Catching up with Summer

My life has been crazy busy, probably since softball season started in the spring. Although softball and school ended almost around the same time, it seems I have been too busy to really enjoy my summer.

In June I had an eeg done and then ended up being sick for most of the month. In July I was busy with Kaitlin's Cauze. Now it's almost August and I'm scratching my head wondering where summer got to?!

My parents did try to throw some fun trips in the middle of the chaos but it's hard to really enjoy something when you know you are jumping back in chaos the next day. And I realized that I don't really LIKE the beach.

This week has been AWESOME! I had absolutely NOTHING going on except my weekly drum lesson. I have done absolutely NOTHING this week except enjoy the things I haven't had time for. I plan on continuing this trend for at least another 2 weeks, until softball starts. Even then I can still squeeze in some fun things, until pitching lessons start. After that I suspect it's all a downhill slide back into TOTAL CHAOS with school, art class, agility training with Echo, and keyboard lessons all starting around the same time. (In addition to my drum lessons) AND continuing my work with Kaitlin's Cauze.

But that's ok, because I've counted the days. I have exactly 27 days to catch up with summer. And I plan on enjoying every single second starting with today's trip to Hershey Park's Boardwalk (and maybe a few rides on Storm Runner or Fareheit). :)

Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue...

Kaitlin's Cauze just made an on-line donation to the Chelsea Hutchinson Foundation in the amount of $30. This was the profit from my first order of tshirts that were delivered this past Friday. (this was a rush order of 15 tshirts made in less than a week for my pig roast) This donation will go to Cooper, a 3 year old little boy who is hoping to get his seizure alert dog, a Golden Retriever named Buzz Lightyear. Good Luck to Cooper and Buzz!

Changing direction

First, I would like to thank everyone who came to my purple pig roast on Saturday. It was way too hot, 98 degrees to be exact. The weather had a huge impact on the success of my event. We were a little disappointed but today is a new day.

Second, and the reason I'm posting today, is the big news for Kaitlin's Cauze. I have decided to change directions with my cauze. Originally, I founded Kaitlin's Cauze to raise money for the Epilepsy Foundation of Western/Central PA. While I still think the work they do is important to those of us affected by epilepsy, I think there are other avenues I would like to pursue with Kaitlin's Cauze.

I have decided to make CURE (Citizens United For Research in Epilepsy) my main focus for raising money. My thoughts are this: if more money is given to CURE and more work is done to get more funding for epilepsy in general, then someday there will be no need for any other organization, because we'll have a cure for epilepsy. Simple, right?

I am also going to give the proceeds from ALL merchandise sold ffom Kaitlin's Cauze to the Chelsea Hutchinson Foundation. This foundation works hard raising money through their own fundraising events so they can help people in need of seizure alert dogs. Another great cause in my opinion.

I hope you will all understand my decision to change direction. It's not something I decided overnight. My mom and I have been discussing this for a few months but since I already made a commitment to the EFWCP to try to raise $1000 I wanted to follow through before announcing my decisions. My mom educated me on a few epilepsy organizations and how each one helps in one way or another. In the end, my mom and dad let me decide where to focus. And they support my decision because that's just how they are.

Thanks again to everyone who has been following Kaitlin's Cauze, I couldn't do what I do without you!

Wildtree products

Thank you to Tammy S. Kerr, Senior Team Leader for Wildtree for the donation of a beautiful gift basket for my chinese auction.

If anyone would like to order Wildtree products and have 20% donated to Kaitlin's Cauze please visit: http://www.tk.mywildtree.com/ Simply type in Kaitlin's Cauze in special instructions when you place your order and 20% will go to my cauze.

Thank You

As my pig roast draws closer (two days away) I want to take a few minutes to say thank you to those who have helped me organize this...

Dad and Mom- You worked hard organizing this event and helping me with ideas. Thank you for all the work you have put into this. A kid can't ask for better parents. You stand behind me, no matter what. I love you both so much.

Aunt Jen- Thank you for keeping track of the sponsors and contributions as they came in. Thank you also for the time you will invest tomorrow helping my mom bake a million cupcakes and brownies. (for those who know my mom and her ability to cook- they thank you as well) :)

Aunt Lisa and Tony- Thank you for volunteering to cook all the food. It's probably a safer bet that nobody will get food poisoning now. :) I know you have alleviated my mom's stress by handling all of this for her. Tony- thank you for letting us use your catering equipment!!!!!

