Caitlyn was surrounded by many family members all through the night. Father Richard came and sat with us for a few hours as well. She had such a strong spirit. The hospice nurse said they usually don't struggle to stay like she did. She had passed once around 8pm and then came back. It may have been due to my screams. So I controlled myself when she tried to pass at 12:20 a.m. On Friday morning. She was so loved. I feel she felt she could go now she had completed the one thing she needed to do and that was go to Disney. She could not have felt happier inside I know. She was able to let go in my and Jason's arms. EVERYONE who helped make her wish come true. You all truly made a miracle happen.
The arrangement have been made quick so we can still celebrate the boys birthday on June 29.
The funeral will be at 10 A.M on Saturday June 28th at St.Theresa's in Palatine.
Kara
Friday, June 27, 2008
May God watch over and protect his newest Angel.
Earlier this morning, God called home a special little Angel. As soon as details are finalized, we will post them. Thank you for all of your love and support over the past year. We love each and everyone of you. May God bless all of you and may God watch over and protect our Caitlyn.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Friends can move Disney
Caitlyn has been surrounded by so many friends and loved ones these past few weeks. With cards and flowers. We are amazed at all the talented children that have made cards for Caitlyn and her brothers. Thank you to everyone who has brought a meal and who are still signed up to bring meals. Thank you for respecting our wishes and simply leaving the cards in the mail box and not calling. It has made it easier for us to concentrate on our task at hand. That is keeping Caitlyn comfortable and trying to determine what it is she needs as she is not able to talk but a whisper if that. We have the hospice nurse come each day and check on her. She say's her heart and pulse still sound strong so that is good news I just wish she had the strength to talk. We will start her on IV fluids tomorrow because she is not able to swallow. I hope this will give her a little energy since she may be dehydrated slightly.
Well one of Caitlyn's wishes was to go to Disney after she saved up $100 this would have been her 3rd time in a 12 month period. Well she has made her goal however since she is not able to travel her dear friends have brought Disney to her. If anyone can move Disney it's Krista Budzisz and Lynn Klein with the help of all their connections. I don't know all the details on how they did this all but they expressed that they had a lot of people that wanted to jump on board and help out as soon as they asked. So I just want to thank Krista,Lynn, and all their helpers who donated or sponsored something for this Disney extravaganza for Caitlyn. I know this will put a hug sparkle in her eyes and give her sweet dreams. Angels are smiling at all of you tonight.
Caitlyn already had a small taste of Disney to day while sitting in her Royal throne made my Joann and Lynn she was greeted by Bell, Cinderella,SnowWhite,Sleeping Beauty as they read her the story of Cinderella. I could tell she was thrilled to have them in her house.
Now for the big event. It will take place in our front yard rain or shine RADIO DISNEY will be outside of our house at about 10:15 a.m. There will also be some Disney characters that will be stopping by to say hi to Caitlyn in side the house and once they are done they will come out side and talk with the children that stop by. I hope once Caitlyn has talked with each character she will be up to coming out side for a moment to say hi, but if not please enjoy the music that RADIO DISNEY will be playing. She will be thrilled just to know you are out their and having fun. We do ask that once the RADIO DISNEY truck leaves that the guest also leave so we can let Caitlyn rest. It should go till about 11 or 11:30.
Thank you everyone for showering our daughter with your love,
The Churak Family
Well one of Caitlyn's wishes was to go to Disney after she saved up $100 this would have been her 3rd time in a 12 month period. Well she has made her goal however since she is not able to travel her dear friends have brought Disney to her. If anyone can move Disney it's Krista Budzisz and Lynn Klein with the help of all their connections. I don't know all the details on how they did this all but they expressed that they had a lot of people that wanted to jump on board and help out as soon as they asked. So I just want to thank Krista,Lynn, and all their helpers who donated or sponsored something for this Disney extravaganza for Caitlyn. I know this will put a hug sparkle in her eyes and give her sweet dreams. Angels are smiling at all of you tonight.
Caitlyn already had a small taste of Disney to day while sitting in her Royal throne made my Joann and Lynn she was greeted by Bell, Cinderella,SnowWhite,Sleeping Beauty as they read her the story of Cinderella. I could tell she was thrilled to have them in her house.
