Just when we thought that our plate was full in life, God dished us up some dessert!





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Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Remember us? It's all about Stas on Sunday!

It's been ages since I have written on my blog that was first started to follow our journey to get Stas. His alias was "Ross" during the process, hence the title. So much has happened since that summer 4 years ago!

I will jump right to the present though. Back in February of this year, we learned that Stas has leukemia. To be exact, he has B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Having Down syndrome as well, plays into his treatment plan, and that means that he has a total of 2 1/2 years of treatment to battle the disease and beat it. There is a 85% survival with this so we are hopeful.

This was Stas a couple months before diagnosis.

This is our cutie pie now:)

This diagnosis was a shock, but we are blessed to have amazing support to see us through all of it. Of course, our faith is the greatest of all of our gifts. God has been so good, and always is.

As many of you know, each year we have a benefit concert. This will be our 7th year. You can go here to learn a little bit about our previous years: http://www.concertonthelake.net/artists.html

This year, it is all about Stas. Why? Because when we went to get our son in Ukraine in June/July of 2010, we learned about the plight of orphans born with disabilities in Eastern Europe. Ukraine specifically. And we couldn't rest knowing what his life and the life of many others is like without the love of a family and the aid of all of those to help these dear children become all that God intended for them. A few years back, the funds from the concert started working towards the building of a therapy center in the same city that Stas was born, and Susha as well. We are determined to make a difference.

Following Stas' diagnosis in February, we realized the impact this diagnosis can have on a family. Dan and I got away for an overnight a couple months back, had time to reflect, and realized all of the things that WE don't have to struggle with and yet others lives are completely turned upside down. As a result, we decided to also add to this years concert the opportunity to gather funds for the Cancer Kids Fund at Children's hospital that is used specifically to help families with the extra things to make life bearable for children and families going through this difficult time.

We are expecting a HUGE crowd. There will be opportunities for more giving at the concert and I wanted to post a picture of some of the items. Bring some cash and a checkbook or whatever works.
There will be several raffles. Let me explain.

THESE ITEMS WILL ALL BE SIGNED 
BY THE ARTIST---
JOHN ONDRASIK
 of 
FIVE FOR FIGHTING!!!!







AND THAT'S NOT ALL......LOOK WHAT JUST CAME IN THE MAIL....
by a long time friend, Cynthia!!!!!

 Thank you SO MIUCH, Cynthia!!!

I love this! I saw it on Pinterest and wanted to know if anyone was able to make it....AND LOOK!

And then, we have another handmade piece by the STAR of the evening....STAS....formally known as Stanislav:) 

THIS ONE BELOW WILL BE A FREE WILL RAFFLE.....
Pretty sure this beautiful piece of art could be autographed 
by the musical artist OR the painter :):):)




And finally, MAGGIE and FRIENDS will have a table set up with beautiful jewelry: Rings, bracelets, necklaces and homemade soaps that are making my basement smell heavenly aromatic.

IF YOU AREN'T COMING, AND WOULD LIKE TO BUY A RAFFLE TICKET, I CAN HAVE YOU DO IT AHEAD OF TIME.  

JUST EMAIL ME: dgthibault@comcast.net 
WE can get your name on a ticket!!!

To DONATE go to:

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!