Aaron- A HUGE thanks to you. Without you, there'd be no pig. Thank you for your willingness to stay up all night to roast the pig. You rock.

Thank you to the Ebersole's and Houseman's for letting us use your coolers to keep the food cold!

I hope to see a lot of people come to my first annual purple pig roast!!!!!!

Busy day ahead

My mom informed me that we would be BUSY today getting things we need for my first purple pig roast. We need to run to at least 3 different stores to pick up supplies, and that doesn't count the stores we have to run to later this week when we start picking up food.

I am kind of proud of my mom because she hasn't hit "insanity" yet. Even though she has a ton to do she is just plodding along getting it done, one step at a time. She had ONE minor melt down last Friday night. We were coming home from Hershey Park and she commented "the pig roast is only a week away right"? My dad answered "yep" and my mom started rattling off a list of things that still needed done. My dad assured her it would get done which seemed to be the magic words because my mom dropped the subject.

You have to understand that my mom is what most would call "OCD, Type A Personality". She's not really OCD, but she does like to be organized and have lists, and have a plan for everything. She has been kind of relaxed about this whole pig roast, but I do suspect that is going to change very shortly, quite possibly, today. :)

I hope you all have a great day today. Think of me, sitting in the car with my mom as she rattles words/sentences off to herself trying to keep this event organized and on track.

Auction by proxy

Letting everyone know that even if you can't make the pig roast on July 24th you can purchase tickets for the chinese auction. Visit my sponsor and contribution page to see the items up for auction. Tickets are $1 per ticket or $5 for 7 tickets.

If you are interested simply write a check for the correct amount and mail to:

Kaitlin's Cauze

390 Middle Road

Dalmatia, PA 17017

My parents will make sure your tickets are placed in the appropriate auction and will contact you if you win.

If you have any questions you can email: kaitlinscauze@comcast.net

Onward and Upward

Yesterday morning was the last increase in my medicine, I am finally up to 200 mg two times a day. We (make that they) are hoping that the increase will work to control the absence seizures. I say "they" because the absence seizures don't bother me, I don't even know that I'm having them. "They" includes my neurologist and my parents...

With that being said, I feel GREAT. The last increase did not make me sick or tired or cause stomach pain. In fact, I spent the afternoon swimming with my friends (under adult supervision of course) and had 2 friends sleep over last night. Tonight I am going to Hershey Park. Unless it rains. Which after a week of being REALLY hot, of course it looks like rain this evening.

My mom spoke to a family friend (actually my softball coach and his wife) about designing a tshirt for Kaitlin's Cauze to help raise awareness for epilepsy. I have chosen to donate all proceeds from the tshirts to Seizure Alert Dogs for Life. If you know me, you know I love dogs. (I have 3) If you know me really well, you know that when I grow up, I want to work with animals. Now that I found out about Seizure Alert Dogs for Life I may just think about combining my love for dogs with my epilepsy and maybe work with them.

More details will come regarding the tshirts. They are going to be designed by: With Kidz in Mind. Stay tuned...Stay cool...Stay involved... Be a voice...

Lamictal Increase

My doctor increased my Lamictal a few weeks ago. Like most any seizure medicine, it needs to be increased slowly over a few weeks time. I think it's so my body adjusts to the new dose without getting the severe side effects. Lamictal is known for it's life threatening rash. Obviously, I haven't had a problem with that.

Sometimes I have problems sleeping at night. My mom said it could be the medicine because a side effect is insomnia (being unable to sleep). I also get back aches and stomach aches from time to time- at first my mom didn't think anything of it, but now she thinks it could also be the Lamictal because it is known for causing stomach pain and back pain.

Since my increase started I have experienced sleepiness, this usually bothers me in the morning, after I take my morning dose. I've also gotten a lot of stomach pains, which usually affects me at night, after I take my night dose. I don't get these side effects every day/night, it seems to be hit or miss. My mom said once my body adjusts better I shouldn't have any problems, or maybe not as much.

I had to leave a sleep over party the other night because of my stomach. I don't like when the side affects interferes with my activities.... Hopefully my mom will be right and things will settle down soon.