Everyone who follows Kidz Team knows what we do and why we do it…the remainder of this short story gives you a little more insight on how it all goes down and can offer you a little more perspective and detail.

Last night I received an e-mail that came crashing into my cell phone like a runaway train into a crowded passenger terminal; and just like that crash, that e-mail represented the many lives which are instantly changed forever.  The e-mail was from Seth at Children’s hospital telling me that THREE MORE FAMILIES NEED OUR BAGS…

The e-mail said that the families of a 2 year old, a 10 year old and an 11 year old need our help.  Their children were diagnosed with some form of cancer yesterday.  I received the message at around 7:00pm while I was at the pool watching my kids swim and play.  As soon as I read the message, I got that familiar sickness in my stomach because I know exactly what those parents were currently feeling or were soon going to feel.  Each time I receive one of those e-mails, I remember the looks on the doctor’s faces and the utter disbelief the parents feel for a split second.  Then after about 2 seconds (which seem like an eternity) it hits you… The parents are thinking, “Oh my God, my baby has cancer what am I going to do?”

You look through your tears and seek help from a group of doctors and nurses who are complete strangers, while almost begging that they save your baby.  They are very professional and kind, then they tell you about all of the recent improvements in research, technology and medications.  They are really amazing.  Then they start telling you about your options…and that is when it hits…like a ton of bricks…you suddenly realize that with all of their education and all of their training, it is you  and you alone who has to make the decision on which path to follow in order to save your baby.  While they offer you a ton information, ideas and options, they stay short of telling you what to do.  The decision is yours…with no training, no experience and you are not God…  It is around this time that you might need to rush to the rest room and throw up…I did… and that is when the entirety of the situation not only hits you, but it really sinks in because you realize that you are all alone…all alone.  It’s your call and no one else’s and your baby’s life is in your hands.

So right after you are notified that your baby has cancer, right after you learn that you have to make the decision that may, or not save your baby’s life, right after the doctors give you a little time to collect your thoughts, right after you changed a diaper, blew a nose, wiped off a dirty or sticky little face, (cause your baby is with you the entire time, at this point you will not let him out of your sight) right after you went through your tenth tissue…they hand you a backpack with a friendly little logo of a kid with messy hair, a heart shaped balloon and really big smile…and it is then when they let you know, that others have been through this before and they are thinking about you at that very moment.

And hopefully…just hopefully, we are able to make a difference in their lives and make them a little more comfortable… a little more confident…a little more hopeful that their child, themselves and their family are going to be alright.

That, my friends… is why we do… what we do.

And now you see why we continuously need your help…

Now go kiss your Kidz.

We raised over $4,000 for the one day event.  As always, the money will be put to good use…

Thanks to everyone who attended our event and very special thanks to all of our sponsors.

See you next year!

Dr. Phil has joined the team…Kidz Team that is…

Nationally known T.V. personality Dr. Phil McGraw, is offering support through his foundation in order to help a East Tennessee charity called Kidz Team. 

The Dr. Phil Foundation President and CEO Steven Davidson, recently contacted Kidz Team Founder Bryan Butler and offered their support to help pediatric cancer patients here in East Tennessee. “Thanks for giving us the opportunity to support this wonderful and meaningful cause” Mr. Davidson said. 

Dr. Phil and his foundation learned of the unique assistance Kidz Team provides to the families of children with cancer and wanted to get involved.  Kidz Team is the only non-profit in the nation that offers “Time Sensitive Assistance” to the families of newly diagnosed pediatric cancer patients.  “When a child has been diagnosed with cancer, Kidz Team is notified by the good people at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital and we immediately spring into action” Butler said.  “As soon as we are called, we deliver one of our Emergency Kits which are designed to provide unique support and assistance to the parents of the children”, he added.

Part of Dr. Phil’s contribution is VIP passes to a “Dr. Phil Show”.  The lucky winners get to meet Dr. Phil and his wife Robin at a taping for the show and they also get to attend the new hit “The Doctors”.  The VIP passes will be auctioned at upcoming fundraising events for the charity.  The next event scheduled for Kidz Team is the “Kidz Team Express” train ride on Saturday June 26^th.

“At Kidz Team, we focus on the family and Dr. Phil is a huge family advocate, so this is a very good partnership”, Butler said.

We delivered our “Emergency Kits to each of these families immediately upon diagnosis. For those of you who are new to Kidz Team, our “Emergency Kits” include everything that a parent will need for an extended stay at a hospital. Some of the things we include are tooth paste, toothbrush, deodorant, shampoo, laundry detergent and a roll of quarters to do their laundry. We also put in gift cards from local restaurants as well as a gas card.

As you see, at Kidz Team, we focus on the family. Please keep Kidz Team in your mind when you make your charitable donations. Learn more about us and what we do at http://www.KidzTeam.org.

We are always looking for volunteers!Read More

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