Somebody should do something about that...

I said, "Somebody should do something about that."  Then I realized, I am somebody. -- Lily Tomlin.

That most perfect and appropriate quote was written on one of the entries in our wonderful gift from "Project Treasure".  Thanks again to all that participated.  I previously mentioned that Lou and I pull out one note almost every night and read it aloud.  That way, we can go to bed hearing someone else's love note to Ty and it always leaves us a little happier knowing how he has touched so many lives.  Another wonderful person shared her own personal loss of her son to cancer.  She reassured me that although our lives are forever changed, our hearts forever broken, still our memories are forever in our heart.  She is completely right.  I am just so scared that my memories will become fuzzy.  I want everything to remain vivid, so that when I call on a memory it can be as real as if Ty was in the room with me. 

Missing Ty is constant.  It is on my mind whenever an wherever you see me.  If I am at the restaurant, enjoying Gavin or whoever I am with, I am also thinking about where Ty would have been sitting (on my lap) and I look for his favorite things on the menu.  If I'm at the office all I'm doing is working on his foundation at full speed.  Writing about his life and trying to convince others to help the cause. If I am at the supermarket, I am thinking about how I would have bought more turkey if he was on one of his "turkey roll-up" kicks, or more fruit roll ups if that was his thing for the week.  If I am at a birthday party, I can imagine him as a big boy enjoying all of the activities with Gavin by his side.  Walking, running, whatever he wants to do.  If I am at a sporting event, I think what a champion he would have been, a superstar, if everything was the way it was supposed to be. 

Friday night, the local high school Trinity Pawling hosted two hockey games and they used the game as a vehicle to raise awareness and collect donations toward the foundation.  It was an honor for Lou and I to carry Gavin onto the ice so he could throw down the puck, but it didn't escape us for one second that it should have been Ty throwing the puck.  Ty should have been victorious and showing off how well he was doing.  We were so sure it would eventually work out that way, and it just didn't.  We are grateful for the large turnout at the game.  We are grateful for all of the kind people who approached us and kept us company.  We are grateful for Melissa and Kim, who froze their toes off selling SuperTy tee shirts.  We wouldn't be able to get this foundation off the ground if it wasn't for you guys.  I mean that.  PS - When our website is launched, we will finally have a section where you an order t-shirts online. 

Speaking of getting off the ground, our website is scheduled to launch on January 31st.  So far it looks amazing and I can't wait to share it with you all.  I poured my heart and soul into writing that site, so I hope it has the visual impact that we are so desperately striving for.  Here is a sneak peak of the logo for the foundation (not quite finalized, but almost perfect!!).   Don't you love it??


We're looking to launch the Muddy Puddles Project on the first day of Spring by rolling out that website and announcing our first big event (date and venue at least).  Please continue to send in your photos - and especially videos - of your kids splashing, getting messy and being kids.  We want to pull together a quick video reel, too that we can share with the media when we launch the website.  Email your contributions to muddypuddleproject@gmail.com.  Please don't forget to include a line that gives us permission to use your photos or videos on the upcoming website and in additional marketing materials (i.e. event signage, brochures, or even the video). 

I want to again thank you all for sending in such eloquent nominations to Kelly and Michael.  If you have three minutes, please watch this video as well.  I found it to be such a beautiful testament to our journey and how hard we fought (and continue to fight) for Ty.  It brings me to tears every time, but that's okay.  There's no denying the sadness of all this, that's why I share it.  So we can change it for future children.  WATCH THE VIDEO HERE.  Thank you, Sara, for creating this.  I cherish it. 

Tomorrow, Lou and I have back to back meetings in the city with members of our medical advisory board.  We are very excited about the funding model that we are putting into place, and eager to discuss their thoughts on some of the most promising research taking place right now.  Our advisors keep us informed and help us to make sound funding investments.  For all of you who donated, please know how incredibly serious we are taking this.  Your money will be spent wisely in our efforts to fund the most innovative and promising research.  The hardest part about getting excited about all of the progress that is being made is knowing Ty didn't survive long enough to benefit.  That's why I always say I am fighting not just for Ty, but for the next Ty Louis Campbell.  So that things will be different for him. 

