Our Year at a Glance Kanak Update--2010

Season’s Greetings from the Kanaks!

We hope that this find you and yours healthy, happy, and anxiously awaiting another fun-filled holiday season. As usual, our family has undergone a great many changes in the past year. Here are some of the highlights:

Geno is now a walking, talking (kind of) 20-month old. His primary hobbies are eating, dancing, and watching TV. His favorite shows include Blue’s Clues, Yo Gabba Gabba, and The Fresh Beat Band. If you haven’t seen one of the Facebook videos of him dancing, do yourself a favor and check it out. I don’t care what kind of day you’re having; watching his moves will be enough to bring a smile to your face. Speaking of smiling, he’ll be doing a great deal more of that soon, as he is preparing to start up at a new preschool. He takes very well to the preschool environment, as he loves being around toys and other kids his age. Unfortunately, we had to pull him out of his previous preschool environment because he kept getting bitten by a teething female. She may actually be a vampire; the authorities are still looking into it; nevertheless, Geno emerged from the situation just fine, and now he’s ready to move on to bigger and brighter things. In between preschool settings, Angie’s good friend Allison cared for Geno during the day. In many ways, Allison’s house was better than preschool! She taught him sign language, fed him nutritious food, and nearly weaned him from his pacifier. We are in a great deal of debt to Allison—literally, we owe her a ton of cash.

The same can be said for Mary Christine, who will also be attending a new school after the New Year. Mary did very well at her Montessori school during the first half of the year. Her teachers said that she was sweet, smart, and a pleasure to have in class. Of course she was; she’s a Kanak! Nevertheless, she was only able to attend that particular school three days per week, and she wants to go all five days like the big kids do. How can you argue with that? Outside of school, Mary’s hobbies are many, but her biggest loves include books, art, dancing, American Girl Dolls, and bowling. She has become quite the little keggler. During the first half of her youth league, she carded 3-4 games over 100, including a personal best of 118. The league didn’t keep track of averages for the bumper bowlers, but it seemed pretty obvious that Mary was the leader of the group. At her current rate of progression, we figure she’ll card her first 300 game by age 6 or 7. Stay tuned.

Speaking of remaining in tune, over the last year, Angie has continued to find her groove in regard to living and working in Texas. She is now halfway through her second year teaching at a prestigious local high school, and, as expected, she has excelled. She has impressed her colleagues and administrators a great deal. However, she is excelling outside the classroom as well. As many of you know, she has been faced with some extremely difficult medical issues. Despite the challenges, she met some extremely difficult health situations with more strength and grace then can scarcely be imagined. The penultimate example was when, less than four months after undergoing major surgery, she walked 60 miles in three days while completing the Susan G. Komen 3-day Breast Cancer Walk in Dallas. Obviously, we were all quite proud of her.

Point of View Change:
Since Gene didn’t feel comfortable writing his own paragraph, I (Angie) will be taking over for the next few sentences. It would be a lie to say that Gene has had an easy year. After being part of a large corporate downsize at USBC in February 2010, Gene was offered a sales job at Strike 10 Entertainment. Though he was still in the sports industry, spending all day on the phone with billiards facility owners asking them what type of food and beverages they serve was not his idea of a career, and it certainly was not reason enough to move his family 900 miles away from all their friends and family. After hopes of moving back to Illinois were squelched by a poor education job market, we all accepted the fact that we needed to stay in Texas until the education system in Illinois financially recovered. Gene was fortunate to find an English teaching position at a magnet high school, Cedar Hill Colligate High School. Though he was told the teaching atmosphere at a colligate high school was intense, the over-testing, constant observation, and endless parent contact are making him realize that this is not the atmosphere for him. However, he is hell-bent on completing the school year with gusto—teaching the best he can in the high-stress situation. Needless to say, he is constantly browsing websites and networking with friends attempting to find different employment for next fall. Though he often talks about opportunities that would bring us back to Illinois, the wonderful people we have met in Texas, make our life here worthwhile and enjoyable—not to mention year-round softball and access to the best bowlers in the world. Despite Gene’s bad luck, he has remained a wonderful father and husband.

Here’s hoping for a great new year!!


The Kanaks (notice that no apostrophe is needed as nothing belongs to us in this context)

Summer 2010...so far...

Summer started off with a visit from Papa and Grandma. It was a short visit, but we managed to fit in a Rangers game. The purpose of the visit was to provide Mary, Geno, and me with transportation back to Illinois for a 10 day visit. While in Illinois, we got to visit with a lot of family and friends. One of the highlights for me was being able to participate in Relay for Life. My family's team "Friends and Family" won a Gold fundraising award. Their fundraising was a wonderful tribute to my Aunt Rose, who lost her battle to cancer in February. Rose's presence was felt throughout the whole day, especially during the survivor lap. I was so moved by the day that I put together a tribute video that is linked on my fb page.

