantastic. For the most part, I spent a low key evening at home, but you better bet that I watched the ball drop in those masterpieces we call heels and rang in 2011 with some fashion and a hopeful outlook for these children.

So as a new year rang in, I decided to get crafting. One of the rules of the Sisterhood was to send the shoes along to each destination with a notebook. I took this task upon myself and got to work. I present to you the official diary/notebook of the shoes. These beauties have now taken on a life of their own in the handwritten word. Cool huh? The journal will continue to travel right along with our heels!

And what would be The Sisterhood of the Baking Shoes without a little baking fun? I decided to put those shoes on my feet and bake a little classic treat. Chocolate chip cookies made from scratch. A little easier to bake them with love that way. I do believe Mr. Schuester would approve of this endeavor, don’t you? My cookies might not have been the most attractive looking treats out there but they sure tasted good. I must also take this time to thank my brother for being so generous and becoming my photographer that evening. I know he didn’t want to. But he did it like a trooper!

Sadly enough during my time with the shoes I did not get a chance to visit a hospital or do something extraordinary, but let me tell you it wasn’t for lack of trying. Rachel was a complete doll and emailed the hospital I planned on visiting and then I backed it up with my own. Well the lack of response caused me to send out multiple emails, all ending up with the same end result. A phone call or two later and still no luck I decided not to give up. Although I do not have the shoes anymore (yes they moved on) I will still try and do something with these shoes. Even though this cause is centered around said shoes, that does not make it impossible for me to volunteer on my own. Everyone needs a smiling face now and then and just someone to brighten my day. If I can do that for one child then it will have been worthwhile. I will update you all right here when that happens.

So this is the end of my post and well, you guessed it, I do not have the shoes anymore. Tears and sobs because the thought to skip town and keep them for my own was a strong one. I relented, handed them over to the postal service, and sent them on their merry way before I headed back up to school. They are currently flying across the U.S. to LA and will live with Becky the majority of January. I know she will do incredible things with the shoes….a little bird told me they might be attending the Golden Globes. Who knows?

So much love to all of you following and my fellow ladies

<3 Natalie

Photo

Fri, 24 Dec 2010 02:29:06 -0500

Most people have 1,000 wishes for Christmas, A cancer patient...

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 20:29:35 -0500

Most people have 1,000 wishes for Christmas, A cancer patient only has one: to get better. I know 97% of you won’t repost this to your status, but my friends will be the 3% that do. In honor of someone who has died, is still fighting, or has survived cancer, please <3 this or reblog. Thank you.

Inspiration: Iqra

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 08:00:07 -0500

One of the other incredible kids I visited today was Iqra. She is 10. Last year, Iqra was diagnosed with Lymphoma and is constantly continuing to fight her battle.

I can pretty much sum Iqra up in one word: SPICY. In the best possible way. This girl stole my heart from the moment I walked in the door. She was a little cautious at first but once I showed her The Shoes she warmed right up. She silently instructed me to sit at the foot of the bed, and there I stayed for the better part of an hour. One of the best hours of my life.

We talked about everything under the sun. Favorite food, favorite color, favorite subject in school. When I told her about The Shoes and just what I was there for, she was fascinated. You see, Iqra watches GLEE! She knew exactly who Jayma Mays was (well, she knew who Emma Pillsbury was) and she was positively giddy when we showed her the video of Jayma Mays wearing The Baking Shoes! That made is sooooo much cooler for her. When I explained to her what we were doing with The Shoes she thought it was really awesome. I told her how they were going to go all over the US and Canada to help raise awareness about her illness. She had lots of ideas of how we could make the auction even more awesome too. Unfortunately, I think it would take all six of us storming the gates of Paramount to make it happen, so hopefully what we have planned will be enough ;)

I asked Iqra if she wanted to try them on, and her face lit up. We put them on her feet and it was like she was transformed! She jumped out of bed and started prancing up and down the hall sporting some sparkly shoes and carrying my camera around taking pictures of everything in sight. I’m telling you, it was like a regular party!

While Iqra was going all Project Runway on the halls of the Pediatric Oncology ward, I was in her room speaking to her mother. Iqra’s mom told me her whole story and I sat in front of her in complete and utter amazement. I am telling you, the strength these parents have is astounding. I am a mother and my heart breaks when my kids so much as stub their toe…I can’t imagine how these parents are feeling seeing their children suffer something so horrible. Iqra’s mom is wonderful and her dedication to helping her daughter through this battle is just incredible.

