Baby George

Andy's family confuses me because it seems to have all kinds of off shoots that I can never quite figure out how they're related, but I'm told they are, and the family tree is explained...again. And again, I can't remember. In any case, Baby George is one of those family members somewhere along the line. Moral of the story is that he was born with a brain tumor and the family is having a fundraiser for him. I know we're all stretched pretty thin right now, and I feel like everytime I turn around there is someone asking me for money, but I thought I'd post this anyway. If you can't or don't want to give, that's fine. I just thought it wouldn't hurt to put it up on my blog. Here is a letter we received recently:

Dear Friends and Family,

On March 12, 2007 George Dennis Giakos came into our lives. Much to all of our surprise he was born with a large brain tumor that took up 80% of the left hemisphere of his head. Doctors initially believed the tumor was benign but said it would need to be removed right away. The following morning George underwent brain surgery. While the surgery was extremely dangerous it was necessary for George’s survival. After many hours and 4 blood transfusions George made it out of brain surgery. The doctors were able to remove the majority of the tumor except for a small piece located on his brain stem. A few days later George’s parents Anne and Dennis were told some very difficult news. The results of the biopsy of the tumor showed that George had Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) Stage 4 Brain Cancer.

Anne and Dennis’s strong faith in God is helping them to stay optimistic and appreciate every second of time that God will allow George to be in their life. On Monday, March 26^th George began a 42 day regimen of Chemotherapy. The doctors would like to shrink the tumor as much as possible, then go back in for a 2^nd brain surgery to remove any of the remaining tumor. The doctor’s have said from the beginning that the prognosis can change at any time and that we must take things one day at a time. As for right now George is at home while undergoing Chemotherapy with his Mom and Dad and 2 year old sister Maya. Anne and Dennis believe that George is a beautiful miracle that God has placed in their lives.

On Saturday, May 5^th from 12:30-4:30pm we will be holding a fundraiser at Saddleback Lanes for the Giakos family. The money raised at this event will help cover any medical costs not covered by insurance as well as supplement the family’s income for time spent off of work during this crucial time. For a minimum gift of $25 per person, tickets include 1 hour of bowling, pizza and soda. There will also be a silent auction held at the fundraiser. Please join us in supporting George’s battle with cancer. We hope to see you there!

If you are unable to attend the fundraiser and would still like to give a gift please make checks payable to:

George Giakos Fund

21 Evening Canyon

RSM, CA 92688

Sincerely,

The Families of Anne and Dennis


Obviously, most of us can't go to the event itself, but if you can help with a donation that would be awesome. I just can't imagine such a tiny little dude having brain surgery or what it would be like to go through nine months of pregnancy, hours of labor, and then have your little guy be severely sick. I can't imagine what these parents are going through.