What It Means To Be The Mother Of A Cancer Survivor

Wendy Short is the mother of Logan, a childhood cancer survivor that shared her storywith us in 2016.  Logan was Naya’s best friend and the Short family is an important part of our No More Kids with Cancer community. 

This Mother’s Day, Wendy is sharing her story – from a mother’s perspective. 

Here’s her story. 

What It Means To Be The Mother Of A Cancer Survivor

by Wendy Short

Logan’s Diagnosis

My youngest daughter, Logan, was diagnosed with Nodular Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at the age of 11.   

Since I can remember, Logan always had a swollen lymph gland on her neck. It would disappear and reappear throughout her life but was always more prominent when she was sick. Then, we noticed the gland wasn’t acting the same as it normally did, and we knew something was wrong.

We went to her pediatrician three or four times and with no reasoning or results, we decided to try a new doctor. Her doctor ran multiple blood tests over a few weeks, and each test came back normal. We were frustrated and Logan was tired of the hassle and being asked about it in school. We decided that even though the tests were negative, we wanted to have the gland removed.  

When they removed the gland in Logan’s neck it was the size of a golf ball. They sent it out for testing, and it came back as Stage 3A cancer.  Which had spread from her neck to her groin.  

What it was like for me. 

My husband had the same type of cancer at age 19 and I always feared that one of my children would get cancer. But I never imagined it would be at such a young age. It was a blow to us as a family and to our entire community. 

I am originally from Antigua and most of my family still lives there. One of the hardest parts for me during this time was not having that support blanket of my family. I had support from great friends, and my family supported me from afar, but it was emotionally challenging not to have them with me. There are times when you just need your family. 

And I felt powerless while Logan was going through treatments. Her body was young, and the treatments were rigorous.  She went through 6 rounds of chemotherapy treatments and 15 rounds of radiation over the summer. Treatment was one week on, three weeks off. However, those three weeks off were never truly off.  I had to be constantly aware and monitoring how she was doing. We were back and forth to the hospital.

The chemo part was the worst. I would be in the room with her and could smell the toxic medicine. I would tell the nurses “you are feeding my kid poison”.  Half  of the treatments were in-patient because she needed to be monitored due to the dangerous nature of the chemo.

She had immediate side effects from the treatment. They had to give her other medicine to help with nausea and her side effects. This medicine made her act differently. 

Logan spent that entire summer either at CHOP getting treatment or as a shell of herself at home. It is so hard to see your child go through all these horrible treatments because you want to switch places with them, but you can’t. 

It was early November when we got that test results back and there was no sign of disease in her body. After that, you aren’t “cancer free” until five years.  Although the likely hood of her cancer coming back the first two years were high, Logan got through it and she is now on remission. Logan still sees her doctor at CHOP every six months for blood work and chest X-rays.

The side effects of cancer. 

We are still learning as we go. The treatments were so toxic that they still have effects on Logan and her body. As an outsider, you can’t tell but there are day to day issues that Logan still faces. 

Her bone density isn’t very strong, so she has a lot of muscle pain which makes some activities too taxing on her body.  The treatments also affected her learning. She had to learn to study differently than she did before cancer. It’s not as easy and she needs to slow down. But we work together, and she is getting better and better every year and learning how to cope with the effects. 

What it means to be the mom of a childhood cancer survivor. 

You know, I always thought that I was strong.  But Logan is much stronger than I am. She is the one that got me through it. She was always positive throughout the process, even when she was scared. 

We still live each day one day at a time. The closer she gets to each milestone – no sign of disease, two years cancer free, and heading toward five years free - relieves a little bit of stress. However, it is always lurking in that back of my mind that there are still risks.

That’s why I am so grateful for No More Kids with Cancer and their mission to fund less-toxic, more effective treatments for children. I still remember the doctors’ telling me the horrible risks of the treatments for Logan, but we had no other option than to put her through it. It’s a double-edge sword, especially as the parent that has to sign off on the treatments. You just hope and pray that it works and your child is one of the lucky ones. 

I thank God every day that we were so fortunate, and Logan survived cancer.  A lot of times I wonder “Why me? Why did my child survive?”.  I think this not because I am ungrateful but to say thank you to God because I know the alternative. I know I am one of the lucky ones and one of the blessed ones that gets to see their child beyond cancer. I am able to see Logan every day as she grows up.

