Hey everyone,

Joey is doing fantastic. Much better than he did with the first cycle. If you didn't know he had cancer you'd be hard pressed to imagine it based on his activity level and attitude. It was indeed a very good Thanksgiving.

The rest of this will not pertain to some of you since you don't live near or you aren't able to give blood. You get to stop reading now - for the rest of you read on.

There are actually two blood drives for Joey. Both are being held in Sugar Land and both will benefit M.D. Anderson. Please keep in mind that giving blood, especially this time of year, is important whether to MDA, another hospital or a broker (such as Gulf Coast). Also, if there is someone else who needs the "credits" please feel free to give in their name. Otherwise Joey would be delighted to know many give in his name even though he may or may not receive "your" blood. Your donation will help ensure that if he does need blood there will not be a shortage - I can't imagine hearing he needs blood but there just isn't enough for "non-emergency situations." So if you are up to it and one of the dates works out please sign up. If neither date works out, you can always go to one of MDA's blood banks (they even reimburse you for parking and they have really long hours - see the web site below for directions and times.)

The first blood drive is being held at Elkin's High School on December 7 from 7:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Actually, It was already planned but they say it helps to have a "face" for the drive - so they are using Joey's cutie face and are more than happy to try and accommodate donors for Joey. Sherry Grogan is coordinating appointment times. You can send her "your best window of time" via email - Sherry.Grogan@fortbend.k12.tx.us. Please put "blood drive - Joey" in the subject line. She will get back to you.

The second blood drive is being held at Christ United Methodist Church (on Austin Pkwy), December 16, from 8:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Mary Font is coordinating appointment times. You can send her "your best window of time" via email - marymfont@gmail.com. Please put "blood drive - Joey" in the subject line. She will get back with you. The church is extremely busy this time of year but due to Mary's persuasive techniques we will have hall space and the two MDA mobile units.

Please let friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc. know about the drive - so often people want to give but it just isn't always this convenient. Now it is! We are hoping so many people want to give that there aren't enough time slots - wouldn't that be a wonderful birthday present for Joey!!

For all your questions please visit http://www.mdanderson.org/departments/bloodbank. You can get answers to many questions but if you don't find the answer to your question they are extremely nice if you call - 713-792-7777 (they can even answer if a certain medication you may be taking precludes you from donating - most don't.)

Joey's patient number at MDA is 728734, and his birth date is 12/14/1990 - they sometimes need that info when you are donating for someone.

That's it, I'm off my newest soap box. You are all very kind to even consider our very bold request to literally give of yourself for our son's sake. We are humbled by the fact we feel so loved and embraced that we are able to ask.


Don't forget Joey's VERY BIG DAY, for restaging, is this Monday, Nov. 26. We should know the results Tuesday evening.

With Gratitude, love, hope and health,
Cindy