As usual, our trip to Il was filled with play, play, play for Mary. She played hard with all of her Il friends and cousins, especially Ella. She also enjoyed her special visit with Nana and Pappy. Geno also took advantage of his trip by forming a special bond with Papa. You could bet wherever Papa was, Geno wouldn't be more than 3 steps behind. It was hard to return to Texas after having so much fun, but we desperately missed Daddy, so we flew back on June 23.

Geno got his eagerly anticipated ear tubes on July 2. Our hope is that he'll start talking now that he can hear us clearly. Mary was already speaking full sentences by the time she was 15 months old, so it's so different for Gene and I to not be able to talk with Geno. Unlike Mary, however, Geno has picked up a lot of sign language. We typically only have to use a sign 2-3 times before Geno picks up on it. Even if he decides not to use it, he still understands what the sign means, which really helps us communicate with him. After his surgery, the doctor came to the waiting area to discuss how everything went. He told us that there was "TONS" of thick fluid behind his drum, but that it all seemed to be draining now that the tubes are in place.

This summer has been especially great because both Gene and I are home with the kids. Gene left his job at BPAA a bit earlier than necessary (partly by choice and partly not). He's getting his first taste of life as a teacher with summers off. His presence will especially be helpful when I have my surgery on July 20. I will need a ton of help. One wonderful aspect of my surgery is that people are coming to visit in order to help. My mother-in-law, JoEllen, has already booked a flight for July 18. We are so excited for her visit. Mary and I talk about all the fun we're going to have. My mother and sister, Terra, are also planning trips down to help out. We can't wait!!!

I am still fundraising for the 3-day Breast Cancer Walk. So far, I've raised $1800! I only have $500 to go. My biggest donation so far has been from my parents; they gave me $500! I have also received other very generous donations, including $200 from my Uncle Raymond and a $150 check from my brother. Along with many more. Thanks to everyone who has been so generous to this cause.

Another summer highlight: Mary has started her ballet and tap classes. As expected, she loves it!

Well, that's it for now. The Kanaks wish everyone a happy and safe 4th of July!

Gene's new job...again...

Gene was offered a teaching job at Cedar Hill Collegiate Academy today! Looks like we'll both be teachers next year. How wonderful for our kids!

14 Months as Texans and Counting...

As the school year ends, the Kanak family prepares for our 2nd scorching summer in Texas. Since Gene lost his job in February, we've had to really re-examine our staying in Texas. After some late night talks and many hours of researching Illinois job opportunities, we decided that we're married to Texas for at least another school year at which time we again will evaluate opportunities that could bring us back to Illinois. In the meantime, however, we are really enjoying out time in Texas. We have met some great people that are making Texas feel more like home everyday.

Though Mansfield High School is no Herscher High School, it has grown on me. I have sincerely enjoyed getting to know my students, who are every color of the rainbow. Their diverse backgrounds and experiences have taught me more than I ever thought possible, and even if I leave MHS in the next few years, I will leave a better educator. I am very proud to annouce that my Literary Critisism team places 4th and 5th in district.

As mentioned in my last update, Gene has a record job turn-around after being released from USBC. Stike 10 Entertainment hired him two days after being let go. He doesn't really enjoy the work he's doing there, but he puts on a brave face, goes to work everyday, and does the best he can. In his spare time, however, he is looking for local teaching jobs. He has had a few interviews, so please keep him in your thoughts. He has come up with one other idea if he doesn't get a teaching job. After doing some math, we realized that subtracting day care costs, Gene could make-up his salary by staying home with our chilren and offering to watch a few other kids to supplement the rest of his old income. We call it the "Daddy Daycare" option. When I first mentioned it, Gene thought I was crazy. However, I reminded him how great he is with kids and how much he loves being home with ours. He's actually thinking about it.

This is a big summer for us. The kids and I will be traveling back to Illinois for three weeks in June. When I return, I'll be meeting with my plastic surgeon and oncologist to finalize plans for my double masectomy, tentively scheduled for mid-July. I've been told that I won't be able to pick-up my kids for about 6 weeks. My mom is going to try to come out for some of my recovery time, but of course, she can't stay for all of it. My mother-in-law has also offered help. If you're reading this and don't have any plans for mid-July-August, please consider traveling to Texas to help me care for my children while Gene is at work--I know that's your idea of a great, relaxing summer.

I am also continuing my fundraising for the 3-day walk. So far, I have raised $511.

This past spring, Mary had her first experience with a soccer league; she hated every minute of it. That's right; she was the crier. On the bright side, she really enjoyed her bowling league, and she is off to a great start in her t-ball season. She grows smarter by the minute.

Geno is equally amazing. Though he is a boy of few words, his curoisity makes up for his lack of articulation. If it's there, he'll climb on it, knock it over, and/or try to eat it. He's an explorer, and I finally realize what's meant by the phrase, "He's all boy."