It’s an honor for No More Kids with Cancer to share Wendy’s story on Mother’s Day because it reminds us of the strength of a mother, especially during the most challenging times. This Mother’s Day, give your mom a gift that gives back by donating in her name to No More Kids with Cancer. Your donation will help us fund better treatments for children with cancer.

Why September Matters

Every day, there's a radio or TV commercial with a well known hospital claiming to strike out cancer, save us with targeted treatments and let us hop on a bike hours after radiation or chemo. Naya went through surgery, chemo and radiation. She took a full year to regain her strength to get back on a bike.

If you have anyone close to you touched by cancer, you know the reality.

Cancer rates are going up. Cancer is predicted to become the leading cause of death overall, surpassing heart disease. It's already the leading cause of death among kids in the U.S. and growing. And, if you live in less fortunate country, the survival rates are a fraction of those in the United States.

• 1 in every 285 children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cancer
• In the U.S., one out of every five children with cancer will not survive
• Nearly 2,000 children in the U.S. will die of cancer every year
• The vast majority of kids who do survive will suffer long-term side effects
• A child’s probability of surviving cancer is poor in less-developed countries

The runs, walks, pool parties, birthday donations, lemonade stands and childhood cancer events are critical as they are the primary source for funding new treatments and finding cures.

In less than 2 years, our donors have helped us raise over $350,000. We have also made sure 100% of the donations to Team Naya and The Naya Foundation are used for childhood cancer research and cures. So far, we've been able to commit to a clinical trial, gene sequencing and fund research to support advancements in childhood cancer cures. Thank you.

Dr. Benjamin Mizukawa, a St. Baldrick’s Scholar at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, puts it this way:

“When you save a child’s life, you affect families, future generations, and everyone that child will influence over a lifetime. When you support a scientist, you affect not only the current work, but all the trainees, collaborators, and personnel connected to the work, and all their future studies that will follow over a lifetime."

**Statistics from American Cancer Society, 2014

Raising the World's Empathy Quotient

I've been on social media sites for years. Social media was a part of my job as a marketer. Over the last two years, social media has been a lifeline for survival and therapy for me as my daughter fought and lost her battle to cancer. Now, I think of social media as a lifeline for others, and I feel a responsibility to help others in need of a voice. I'm in a position, both as a person and professional, to make the world a better and more empathetic place. My voice is getting louder as I help causes and efforts very close to my heart - pediatric cancer cures, STEM and advancing women. Recently, and with the help of social media, I've expanded my voice to areas that needs more empathy and understanding. Whether it's influencing change in the State of Indiana, sharing stories that might help others, getting the world out about Elon Musk's ideas to reduce carbon emissions, or listening to the needs of minorities in our inner cities - I'm trying to do my part to make our world a better place.

Many of you already act as a megaphone for others. For those of you who do, thank you. I've learned more about the world through your words and images, and am a better person as a result. I've also met some people who are changing the world and are heroes in their own right, and they are my source for inspiration.

But many of us still back away from stating our opinions. We're worried about losing "friends" and "followers", causing controversy, or seeming political. When I retweet or post something, I think about those things too. I don't believe the "opinions are my own" will save me from repercussions. The stakes are high the more you put yourself and your brand in the public domain.

You can state your opinion and be responsible. You can state your opinion and not be political. All you need to do is state your opinion and be human, hopeful and not hateful. Let's raise the world's empathy quotient and make it a better place.

Going to the Radnor Hunt? Buy a bracelet and support Pediatric Cancer Research

If you're going to the Radnor Hunt, listen up!

Tracy, a former classmate of Naya's, student, and amazing young lady, is making bracelets to help raise funds for pediatric cancer research. These wonderful bracelets will be available at the Radnor Hunt for between $1.50-$3.00. Of course, she'll accept more if you want to give more :)

Buy a bracelet from Tracy and support The Naya Foundation at the same time.

When you get to the field at the Radnor Hunt, look for our logo.  Cash only please.  Thanks Tracy for your amazing talent, love and support!

My Plan in May is to Honor Mothers and Daughters - Join in

I've been thinking about May a lot these days. Naya's birthday is this month, and so is Mother's Day. I also lost my dad in May. I know it's going to be a hard time, and while I tell myself to live each day to the fullest, the anticipation of the month gets the best of me at times. I have a plan for May to help me through it, and I hope you'll join me and contribute. This month, I'm going to write or cite great stories and videos about mothers, and sometimes, about our relationships with our daughters. There is nothing more important to me than being a mom, and I have been blessed with amazing children. You have all read about my journey with Naya. Being her mother was an incredible gift, honor and responsibility, and the most loving time of my life.

