[Experience] Light The Night 2011

My childhood experiences have shaped and impacted my beliefs.  Learning to play softball at the corner intersections of Francisco and Sherwin and tying bedsheets to the second floor banister to swing like Tarzan are a couple early memories.  From these experiences I have become a believer of a worry free, unyielding, and spirited youth.

Childhood opens the playground to explore, discover and learn.  Yet what happens when the childhood experience is not so unfettered? What might keep children from a no-worry, hassle free experience?  And further what would be learned from the restraints?

 

Griffin Maks is my nephew.  He was diagnosed with Leukemia and has completed the course of treatment.  His early years of childhood are a variety of sorts which forced him to mature and grow well beyond his soon-to-be 6 year old self.  Griffin's childhood can be seen curving a path uphill dotted with fevers, sleepless nights, and lengthy hospital admissions.  Griffin lives a life that might seem restricted, but you could not tell from the smile on his face and the twinkle in his eyes.  Griffin has experienced some trials and many triumphs.  These trying experiences are a testament to his growth and his beliefs.  Griffin's strength in spirit and his passion motivates and inspires.  Griffin uses this inspiration to bring hope and a belief that overcoming a battle against Leukemia is possible.  He will be walking with family and friends in The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Light the Night Walk

Griffin will be walking to raise awareness and funds that will aid cancer research to help find a cure.  A cure to fight this disease would ensure a childhood free from the worries of blood cancers like Leukemia.  Griffin will be walking tonight September 25, 2011.  Come and join Griffin along with the family, friends, and many others who believe in Griffin's mission.  We will witness tonight that what we do will impact a better tomorrow.

Here are a few links:

Team Griffin donation page:
http://pages.lightthenight.org/il/ChicagoL11/TeamGriffin

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Light the Night page:
http://www.lightthenight.org/

Team Griffin images 2010

TEAM GRIFFIN RALLY

Growing up my sister and I would walk to the park on weekend mornings for cheerleading games. My sister was the cheerleader and I was a mascot. We dressed in the red and white school colors and wore the letter 'M' emblazoned on the front of our sweaters. Back then we would shake the pom-poms and call out cheers exclaiming how our team's power and might would win over the other team. I recall some of the cheers talking about motorcycles and valley talk and went something like,

"..WE'RE GOING TO RIDE ON YOU LIKE A KAWASAKI, VROOM, VROOM, 2-3-4..."

and,

"...A-W-E-S-O-M-E, AWESOME, AWESOME, TO-TAL-LY..."

We cheered on, rain or shine, in hopes our team would win.

Today, my sister and I, will be walking together along with our family and friends in a very important walk. We will be cheering along the route and we may even call out the cheers about motorcycles and total awesomeness.
We will walk to raise money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. That money will aid research and directly benefit those who are afflicted with blood cancers.

My sister Gretchen and my brother-in-law, Jon Maks, have a 4 year old son, Griffin, who is fighting Leukemia. The story of Griffin's fight is a daily battle.



We walk knowing these funds will benefit Griffin. We hope that research will find a cure. We hope we will win this battle. We hope you will join the fight.

The day is here and the LIGHT THE NIGHT WALK is tonight.

So I ask you reader, will you also rally for TEAM GRIFFIN?



These are the details for TEAM GRIFFIN:

1. Location -- Upper Hutchinson Field in Grant Park (SW corner of Columbus and Balbo -- PDF map of Grant Park enclosed); Team Griffin will gather at TENT 1 (the Kids' Tent).

2. Time to gather-- Festivities begin at 5:30pm -- for check-in and last-minute registration; for food and drink (5:30 - 7pm); to pickup freebies and such; to purchase additional Team Griffin T-shirts from Gretchen ($15 for adult, $10 for youth).

3. Time to walk -- the actual walk begins at 7pm and is about 2 miles long. If you're accompanied by people with short legs, you might want to bring a stroller. The walk should be done by 9pm.

4. Weather forecast -- it looks like it will be clear and cool in the 50's, and since we're on the lakefront, it might be breezy, so dress appropriately and wear comfortable shoes!

5. Team Griffin Group Picture -- hopefully we'll get an "official picture", or at least be organized enough to do one ourselves, at 6:30pm.

6. Parking -- there will be parking nearby at the Millennium Park lots (see enclosed PDF map of Grant Park), at parking lots west of S. Michigan Ave, and some nearby street parking.

