February 7, 2013 in Blog, In The News, Media by Karen

Going the Distance to fight Blood Cancers

If someone had told me that we would start, and finish a 1/2 Marathon 5 yrs ago – I would have laughed and said they were crazy… Well, not only did we start and finish a 1/2 Marathon last February, 2012 at Walt Disney World (Princess 1/2)  We did it again… Joining 1,000′s of other participants at Disneyland the weekend of Jan 18-20,2013 we were among a group of hundreds from the United States and Canada that support the work of the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society by fundraising with Team In Training.  Meeting and talking with them and learning of their reasons for being involved is so inspiring.  Dedicated to doing all we can to fight blood cancers, improve treatments and find cures.

  Everyone has had cancer touch their lives in one way or another.  For us, it resulted in the devastating loss of our daughter.  But, we will NOT let cancer win.  By continuing to reach out to the community and join forces with others who also understand that the advances in treatments are saving lives every day.  Dedicated researches, Doctors, Nurses, Technicians work night and day. New drugs continue to be approved to increase life expectancies and quality of life for patients. 

What can you do?   Make a donation to the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society, either through our link or directly to LLS.  Join Team In Training and make a difference in your life, training and completing an endurance event like what we did can change you forever.  Meet like-minded people.      Join the Marrow Donor Registry – “Be The Match“  You have the power to save a life.   It only takes about 15 minutes of your time and a cheek swab.   Donate Blood, everyday there are hundreds of people whose lives depend on blood transfusions, platelets.  Blood Cancer patients are especially vulnerable.

To learn more, or join with us on our mission to save lives,  email or call me

Till Next Time,

Karen and Gene Wenzel
Lindsay’s Voice / Trees of Hope WI

December 4, 2012 in Blog, In The News, Media by Karen

See what you Missed at Trees of Hope WI 2012

2012 Trees of Hope WI Festival Video

Saturday Nov 17th, 2012 was a day filled with beautiful music, fun, families, a Christmas Wonderland created by many dedicated volunteers and businesses from around the Milwaukee area.  Everyone was there for a purpose. To help raise money to support the research and treatments for Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma and other blood cancers.  To support the work of the Blood Center of WI and Be The Match (National Marrow Donor Program)

We are very lucky to have such incredible medical facilities right here in SE Wisconsin.   People from all over the country (and sometimes from other countries) come here for their care. We don’t take this for granted.

The 2nd Annual Trees of Hope WI  Celebration and Auction has raised over $22,000 towards our goal of $50,000.   We are very grateful for the generosity of each of the sponsors, donors, and guests who came and purchased all the beautiful trees, wreaths, gift baskets, silent auction items and more.

We continue to move forward.  On Jan 20th, 2013 we will participate in the Tinkerbell 1/2 Marathon at DisneyLand on behalf of the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society Team In Training.    We welcome any donations to the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society for this effort.

Plans for 2013 Trees of Hope WI  are in place…  SAVE THE DATE   NOV 23RD, 2013  Radisson Hotel Milwaukee West/Mayfair.

Watch for updates on other activities we have planned.  To continue the fight for lives.

Merry Christmas  and a Blessed New Year!

Till Next Time…

Karen and Gene Wenzel
Chairpersons   Trees of Hope WI /  Lindsay’s Voice

October 31, 2012 in Blog, In The News, Media by Karen

Exciting Live Auction Items at Trees of Hope WI

Saturday November 17th, 2012 will be the culmination of a year’s worth of work to create an Inspirational, Fun, Uplifting, Holiday Celebration to Kick of the Holidays and Help Kick Cancer!

There are so many people, businesses, groups and individuals that have donated their time, resources and efforts to make Trees of Hope WI 2012 a Reality!

