11:11 - A Simple Reminder Twice Per Day

A little over an hour ago, at exactly 11:11, I sent the following text to my wife - "11:11"

Between the two of us we probably send this exact text to each other anywhere from 50 to 100 times per year. Sometimes we send it when one of us is having a bad day, sometimes it's sent because one of us glances at the clock and feels like sending it but most of the time it is sent as a simple reminder.  For us the sending and receiving of this text reminds us just how fortunate we are to have our oldest daughter, who was born on November 11, 2004, with us today.

At eight months old our oldest daughter was diagnosed with Nueroblastoma, a form of cancer that affects roughly ten percent of all childhood cancer patients. As individuals and as parents the experience impacted us more than words can ever describe and to this day, nine years later, it continues to shape just about every aspect of our lives including: who we are, how we parent, where we spend our time and what we do for our children. However, 11:11 takes on a special meaning each and every fall because its when we do the bulk of our fundraising for the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, an organization committed to funding childhood cancer research.

During the months of September, October and November we raise money by participating in an annual 5K race called the Lemon Run.  Our team, aptly named Team Payton, is made up of our family and friends who know Payton's story and who are committed to helping raise awareness and funds to help find a cure, or at least answers, to the mystery behind childhood cancer.  It's because of this that each fall I am reminded of four important life lessons:

1. The gift of life is an incredible yet delicate opportunity and every moment should be celebrated and embraced.

2.  There are individuals in our lives, both family and friends, that make a difference in our lives and no matter how hard we try there simply isn't enough ways to tell each one of them how important they are to us. However, letting them know every now and then is important.

3.  Children deserve every opportunity to experience life to the fullest, free from worry and illness and we should work hard to give that to them.

4. Life isn't easy and is often frustrating, irritating and sometimes even depressing but there is always hope and there are always people willing to help.

I suspect that 11:11 will always have significance for us because it reminds us of our experience, to always have hope, to give back when possible and to always appreciate the people that mean the most to us.

Team Payton & Childhood Cancer Research

  Payton Riggs

A letter from Jennifer Riggs, my wife and Payton’s Mom: 

My daughter, Payton, is the sweetest, kindest, most amazing little girl who has great aspirations to help others and who has already fought harder at her tender age than most of us will ever have to.  When she was eight months old she was diagnosed with neuroblastoma.  The tumor was removed two weeks later with great success, removing more than 90% from her body. This type of neuroblastoma is essentially cured by removal, and fortunately for us radiation and chemotherapy were not necessary. Doctors say that out of 650 cases per year that are diagnosed, only about seven are presented this way. Payton’s oncologist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia says that her cancer coming back is "highly unlikely," but it doesn't stop us from testing and worrying.

However, we do realize how fortunate we are. Payton's little scar reminds us of this. We have been so fortunate that Payton's neuroblastoma was found early on and removed by surgery. So fortunate that an amazing doctor found a tumor during a diagnostic urinary reflux test. So fortunate, that a remarkable team at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia removed all of Payton's tumor so that chemotherapy or radiation was not necessary. So fortunate that my baby is still here and so fortunate that research continues to search for a cure.

Payton will turn nine this November and we are grateful for everything her experience has taught us.  She has the biggest, most sensitive heart you will ever find in a little girl. Her Dad, younger sister Jordyn, and I are so proud of her and are always amazed by her!

My family and I participate in the Lemon Run every year to raise money to help researchers find a cure. We support Alex’s efforts and her family by continuing what their daughter started.  Through Alex's inspiring story and her parents’ dedication, doctors are making life changing breakthroughs every day.  We are thankful for them and all they have done for Payton and other children. 

Please consider joining us on November 10, 2013 for the 5^th Annual 5K Lemon Run. We would be honored if you would become a member of Team Payton and help us raise awareness for childhood cancer research. You can register and donate by clicking on our fundraising page.

Fundraising page: http://www.alexslemonade.org/mypage/117338