Dear Ellen

I wrote to the Ellen Degeneres show today. It would be so great for Chris and his work to get national exposure, along with the other cancer fighting kids, their famies, and the hospital staff. When I checked tonight, the "Stronger" video had 23,000+ hits. It's viral--the good kind. More on our own viral, fungal, or bacterial infection woes later. I don't want clouds on this sun shiney moment!

Love to you all.

--P

----------------------

Hi Ellen! 

I am sending a very SPECIAL YouTube link, a video that was filmed by Chris Rumble at Seattle Children's Hospital where my own daughter is being treated for cancer. She is in the video--the spirited young girl holding the FIGHTER sign in the chorus (glasses and a black tank). I'm sending this to you for a few reasons: 1) My daughter is a HUGE fan of yours; 2) There's dancing! 3)The video features Talented Kids; 4) The kids here show bravery and joy in the face of serious illness and should be acknowledged. 

Ellen, this video shows the strength, determination, and perseverance of young cancer fighters, as well as the love of those who care for them. These kids are amazing. It's not easy to be here, but I can't tell you how much laughter and joy fills the halls at the SCCA (Seattle Cancer Care Alliance) wing of Seattle Children's. Our story: We moved to Seattle from our home in Hawaii last July, just days after my daughter's 11th birthday. She was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer and we had to move quite suddenly for medical treatment. When we aren't in-patient at the hospital, we live at the Ronald McDonald House, a few blocks from Seattle Children's. But our story is not unique. People do what they must to save the lives of their children. We have had dark days, to be sure, but there's joy too. The patients and families here, as well as nurses, doctors, and medical workers, have become like family to us. We help each other live...and laugh.