I wish I had photos of all the beautiful trees that are being donated, decorated and will be on display at the event.  Remember… you can own any of them. Plus, you don’t even have to worry how you will get it home. Milwaukee Express Movers will be wrapping and delivering the large trees to the winning bidders free of charge!   So you can get a Fully-decorated Christmas tree for your home-office-or ????  Plus… You will be supporting the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society, Blood Center of Wisconsin, Be The Match and the CIBMTR  ( Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research at the Medical College of Wisconsin)

Here is a taste of what we will have at our Live Auction on Saturday night November 17th at the Radisson Hotel- Milwaukee West (Mayfair)  5pm-11pm

Celebrating the Sea by John Wyland Signed & Numbered and an Autographed Book of His Artwork.
How about a 1 week 1BR Condo in either Lake Tahoe, Chandler Az, Branson Mo, Waikiki or Maribella Spain?   That can be yours too at Trees of Hope WI….  make your reservations now.

Call:  Karen Wenzel  414-750-1989    Email: Karen@TreesofHopeWI.org
Checks to:  Karen Wenzel/Trees of Hope WI
                    2230 Crestview Ct  Wauwatosa, WI  53226

October 23, 2012 in Blog, In The News, Media by Karen

Many Special Items Up for Auction at Trees of Hope WI 2012

Don’t miss your chance to buy any of these wonderful items at the
2nd Annual Trees of Hope WI Celebration and Auction on Saturday Nov 17th
at the Radisson Hotel Mayfair  2303 N Mayfair Rd  Wauwatosa.
This is just a short list of the Auction Items that have been graciously donated to help
reach the goal of $50,000 to fight Leukemia, Lymphoma, Blood Cancers.
How will you help us this year?

Silent and Live Auction Items

ITEM                                                                                            Donor        

Hawaii, Tahoe, AZ, or
Spain 1 week condo                                      Royal AlohaVacation Club         

Aaron Rodgers
Painting on Canvas                                      Andrew Goralski                            

Prince Fielder Canvas                                 Andrew Goralski

VIP Tour Milwaukee
Cty Zoo Behind the Scenes                       Zoological Society of WI

6-week Session
Skating Lessons                                              Pettit National Ice Center                                           

Private Tour Gov.
Executive Residence                                     Wis Executive Residence Foundation                   

1 Year Fitness
Membership                                        Snap Fitness Elm Grove/Brookfield                       

Green Bay Packers
Autographed Football                     Green Bay Packers                                                         

Gift Baskets (2)                                     Nature’s Healing DaySpa   Menomonee Falls

Bridal Package                                      Glow Salon

Custom Beaded Hairpieces/Broach
from 2012 Daytime Emmys                    Bead Flora  Fen Li

Dinner-  Gift Certificate  Capital Grille- Milwaukee

Autographed Jordy
Nelson Jersey

Clay Matthews Plaque

Donald Driver/BrettFavre
Cause for Celebration Photo/Plaque         Sandra Wojtecki                                                             

Brewers Collection         (3)                                 Sandra Wojtecki

Autographed Photos Ben Ogilvie,
Ken Griffey Sr, Cecil Fielder,BJ Surhoff       Sandra Wojtecki

Milwaukee Braves
Autographed Photos
Tom Benedetto, Del Crandall                           Sandra Wojtecki

Classic Brewers
Package (1982)                                                          Sandra Wojtecki

Aaron Rodgers-Favre-Starr
Plaque-Photo                                                              Anonymous                                             

Disney Collection – Books                                    Sandra Wojtecki                                    

Baseball Hall of Fame
–Cooperstown Books                                              Sandra Wojtecki

Numerous Framed Sports
Photos- Autographed                                             Sandra Wojtecki

Ron Wolf autographed
plaque                                                                               Sandra Wojtecki

Warren Spahn and
Rollie Fingers Framed Sketches                         Sandra Wojtecki

’96 Packers Receiving
Corp Framed Photo with plaque                        Sandra Wojtecki

Packers 1/48 scale
diecast  P-40 Warhawk Plane –display           Sandra Wojtecki

Disney/ GB Packers
Collection  Nut Cracker, Mickey Mouse-QB,
Packers Diecast truck                                                  Sandra Wojtecki

Dinner Gift Certificate                                                Alioto’s Restaurant