7. Bring any additional funds you've raised (cash and checks)-- this is the opportunity to get acknowledged for money you raised for the walk; if you have raised $100 or more, you can collect a Light The Night t-shirt at one of the t-shirt tents (this is in addition to the Team Griffin shirt). If you've raised $500 or more, you will get a special pass to the VIP Tent, which will have MORE food, an open bar and other goodies. If you've raised at least $1000, you will get a 2nd VIP pass!

8. There will be a Kid's Corner opening at 5:30pm for a variety of fun activities, including a bounce house, face painting, games, prizes and more!

9. If you're walking to remember a loved one you've lost to leukemia or lymphoma, join others for the Remembrance Ceremony at 6:45pm at the main stage.

10. Call Gretchen or Jon with any questions or concerns.

11. WEAR YOUR 2010 TEAM GRIFFIN T-SHIRTS!


See you there!

Will You Join The Fight?

2 More Days left until the LIGHT The NIGHT

Will you be joining us?

Come on out tonight for yummy food, great people, and good times.

TEAM GRIFFIN'S KICK OFF PARTY

Thursday September 23, 2010

HOULIHAN'S RESTAURANT
550 W. Touhy
Park Ridge, IL
847.692.6505

6PM-9PM

There will be free appetizers for our bunch

20% of dinner receipts will be donated to TEAM GRIFFIN

Fundraising continues with T-Shirt sales...get them while they are hot!

Come on out and meet GODZILLA he is hungry for your donations.

Raffle prizes a plenty.

Catch Griffin and his family here and the first round of Root Beer is on me!

Make a donation and find Godzilla at the event or link to TEAM GRIFFIN



(GODZILLA creation c/o Wayne Rizal-president CALAMBA ASSOCIATION of ILLINOIS)




The Maks family house is brimming with last minute details for the walk coming up this Saturday. Gretchen and Jon continue their efforts to raise funds for the walk as well as quell any tantrums inevitable among the Maks siblings.

Last night Griffin busy playing hide-n-seek with his cousins and made out to be a very good hider and seeker.

Want to find out more about this little dude?

Meet him tonight and JOIN the Fight!

See you there!

2010 Light the Night Walk *Team Griffin*

I remember the day when I was a kid playing endlessly at the park, climbing the monkey bars, spinning in the tire swing, and jumping on the teeter-totter. I played until the park lights started to flicker on and the setting sun cast it's last rays.







Over the weekend, Griffin (my 4 year old nephew), took a break from playing in the park to capture a few smiling images. We had walked a few steps around the jungle gym to find a spot for him to show off his cheeky smile and he said to me,

"I can't walk far because my legs hurt."

I proceeded to find out more about the discomfort that afflicted Griffin, and asked him my cadre of questions to find cause for his pain. Griffin answered my what, where, when, why, and how framework of questions. Griffin described his legs were hurting because he was playing in the park. He confirmed that he did not get bumped at the playground by his rambunctious siblings-Everest, Hudson, nor Kailey. He did not fall off the jungle gym, and he had not been play fighting Tai kwon do with his cousins (my rambunctious kids). Later on, my sister, Gretchen, told me the chemotherapy medication Griffin received made him tired and caused pain to his legs. Griffin left the park not too long after the images were taken and just prior to the debut of the evening sky making it's appearance.



I did not understand Griffin's pain because growing up as a kid I did not have the same experiences that Griffin has to endure. I have stopped asking myself the why about Griffin's Leukemia and find myself asking what can be done.
"What can I do to help my nephew not experience the physical pains after performing activities that children inevitably do growing up?"



On Saturday, September 25, 2010, Griffin and his family plan to attend The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS's) Light the Night Walk.





Joining TEAM GRIFFIN will be family and friends helping to raise funds for lifesaving cancer research. I join the fight to find a cure for Leukemia. A disease, in my opinion, that steals away the fundamental right of growing up as a child. I invite you to join Griffin.



Special mention who have and are still helping Griffin Maks and his family, including the Elizabeth Meyer School --Griffin's preschool. On behalf of Gretchen and Jon Maks: A huge Thank You for your efforts. We look forward to a good turnout in support of leukemia research!