Now for the big event. It will take place in our front yard rain or shine RADIO DISNEY will be outside of our house at about 10:15 a.m. There will also be some Disney characters that will be stopping by to say hi to Caitlyn in side the house and once they are done they will come out side and talk with the children that stop by. I hope once Caitlyn has talked with each character she will be up to coming out side for a moment to say hi, but if not please enjoy the music that RADIO DISNEY will be playing. She will be thrilled just to know you are out their and having fun. We do ask that once the RADIO DISNEY truck leaves that the guest also leave so we can let Caitlyn rest. It should go till about 11 or 11:30.
Thank you everyone for showering our daughter with your love,
The Churak Family
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Taking time to say goodbye
There is never enough time in a day, week, month, year, or life time to say goodbye to someone you love. Someone who shares your heart. The year that we were given to say goodbye to Caitlyn has gone by so fast. I try and remind myself that God blessed us with time but my feelings of gratitude come and go with my heartache. I try and remind myself that some people lose a loved one in a sudden accident and never have the time to process it or say all the things they wanted to say to that person. With that thought in mind I try and tell Caitlyn as much as I can but it still feels like it's not enough. She has not lived enough to understand all the things I want to share with her.
The hardest part is trying to prepare her for where she is going. Telling her of all the people she will have waiting for her. This is hard for me because I won't be there yet, with her. She is very attached to me at this time calling my name every second I'm away from her. Even when I'm sitting with her she still says "Mom, Mom". And it is usually followed by "Mom can I tell you something? I love you." I did break down and cry a little too much today as she really seemed out of it. However she very clearly told me to "build a bridge and get over it." To which I responded, "I will but it is going to be a veeeery long bridge, that will take a long time to build, and it will be a long journey to cross it. But don't worry we will be OK when you need to go. Just don't forget to say goodbye one last time to us, and we will all say goodbye to you and let you fly. You have fulfilled everything in your 6 years of life that it takes people a lifetime to do. That is, you have touched the hearts of people who love you and people who don't even know you. That is a special gift that not everyone can experience. "
This past week has been busy with hospice coming in and friends and family coming over to help. We did have two days that people stopped by between 1-2 to say hello to Caitlyn and she loved it. She is not able to express her smiles as easily any more but I can see it in her eyes. Friday Krista Budzisz, and Lynn Klein brought over a wonderful picnic. We sat on the front lawn and greeted everyone that came to say hi. It was a perfect day.
All the cards that people have been sending are wonderful. The kids love them. It's amazing what mail can do for the spirit of a child. Again it's the simple things that make us feel loved. Thank you to everyone who has stopped by to say hi, or take the boys out for a day of fun at the pool Ann Cygnar, or the movies Kate Duncan, Barbara Held. And of course the Grandparents and Aunt Margaret and Cindy. Thanks for the day at the pool Cindy's aunt and uncle Don and Betty. Thank you everyone. Please continue to pray for our strength to build our bridge and make the journey across it. As one wise little girl told me I needed to do.
Kara
The hardest part is trying to prepare her for where she is going. Telling her of all the people she will have waiting for her. This is hard for me because I won't be there yet, with her. She is very attached to me at this time calling my name every second I'm away from her. Even when I'm sitting with her she still says "Mom, Mom". And it is usually followed by "Mom can I tell you something? I love you." I did break down and cry a little too much today as she really seemed out of it. However she very clearly told me to "build a bridge and get over it." To which I responded, "I will but it is going to be a veeeery long bridge, that will take a long time to build, and it will be a long journey to cross it. But don't worry we will be OK when you need to go. Just don't forget to say goodbye one last time to us, and we will all say goodbye to you and let you fly. You have fulfilled everything in your 6 years of life that it takes people a lifetime to do. That is, you have touched the hearts of people who love you and people who don't even know you. That is a special gift that not everyone can experience. "
This past week has been busy with hospice coming in and friends and family coming over to help. We did have two days that people stopped by between 1-2 to say hello to Caitlyn and she loved it. She is not able to express her smiles as easily any more but I can see it in her eyes. Friday Krista Budzisz, and Lynn Klein brought over a wonderful picnic. We sat on the front lawn and greeted everyone that came to say hi. It was a perfect day.
All the cards that people have been sending are wonderful. The kids love them. It's amazing what mail can do for the spirit of a child. Again it's the simple things that make us feel loved. Thank you to everyone who has stopped by to say hi, or take the boys out for a day of fun at the pool Ann Cygnar, or the movies Kate Duncan, Barbara Held. And of course the Grandparents and Aunt Margaret and Cindy. Thanks for the day at the pool Cindy's aunt and uncle Don and Betty. Thank you everyone. Please continue to pray for our strength to build our bridge and make the journey across it. As one wise little girl told me I needed to do.