I'm going to begin ahead of schedule with a story about someone I have the pleasure to work with at TE. She's a young woman, with an amazing story that all mothers, daughters and parents should hear.

Meet Lexi...

[youtube=http://youtu.be/P5EZRp09b_g]

The Naya Foundation Site Launched!

On April 2nd, we launched The Naya Foundation with many friends, family members and passionate supporters of our family and Naya. We are excited to announce that we have also launched the official website for Naya's Foundation!! Please check out the site at http://www.thenayafoundation.org

There are a few things we are working through which you'll notice on the site.

First, this blog will eventually be redirected to the Foundation site. We will also begin blogging in both sites so that Naya's supporters can get used to the new site.

Also, we're finalizing the IRS non-profit designation so the donations will continue to go to CHOP, with all funds raised going towards pediatric cancer research and cures.

And, finally, we are looking for committee leaders and volunteers.  Let us know if you have interest, but didn't get the notes from the April 2nd meeting.  You can email us at nayasummy@me.com

Join Us for The Naya Foundation Kick Off on April 2nd

On April 2nd, we are officially kicking off The Naya Foundation. If you are in the Philadelphia area and wish to join us (by phone or in person), you can send an email to nayasummy@me.com or comment via this blog and I will forward details to you. A dial-in and online meeting will be available for out-of-towners to participate. Over 800 people supported Naya in the last 2 years, and we want each and every one of you to join us as we help kids with cancer live the lives they were meant to live.

If you can't make the date but wish to stay informed, keep following the blog, and soon, the Foundation's website.

Seeking My Narrative

I'm going through a journey of finding out who I really am, and what I'm meant to do in my lifetime. I know many of you are too, so I thought I'd share some of my learnings so far during my journey. For decades, I've wondered what I was meant to do. When Naya became ill, I knew that I was chosen and meant to carry Naya through her life, and be strong and loving for her. My upbringing shaped and prepared me to carry her. I also know that I'm here to see that Zak thrives, survives the loss of his sister and becomes the man he was meant to be.

I believe that all of my life experiences are supposed to lead to something that helps others in a bigger way. I'm not sure what that something is yet, but I hope I see it early enough to do something about it. This month, I had the chance to meet and learn from so several inspiring individuals. Their points are helping me develop my eventual narrative, and I wanted to share them with you in case you get inspired:

-Dream big, really big -Always have a dream you are shooting for -One person can make a difference in the world. I can make a difference. You can make a difference. -A sports legend said to me after coming in second that "#2 is the first loser". True in sports, but it could be true in many places. Figure out when #1 matters, and make it happen. It's part of the dream big. -Your entire life is part of your narrative. In my case, my upbringing prepared me for the unimaginable loss of my lovely Naya, and also prepared me for being an advocate for children. In Monica Lewinsky's case, she's helping us understand the price of shame. What's your narrative? -Be compassionate -Have empathy -Have a daily dose or two of inspiration. Surround your day with inspiring people. It's a cycle...they inspire you, you inspire someone else, and it keeps going. I follow people who inspire me online, and they do the same. -Help all kids aspire to be greater. Give them opportunities to be inspired. -Every person has something to offer. Seek it out. I've learned so much from people just by tuning in, opening my mind and seeking their message. -Shedding stereotypes creates bigger possibilities for everyone.

My narrative, and yours, is the sum of all parts. Think about your life and journey. It's telling you something, and your story is in there somewhere.

Beautiful Truth from RBG for Hank, Zak, All Women and My Friends

Slow Down

A special person I work with always says "slow down to speed up". His words are true in work, and in life.

Life passes by too fast. Multitasking, electronics, media, double-booked meetings, tasks and activities all make it fly by. I'm choosing to be fully present. It simply makes my life richer and better. And, being present actually speed some things up.

A recent vacation forced me to step back and face my changed life head on. Being in Vail wasn't easy without Naya,but I needed to do it, and I didn't know why. I think it's becoming more clear.

I made space for myself to grieve, and realized I've only just started to feel the immenseness of my loss. I continue to imagine myself with Naya, holding her in my arms, laughing with her, and loving her as only a mother can. I want her to feel my love from wherever she is, and I want to feel her love through my grief.