Rah*Rah*Sis*Boom*Bah

Whether I cheer on the sidelines with pom poms in hand, or I scream and shout from the bleachers, I am showing my support for my team. I know that I can be overzealous shouting out my encouragement to the players on the court. I may stamp my feet and clap my hands. I have been known to stand up from my seat and call out to the referee. I do this to channel the energy that I have, to both inspire and maybe even give that extra "edge" to the players so that a victory will be won. I am preparing to watch my son's basketball game tomorrow morning. My son and my nephew (Everest) play basketball together. Everest is Griffin's older brother.

I plan to cheer for the basketball players tomorrow as I do for my nephew, Griffin. I cheer for Griffin everyday. My cheers for Griffin ride along with my thoughts and beliefs of my faith. I pray to God to keep Griffin well, healthy, and happy. There are other participants on the field who also deserve encouragement. These first string players need no introduction from me. You know them by a first name basis. Jon, Gretchen, Everest, Kailey, and Hudson.



The playing field is set in a number of different places. The fourth floor clinic at Children's Memorial, the house at 60076, and even the car ride to the emergency room. I am shouting out encouragement to

"...keep cool, relax, continue to do what you are doing..."

I am encouraging the players to endure, to sacrifice, and to overcome what may seem to be the hardest hurdle yet to be faced.




The current situation sets the players at different places. Everest is with me for a very early game in the morning. Hudson and Kailey are snug in their bed with grand-parental supervision. Jon, Gretchen, and Griffin are on the way to Children's Memorial. Griffin's white blood cell count has been trending on a downward slope. This situation challenges Griffin's body and makes it hard to fight off infections. Griffin had been monitored by the Md's for the past week plus a few days. Gretchen and Jon were given instruction to come to the hospital if Griffin developed a fever.
I had talked to Gretchen over the phone on Saturday evening (I can not change the time entered/displayed for this post). She spoke to me with tears and told me her "mother's instinct" and interpreted her gut feelings. She was preparing and packing in case Griffin did indeed show more objective signs of fever. I received the call Saturday night (before midnight) they were in fact on their way to the hospital.

Griffin has one more year of treatment and must face every challenge with strength courage, and faith. As I sit here in front of my monitor I invite you, reader, to join me on the sidelines and Cheer your heart out for the Home team. We can do a virtual wave, we can whirl a dervish dance, we can scream from the rooftops, we can send our positive energies, we can pray. However you choose to cheer, encourage, uplift and/or inspire...let us all tip the scale in Griffin's favor. 1-0.

Man & Woman of the Year

The beautiful faces that you see belong to Griffin and Rose. You have been hearing the story of Griffin and all his 'going-ons' from word of mouth, Gretchen's FB, and or have been eyeing glimpses of him here and there.
There is more to tell you about Griffin and his recent follow up visit to Children's Memorial for a routine blood work up. Results are still pending, but the lab result of importance are Griffin's liver lab values. More updates to follow when available.
It was by special request to update the blog and give special mention to Rose and her mission. Rose is a survivor of NHL and her story can be found here:


http://www.roseabovecancer.com


The benefit for Man & Woman of the Year will be tomorrow May 21, 2010.

Congratulations to all who have supported LLS. To all the candidates in the running for Man & Woman of the Year, it was not only with the donations raised, but with your blood, sweat, and tears that you put a happy smile on Griffin's face.

On behalf of Griffin Maks and his family, Thank you!

Turn on the Light

The cogs are turning and the switch has been turned on. Imaginary light bulbs are above mine and Gretchen's head at the making of this post. The kids are running around us asking us for snacks, asking us to fix their toys, and tattling on the one that seems to cause all the commotion...Griffin. I know the latest post was way back when...but keep a look out for more information. We are here, and I know you are too.

Light the Night

"Whoa, Where have you been?" "What have you been up to lately?"

Have you heard these words before when you have not seen a friend in awhile? And yet whatever the reasons are that kept the relationship silent, it is as if no time has passed after the greetings are said, and conversation picks up right where it left off.

So here he is. In the following images you may not recognize him right away, he is there, he does not look sick, ill, or with cancer, because his smile, his scowl, his laugh, keeps him looking like all the other kids around him. You can even see the family that supports him and wakes up with him every late night because he is so hungry from the steroids, he has to eat something.







The Maks family have been growing, learning, and continue to journey on learning with every challenge that is presented. So what is Griffin up to now? Well, with only 3 days left, the Light the Night Walk will take place. Along with his family and friends, Griffin, will embark on another part of the journey. This cause will help to raise funds to continue the fight against and find the cure for Leukemia.