Gift Certificate                                                               Costco

Gift Certificate for
Trees (3)                                                                           Breezy Hill Nursery

$50 Gift Certificate                                                     Crystal Images Brookfield

Gift Certificates                                                            Cheesecake Factory

Kona Coffee Basket                                                    Gene and Karen Wenzel

Autographed Wyland
Book                                                                                    Artist-John Wyland

Silk Centerpiece                                                            Bel Aire Florist

Scentsy Gift Basket                                                       Carley West

October 8, 2012 in Blog, In The News, Media by Karen

2nd Annual Holiday Showcase

2^NDAnnual TREES OF HOPE WI CELEBRATION
AND AUCTION

to Benefit: Leukemia-Lymphoma Society, Blood Center of WI, Be The Match and

CIBMTR (Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research ) at
Medical College of WI

WHEN: Saturday November 17, 2012

WHERE: Radisson Hotel- Mayfair 2303 N Mayfair Rd Wauwatosa

Kick off the Holidays and Help Kick Cancer!

We cordially invite you to join us for “Festival of Trees”. Enjoy the glittering lights, beautifully decorated Themed Christmastrees, showcase of dazzling treats, joyous music and family-friendly activities. Stroll through and absorb the Holiday sights, sounds and spirit.

Dozens of local businesses, groups and individuals have donated and decorated “Themed Christmas Trees”. In addition there are a myriad of special surprises that have been donated (some are one-of-a-kind).
You have the opportunity to view/ bid or purchase any of our displays- with ALL of the money to support the above named organizations. Our goal this year is $50,000. With your help we can meet and exceed that goal.

SOMETHING FOR EVERY AGE

9-4pm Donation $5/adult
$3/child

Visits and pictures with Santa, Face-painting, Magician, Choirs and more…

VERY SPECIAL EVENING GALA

5-11pm

Radisson Hotel – Grand Ballroom

Donation: $50/per person or $450/ table of 10

An inspirational and joyful evening to culminate the event. Buffet Dinner

Dancing and Music by Lovin’Kind -Milwaukee favorite Classic Rock Band

Hear from our 2012 Ambassador and Leukemia Survivor- Tony Navarre

Auction of Special Items and finale of silent auction

Reserve your place for the Gala.  Tickets on Sale Now. Save the day to enjoy
this Holiday Wonderland. Bring the family. Help us reach our goal to support
patients that are fighting Leukemia, Lymphoma and other blood cancers. The life you save, could be someone you know and love.

WANT TO KNOW MORE: www.TreesofHopeWI.org               Facebook/Twitter: Trees of Hope WI

Karen@TreesofHopeWI.org    414-750-1989                                   YouTube
Trees of Hope WI

Karen and Gene Wenzel 2230 Crestview Ct
Wauwatosa, WI
Lindsay’s Voice is a registered public charity in Wisconsin

August 27, 2012 in Blog, In The News by Karen

Save The Date – To Save Lives

Save The Date- To Help Save Lives                                   

• Trees of Hope WI -2012 Celebration and Auction
• Tickets for our Gala – Dinner – Auction – Music Available for reservation and purchase now
   

If you haven’t looked at a calendar lately, you may not have noticed that the 2^nd Annual Trees of Hope WI Celebration and Auction is only a couple months away… Nov 16^th is decorating day, and Sat Nov 17^th is our chance to make a huge difference in the lives of many people that are living with Blood Cancers. You have the opportunity to own and have a fully-decorated tree delivered to you!

Make this a family day.  During the day you can enjoy all the decorated “Themed” Christmas Trees, wreaths, baskets and the many special display items.  Activities will include:  Visits with Santa (and a chance for a photo), face-painting, music by various choirs, magician, and more activities to be added.    A nominal donation of $5/adults  $3/children  (Family pass-$15)       Radisson Hotel-Mayfair has Hotel packages available to stay for a fun weekend!
                                                                              ***************

July 31, 2012 in Blog, In The News, Media by Karen

Meet our 2012 Trees of Hope WI Ambassador- Tony Navarre

This year has gone so fast.  Nov 17^th will be here before we know it-  and we continue to make progress towards our 2^nd Annual Trees of Hope WI Celebration and Auction.