When Iqra was 2 1/2 she had a liver transplant. She had been sick and one night she woke up in the middle of the night and there was blood everywhere. Her parents rushed her to the hospital and they discovered that she had major internal bleeding. She waited about 18 months for a liver and had a successful transplant. You can read about it here.

But this was only the beginning of her brave journey. A few years later Iqra began to suffer from pain in her bones, her stomach, and her head. It took months for her pediatrician to realize that it was something more than just the flu or growing pains and when they did they diagnosed her with Lymphoma. She has been fighting ever since. Right now, she is cancer free! She is in the hospital now because her blood platelets are low and she needs to get them up before she can go home.

But, as with all kids who have or are suffering from pediatric cancers she is never completely in the clear. I asked her if she was scared when she found out. She said it was really scary and that she didn’t know what was going to happen to her. Luckily she is surrounded by wonderful nurses and doctors that absolutely adore her. When I say that it was a party in her room, I wasn’t kidding. Check out Holly below…she wanted in on The Shoe action too!

Iqra didn’t want me to leave but I promised her that we would be pen pals. I know you’re reading this Iqra, so I just want to tell you something…

You are an amazing girl. Your smile lights up the room and your personality is so much fun. You have BEAUTIFUL brown eyes (they are so much cooler than blue ones) and a magical laugh. You are strong and beautiful and an inspiration to me. Thank you for letting me spend time with you this afternoon. I promise to do everything I can to make sure The Shoes do their job and help raise money and awareness for what you and other kids are going through. XO

I would also like to give a big thank you shout out to Inova Fairfax Children’s Hospital and Allison for allowing me to visit today. When I left, I was so humbled. I complain constantly about my life. About how busy I am, about my cranky kids, about everything and when I left I realized that I had so much to be thankful for. But you know what I was most thankful for at that moment? I was thankful for kids like Iqra and Mathewos who showed me what courage is. What strength is. I was thankful for their parents and their strength and humility. I am thankful to be part of this little journey and extremely proud of the girls I am sharing it with.

My time with the shoes is coming to a close and soon I will pass them on to Natalie where they will have another epic adventure, so keep following to find out what happens with them next!

Inspiration: Mathewos

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 17:45:00 -0500

This is Mathewos (pronounced: Matthew). He is six. On September 18, 2010 he was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. I got to meet Mathewos today.

Today was incredible. Thanks to a fellow Shoe supporter I was able to visit Inova Fairfax Children’s Hospital. More specifically I got to spend a few hours in the Pediatric Oncology ward where I had absolutely the most amazing experience…ever.

Mathewos was getting ready to play in a soccer game one Saturday morning when he told his mom Rahel that his tummy was hurting. Being a tough kid, he powered through the pain and played a great game. A few days later he was still complaining of stomach pain and asked that his mom run some warm water over his sore tummy. After an hour or so, the pain had still not subsided. They took him to the doctor and they did an ultrasound but only of his appendix since they thought that could be the problem. It turns out it was not appendicitis but a tumor. The doctors told Mathewos’ parents that he had a mass a little smaller than a baseball in his abdomen.

After a biopsy and lots of tests, Mathewos was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. Since his diagnosis he has had 3 rounds of chemotherapy. He is currently in the hospital this week for his 4th. In a few months, he’ll have surgery to remove the mass and then proceed with his 5th round of chemotherapy. As of now, the mass has shrunk and he has been giving a decent 80% prognosis.

Mathewos is a sweet, sweet boy. He was captivated by classic Mickey Mouse on his TV screen while I was there but he did manage to chat with me for a few minutes. He is in 1st grade and his favorite subject is math. He likes all sports but especially baseball - and he kicks everyone’s butt in Wii baseball!

He has piercing brown eyes and a precious smile. He doesn’t quite understand what he’s going through - only that he knows he’s sick and has a “boo boo in his tummy”. He told me that it is getting smaller and that it doesn’t hurt anymore.

Mathewos’ mom, Rahel (pronounced: Rachel) is amazing. We spoke for a long time about Mathewos’ story and she told me just how terrifying it was when the doctors told her husband and her what was going on. She paused for a moment during her story to wipe her tears and tell me just how horrifying it was. She remembers barely even being able to understand the doctors, saying that she was in such a state of shock that nothing registered. She had a pit in her stomach and knew that it was bad. Her husband kept assuring her that everything would be okay. They lean on each other, their faith, and their family and despite such a terrible thing, they have so much hope. Rahel is grateful every day for Mathewos’ continued recovery.

