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More Big News! � Dear Friends and Family, Yet another update -- more good news! First, on the Travis medical front, we hit another tremendous milestone this week. NO MORE MEDS!!! For the first time in almost two years, Travis doesn't know the time by tracking his daily pills! He took his last dose of Acyclovir last week, and only continues the "3x a day brush and swish" regimen for awhile yet to keep fungus from growing in his mouth (I think that's it!). Still, the only observable clue as to Travis' ordeal is some slight skin discoloration on his face (patchy "tan" looking in places) and slight GVHD skin rash/dryness on arms and face. Very mild and minor, indeed, considering what COULD be.

The other big news is that we've been asked to participate in an upcoming event on Feb. 11th in Milwaukee when the MKE Waves soccer team plays that Friday night. As a special event, during the half time, Mia Hamm and the Women's World Championship Winning Soccer Team will be having a benefit exhibition mini-game -- with proceeds going to the Mia Foundation and Garrett Foundation (her late brother who passed away after a BMT) which both support bone marrow transplant research and patients. We are so honored to participate -- in a few ways. First, Marge Sullivan, Travis' donor is coming in to be there with our family as we will be called onto the field and introduced (with another BMT family) by Mia Hamm. There will be a brief ceremony honoring Marge and the other boys' donor and then the boys will kick the soccer ball into the goal together. Also, this week, the sponsors of this event are having me come up to MKE to videotape a brief segment letting people know how it felt, as a parent, to have found one special person in the world who was a marrow match to save our son. Of course, the intent of this spot and evening is to raise awareness of registering in the National Marrow Donor Program. They'll be showing the video spot on the Jumbotron (!) during half time as well -- to the expected 17,000 attendees! Oh man, I hope I can convey my thoughts well enough to move people to register. The evening will be so special -- a number of neutropenic kids (low blood counts) who can't be out in crowds will be enjoying the game and festivities from one of the luxury skyboxes, generously donated by a local business person. And, I hear that about 70 of the medical staff from the HOT Unit and Hematology/Oncology Clinic at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin will be there as well. These people bust their tails to save lives every day. They should be honored -- and hopefully will be spotlighted.! All in all, the evening will likely be very impactful and a lot of fun! And all on the eve of National Donor Day, which is Saturday, Feb 12!!! If any of you are in there area, do come! This night could be the catalyst event that might save even one person's life in the future. We're so excited to spend time with Marge again! She's thrilled to be participating and of course, Travis just lit up when he heard she could be here with us. What a hero.

Lastly, my training for the Leukemia Society of America's "Team In Training" continues -- as does my drive for sponsors to contribute to the LSA to eradicate leukemia. I've learned to really enjoy "the journey" of the training -- tough though it is at times. And today I set a new record for me -- ran 6 miles in this morning's group training run! Next week, seven. Today, Travis and Spencer both made "signs" for me -- Spencer's was me resting after running to a rainbow and Travis' showed me running to the finish line with a dirigible (!) overhead proclaiming "Go, Mom, GO!!". Those were tear producers for me. I'm so glad the boys understand what I'm doing -- and why. They're really proud -- and that helps tremendously. And Joe, too. He's been wonderful -- and he can't wait for his turn to train this fall!

That's the latest and greatest. We are SO lucky.

Thanks everyone. Much love from us,

Melanie, Joe, Travis and Spencer

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