Drayk, the Boy of Honor

This weekend I had the opportunity to take a costume to little Drayk. I met Drayk and his mother during our last stay at the hospital and was happy to get reaquanited at the party last Friday. Drayk is quite the active toddler! His mother happened to mention to me that Drayk wanted a Mickey costume for his birthday and she was having a hard time finding one. Princess Alexa Foundation to the rescue!

Drayk is in remission from AML, a form of leukemia and his last treatment was given to him this past week. He also turned two so to celebrate both events he was given a big bash by Heroes for Children. The party was held in the family room of the hospital and I was happy to join in the fun. Drayk loves Mickey and I am sure he will make a cute one for Halloween and the months to follow. I am thankful that I was able to continue to spread the love of dress up to this adorable little guy through our foundation.

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The big weekend is coming up! Remember to go out on Saturday and buy costumes for us. Boys and Girls costumes and accessories for ages 2-10. I am planning a big shopping trip with a fellow board member so if money is easier, I will certainly accept that as well. Everything is tax deductible. See "How to Help" tab for more information. Happy dress up day!

Oncology Party at Children's in Dallas

The Texas Fair themed party at Children's on Friday night was a lot of fun. The kids were all really excited to stop at our table and get all dressed up before moving on to good food, games and more fun times. Even the older kids loved our things. There were two teenaged boys who got excited and put on hats, bandannas and sheriff badges. There was a lighter, happier air at the hospital that night and it felt so good to be a part of the reason. I am more convinced than ever that this is what my life will be dedicated to. This work is so important. Thank you to Annette and her son Liam who came to help me out. Liam was the hit of the night, playing with all the children and making them all feel special. The parents and staff were thankful he came. These children needed a fun night and with friendship and a little flair, we helped to bring a bit of happiness to their lives. And happiness is healing.

This is What it is All About

This is 4-year-old Natalie. She was diagnosed with Leukemia (ALL) two years ago today. Thankfully, she is in remission and her treatments will be over in December. While she continues to battle immense digestive issues, she has fought through with smiles and determination. Natalie is wise beyond her years and is a caring big sister to her little brother Stephen whom she has nicknamed "The Colonel".

I look at this picture and all I see is a perfect princess. I hope she feels that way too. That is what it is all about- giving these kids the opportunity to escape from being seen as a patient, that kid with cancer, the one with no hair, the kid in the wheelchair and so forth. They can be the Care Bear, the Power Ranger, Spiderman, Batman, and of course the little princess.

As Halloween approaches, it gives us the opportunity to gather costumes for the Foundation. There are some great sales beginning to emerge. We have close to 60 costumes so far and a lot of fun accessories. Our goal is to start the month of December with 2,000 costumes. Thank you to all who have donated thus far. Remember, if money is easiest for you we are surely glad to have it. I am a fantastic shopper, so I promise to put your generous gifts to good use.

This Friday is the oncology party at Children's Medical Center of Dallas. We are ready to go with plenty of Texas themed dress up accessories for all the kids. I will post pictures of our first big event next week. I think it is going to be a lot of fun.

Children's Medical Center Dress Up Closets

This is a picture of Blake Townsend all dressed up at a Wish Night gala. You might have noticed his dinner- a bowl of ice. Blake wasn't able to eat for a variety of reasons and so his diet became ice. But don't think that Blake didn't make the best of it. He knew ice like nobody's business. He could take a cup of ice and tell you exactly which restaurant it was from. One of his favorites was Chick-Fil-A ice which was requested often by this vivacious little guy. He had a booming personality and a positive attitude. He filled his short six years with fun and happiness.

We met the Townsends at our first Make a Wish art party, became friends and spent time at each other's houses. We learned about Blake and laughed at how much he and Alexa were alike. They both were hams for attention, performers, joke tellers, big smilers and of course they both loved dress up.

Our families were together celebrating Blake's birthday when I got the call from the hospital approving the dress up closet. I got off the phone and told Shelly about it and we looked at each other and knew Blake had to be involved. I needed some way to make the dress up closet boy-friendly as well. That got the ball rolling and in a couple months we will be placing two dress up closets on the cancer floor of Children's Medical Center of Dallas. One for girls- Princess Alexa's Dress Up Closet and one for boys- Master Blake's Bat Cave of Characters. Both closets will be funded by The Princess Alexa Foundation.

I think Alexa and Blake are together in heaven smiling down on this project that will keep their memories alive and spread their love of dress up to other children just like them. Alexa and Blake, we hope to make you both proud.

To read more about Blake's Story, visit "Alexa's Friends".