Before I sign off, won't you please take the time to sign Maya's petition to the White House?  It would be a really big deal if the White House went "gold" for September.  It's important.  You can sign it until February 6. Thank you. 

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/light-white-house-gold-month-september-honor-pediatric-cancer-fighters-and-bring-light-cause/syV6M6wX


Missing you, Ty, always.  XOXO. 

Comments

  1. The logo is amazing! So proud of everything you're doing!

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  2. I love the logo!! I started following your blog just a few weeks before Ty passed. I fell hard for that beautiful boy!! On Sunday I ran my 1st half marathon for the Ronan Thompson Foundation. I had been running for 3 months to prepare and wouldn't you know a horrible cold hit our household and I was sick for my marathon!! I still ran it because I wasn't just running a marathon, I was running for Ronan, Ty and all the other kids who are fighting cancer!! Every time I felt really tired I would remember how hard Ty fought and almost always with a beautiful smile. I carried Ty in my heart during my run:) I was always carry him in my heart!! Him and my son Jason are only a month a part in age. I promise to keep fighting cancer until we have a cure. May God bless you and your beautiful family:)

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    1. that's incredible Keirstin - I was just reading Maya's response to everyone that participated in the run. Congrats on doing it - thank you for continuing on when many would have understood if you hadn't - goes to show that those committing to the fight are really committed!!

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    2. Thank you so much for saying that!! I'm proud to say I've $1195 on my marathon:) Now I'm dedicating myself to get this petition for the White Hoise to be gold this September!! I know we're a strong army, all of us together!! We can move mountains for these beautiful kids who deserve better!!

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  3. The video is beautiful, Cindy. It brought back a lot of memories from reading your blog over the past year or so (and yes, it made me cry).

    I just want you to know that I still think of Ty and that his (and your) bravery still inspire me. I wish you all the best with the Foundation and pray that one day we will have a cure for this insidious disease.

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  4. The logo is GREAT! Perfect for the foundation.

    I just wanted to let you know that I believe there may be a problem with the email address for the Muddy Puddles Project. I tried to send out a mail and it came back. Is it possible that it should be written without the word THE??

    You are doing so many wonderful things, it is just amazing. I wish I was still living in NY. I would love to be a more active part of all of this. It is magical.

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  5. Yes, I do love it. And YOU! God bless you, Cindy!

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  6. What a beautiful video. I don't know how anyone could watch it and NOT think you are UNSTOPPABLE!!! I think of you everyday and wonder if this is a good day! I hold TY in my heart as true inspiration. Looking at his BEAUTIFUL smile always turns my world around.

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  7. So touching, as usual. You will do great things for Ty's memory and all the other children struggling with this horrible disease. This entry made me think of another popular quote...
    "unless.. unless someone like you cares an awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not" Dr. Suess, The Lorax
    You care so awful lot. You wll make things better, you will. Give it all you got!! ( I know you are, and we are right beside you)
    xoxoxoxoxo
    Shawna
    Millbrook, NY

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  8. The logo is perfect! Just seeing it made me cry. So did the video. And I cried when writing the Unstoppable Mom entry. I'm such a cry baby lately for some reason...

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  9. Your post resonates with me particularly strongly today. Last night, I had the opportunity to attend a dialogue with a well-known and respected Zen Master, and at the event he spoke the following words: "Expectation leads to frustration. Frustration forces us to remain where we stand, as we try to fight the inevitability of change. Change, as we know, can be devastating, but it can also be enlightening. Instead of focusing on expectations, try to focus on hope. Because when you seize hope, and live hope, in the moment, in the now, it will lead you to action. You will act through the change and become the change."

    The call to action has been made. There are steps in place and mechanisms for participation. Cindy, you are now, as you always have been, a messenger of hope. Team TLC is ready to rolll!

    And the logo--even unofficial-is gorgeous. Can't wait to spread the word once the site is up.