I've made more space for my husband, and am helping him as he gets back to being the bigger than life person he has always been. I SEE Zak as a young man with great humor, world opinions, quirks, empathy, maturity and deep intelligence. I've made time for great friends, and had meaningful conversations with colleagues and new acquaintances. I'm fully engaged at work, and bringing my whole self to the game.

I've found more and more that people are giving, selfless and caring. From a lending a shoulder to cry on and ear to listen, to donating, honoring Naya through bake sales, helping us get her foundation off the ground and more. And, there are people who suck your time, stress you out and aren't in the first camp. My trick is to make sure the time suckers don't cause me to lose perspective or be negative. It takes practice and reflection every day, but it can be done. And, you will be happier.

Dear Naya,

We hope you're happy and smiling down on us. I imagine you with Grandma Taru, Grandma Betty, and Grandpa Bhupen all the time. I know they are taking good care of you. I hope you're enjoying Rekha. I feel you at times watching over me and smiling. Thank you babe.

This has been a busy month. I didn't have much time to just be with you. No matter how busy, I was determined to keep your cause moving forward. But I'm sure you knew that. I was at AIS this week. I love that school, but I shouldn't be the one going there, it should be you. A lot is happening there in your honor. They are going to create an award for the 6th grade which represents what you stood for, which was so much. They are also creating a space on the playground dedicated to you and PJ. Also, two Agnes Irwin girls pledged over $5,000 that they raised for your cause through their Hives for Lives club. Dad and I are creating a scholarship in your name to help a young AIS woman in her junior and senior year stay at AIS through graduation. Your classmates are also going to help us with the Parkway Run. None of this brings you back to us, but it all ensures your dream to cure pediatric cancer will be carried out and you will always impact the lives of girls at AIS.

We met Dr. Fisher and talked to CHOP too. In the last year, you raised over $200,000. Just this past week, we gave $50,000 of that money to genetically sequence medulloblastoma tumors of other children. Your tumor was sequenced, but it turns out that there's no ongoing funding to do that, so your money is going to help those kids get closer to a cure.

This month, TheNayaFoundation will be officially launched. I have many ideas that were yours, and everyone wants to help. We won't stop until there is a cure for your disease. I promise you that.

Yesterday, we took Zak and his friends downtown to the Villanova game. You would have been so annoyed with 4 teenage boys. Dad and I laughed thinking about what you would be saying about them, and how you'd be rolling your eyes. I passed the Kimmel Center and thought about the time you read your poem on stage for Dream Flags. You weren't nervous at all. I was so proud of you. And, I passed Citizens Bank Park and remembered when you walked with me for the American Heart Association and TE team. You did so much in your lifetime Naya, all the way until you had to leave our earth. More than most people will ever do.

Our heart breaks for you constantly. I imagine holding you and giving you kisses every day, and we hear you laughing and see your smile all the time. Valentine's day is coming up, and Zak's birthday. We're going to Vail. It's going to be a killer being there without you. Help me be strong Naya. Love you. Mom

Still Learning From My Daughter

Yesterday marked three months since Naya passed and I'm still learning how to process my emotions. I want to focus on the way she took everyday as it unfolded and made the most of every moment even though many of those movements she felt like crap. She would make plans to ride PJ, or which classes she was going to attend, or make plans to craft with friends and not for a moment think, "maybe I won't feel strong enough to do that so maybe I shouldn't plan." It's still raw and even though I want to focus on the strength she showed me how to pull from I still have those moments where it's hard not to get angry, mad as hell in fact, and frustrated with the odds that she was dealt. My own weakness try's to get the better of me. Then I think about how she never let those feelings in, instead, pushed and fought and worked hard to enjoy life. So how can I do anything but that?

She will always continue to amaze me! So now Sam, the puppy she convinced us to add to our household, is getting big, livin large, and taking over the role of leader of the pack. Take a look. Already housebroken and smart as a whip at 4 months old I'm sure she would approve. Just like Sam, I'll keep learning. I just hope I'm as good of a teacher to him as Naya was, is, to me.

