Happy St. Patrick's Day

As I sit here eating my green bagel at lunch, I am hoping for a bit of the luck of the Irish.  The past few weeks have delivered us a one-two punch (if my boxing terminology is correct).  In the midst of our mourning Bronnie, we got a less than positive report from Clay's last MRI.  After several meetings with Clay's doctors to determine our protocol options, we have a decided to modify his chemotherapy with the addition of a third drug, gleevec. It is a relatively new drug that has great success with specific types of Leukemia, but the medical community has also seen some response with low grade brain tumors.  We hope and pray it has a positive impact that will keep us from progressing to an entirely different protocol.   Everyone admits that the current protocols are not targeted to low grade pediatric tumors.  The next round of drugs that are more targeted to these types of tumors will not be ready for clinical trials for at least a few years.  The race for a cure is critical. I am re-posting our link to the 5K on May 2 in DC so you can join our team!
http://www.braintumorcommunity.org/site/TR/Events/RFH-DC?fr_id=1490&pg=teamlist

On the pet front, Clay has a new goldfish in his room, named "Pancake."  Grace, however, is holding out for a puppy.  The search is on! Clay is looking forward to starting school after the Spring break. Actually, both kids are excited -- Grace is determined to walk Clay to his classroom each morning, and escort him upstairs to catch his ride home at noon.  We are keeping our fingers crossed that he will stay strong and healthy enough to go.

Finally, thank you to whomever sent us the dinner from Whole Foods several weeks ago -- no card was enclosed but we thoroughly enjoyed it!  


-- Mary

Join the Race for Hope - DC - 5K on May 2

Please consider sponsoring us, or even better -- running with us --  in the Race for Hope to find a cure for brain tumors.  It is on Sunday,  May 2 and begins at Freedom Plaza.   Using the link below, scroll down to the "Teams Registered" and find us under "Team Derderian."  Click "Join Team."  This is a family event and there is a walk for kids at 10 am as well as the run.  The race starts at 9 am -- very reasonable! If you can't be in DC - or are strictly a non-runner -- you can still participate as a "virtual runner."  Click to Join team, and then follow the options to participate as a virtual runner.  Here is the link:

http://www.braintumorcommunity.org/site/TR/Events/RFH-DC?fr_id=1490&pg=teamlist


Proceeds benefit National Brain Tumor Society and Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure.

Thank you in advance to anyone up for joining us in our efforts to fund research for finding a cure.