On a disappointing note, Gene and I made the necessary decision to remove Mary and Geno from Kids R Kids (daycare). Geno had been bitten four times in about four weeks (since being moved to the big-boy baby room, which houses 12-18 month-olds). The daycare's response was not to our satisfaction, so we removed them. Luckily, my friend Allison offered to watch our children for the remaining 10 days of school. Speaking of Allison...she's a great photographer, so if you need any type of photos taken, please visit her web site: http://sevenarchesphotography.com/

That's all for the Kanak clan right now. Please keep in touch!

Love,

Angie

Potter: Our Pumpkinhead

This was too funny not to share. I came home from work and realized that only one of our dogs was greeting me. I became worried and started calling for the missing dog. I found him in the corner, not knowing what to do. It gave Mary and me a good laugh. I hope you enjoy it.

A Family's Plea for Life

Dear Friends and Family,

It all started with Sue…

In 1985, while my Aunt Sue was nursing her youngest son, she found a lump in her breast. Shortly thereafter, at the age of 27, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Fifteen years later, after several transitions into and out of remission, Sue lost her battle; she was 42. Her death came just 19 months before her youngest son graduated from high school. While cutting my hair, she once told me that it was her unofficial goal to see all of her kids graduate — she almost made it.

While Sue was fighting for her life, my Uncle Joe died from cancer on May 9, 1991.

Nine years later, on Sept. 20, 2000, my grandfather, John Schafer, died of cancer; little did we know, 2½ months later, we would reconvene wearing the same funeral clothes for Sue.

As if to add insult to injury, in February of 2000, my Aunt Rose was diagnosed with breast cancer. Few people knew as Rose wasn’t very public about her cancer, but one can only imagine suffering from the same disease that you have just watched your sister die from. Rose died 10 years later - February 28, 2010; she was only 50.

Is your head spinning with dates? Imagine being my grandmother, who not only had to bury her husband, but also three children.

Shortly after Rose was diagnosed, she handed me a paper with a bunch of medical jargon on it. She told me to show it to my OBGYN at my next visit. I humored her, not understanding what it was about. In a fleeting moment, I mentioned my dad’s family history with cancer at my annual exam. She told me that having a paternal aunt with breast cancer wouldn’t raise my chances. In fact, she made it sound like I was way too young to worry about such things. If I had only brought that piece of paper…

While Rose was fighting cancer, my Aunt Sally was diagnosed on Nov. 15, 2006; today, she is cancer free—a flower among the thorns.

It was at this point that common sense overpowered grief, and we all began scrambling to find that piece of paper Rose gave us two years prior. This was more than a coincidence; something Rose had figured out way before the rest of us were willing to admit it.

After some research, we discovered that my grandfather carried the BRCA-2 gene mutation, which has a 50/50 chance of being passed onto offspring. Though the gene doesn’t affect men in as drastic a way, my dad, who has watched one sister, one brother and his father die and was currently watching two sisters go through cancer treatment, looked at his three daughters, and he knew he needed to get tested. About two weeks later, my dad advised me to get tested because he had just discovered he was a carrier of the gene.


In all respects, we were lucky. My two sisters tested negative, but I was positive and had some hard decisions to make. After many doctors’ appointments and hours sitting in front of the internet, the bottom line was revealed: my family history combined with the effect of the gene put me at an 87-89% chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer.

With advice from physicians, I had a hysterectomy in July 2009, and I have a double mastectomy scheduled for this coming July. A few weeks ago, I asked my oncologist if these surgeries were an overly dramatic reaction to the gene mutation. Her response will stay with me forever; she said, “You know what else is dramatic? Chemo.”

There is no doubt in my mind that I owe my life to Rose. Her “knowledge equals power” tenacity forced me to face the reality of the situation. To thank and honor her, I will be participating in the 3-day Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Walk on Nov. 5-7 in Dallas. My goal is to raise $2300. Many of you were so generous two years back when I participated in the 2-day Avon Walk in Chicago. For that event, in total, I raised $2000. Donations of all sizes are welcome. No gift is too small.

Gene and I are dreading the day that we have to sit Mary and Geno down and discuss this life-altering possibility. It’s hard to believe that within their small healthy bodies could lay a sleeping monster that could claim their lives. These fears may be for not, however, if efforts from fundraising campaigns find new ways to treat cancer or even cure it.

It all started with Sue…let it end with Rose.

You can help me thank Rose three ways; there are payment plans for those of you who wish to spread out your donation:

1. Mail me a check: 9103 Rainland Dr. Arlington, Tx 76002. Make the check payable to “Susan G. Komen for the Cure.” I will mail you a tax number.
2. You can donate via my facebook profile page by clicking on the “donate” link on the left side under my fundraising progress bar.
3. Or you could donate via their website by following these steps:
· Go to http://www.the3day.org/
· Click on the “Donate” link on the top gray tool bar
· Click “Search for participant”
· Fill in my name “Angela Kanak”
· This will bring you to my personal page
· Click on the bright pink box above my progress chart

Thank you so much!

Love,


Angie (first and always in my heart a Schafer) Kanak