“Heroes”, obviously mine is Teagan, who seems to continue to get stronger and more energetic (god help us) with each passing day. Also, her hair is growing amazingly fast and she has that 5-day shadow going on. It’s so hard to imagine her with hair again… she made such a cute “baldo”. We still don’t have any definitive news yet about her Leukemia, but have a bone marrow biopsy scheduled for November 1st at Club AMC. The Doctors have decided that we will leave the port in for about six months, just in case we seem to have some kind of set-back. Obviously, we’re praying for none, and don’t have any indication of anything being wrong, but I guess it’s good to cautious.

My Hero reference was about a good friend and an amazing person who just came from Texas to visit Teagan (and us). She certainly will inspire anyone with her abilities or more appropriately her gift from God. I’m talking about Lisa Smith, an amazing woman who performs with countless award winning musicians all over the country. She “signs” to the songs being performed, and watching her sign, you can’t help but pull your jaw up off the ground… Oh yeah, she has Down syndrome! She is the perfect example why individuals with DS should never be underestimated. She’s been on the Dr. Phil Show, Performs with Women of Faith, Sandi Patty and countless others, including at a huge Women’s Conference in California for Maria Shriver. We’re working on a website for her (www.lisasmith.us) now, which will be up in a few weeks. If you have not had an opportunity to meet her or see her, stay tuned, you will. She is an amazing woman and an inspiration to us as parents of a child with Down syndrome, and a new hero for Teagan.

Also, we’ve been asked by many of our friends about a little project, (OK it’s not that little!), we’ve been involved in – the Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center 2008 “Aiming High” Calendar, and as you may recall, Teagan and I were the featured in the 2007 calendar.. Well, the 2008 Calendars are out, and they are beautiful! This year we decided to do the entire calendar in full bright amazing colors and when you see it you’ll agree, especially when you see our little Teag’s (with Hair) in November. All the models were amazing and should be commended, as this is a huge fundraiser for the DSAHRC, and this could not be done without them. If you want to see the calendar, click the link below.

http://www.dsahrc.org/data/content/view/470/

If you want to decorate your wall with these beautiful kids and help a great organization, they can be ordered directly via their website for $15.00, or you could let me know you want 1 or 2… or 3, and I’ll make sure to send yours right out. Makes a great gift too…

Also, Parker our Basset Hound is still hanging in there too, his cancer is obviously progressing, and his days are numbered, but so far he still manages to move lightning fast if we drop a morsel of food of the counter or during his new pastime, catching everything Teagan launches from the highchair… we decided he’ll live his last days out FAT and happy… Abby on the other hand seems completely Deaf and often wanders aimlessly around the house… I would too at 98 (14 in Dog Years), but she still seems OK.

OK, we’ll keep you informed about Teagan’s progress as we get info. Thanks for your continued support and well wishes…

Be Well,

Juergen, Holly and Kids.