Kara
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Time to say we love you Caitlyn!!!!!
Well I have sat down at my computer countless times to send out an update but could not find the words to say what we are going through or how Caitlyn is doing. It changes day by day now as opposed to week by week.
We have consulted with the doctor and we are having hospice come out and help us walk through this very difficult time. Caitlyn is showing signs of being on the path.
I am taking this time to spend with Caitlyn as she does not want me to leave her side. We have explained to the boys what is happening and what is to come. I have put off saying anything to Caitlyn about what is happening until now, but feel the time has come. I have told her about her Grandparents and Uncle who are waiting for her in heaven. She was excited that Grandma Bernice would take care of her. That gave me comfort seeing her excitement about meeting Grandma Bernice.
I am asking people not to call the house as I am not able to talk on the phone. I need to focus on saying goodbye and helping the boys say goodbye. Caitlyn and the boys love to get mail; so if you would like to mail a letter or card they would be thrilled to get mail. Also I told Caitlyn I was not going to take anymore phone calls and she was happy about that. Also she ia happy about getting mail.
She also said people could stop by to say hi. I thought that might lead to to much commotion so we came up with a plan. If people would like to stop by and say hi between 1pm - 2pm Wed, Thur,Fri that would be fine. I will do a follow up for next week to let people know if this still works for us. If you want to send a card you may want to drop it off if you live in the area, since we are not sure how much time we have. Please leave all cards in the mailbox (please don't ring the doorbell if it is not between 1-2p ).
We would like to thank everyone for your prayers, love and support for our family it has helped us so much and put many of smiles on our faces. I will try and answer emails if people need to get in touch with me.
Love,
The Churak's
We have consulted with the doctor and we are having hospice come out and help us walk through this very difficult time. Caitlyn is showing signs of being on the path.
I am taking this time to spend with Caitlyn as she does not want me to leave her side. We have explained to the boys what is happening and what is to come. I have put off saying anything to Caitlyn about what is happening until now, but feel the time has come. I have told her about her Grandparents and Uncle who are waiting for her in heaven. She was excited that Grandma Bernice would take care of her. That gave me comfort seeing her excitement about meeting Grandma Bernice.
I am asking people not to call the house as I am not able to talk on the phone. I need to focus on saying goodbye and helping the boys say goodbye. Caitlyn and the boys love to get mail; so if you would like to mail a letter or card they would be thrilled to get mail. Also I told Caitlyn I was not going to take anymore phone calls and she was happy about that. Also she ia happy about getting mail.
She also said people could stop by to say hi. I thought that might lead to to much commotion so we came up with a plan. If people would like to stop by and say hi between 1pm - 2pm Wed, Thur,Fri that would be fine. I will do a follow up for next week to let people know if this still works for us. If you want to send a card you may want to drop it off if you live in the area, since we are not sure how much time we have. Please leave all cards in the mailbox (please don't ring the doorbell if it is not between 1-2p ).
We would like to thank everyone for your prayers, love and support for our family it has helped us so much and put many of smiles on our faces. I will try and answer emails if people need to get in touch with me.
Love,
The Churak's
Monday, June 9, 2008
Palatine 5K Walk/Run 8/17/2008
Palatine Area Residents ~This summer there is a local event raising money for brain tumor research.
Walk, Run, or Volunteer ~ Here is the info:
Date: Sunday, August 17, 2008
Time: 07:30 AM
Venue: DOWNTOWN PALATINE
Start Line: Slade Street and Greeley Street Palatine, IL 60067
Description: Joggin for the Noggin Fun Run/Walk 5k will benefit families and patients whose lives have been affected by brain cancer. All proceeds will go The Tug McGraw Foundation and the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Clinic at Duke University Medical Center. Additional Information: http://www.jogginforthenoggin.com/ or email jenny@jogginforthenoggin.com
Stroller friendly course!
Post-Race Party: DURTY NELLIES IRISH PUB located directly across the street from the finish line just north of the train tracks.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!! PLEASE CONTACT: jenny@jogginforthenoggin.com for further details.
