And they lived happily ever after! X0X0

I am joining you in the countdown and holding Callen in my thoughts and prayers.  This month, I am participating in the Great Cycle Challenge for the benefit of the Children's Cancer Center of America.  Wednesday is Kick Cancer's Butt Day and I will be riding in honor of Callen.  Many thanks to Emily Musser for leading me to you.

Blessings and peace to you all.

You all are always in my thoughts and prayers. Sending my love!

Dearest Katie & Tyson family-

Thank you for taking the time to update the members of Team Callen as each of you remain in our constant thoughts and prayers. Each of us would give anything to alleviate the pain, fear, struggle and harshness that has become your reality. With each guestbook signature may you be reminded of the profound impact that you've made in the lives of others. While none of us are capable to implement the same life changing measures that you've bestowed onto others. We're here. With love, prayers, support and a desire to support your family in any way possible. With much love and respect, Deidre Belcher

Dear Dr. Tyson,

I am one of your former patients at VA Women's Center and you helped me through birth of my kids Jackson and Lily. Jackson is now 5 and Lily is 3. I frequently have wondered how your beautiful son is doing until I stumbled on this page. I just want to wish you and your family peace and happiness and let you know I have been and will continue to pray for you and Callen! I hope he is feeling well soon! thank you for being such a comforting and wonderfully talented doctor to me.

Samantha Crowell (Warren)

Please know that your family is in our prayers - still and always.

Sending love and hugs to the entire family.

Katie and Jim,

I'm so sorry you have to go through this. We all think of you, Callen, and Olivie often. You're always in our prayers.  Love and hugs,

Mike and Julie

Dear Katie, 

I have heard so much about you and sweet Callen from our mutual friend, Leah. I feel like I know you all and have been SO impressed with your (and his) tenacity through this fight. I'm looking forward to meeting you both in a few weeks at the upcoming event. 

Your Callen's ordeal has significant meaning for me because I, too, have a son named Callen, and since it's such an unusual name, I feel like they are linked for a reason. I'm sure you know that the meaning of the name in Gaelic is "powerful in battle." What an appropriate name for your little superhero warrior! He is just precious, and clearly so special to so many. 

Just wanted you to know that you are thought of often by those of us who don't even know you yet!

Much love, 

Sydney

Congratulations on achieving your goal of 1,000 pints of blood!  

Dear Katie,

Your strength often amazes us and you deserve more than just praise with all that you do for Callen and your family.  Please know that you, Jim, Callen and Olivia are always in our thoughts and prayers and will continue to be.  We are here for you if ever you need us.

With loving hearts,

Donald and Mary Jean

Dr. Katie Tyson,

I think about you and your family so much.
Especially this time of year when it is about to be my daughter's birthdays. You delivered both of my babies Savannah Rose (8/7/12) and Charlotte Elise (8/19/13). I am forever thankful and grateful for God putting you in my life and allowing you to take such good care of us. (I haven't gone back to that doctors office because, without you there the 40 minute drive just isn't worth it ;) )

On the days it just feels like entirely too much please know that you are not carrying the burden alone. I will pray for you for whatever it may be that you need that day, or in that very moment. Patience, energy, time, a laugh.... Anything.

Cancer chose the wrong superhero. He's kicking it's ass.

Love your biggest fans.

Tamara, Savannah and Charlotte

Dearest Katie (and Tyson family)- Here’s a quick message to remind you that each of you continue to be in our daily thoughts and prayers. With each update that you post, I dream that I will read the message that this whole ordeal has been one giant nightmare. I am quickly reminded that, indeed, it has been a nightmare. One that has rocked the lives of truly great people. One that has haunted you all for countless nights and days. One that your army of supporters greatly wish that we could pray away. Despite our best intentions, our fears are your reality. Please know that there are countless members of your team that are here cheering, praying, thinking, wishing on your behalves. Your love, commitment, and strength is nothing short of admirable. May you find comfort in those that love and care for you. Much love, Deidre Belcher

Thinking about our fav Super Hero all the time.

Love,

Aunt Lorrie and Uncle Pat.

