Looking Ahead

It is hard to believe that August is coming to an end and we will soon be moving into September! At times, the days seem to stand still, while others simply fly by.

While we have had our struggles moving into new school routines and realizing that we will forever fight this demon cancer and its lasting side effects, we have had our share of joys too.

Joy has come in the form of hearing girls giggle, sitting together on a porch swing, and all sharing about our day at dinner. Just today a precious friend reminded me that, "God did not mean for you and Mark to carry this alone. You need him and you need folks like me who are willing to carry some of the load. Life is not easy. We have real struggles everyday and it is okay be sad, angry, and disappointed. God loves you and he will come to you wherever you are and you can pour out your heart to him – he can take it." We are thankful that God is there for us and will be with each of us today, tomorrow, and each day to come. We are thankful that there are friends here to help us through.

We are also thankful for two special organizations that have really been at the center of Elena's care this past year. They are the Aflac Cancer Center at CHOA and CURE Childhood Cancer.

We will be participating in two separate events that will benefits these two groups.

The first event is the WSB 750 AM Care-a-Thon . This annual Care-a-Thon has raised more than $8.5 million for the Aflac Cancer Center. Our family will be participating in this year's Care-a-Thon. We will be doing a live interview this Thursday, August 27th at 6:45pm.

I'm nervous just thinking about it!!
Pray one of us can tell our story, making it meaningful to the listeners, all while glorifying God. The Aflac Cancer Center is where Elena's and Olivia's doctors are. It is where they have received all of their treatments, evaluations and care. They are one of the top pediatric cancer centers in the country. They are staffed by the most amazing, dedicated people you will ever meet. They are a non-profit organization and rely on donations and fundraisers like the one WSB 750 AM is doing.

The second event in in September. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. One organization that works hard towards a cure for childhood cancer is CURE Childhood Cancer. Some of you may remember that last year at this time, we participated in CURE's Kids Conquer Cancer fund raising event. It was the first year that CURE held this event. Their goal was to raise $30,000 for research. They easily passed that goal and have raised this year's goal to $60,000. We are happy to say that CURE would like Elena to be one of the children spotlighted again this year!

It is a privilege to be a part of an incredible local organization that is committed to raising awareness to the issues of childhood cancer, as well as raise money for research and more. We will let you know when Elena's day will be. Before then, you can go to www.curechildhoodcancer.org, to learn more about this amazing organization.

We ask you to prayerfully consideration giving to either or both of these fundraisers. The benefits that comes from the work both the Aflac Cancer Center and CURE Childhood Cancer do could never be measured. The blessings they give each child and each family they touch are countless. We know we have been blessed by both organizations!

Thank you for your continued prayers for our family. We continue to be reminded to see the joy in each day and to fully rely on God.

In Him,

The Tates

"This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9