Golf Photos

August 11, 2013

Casey was released from the hospital on Friday, August 2nd. We enjoyed a nice evening with Connor and Melissa on Saturday (Charlie was out of town at a swim meet) , and on Sunday I flew home. Connor had signs on the door welcoming Casey and Charlie home on Sunday. What a cute kid.
Yesterday 3 of Casey's friends had a golf outing to raise money to help Casey. It was a beautiful day and a huge success. Casey was not able to be there, but Stevie face timed him, so he was able to say hi to everyone who was there. Tyler (one of the guys who hosted the event) was a wrestler growing up, commented about the amount of support from the swimming community. A lot of the hole sponsors were swimming related. There was a foursome of University of Georgia swimmers who made the trip to Lancaster. We are so lucky to be part of such a great sport. Thank you to all the players, sponsors, and a big thank you to Kyle Salyards, Tyler Gorman and Derek Templeton for a job well done.

August 1, 2013

My hotel is right by Reliant Field where the Texans play football. They have had training camp all week for fans to watch and perhaps meet their favorite player. The traffic getting by the field has been crazy. The event is usually over by 11:00 am. I suppose you have to get an early start to beat the heat.
Casey continues to be doing well. Our walks have been indoors, this hospital is big enough to get a long walk inside. Yesterday we found a Fuzion frozen yogurt stand, a restaurant with a lounge and live band. We had to hurry back for his scheduled blood draw, but will time things differently today. I have my day planned, first stop waterfall cafe for a strawbrry salad, then to Fuzion for dessert, and then listen to some live entertainment and perhaps some shopping. This hospital is like a small city, complete with a hotel, several cafes, laundry, hair salon (for patients only), gift shops, libraries, and of course all of those annoying labs for MRI's, doctor visits, bone marrow biopsy, and chemo infusion. This doctor stuff can get in the way. I never would plan an MD Anderson vacation, but may a well make the best of the situatuion. Fortunately, Casey is feeling well enough for our excursions.
I went for a swim this morning at the hotel. A little girl who was by the pool yesterday was there again today. I estimate she is around 8 years old. She told me that she was quite impressed by my moves in the pool. Well it has been many years since I have been able to impress anyone with my moves. She quickly became my new best friend. We were racing in the pool, touching the bottom of the deep end, jumping in off the side. I asked her name, and she said "Debra". I felt like I was 7 again and playing with my sister who's name is also Debra.

July 30,2013

We are back in Houston for Casey to start round #3 of 5. We got in late last night. This morning he had lab work, chest xrays, a bone marrow aspiration, and a doctor visit. His doctor is very happy with the way things are going, all of his lab work is looking good. We are now back at the hotel waiting for the hospital to call and say his room is ready. He will be admitted into the hospital today for a couple of days. I am here until Sunday, then Casey will go back to Charlie's house. He must be on his best behavior, because Charlie and Melissa are still willing to let him stay with them.
It sure was nice having him home for the past 2 weeks. We went to a Phillies game, LAC had a fundraiser/pool party for him, and we went to the beach. And he coached a swim meet in there too. Time went by too fast! It is too hot to do much of anything here in Texas.
Thank you to everyone for your continued support!
Peggy

July 15, 2013

Casey arrived home on Friday night. We had a great weekend! LAC had a fundraiser for him on Saturday night that was put together by Sami Kegel, Sloane Houck and Brittany Reeder. Those teenage girls did a fantastic job! The turnout was great and the evening was fun. I was equally surprised and touched with the people who showed up. A middle school soccer teammate of Casey's, a previous Middle Atlantic Swim coach who relocated to Florida, the owner of my hair salon along with her family, and the one that brought me to tears was the Russell family. They babysat my kids when they were young, and I still consider them my friends. Their daughter was in the hospital in labor, but they wanted to make sure and come out to support Casey, so they packed up their grandchildren and brought them along. It is so heartwarming to have the support of all these people through the past 7 years. Stevie was able to get away and be there on Saturday night, unfortunately Erik had to work. Erik and Stevie celebrated their first anniversary on Sunday, as most swim coaches do, on the pool deck.
On Sunday we went to the Phillies game. The Phillies won in 10 innings. Hopefully that is a sign that Casey is going to finally win this leukemia battle in extra innings! It was a day filled with fun, too much sun and good friends.
Thank you to everyone, and a big thanks to Sami, Sloane and Brittany.
Peggy

July 11, 2013

Today Casey gets unhooked from his chemo to prepare for the trip home. He would celebrate, but in addition to getting unhooked, he also has to get a shot of chemo up his spine and have a bone marrow biopsy done. He always gets headaches for a few days after the spinal. I guess you have to take the good with the bad. Tomorrow he will see his doctor and then board a plane for a flight to PA.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday night!
Peggy

It has been a while since I have posted anything. You know things are going well when I have nothing to say. Over the 4th of July holiday while Casey was undergoing treatment in Houston, Gary and I had a good time at the beach with Casey's dog, Caroline. We did feel guilty, but we sent him lots of pictures, so we where able to get over it pretty quickly. Casey did go to a party with his new family (Charlie and Melissa) on the 4th of July. Unfortunately on Sunday, July 7th Charlie and Melissa lost their dog to cancer. Bailey was their 200+ pound baby who had no idea how huge he was. He was a very sweet mastiff. My heart goes out to them. Cancer sucks.
Casey is coming home on Friday night. Some of his swimmers have put together a fundraiser for him on Saturday night at the Ephrata pool. For more information see - http://www.lancasteraquaticclub.com/maslac/UserFiles/Image/lg%20flyer.jpg
Looks like a good time complete with food, face painting, dunk tank and more. Three teenage girls put this whole thing together. Thank you Sloane, Sami and Brittany, I know you have worked really hard. Gary, Casey, Stevie and I are looking forward to seeing you on Saturday night! Can't wait!
Peggy

Caroline enjoying the beach