Easton's Legacy Toy Drive: My Little Fighter!

Easton's Legacy Toy Drive

Each September we lead a memorial toy drive to benefit the children of PCH. This began almost 7 years ago when Kursty and I lost our little boy Easton to his battle with primitive neuroectodermal tumors (pnet, pronounced peanut). Our yearly memorial toy drive, occurring in conjunction with his birthday, is our way to celebrate his life and remember him. Our campaign initially began small with close friends and family participating. However, over the past few years it has grown to include many other groups and organizations in our community.

Once again we have joined up with Derrick and Rochelle Spitzer, the owners of CrossFit Incite to host a memorial fitness event in conjunction with the toy drive. We invite the community and neighboring CrossFit gyms across the Phoenix valley to join us for our workout event and competition. For admission into the event we ask for the donation of a new unopened toy, which will be given to a cancer patient at PCH.

List of Events

List of Events

There are lots of new happenings this year with in conjunction with the event including (but not limited to):

· The General Workout

As we have done it the past two years. For participation please bring a donation of a new unopened toy for achild at PCH or a $10 donation to be used toward the purchase of toys, or to assist with these children’s needs (pharmacy girt cards, grocery gift cards, etc.)

· The Official Competition

This is for those who want to compete in the official competition for prizes. The entry fee is $35 and will include the official Easton’s Legacy T-shirt as long as you pre-register by September 5^th. Please send an email to eastonslegacy@gmail.com to pre-register.

· Online Auctions

Beginning on September 1^st we will be posting several online auctions for a number of fantastic items that have been donated. You need not be present to win.

· Raffles

We have numerous amazing items that have been donated and will be raffled off at the event. Raffle tickets will be $2 each of 3 for $5. You need not be present to win.

· Door Prizes

As a thank you, every participant will be entered in for door prizes that will be given away throughout the event. You must be present to win the door prizes.

· Sample Products

Several organizations have donated products for participants to sample.

· Official Event T-Shirts

We have done our first t-shirt pre-order. However, by popular request we have spoken with our printer and he is willing to help us get another order done in time. All orders must be in by September 5^th. The pre-order cost is $20 per shirt, they are Next Level bended material, adult sizes only, and come in different cuts for women and men. We will have a limited number of shirts to sell at the event. The cost at the event will be $25. Please email us at eastonslegacy@gmail.com to place an order.

· The Waffle Crush Truck

The Waffle Crush Truck will be at the event selling their delicious waffles and will be donating a percentage of all sales.

100% of the funds generated will go to assist the children of PCH and for their support.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

My Little Fighter!

With less than four weeks until the toy drive I decided I better start sharing some stories and pictures of my amazing little Easton! This Is perhaps one of my most favorite pictures of me and My little Easton! He was such a mommas boy and could melt my heart quicker than anything. The bond him and I shared is truly something I will forever treasure. For those who haven't read the previous posts on this blog Easton was diagnosed with Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor Also known as P.N.E.T. Its a form of brain cancer found in children. From the time we found out about/began treatment of his cancer to the time we buried our sweet boy was only a 3 week whirlwind. As we began to learn and understand his condition we learned it is actually a birth defect that had been with him since conception. As a mom when I first heard this news I remember being astonished that Easton had been able to deal with the pain and discomfort this must have caused him for as long as he did especially since he'd shown absolutely no signs of anything being wrong with him until about 24 hours before he was diagnosed. He was such a happy baby constantly smiling and cooing and completely on track developmently. I remember being in the hospital with him imparticular one time while the nurse was drawing more blood and having to pock and prod him yet again, my smiley happy baby simply leaned over and bit her, his way of saying I've had enough! I remember thinking I was silly for the sense of pride that beamed within me at that moment as I smirk and thought to myself that's my boy:) It was just so out of character for him to do something like that and I felt like he was telling all of us I won't go down without a fight! Sadly his fight was short lived, but he did fight a good fight and I am honored I get to call him my son!