Dearest Dr. Tyson. I haven't seen you since you delivered my first baby in September of 2012, a nine month journey with you as our rock and guide that I'll never forget. I'm only days away from now delivering baby #3 and as motherhood does to everyone, it has changed me. No longer impervious to stories of struggle and pain, easily brought to my knees with the soul-shattering love parents have for their kids. I think of you and your family and Callen all the time, but for years imagined that that hearing "our thoughts and prayers are with you" might run the risk of being the most enraging sentiment. I don't know. Maybe one day it's helpful, another day might induce plate smashing.

After reading your last journal entry, I wonder if that's what Callen might want too....a serious plate smashing session. It's an odd offer, but we have a big old garage, old concrete pad and lots of old dishes that are just begging for a six year old fast pitch - safety goggles included. Not an offer I expect to be taken seriously (although if it was, would thrill me to pieces), but at the very least, it's thoughts and prayers every day from our family to yours....every.damn.day.

Sorry.  I really don't know how to react to punchline except to say that the title is quite appropriate, considering how you must have felt after hearing those words.  Seeing the people that we love in such physical and emotional pain is difficult.  You have such a beautiful family.  To a passer by, seeing you go about your daily business, you look like the perfect family that has everything going for them.  However, we, through your eloquent writing, get to "see behind the curtain" to the realities of this terrible disease and the toll that it takes on all of you.  Our hearts and prayers are with Callen, and all of you. 

Love,

Uncle Pat and Aunt Lorrie

You all are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. Continue fighting and pushing forward to kick cancers butt!

Much Love,

Emily

We were really hoping to participate in the Fun Run this year, but I don't think that will happen being as I'll almost be 38 weeks pregnant : ) We were able to donate to your fundraiser, however, and want you all to know that we think about you an pray for you often. Love ~ The Hoovers

Hello Jim & Katie: I read about Callen's Make a Wish trip.  I hope it was wonderful. I just want you to know that I think and pray for your family, often. Patrice Hoffmann

You are very brave. Even that I don't know you, I'm very proud of you.

Dear Tyson Family,

Last week Kate suggested I watch her i-movie of your trip to Puerto Rico.  I was unable to watch it at the time...I am guilty of using my phone a lot.  I had some work to do that night on my computer, so I tried watching it on that, and low and behold, that wasn't going to work for me either.

No worries, Kate tells me... Save it for after Saint Baldrick's.  This was my 8th year dedicating my time to this organization.  We shave fundraiser's heads on stage at the Church Hill Irish Festival.  I had 85 people (men, women, and children) in line to get their heads shaved by a record 25 shavers.

Each year, I meet amazing people.  I hear inspiring stories. Some of these people have shared in what Callen is going through or they have family members (daughters, sons, brothers, sisters, husbands, wives) they are supporting.  And some people I meet just have huge hearts and want to do what they can for our children.  This year, we broke our festival record.  We also might be the top fundraising group in the Richmond area for this year at raising over $108,000 (and counting) to help find a cure for childhood cancers.

So, as I am sitting here, finally at a computer that works.... I am tired. I am physically exhausted from a weekend of standing, smiling, running around, answering questions, crying, laughing, listening, loving, and asking strangers to donate to my cause.  OUR cause. I am not complaining. I am simply making an observation...This is how warriors like you feel everyday.

 I just wanted to let you know that waiting to watch your wonderful movie tonight, after our long fight this weekend volunteering (we fought hard and won harder), was the biggest reward for me.  I am so happy to see the smiles on your faces.  

God Bless my Warriors and Love Always 

Allyson

Dearest Tyson family-

The warmer days of Spring remind us of those people who warm our hearts. Just a quick note to remind you all that there is a village of people lifting each of you up in prayer, each and everyday! Keep your chins up and know that you are loved-more than you know. The Belchers Family

Dr Tyson

Just thinking about you and your family, I am truly sorry for all that Callen is going through. Praying for strength and healing powers for your family. You and your husband are the greatest!!!!

Katie-

I just wanted to reach out & give you some love. I think of you guys often and always   wishing you hope and happy days. You are an amazing mom with an amazing family! With love - Heidi

...and loved more than you can imagine. xo