Go Bald or Go Home!

On Friday, June 18th, Steph Poulin shaved his head for the 10th edition of the Defi Tete Rasees. The Tete Rasees raises much needed funds for Leucan, and Steph graciously did his part in Riley's memory. Laurie and Steph brought along Miss Olivia to cheer on Dad!

Leucan is an association that grew out of the link between parents of cancer-stricken children and healthcare professionals. Since its foundation in 1978, its mission has been to enhance the well-being, healing and recovery of children with cancer and ensure support for their families. Leucan plays a key role in pediatric oncology, working jointly with collaborators in the field, while using a comprehensive approach to care.

Each week, a massage therapist, Traci, provided by Leucan, would visit Riley during much of his 9 month admission. We looked forward to her visits as she provided comfort to Riley, and adult conversation to me. It was a joy having her come by our room.

I met Steph through his now wife, Laurie. While I went to high school with Laurie, we only became close when our adventures at The Montreal Children's Hospital began... she was our first nurse when we were admitted to 8D, the Haematology-Oncology Unit. She was there through everything, and for that I am eternally grateful. I am proud to call Laurie and Steph friends.

Riley Rocks 2009!

Please join us this Saturday at Clyde's Showbar for this year's Riley Rocks! All proceeds will benefit the Montreal Children's Hospital in memory of Riley. For more info, give me a call at 514-241-4466.

Shoes, Jewels & Spice for a Cause!

Come out and shop for a great cause. Brand name womens footwear, fabulous custom made jewelry, and spice blends to simplify your cooking.  All guests will also be entered into a draw for a portrait session.

20% of all sales will be donated to the Riley McCallum Fund which benefits the Montreal Children's Hospital Foundation.

Deets:
Thursday, June 4th, 2009 6pm - 9pm

House of Shoes
203 Hymus Blvd., Suite 203 (above TD Canada Trust)
Pointe-Claire (corner St. John's Blvd.

Hope to see you all there!

House of Shoes

Love Montreal

Epicure Selections

Valerie Pyke Photography

Goings on...

No, I haven't done a scrapbook page yet.  I have been downloading digikits and have some fab ideas.  I wish there were more hours in a day, between a full time job and an increasingly busy photography business... Argh...  

A few events coming up:

The Annual Caring For Kids Radiothon

The format has changed slightly this year and will air for one day on Thursday, April 30th.  Tune into the broadcast on Virgin Radio 96, CHOM 97.7 and CJAD 800.  Call in to donate, and  you may just get me on the other end!  Riley's story has been shared in previous years during the broadcast, and has been submitted for this year as well.

ABC Awards of Excellence Ball for The Children's

Tickets are now available for the year's Ball being held on Thursday, May 28th at Windsor Station.  I am looking forward to this year's theme, Motown!

Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep

I have volunteered for this very special organization, and will be working with the Montreal Children's Hospital.

Here is one of my fave photos of Riley.  Love those eyes...

What's in a name?

Are you all wondering where the name The Big Book of Riley came from?  While Riley was admitted to the hospital, he often had to go for various tests, you name it, he likely had it.  His medical chart always had to go with him, and it came to a point where it was actually larger than him.  I believe it was his principle hemotologist that came up with the name, The Big Book of Riley.  I requested a photocopy of the chart, and the Medical Records department was going to charge me approximately $800 in copies.  Yes, it was ginormous...

Time to get it started!

This has been a plan of mine for quite some time.  I took so many photos of Riley, both in and out of the hospital so I'm putting together a scrapbook of these photos along with thoughts and memories.  I'll be posting the progress here, hope you'll follow along...