snug as a bug!

The final countdown to our handover began last night as Megs delivered some more much needed vests, thank you thank you thank you so much megs, they finished off our parcels so nicely. Then Nats came, as if an answer to a prayer, as we were still needing two pairs of pjs for two older boys - and there Nats arrived with the pairs and two hats to match - thank you so much Nats for fulfilling my request for the older guys - it finally finished our collection off and ensured that everyone in the ward today had something for their own. Nanna and Grandpa lovingly helped me wrap the final pair of pjs and pack and get them ready for delivery

Our soldier was such a star during the entire process, he kept him self entertained , its like he knew how much i had to get done! Thank you my sweetheart! Thank you Deqlan for motivating this project - i dont think you will realise until you are a little older, what an amazing influence you have on so many people , how many peoples lives you have changed and the miracles that continue to happen in you & around you ! I continue to be so proud of you my Deqlan - you have so many people that love you , and you have inspired them to open their hearts and give and help your friends so lovingly! You are our hero Deqlan Ross!

I shall treasure the memories of this morning , forever. It was such a delight to see the looks on the CHOC kids at Kalefongs hospital, as we walked in with bags and boxes full of goodies for them to enjoy.

It was great to see all the CHOC ladies and wonderful to see Yolandie, who is in remission from her battle with cancer of the uterus ! Praise Our Lord- what a tough cookie she is, and looking great and on the road to great health , please Lord.

I was overjoyed and so proud as i brought the packets of pjs into the ward - so where the nurses - in sister Patricia's words, OUR PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED.

There were 25 little warriors in the ward today ranging from around 8 months to 16 years old . boys and girls.Some full of energy running and buzzing around the ward, others tucked up warm in their beds, not feeling as good as they would want to.

We started by showing the kids some of the pjs they would soon be enjoying and i was elated to watch the excitement and absolute joy in their faces as they realised, this was for them. As we asked the group to smile, a beautiful little girl, softly said CHEESE - my heart melted - she is the little one holding the red pjs with hearts on.

We walked around to each child and said hello and i handed out the little radios that Kathy organised for us - to say they were a hit, is an understatement! The kids where so excited - i showed each one how to work the little radio and showed them how to put the head phones in their ears . There was a 15 year old girl, who was not feeling well and was tucked up in bed, as soon as the ear phones where put to her ear, a smile appeared from ear to ear. The warrior next to her ,had tears rolling down his face, not sobbing, but i think he to wasn't feeling so great. As soon as the music went on, a big smile was the result. Thank you so so so much Kath for this amazing gift and idea, the children loved it!

A beautiful little girl called Cindy, also crept into my heart - when i asked her to smile for the photo she instantly gave me a super model pose and smile , i just laughed with her, saying she was a great model! She also came to see which pjs were hers , insisting that they be pink, which i promised they would.

I then met a very sick little boy who couldn't get the ear phones to his ears as he had so many pipes around him, for his chemo, oxygen and food - he to seemed very chuffed with his new toy!

Next I met Marinus, 15 months old, who was a little shy at first, but soon warmed up and offered many smiles as he listened to his music.

I was introduced to Dr Omar, who heads up the oncology unit at Kalefong and he was very grateful and appreciative for the huge amount of pjs we delivered for 'his kids'.

I think the count was over 100 brand new pjs, double that for items like socks and slippers , gowns and vests and 8 black bags FULL of other clothes, shoes and toys. My car was packed to the brim, what a great feeling it was knowing what my cargo was and how many kids it would keep warm this winter and beyond.

It was a very moving morning and brought back a lot of memories of those days in hospital with Deqlan getting chemo. Cancer doesn't know a color, a race, a gender, wealthy or poor - we have to fight this beast, we have to do everything we can to raise awareness, to raise funds, to find the cure for neuroblastoma and other cancers - please support in any way you know how - prayers are powerful, please continue them!

Thank you to each and every single one of you for your support, for your contributions, your time, your prayers, for passing the message on encouraging others to help, for being a part of Deqlans army. God Bless you all and thank you with my all and from all the kids at Kalefong!

Lots of love

MARK, SAMM , DEQLAN AND ALL THE KALEFONG WARRIORS

For I know the plans I have for you, declares The Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future

JEREMIAH 29;11