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  10. Love that logo, OMG! The gold ribbons that make the "L" are perfect. Love it, love you, and love Ty and your family.

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  11. The logo looks great - can't wait to see the website. I cried watching the video - so many beautiful pictures, so many I haven't seen before - loving how much Ty has inspired so many to want to join in the fight and make a difference. We're behind you all the way Cindy - good luck with your meetings today!

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  12. Love the logo. And I love how you are giving so many people the ability to help make a difference in this fight. I wish Ty was here on your lap to see it all, but I imagine he is smiling so big from where he is. He is so awesome. -Kasey Diotte

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  13. The video was beautiful and I love the logo. I hope you get picked. It made me cry. I really wish I couldn't met SuperTy. He is and will always be amazing kid. Although reading your blog feels like I re-live everything over again with my Angel Zachary who lost his battle, it keeps me wanting to read more on how much you are going to do to bring light and awareness to this ugly disease. You write so beautifully. It feels like you take the scrambled feeling I have inside and write it down so clearly that it then makes sense. It's almost like therapy. Maybe there is a speacial place up in heaven for these little angels that had to go to hell and back to get their wings. Some people find comfort in these little things and some don't. I personally do. I want to believe that these children of ours are having the best time up there waiting for us to see them again. When we can wrap our arms around them and kiss their lips and hold their hands again and tell them how much we love them. Although deep in my heart, I know they know. When truely this earth is only a temporary home and heaven is where we all live on forever. They will always and forever be with us. My heart goes out to all of us parents who fight and fought for our children to survive. I hope awareness is brought to Children's cancer through you and Maya's fight and any other that are determined to fight for this. May God bless you and your family.

    Love,
    Becky Swarthout
    Mother to Angel Zachary Michael Hostad (11/28/99-10/20/99)

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  14. Love the logo and the video is amazing...great job Sara. I reposted it to my facebook page. It brought me to tears. I think about you, Ty, and your family everyday and pray for some peace to come your way. I do hope u win on Michael and Kelly.(I nominated you). I have a 6 1/2 yr old son and 26 yr old daughter and cherich every day that I have with them more due to reading your blog. You are an inspiration to my everyday world. Prayers to you and your family. Betty Warren Beacon NY.

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  15. Love, love, love the logo! How creative! Just entered you to be on Ellen... hope to see you on there someday soon!

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  16. I stumbled opone this page threw facebook this morning. I'm a stranger to you. I read three lines of this post sitting on the bus in the rush hour. I immediately started crying. There I was, absorbed in my own pathetic problems thinking, worrying and grumbling. But the fact is that I have no real problems. None! I have a family that I love, a good job and everything else that I need. I can't imagine what you must be going threw. It's impossible. But I can do something. I can take some time not thinking about my ridiculous worries and send you some thoughts. And then I can honor your beautiful son, whom looks a lot like my little boy. One way to do that is to get of my but and contribute in some way. I live in Sweden and I will start a monthly donation to a foundation for child cancer over here. I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm starting a new more aware life thanks to your boy. Love/ Angela

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  17. Hi Cindy, I just nominated you! I hope you win, you deserve it! lots of love xxx Love the video too :)

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  18. The logo is amazing, the video is amazing, You guys are just amazing. Looking forward to being able to purcahse some tee-shirts and I want to get my co-workers to run a 5K in Ty's honor. Always thinking and praying for the Campbell Family.

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  19. Once again I am writing thru my tears for you and TY. I just watched the video and it tore me up. I am so in love with Ty and my heart hurts for you and Lou and Gavin every day. I read your blog faithfully and always will.I still think you are the strongest Mom I know and I pray you win this chance to share Ty's story with the rest of the world.God Bless you all....Jean <3

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  20. Hello,

    I am thrilled to learn that the Ty Louis Campbell Foundation website will be up & running in the very near future. I really like the logo for the website.

    I am also very pleased that I will be able to order " SuperTy " t-shirts online !

    Many thanks for continuing to share " SuperTy's " and his family's - courageous & heartbreaking journey.

