Christmas at Sick Kids

As I type this long awaited blog update, I’m sitting on the 4th floor of The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, our second home. I’m overlooking the atrium, much quieter today than on most days of the year here. It’s Christmas Eve and most people are home with their families…today is a day for the most urgent procedures and appointments.

Isaac, Ellen, and Gabriel are here today to spend the day together, get Isaac’s infusion, and enjoy the anticipation as it builds until Santa’s arrival tonight. I have to say; being at Sick Kids’ on Christmas Eve definitely is one of the most humbling of experiences. It’s calm here, and it’s providing me an opportunity to look back on the past year and look forward to everything that is yet to come.

It has been another year of highs and lows and we are grateful for all of the support we have received from friends, family, and the general public. We are truly humbled by the kindness that continues to pour in, offers of donations, and warm and supportive notes that come our way in the mail and via email. When we get down or things look bleak, it is these encouraging messages that give us the extra boost we need to stay positive and battle through. Thank you to everyone, you’ll never know how much we appreciate your support in our times of need.

This year also saw some incredible people chip in to support our cause and, more importantly, bring some cheer and joy to Isaac. Musicians John Mayer and Danny Michel proved to us that music does make a difference, and they both selflessly took time to visit with Isaac after their shows, something that we will always be grateful for. The look on Isaac’s face as his hero’s played their music on stage will never be forgotten, nor will the everlasting smile and the stories he has told about his time with them.

We also have been fortunate to have the support of Brandy and Roy Halladay. Roy is a pitcher for the Toronto Bluejays and his wife, Brandy has been working to raise awareness of Isaac and MPS throughout the course of the past year. We met both Roy and Brandy during a trip to the baseball game (Roy donated his box to the hospital in order to give some of the kids a nice day out). Brandy went further and promoted our cause on the television during one of the Bluejays telecasts and has kept in touch since the season ended.

These two musicians, as well as Brandy and Roy Halladay, took a step back from their busy lives to make a difference in the life of my son. They realized that they are in a position to help and have worked to spread awareness of Isaac and his disease, knowing that someone listening and reading might be able to help us find a cure. Thank you Danny, thank you John, and thank you Brandy and Roy, for your unrelenting kindness.

Better end this blog for now. Christmas Eve isn’t a time to be wasting the day away on the computer. Even though were here at the hospital, I’m glad we’re here together and enjoying the day as a family.

Merry Christmas to Everyone,
With Love and Thanks,
Andy, Ellen, Isaac, and Gabriel
The Isaac Foundation