Staying Centered | Naya's Foundation | Precision Medicine Initiative

January was a crazy month. I love work and what I do, as well as the people I get to work with everyday. Add strategic and time sensitive projects, and the workaholic side of me emerges and I get easily consumed. Only this time, working alone wasn't enough to fulfill me. I greatly missed that space I've created over the past several months to be with my family and Naya's memory. I didn't have the mental capacity to be in the moment with the people and thoughts that matter most to me. I veered off course...just for a little while. With the help of my brother, caring friends, Hank and Zak, I quickly figured out why I was feeling off center. I was missing that space, and petty things bother me. That space keeps me grounded and focused on the bigger picture.

I've profoundly changed over the past two+ years, and being grounded in who I am and on what matters most to me is my quest. Draining my energy worrying about what others do, petty drama, or things I can't change is exhausting. I need that energy for what I want to do for me, my family, people I care about, and most of all, Naya. This blog is part of that quest.

This week will be 3 months since Naya passed. I miss her more every day. I believe she's with me every minute of the day. I'm proud to say that I am more grounded in what she stood for and am making progress.

There's progress on our goal to cure pediatric cancer. Naya's foundation paperwork is getting filed so we can get it up and going very soon. We also received over $25,000 in donations in January from amazing people and organizations. These funds will go be directed towards Medulloblastoma (Naya's disease) sequencing at CHOP. Genetic sequencing enables future targeted therapies and advances in pediatric cancer treatments.

This week, President Obama made it a priority to fund the Precision Medicine Initiative, calling for new funding to build a national infrastructure that will allow researchers to custom-design more effective therapies based on a patient’s individual genetic profile.

Read about it. It might change your life.

http://www.technologyreview.com/news/534591/us-to-develop-dna-study-of-one-million-people/

"Precision medicine refers to treatments tailored to a person’s genetic profile, an idea already transforming how doctors fight cancer and some rare diseases."

Strong Roots

Someone who I respect and admire asked me about my family and parents as a way to understand more about how I'm getting through losing Naya. It was a surprising question, but one that made me start connecting many dots about my life. Life isn't so random after all. The quick facts about my upbringing. I'm 100% Indian, born here in the U.S., raised in Ohio. When I grew up it wasn't cool to be Indian. Nothing like today, where being different is now cool and embraced. I was different, and so were my parents. They were privileged in India, but came here to start a new life. They worked hard. My dad earned his PH.D. while working as a janitor, professor's assistant and other odd jobs at Michigan State. Mom babysat to make ends meet and learned English through osmosis. They ended up divorcing when I was a teenager which, at the time, was socially unacceptable in Indian culture. They struggled to find happiness for a while, but ended up happy and at peace with two children + four grandchildren to love. Their desire to be happy, love for family, honesty, generosity, and fortitude guided them throughout their lives and paid off.

They taught me a lot. Work hard, be honest, be kind, love people, live life to its fullest and look forward. For many years, it was my dad who raised me with those values. As I got older, I realized my mom had the same values, and in some ways they were stronger in her than my dad. I married Hank, another very determined, talented person with a positive outlook on life and many of the same values I grew up with. Both of our parents persevered through many life challenges. While not the same as losing a daughter, they had their own difficult hurdles to overcome.

When I reflect on my family and Hank's, they always moved forward in spite of obstacles. They lived life as full as they could. My dad used to say "life goes on" when something that he didn't like happened. Simple words, but true. The key for me is how to be now that life has gone on without Naya present. As I type, I realize life is going on with Naya. She's always present with me and always will be next to me.

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New Year's Resolutions

I have come to deeply appreciate how difficult it must have been for Naya to keep smiling and live positively through a very tough fight for her future. In spite of knowing there was a chance she may never fulfill her dreams and her daily physical challenges, she gave us all huge smiles, laughter and constant positive energy. She truly started the day with an attitude to "give it her all" and "enjoy life". She had a purpose and left a legacy because of her attitude. Keeping a truly positive attitude in the face of physical pain and disability, deep loss or daily challenges is REALLY HARD. Let's be honest; it's hard even without challenges. We all fall into habits of complaining even if our lives are pretty good.

Naya's drive pushes me to keep working through my own emotions every day. I remind myself multiple times a day to enjoy everything and take life in. It's not easy, but I think the more I make it a habit, the more it will just happen naturally.

The holiday was challenging, but also full of many joyous times. Our puppy Sam has brought many laughs. I believe Sam was Naya's Christmas gift to us, to help us get through our pain. A second tree now known as "Naya's tree" and a Christmas Eve gathering at my brother's house are new traditions. We deeply missed Naya and my mom, but honored both of them by sharing many laughs and tears together.