You need more info?
Follow along on the team page:
http://pages.lightthenight.org/il/ChicagoL09/TeamGriffin



Catch the people involved in fighting Leukemia and the efforts that are being done. From the "Hoops for a Cause" event to the "Festivus" they are all there both in body and spirit.



Follow the people who have met there goal and are continuing to raise more money.

You want to join?

Come along, the team has won a tent, pizza, and route markers with Griffin's mug greeting the walkers along the way.



You want to walk?

Sign on up and welcome to the cause.

So what else do you want to know about Grif?

Let's see, there was the Florida road trip in April for a program called

"The Lighthouse"

A retreat for children with cancer and their families and a program run by many dedicated volunteers.

After Florida the Maks arrived in fashion just in time for Easter.





Summer was filled with all the summer glory, sort-of-hot weather, ice cream, water play at the beach, at Millenium Park with the cousins, Michigan jaunts to the Dunes and even a car ride to Canada.





Yes that is right Canada. The Maks' drove over 1,000 miles one way and with 4 kids under 7 years of age and a California uncle Ashlin in tow with stressed out anxious parents behind the wheel. The final destination was made in Mont Tremblant, Quebec Canada.

From the time of the last post in February to now, Griffin, has made a couple unscheduled visits to Children's Memorial Hospital. He was treated for a sort of maladies, including a bout of flu. He has recovered and has been able to start preschool with the rest of his peers.



At the time of writing this post, late night Wednesday, Griffin will have class pictures come Thursday morning and will then go to a scheduled visit to Children's Memorial for spinal tap and medications.

Please continue to pray for Griffin and his family. Send your positive thoughts his way.

You just want to know more about Griffin? Well, until next time.

Griffin with Fever

Update 2/10/2009 2:20Pm

Griffin was admitted to the 4Th floor Oncology floor into an isolation room He was started on Mirapenem (antibiotic), Intravenous fluids, and continuous pulse oximetry (a measurement of oxygen saturation in the blood- basically if numbers were low then supplemental oxygen would be needed).

The doctors told Gretchen and Jon chest x-ray results showed possible mid/lower lobe infiltrate. Other differential diagnoses included atalectasis. The plan is to have Griffin go home. Gretchen and Grif are waiting for Jon to pick them up from the hospital. Griffin was also found to have an increase in his blood count which is encouraging because then he will be able to receive chemotherapy, but not until this infection is cleared.

Continue to keep Griffin in your prayers, and Thank you for your comments.




With a temperature of 103.0, Griffin is on the way to Children's Memorial Hospital. Griffin was observed to develop a 'croupy' sounding cough and doctors were immediately notified by Gretchen earlier in the day, and ordered to monitor Grif for fever. Jon and Gretchen are at Griffin's side and the rest of the Maks family are at home with MamaRita. Updates will be posted as soon as Gretchen calls back with results from the hospital. Please continue to keep Griffin and the family in your prayers.

Send your kisses

Hi everyone,

Thank you for checking out the blog. Keeping you posted on the "going's on and the what's happening" with Grif. The big question I get asked is, "How is Griffin doing?"

Griffin remains at home, and continues to be on lock down because his immune system is compromised. His blood count continues to remain on the low end of the parameters and therefore he has been on hold from receiving chemotherapy. Griffin's plan of care consists of a bone marrow biopsy on Thursday to definitively determine if the chemotherapy treatments will continue or if he is in relapse. Without saying, Gretchen and Jon remain hopeful and optimistic of the results. Griffin is noted to be in good spirits, but is also stir crazy. The boy is always hungry and continually eating. Talks of locks on cabinets have been verbalized because he is not restricted from eating at certain times. (During intake of chemo meds Griffin was restricted from eating 2 hours before and after eating due to high risk of vomiting of medication).

The next steps will be determined after the results of Thursday's biopsy. Please continue to pray and send positive thoughts Griffin's way.

Here is an image of the family giving love and kisses to Griffin.

Griffin is out

Just to give you an update that Griffin is now out of the hospital. He had to stay a few days for observation of his neutropenia and fever. His blood counts are still low and his chemotherapy is on hold. Since being discharged Griffin has been on lock down in the house. Griffin is scheduled to have his treatment tomorrow, if his counts are high enough he will have his chemotherapy tomorrow and a follow-up with the oncologist in the clinic. Thanks to all who have told me that they have been reading the blog. Please continue to pray and send your positive energies Griffin's way.