    My continued thoughts & prayers are with " SuperTy " & all of his family.

    God Bless.

    - Rob Swan

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  21. PS - I signed the petition " White House Gold for September - honoring pediatric cancer fighters."

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  22. The video is amazing, Brought me to tears as I am sure everyone else who watched, and a true testament to what an UNSTOPPABLE mom you really are. A force to be reckoned with that is for sure. Most of all -- TY DESERVES YOU TO WIN THIS - he is such a beautiful, unstoppable, amazing little boy that millions of us have fallen in love with! Kelly & Michael have to pick you!

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  23. Ahhh...the pic that caught my eye on the logo...LOVE it!

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  24. The logo IS PERFECT!! So beautiful, you are just amazing!! I continue to live in awe of your strength, fierce love and perseverence! You have and will continue to make a profound impact ( with a good 1:2 punch!) to pediatric cancer! The video from Sarah was sooo beautiful-boy, do you deserve it!!

    My Best to You,
    Cathy from Colorado

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  25. Cindy, Thinking about you guys always. Have been reading your blog probably every day since Caryn reached out.
    I wanted to write something hoping others will read this because like me, I started reading comments from others and feel that I can not appropriately explain how I feel in a few sentences.
    I can't express thoughts or feelings in words, that being said, Everyone out there.. Please do not be discouraged. I'm gonna do it now :) Emily

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  26. The video was amazing. It made me realize that maybe I love Ty even more if that's even possible. Today I had a good day because I shared Ty story with a very caring lady and of course she fell in love with Ty, Gavin and Lou and Cindy. I scored another person who let me spill my guts about this boy I love and his beautiful family. I introduced her to your blog, and she read it and she cried and she cared. I couldn't have asked for more.
    The quote in the beginning of your blog opened my eyes even more, absolutely we should do more, I should do more, and never expect someone else to do it for me. I will send another check at the end of the week. And I can't wait to get my hands on Ty products. Excited about your project and your future plans. I miss Ty everyday. I love you baby boy.

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  27. LOVE THE LOGO!!!! The GOLD ribbon is SPOT ON!! As usual your words are PRICELESS AND HEARTFELT!! I still keep you in my thoughts and prayers!


    Love Gabrielle

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  28. Sarah's video is absolutely beautiful... Still crying while typing this... You certainly are the best Unstoppable Mom in the world...

    I absolutely love your Logo as well. The way you have incorporated the gold ribbon into his name really adds so much meaning... love it immensely....

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  29. What a beautiful and touching video.. I'm still crying at amazing Ty and you together always fighting and never giving up. I will do whatever it takes to spread this story time and time again and sign whatever petition you put forth. I will continue to donate to the Ty organization and help out with any charitable work that goes on. I love that little man and you and would love to honor his name in any way possible. Love always, Allison xoxo

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  30. Hi,
    I ran the NYC Marathon with Fred's Team in 2011. Louis' name and mine were often close together on the fundraising leader board so I got to know Ty's incredible story. I am thinking about running again and I thought of your family and came to check your blog to see how you all were doing. I just wanted to say how sorry I am that Ty has gone, though I am certain that he lives on in each of you and those who love him. God bless you and your beautiful sons.
    Mary Lou Bunn

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  31. Love the logo! The petition is now over 25,000 signatures, but of course, I still signed it. Sarah Perry's video is very poignant. Cannot stop thinking of your little boy and all he went through. I also nominated you for Unstoppable Mom on Live with Kelly & Michael. Thinking of you.

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  32. Cindy.this has never happened incidentally I tried to open your page and I had a lot of anger and I heart. I have decided not to be angry even though all my heart is broken for some recent news about children that have died from cancer

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  33. I was trying to say that I wasn't able to write it's like I couldn't send any message. goodnight Campbell family

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  34. This video, your story and everything Ty endured brings me to tears, every single time. Thank you for all you're doing to help our little ones. I will do whatever I can to aid you and SuperTy in this battle against an ugly, ugly disease.

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