We went to California...our first vacation without Naya and my first birthday without her. I took many deep breaths and told myself to go with the flow. I believed special memories and funny stories would come out of the trip. And they did. Watching Zak and Hank laugh, hanging out with happy friends, meeting new ones, witnessing one of my closest friends get married, and spending time with Hank's family were all precious. Moments in life created by a positive attitude and inner strength to push myself.

I'm learning to check my attitude on the most mundane things. I went to the Container Store recently. I thought of that store as an errand. Naya thought of it as an adventure. She couldn't believe there was an entire store dedicated to organizing things. We stayed there for a while because of her excitement.

Daily meals, watching TV, going on errands, shuttling Zak around...these are all opportunities I cherish and have come to appreciate and really enjoy.

Don't get me wrong, we cry and hurt for Naya constantly. That'll never change and I don't want it too. We are forever changed and how we change is what is most important now.

That brings me to resolutions that I've already started. Actively seek the silver lining in everything. Be kind. Be compassionate. Laugh. Give back. Ask and work hard for what I want. Stay healthy. Be positive.

We are establishing The Naya Foundation. It turns out setting up a non-profit takes a little time. In the meantime, if you want to give to Naya's mission, use this NEW link. The old one will go dormant soon.

http://chop.donordrive.com/campaign/TeamNaya

A Sunday reflection

$210,000...that's what we've all donated so far to help cure pediatric brain cancer. I'd like to think that money is already saving children. I hope that thought makes you feel good this holiday season. It helps me. My gut says we'll get there soon, and the cure isn't far off. It's been a long time since I've had time to do much. A couple of weeks off is very welcome. With it comes more time to contemplate our life, Naya and the last two years. Naya's absence becomes more noticed and real every day. I don't really think she's gone, just not her with me. Our lives will always be influenced, directed and energized by her. It's just not clear yet how things will turn out, but it's undeniable that she will continue to shape us and watch us.

The tree is up, and stockings are up too. I put Naya's stocking up and see it every day on the mantle. It's of course pink with horses, which makes me smile. Friends and I also put up all of her favorite ornaments with care, tears and smiles.

I miss her. She would be cheering on the Steelers today with me and looking forward to wrapping presents. There was so much about Christmas she loved, and I loved experiencing with her. One of my favorite and stupid things to do with Naya every holiday is go to Hallmark and buy there fluffy santa/snowman toy with music (see picture). They play music and shake. I am ashamed to admit that I'm one of those people who buys them, and I have a "collection". Today, I saw a funny Snoopy one, and wanted to get it. Zak was so embarrassed and wouldn't let me. Naya would have. Tomorrow, I'm going by myself and getting it. I have to for her (and me).

Today, I tortured Zak and took him shopping for Hank's gifts. I found a great store in our town with the best ornaments and Christmas decor. Truly the best I've ever encountered. I bought a few things while Zak was irritated and waiting in the car. If Naya were here, we would have been in that store all day! I bought a couple of things she would have liked including more ornaments for our already over-decorated tree. I might get a second small tree just to put her things on it.

The puppy, Sam, is quite a handful. He's smart, spunky and loves to play. He's pretty independent too. In the first week, he did a few things that Naya would have laughed at. He pulled her favorite blanket off the blanket rack and the entire rack came crashing down on him. He took a piece of clay sushi off of a sushi art project she made, and he found one of the rocks from her rock collection in the yard and brought it in for us. You could say it's all coincidence, but I like to think it's Naya letting us know she's around & enjoying Sam too.

Another thank you by Smilebox

Ahhhh the Holidays and Naya's gifts

The holidays are such a special time. For us, old traditions have to be changed unwillingly, and new ones are forming. Naya was very involved with choosing and decorating our tree. This year, she isn't here for either. So, I invited a friend to help me with the tree. Changing traditions isn't easy, but it's better than the alternative of yearning for something that can never be. Driving through towns, seeing the lights in NYC and going to malls in the Philly area, I notice so much more about Christmas. It truly is a holiday for children. That may be obvious to you, but for someone who wasn't raised in a traditional American home, it wasn't to me. The Thanksgiving parade, songs, trees, ornaments, lights, traditions and beautiful decorations are magical. No wonder kids love Christmas! I think parents love it because it's so magical to experience Christmas through their children. I miss the Santa wish list, the stories about each ornament going on the tree, Elf on the Shelf (although Zak will play along this year and humor me) and so much more. We will find new things and traditions that include Naya even without her physical presence.