Rahel’s strength is drawn from the consistent tiny miracles that happen to her son. He has handled the harsh chemo treatments relatively well, with very few side effects. She trusts the doctors and nurses completely and she kept saying how thankful she was to be surrounded by good doctors and good people.

You can tell that Mathewos is an inspiration to her. How could he not be? He had a great big smile on his face the entire time I was there. He wasn’t terribly impressed with The Shoes but I think he did enjoy the company :)

When I left Rahel thanked me for helping to bring awareness to these terrible diseases. I was floored. She was thanking me - when it should have been me thanking her for allowing me to spend time with her sweet little boy.

Mathewos is set to leave the hospital in about a week where he will go home to two younger (twin) brothers and very happy parents. His battle is far from over and he is facing major surgery in the coming months as well as more chemo but he is strong. And his parents are amazing.

You can follow Mathewos’ story here. Please remember to keep him and his family in your thoughts this holiday season and always. He is truly an inspiring child.

Thank you to Rahel and Mathewos for allowing me to spend time with them today. It was truly wonderful.

When I left his room I had to resist the overwhelming urge to run to the roof that hospital and scream at the top of my lungs, “PLEASE HELP THIS CAUSE. PLEASE HELP THESE KIDS.” I was always passionate about it but after spending time with these kids and their parents that passion has skyrocketed. I can’t wait to do more, more, more!

My Mom

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 14:19:00 -0500

Hi All! I wanted to tell you about a little event The Shoes will be attending tomorrow night. They are making an appearance at a party for a very special lady…my Mom. That’s her in the picture with Chloe. Isn’t she cute?

On November 30th she celebrated her 70th birthday but this day also marks another great day. The day she was pronounced “in remission” from a horrendous battle with Ovarian Cancer.

When I was finishing my junior year in high school I came home from finals and found my house strangely empty. My mom, who always greeted me with some sort of snack and a “Hey, how was your day” was nowhere to be found. Instead, I saw my brother standing at the front door with a look of pure terror on his face. He sat me down and told me that my mom had been to the doctor that day and one thing lead to another and a grim discovery was made. She had hopped the first plane to The Mayo Clinic to have MAJOR surgery to remove a tumor the size of a cantaloupe in her ovary.

It was diagnosed as stage 3C and she was given 3 months to live.

That was twelve years ago.

Even though this was not Pediatric Cancer it is a perfect example of the way that raising awareness and funds can directly lead to safe treatment and a CURE!! This is just one of many reasons why this cause is especially close to my heart.

So tomorrow night we are going to celebrate Suzanne for being an amazing mom, a super fun grandma, and a shining cancer survivor. And she has no idea she’s having such an awesome party!

Please help us by following our journey to raise awareness so that we can add many kids to this list as well!

XO, Rachel

THE FULL SILKWOOD Hi guys! So today starts the official journey...

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 12:42:00 -0500

THE FULL SILKWOOD

Hi guys! So today starts the official journey of The Baking Shoes and while the shoes themselves are not going anywhere special today, the feet that will be wearing them for the next few days are.

I am a ridiculously busy mom of 2. My kids are 22 months and 4 months old respectively. It is an absolute miracle if I manage to take a shower before 9 PM each day and god only knows when the last time my feet were at all presentable enough to be seen from miles away let alone in a pair of $325 heels.

The above clip pretty much sums up the state of my feet. I’m not kidding gang, I should probably call in a hazmat team. Since one of the rules (#3) is to make sure our toes are Emma Pillsbury worthy, I am leaving my kids with my mom while I go get…wait for it…A PEDICURE!

I really should not be as excited as I am about this little adventure. I mean it’s not like a pedicure is that hard to come by these days. Walk into any mall and you can nab one for $15 or less. But the fact that it is 12:40 PM and I have yet to brush my teeth (full disclosure is the way we roll at The Baking Shoes) makes this little outing a modern day miracle.

I have tons of work to do, my 22 month old is currently running around in only a diaper (please don’t call child services), and all I can think about is making my toes pretty so I can go kick some pediatric cancer butt in some amazing shoes!

The shoes have a few things planned for their stay in our lovely Nation’s Capitol. On Friday, they will be attending a party for a very special person. A cancer survivor of over 12 years. A story to come on that later but for now…OFF I GO!!

Oh and don’t worry, I will shower AND brush my teeth before going :)