About Me

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Bakersfield, CA, United States
Hans was a busy, happy, sweet and fearless three year old when he was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma. He fought his disease like a "gladiator" for nearly 6 years. Hans was an animal lover to his core. He was 'guarded' at home by his three cats, Black, Orange and Cotton. He also had his Golden Retriever, Honey, to keep him company. Hans enjoyed swimming, biking, gardening, grilling (he had his very own grill!), horseback riding, playing video games, building Legos, and flipping between Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network and Animal Planet. Hans loved all members of his family and he was a loyal friend. He had to go through a lot of treatment in his life. But Hans powered through it. His attitude was let's get this done! His motivation was always to get back home, to his family, pets, favorite foods and pool.

Monday, September 22, 2014

Two years

Tonight marks two years without our special boy. Of course, even though he is not here with us on earth, he is constantly on our hearts and minds.

We have so many sad and mournful feelings as we mark this point. Those feelings are tempered by our beautiful memories.  As we looked through a slideshow of photos this morning, I was reminded again of all the ways Hans was connected and supported and lifted up during his journey.  He had a beautiful network in his friends and family and we are eternally grateful to you for that.   I was moved to remember that he readily returned love unconditionally and was a devoted friend and family member. His faith in love and friendship never wavered.

Even though we are two years from losing him,  I feel that we are not getting farther from our Hans, but that we are always moving towards him.

I think I failed to post that we all got memorial tattoos this New Years eve.  It was a first for all of us - me, Kevin, Elle, Grandma Kathy and Grandma Stephanie!

I'm finally posting some pictures tonight.  Elle designed our tattoos, and our friends Melody and Ben provided the ink.  Kevin and Elle and my tattoos are the same - a bird with two feathers, falling to represent what has been left behind. The grandmas also had feather incorporated into their design.  They art was done up at Third Eye Tattoo in Kevin's hometown of Ellensburg, Washington.



My Aunt Pati sent us a card to mark the two years. It was a silk screen of a feather with the following text:  

"A feather has many different symbolisms.  The Native Americas use feathers to ward off evil.  A found feather is a sign of encouragement or a reminder to be lighthearted.  It can also be a source of communication, or a message from someone now gone from our lives. The message conveys that all is well...don't be sad.   Feathers are as old as the beginning of time. They are intricate, delicate and tell a story.  Keep one always nearby."

We have ours so nearby, that our right wrists can simply be lifted to our hearts.






Thursday, September 11, 2014

Shop to Give

We are happy to post that once again, Hans' Godmother Roxie, at Scarf it Up Santa Cruz is partnering with our September fundraiser.  Scarf it Up is donating 15% of online scarf sales now through September 29 towards pediatric cancer research in honor of Hans.  These funds will then be matched by the Jimmy V Foundation for the Carousel of Possible Dreams Fundraiser. What a great way to do some early holiday shopping and raise money for research!  Check it out at:
www.scarfitupsantacruz.com




Tuesday, September 02, 2014

Team Hans September Fundraiser - The Carousel of Possible Dreams


It’s that time of year – September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness month.  As you know, this can be a rough month for me, Kevin and Elle.  Two years ago this month we lost Hans to his Neuroblastoma at age 9, after an almost 6 year battle.
 We are proud to be a part of a 30–day fundraising effort for Neuroblastoma, research, awareness and education – TheCarousel of Possible Dreams.   Please consider joining us in honoring Hans by making a donation this month.  Funds will be matched by a third party for up to $500,000!  We have set a goal for Team Hans of $5,000.  It will be our one big fundraising push of the year. 
Proceeds benefit both the NANT and the CNCF. Kevin and I work closely with both of these organizations.  Currently, Kevin and I serve as parent representatives for the NANT at both the regional and national levels. We have worked with the CNCF on fundraising and outreach efforts since 2007. We pour a little bit of our hearts and souls into the NANT and the CNCF so that the next cohort of kids faced with Hans’ diagnosis will have a shot a better/longer life, and so that families might find support and connection throughout treament.
 Thank you for following this link, and for your donation of any amount. It truly means the world to see your names in support.
Follow this link to find Hans' page: http://www.festivalofchildren.org/site/TR/Events/TR_COPD_FROC?px=1115108&pg=personal&fr_id=1340
Or, go to festivalofchildren.org and search for Lara Weberling.
Other NB families are invited to start their own pages as well!