But then I encountered another life altering event. What really got me going to start a guild at Children's Hospital was taking my six year old to the funeral of her friend, Kaitlin, in October 2006, who died of neuroblastoma. Having lost my child Lisa Jane a few years ago was devastating to me, an event that a parent never really recovers from. I thought that would happen again when I learned Carli had cancer. But then after taking my child to the services of her friend, I felt that I needed to do something. I don't want to come across as someone on a mission, or to say my life now has meaning. No, I am just someone who wants to do something to help, and, have the ability to it. So I cornered several friends of mine, all who are pilots, to help me start the Children's Air Corps Guild.

After much discussion with Carli's mother Erin and others, we decided that we must help in the research to find a cure for neuroblastoma. I never heard of this cancer, and many others haven't either, because it affects few children but with devastating effects, and a treatment success rate of only about 15%. Carli's lymphoma fight actually has an 85% success rate, because of dedication in research to find treatments. But neuroblastoma is pretty far off the radar screen and research at Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center is at the forefront in this, and the biggest in the West.

With your help, we can get much needed funds to Children's Hospital for crucial treatment, to find a cure, and to help lots of beautiful children like Kaitlin. And me, I don't want to have Carli say goodbye to any more friends!