Naya left us a couple of gifts this Christmas...

Her 6th grade classmates at Agnes Irwin had the idea to do a service project in Naya's honor. The girls collected 325 new books to donate to CHOP's Oncology floor. Thank you AIS. Naya would have been so proud of her beloved school and friends!

In the summer, Naya begged for a new puppy, and with Zak's added pressure, we decided to get one. She knew he was on his way and would be here in December. She named him Sam, and saw a picture of him soon after he was born. I'll never forget her smile when she saw that picture. We picked him up last night. I can hear her laughing as he runs around discovering the house, chews toes and plays with Gabby & Duke.

On other fronts, we're working on several things to honor her memory and mission including establishing her foundation that will focus on her life's missions:  curing pediatric cancer, marine biology and supporting AIS. My hope is to launch in January, and start to gather your help as we carry on her mission.

Enjoy your holiday & spread the magic of the season. Laugh, smile & love.

Living in Full Color

Life without Naya. I had hoped I never had to face that reality. But here it is. What's it like? Quiet, empty, sad, and painful at times. As if there's too much space in the air and it needs her laughter, wit, opinion, and presence. It's not always that way. Pictures and daily experiences remind us of her happy life, laughter, strength, kindness, courage and loving nature. Our home and community are filled with her presence and surround us with her style, personality, grace and smile. And, there are the life-long gifts she left with us to carry forward.

The most generous gift of all is how she has helped me open my heart to others. I feel like a Kay Jewelers ad, but it's true. I have met so many people who are so compassionate and have opened up their hearts, love and friendship to our family and me. Our story and mine have touched many at her school and in our community, and I look forward to continuing her legacy and her story with many of you. I am establishing new friendships and growing old ones all thanks to Naya. I care about their lives as much as they care about ours, and would be at their side any time.

I'm also finally understanding that caring for myself is just as important as caring for others. How many of us, especially women, have heard that before. But taking care of ourselves allows us to live life in full color. Naya showed me daily that she wanted to live in full, regardless of the obstacles in her path. We're given one life on this earth. What's the point of not living large, experiencing everything, and taking some risks? What's the point of not being your best in all you do? What's the point of not experiencing joy, laughter and love? But, you can only do those things if you truly take care of yourself.

Finally, life is not full without being grateful, thanking people and giving back. Roughly 500 people gave up their Sunday afternoon to celebrate Naya. At least 800 people gave over $200,000 to her cause. When we began this journey, we had no idea it would touch so many people and change their lives too. Many of you were grateful to us for sharing our journey, life and Naya with you. Well...Thank you!!! You have helped us get through the most difficult time of our lives. You cried with us, celebrated with us, loved us, and now are supporting her dream of curing cancer. What more can we ask....Stay with us and follow our journey, follow the blog. As she said on November 5th...I've only just begun.

Her celebration was incredibly special. Here are some beautiful pictures, and one from last Thanksgiving. The service was held at her barn with PaintJack present. Her celebration was all Naya. Perfect colors (purple and pink), her favorite foods (sushi, chocolate ice cream and brie), and most importantly, a room full of hundreds of people sharing their love of Naya in full color. She was watching all of us with a big smile.

Celebrating Naya

Naya Galyn Summy was born 5/27/03 and left our world 11/5/2014 at the age of 11. She loved her family, dogs, horse and friends. She was a proud student and 6th grader at The Agnes Irwin School. Naya left this world very peacefully surrounded by her brother Zak, Dad, Mom and her dogs. She was widely loved and inspired many with her strength, smile, kindness and courage.

Naya's legacy will be felt as we carry out her wishes to cure pediatric cancer. In lieu of flowers or gifts, we are encouraging donations to The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia using this link http://chop.donordrive.com/team/teamnaya.  All funds raised will be directed towards pediatric brain cancer research in Naya's honor.

We hope you'll join us as we celebrate Naya.  If you wish to come, the details are below:

• Guests: Friends, family, followers, and people inspired by Naya
• Date: Sunday November 16, 2014
• Time: 1p.m - 4 p.m.
• Place: Radnor Hunt, 826 Providence Rd, Malvern, PA 19355
• Dress: Casual. Western, equestrian, pink or purple clothing encouraged
• What to Bring: Great stories and memories of Naya to share