Fees:$25.00 Children under 10 FREE
Website:http://jogginforthenoggin.com/
The Tug McGraw FoundationThe Tug McGraw Foundation was established to raise funds for pioneering brain cancer research, increase public awareness of the disease. Over 200,000 adults and children annually receive a diagnosis of brain cancer, and the mission of the Foundation is to support research that will improve their quality of life in the physical, social, spiritual, and cognitive areas. The Foundation develops programs and raises funds for three specific elements in this mission. VISIT: http://www.tugmcgraw.org/
The Brain Tumor Clinic at DukeTheir mission: (1)To cure brain and spinal tumors (2)To translate scientific advances in our research laboratories to state-of-the-art treatments for the patient (3)To provide the resources and support necessary for patients and their families to meet the challenges of living with a brain tumor VISIT: www.cancer.duke.edu/btc
Jen McDevitt ~ is local resident, a runner, and brain cancer survivor. Her son will be starting STS Kindergarten in the fall. Click here to read her story: http://jogginforthenoggin.com/uploads/DescriptionJFTN3.pdf
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Graduation
Well, tomorrow is Caitlyn's Kindergarten graduation. She has not been to school since spring break. But Caitlyn will come back for the graduation. The school year is ending this week. The boys will be going on to third grade. They will have their Field days on Tuesday and I will be taking Caitlyn to it just like last year to help cheer on her brothers. A year ago we went to their Field days right after her 4th round of radiation treatment. What I wouldn't do to be able to go back even one year. She ran with the boys on their teams and played the games with them. I'm afraid this year she will have to watch from the side.
We had a great family day today. We went looking for this restaurant off the Chain O'Lakes that Jason and I had found one day while we were out boating long before kids. We did not find it. However we found this restaurant that turned out to be better for the kids. It had a beach and a play ground. So after we ate we all walked down to the beach. Caitlyn got a special ride from dad in his arms. She did not want to go. She said she just wanted to go home. Well, we kind of forced her because I knew once she got her feet in the sand she would love it and remember that she loves the sand. Well it worked we sat there and played in the sand for about 2 hours. She had a great time digging and covering my legs in sand. The boys had fun playing with some other kids that were there. I love how kids just make new friends where ever they go. It was one of those great days with great weather that just happens with out planning.
The boys have been so kind to Caitlyn and helping take care of her. It is so nice to see. I just wish they would be nice to each other. I guess you can't get everything at once. Jason and I look forward to many more summer days with the kids like this one.
Caitlyn,
You are my best friend. I wake up in the morning and thank God for the gift of you in my life. I go to sleep at night and I pray to never miss holding you in my arms and smelling your hair. I pray that I will have the opportunity to share my life experiences with you and watch you experience your own life. I enjoy spending my days laughing with you and playing with you. You make my life complete and my heart whole. You were sent here to complete me and for that I thank God every day. You will never know how much you mean to me until you have your own children and I pray to God to let US see that day.
Love ,
Mommy
We finally got some new photos added to the album. To view please visit: www.caitlynchurak.com/indexfiles/Album.htm
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We had a great family day today. We went looking for this restaurant off the Chain O'Lakes that Jason and I had found one day while we were out boating long before kids. We did not find it. However we found this restaurant that turned out to be better for the kids. It had a beach and a play ground. So after we ate we all walked down to the beach. Caitlyn got a special ride from dad in his arms. She did not want to go. She said she just wanted to go home. Well, we kind of forced her because I knew once she got her feet in the sand she would love it and remember that she loves the sand. Well it worked we sat there and played in the sand for about 2 hours. She had a great time digging and covering my legs in sand. The boys had fun playing with some other kids that were there. I love how kids just make new friends where ever they go. It was one of those great days with great weather that just happens with out planning.
The boys have been so kind to Caitlyn and helping take care of her. It is so nice to see. I just wish they would be nice to each other. I guess you can't get everything at once. Jason and I look forward to many more summer days with the kids like this one.
Caitlyn,
You are my best friend. I wake up in the morning and thank God for the gift of you in my life. I go to sleep at night and I pray to never miss holding you in my arms and smelling your hair. I pray that I will have the opportunity to share my life experiences with you and watch you experience your own life. I enjoy spending my days laughing with you and playing with you. You make my life complete and my heart whole. You were sent here to complete me and for that I thank God every day. You will never know how much you mean to me until you have your own children and I pray to God to let US see that day.
Love ,
Mommy
We finally got some new photos added to the album. To view please visit: www.caitlynchurak.com/indexfiles/Album.htm
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