Griffin Admitted to Children's

Griffin was brought into Children's Memorial Sunday night 1/18/2009 because of high fever of Tmax- 102.7 It is determined that because of a low neutrophil count he will also be admitted into the hospital. Griffin is no stranger to the emergency room. This will mark his second visit of the week. On Thursday night 1/15/2009 Griffin was brought into the emergency room with a fever of 103.5. He was later released early Friday morning.

Please continue to send your prayers and positive energies to Griffin and the family. The whole experience has been emotionally and physically stressful for both Gretchen and Jon. It has been equally stressful for the caregivers watching over Everest, Kailey, and Hudson. MamaRita, Grandpoppy, and Grandma Aida continue to provide a safe, caring, and loving environment.

Updates to follow, so far as of this post 1AM, Gretchen and Griffin have been admitted onto the hospital floor. Gretchen will continue to stay at Griffin's side while Jon treks back home.

Comment here and/or send your thoughts and prayers (Also worth mentioning, sing a Birthday tune to Gretchen - today is her birthday).

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Griffin!
Your age is written in single digits, but your life experiences suggest one whose years have seen beyond the 'Golden Days.' Will you remember this particular time? I think back to my earliest memories and remember the times when I was the most happy.
Your path seems fraught with many twists and turns, and I come to my own conclusion that your memories will be varied. I do not doubt you will remember these times.



Along with each twist and turn your mother has made sure to offer you only the best. I know your mother, she would want only the happiest of events to balance out the not-so-choice 'offerings.' With that being said, I ask you to remember deep in your heart the smile that you wore the night of your 3rd Birthday Party. Here are some pictures that captured the day you shared with Kailey and Hudson. The extravaganza of your birthday culminated at the Carousel of Elk Grove Village. Your birthday song was sung to you in front of your carousel cake. So many sights that late night to make one think that you partied like a rock star.

5th Stage Starts Now

With cool temperatures underway, the flu also finds it's way into homes and lurks waiting for the right host. You can be for sure that Gretchen and Jon maintain strict hand washing techniques whenever entering the Maks' home and engaging with the Maks' children. At the beginning of this week (October 20, 2008) Griffin visited the Children's Memorial Hospital for a routine spinal tap and medication administration of chemotherapy. He had underwent the spinal tap procedure, but due to complications of possibly hitting a blood vessel the spinal tap was canceled. The spinal tap was rescheduled for next Monday and at that time chemo meds will be administered via the spinal fluid. Griffin returned home by Monday afternoon.

Griffin has been hanging in and around the house with his siblings. What else would a soon-to-be 3 year old be doing? Over the weekend, he helped his Papa Jon decorate the house with Halloween decorations and enjoyed the crisp autumn weather. Here are a couple images of Griffin and his siblings enjoying the autumn leaves.



Albeit, his rash remains since his admission into the hospital (a couple weeks ago), and his hair is disheveled in the front and thinning around the crown, his bright shining smile remains.


Griffin continues to follow the doctor's schedule and medication regimen. He has officially entered the 5th phase of his medication protocol, and is scheduled to visit the hospital once a month, for the next 3 years. At these scheduled visits, Griffin will undergo a spinal tap and chemotherapy administration. The doctors have told Gretchen that Griffin should not lose any more hair, and a much needed appointment at Kid Snips has been scheduled.



Listening to Gretchen's voice talk about the plan makes me feel a relief, kind of like, "Whew, Thank God, we have been able to get this far." And I do Thank God. My sister, Gretchen, has always had the penchant for creating a 'light goodness' to issues and factors and stories. But I can only imagine what lies behind those words, because if this were me and I wore my sister's shoes, I would want to scream my lungs out and exclaim,

"Why? Why my Griffin?"

There are no feasible answers that can allay my fear nor those of my sisters. But I continue to pray that God continues to give Gretchen and Jon the strength. Strength to get on with their daily lives in light of all of 'This.' I continue to pray that Griffin's body remains strong despite the fact that these medications that can eradicate the Leukemia may also destroy parts of his body. I continue to pray that Everest, Hudson, and Kailey will continue to thrive and know that Love surrounds all of them.

Please continue to send your positive energies for the Maks Family. Continue to pray for Griffin and his family.