News to report:   On July 3^rd- Lindsay’s Voice, Inc  was officially registered  as a non-profit public charity.
Our mission is clear : To support local patient services and research in Wisconsin for blood cancers. To support and advance the development of less-toxic, more effective cancer treatments. Promote and support Marrow donor registrations and blood drives.  Trees of Hope Wi will be our Signature  Event-  but we encourage people to reach out to us to assist with Marrow donor drives, blood drives, etc.  We’d love to help promote your event.

We are honored, this year, to have met a wonderful man that has touched our hearts. Tony Navarre is our 2012 Trees of Hope WI Ambassador. He is a 30 year old Special Ed Teacher at Mequon/Homestead High School. His wife is Molly and their daughter, Adeline is 2 yrs old.
He has inspired us and we wish to share his story with you.

TONY NAVARRE

In January of 2011, at the age of 29, I knew that something wasn’t right. I was beginning to feel fatigued with everyday tasks that typically were simple for me. I was nauseous and had headaches. I wasn’t eating and my pillow was typically soaking wet when I woke up in the morning from sweating. I continued to work full time as a teacher but went to the doctor numerous times. I was getting prescribed inhalers and antibiotics and given a diagnosis of the flu and walking Pneumonia, as well as a staph infection that wouldn’t heal and asthma. Finally, on March 14^th 2011, I went to the doctor again and, at the urging of my wife Molly, had blood drawn. On March 16^th, at the end of the school day, I received a phone call from the doctor that I needed to get to the Emergency Room at St. Luke’s or Froedtert as soon as possible. He was pretty sure that I had Leukemia. Needless to say, my wife and I were devastated. We had so many questions but we knew that the word “Leukemia” was never a good thing.

I was admitted to St. Luke’s and immediately placed on the MRICU floor. It was nerve-racking to say the least. My condition rapidly worsened over the next few days as I began chemotherapy. It became impossible for me to breathe on my own. By the 21^st of March, I was put into a medically induced coma. The initial intention of placing me in the medically induced coma was to let my lungs recover, but there were numerous complications during this time due to the severity of what had happened within my body. The intended five days in the coma turned in to 24. I was “trached” to allow for an easier weaning off of the breathing machine. I woke up unable to move or talk. I had numerous chest tubes in my body and a tube coming from my neck. I thought I was on a hospital boat in Florida. After recovering in the ICU and on the Cancer floor at St. Luke’s, I was able to go home on May 6^th 2011. I couldn’t believe I had been in a hospital for 50 days straight.

By May 12^th, I was back in the hospital with an extremely high fever. I had Pseudomonas and I was put on the bi-pap machine to assist my breathing but did not need to be intubated this time. I was back to the oncology floor by the 30^th of May. However, my lungs were still in pretty bad shape.

June 20^th was the beginning of another hospital stay and my lungs were so infected they had to do an invasive surgery called a Thoracotomy. There was an infectious build up over an inch think in some places. After removing the breathing tube and the two chest tubes, I was able to again return home by the 29^th of June.

During the month of July, I had another rough battle with fevers and had a VATS procedure to attempt to figure out the reason why my lungs were in such bad shape. Another couple of chest tubes later and I was hoping things could move forward. My first transplant date in August was cancelled because of the danger of going through it with my lungs in such bad shape. I was told that my odds of survival were 50/50 at best if I were to go in for the Bone Marrow Transplant at that time.

September was a rough month consisting lots of hospital stays due to high fevers and infections. I had another VATS procedure to attempt to figure out why my lungs were deteriorating as rapidly as they were. I had two more chest tubes, which brought the total to 12. I told the doctor performing the 2^nd VATS procedure to try to make the scars on each side match so I could be symmetrical. It was important to find the humor in order to get through those tough times.

In October, I had my fifth round of chemotherapy, at which time it was also discovered that I was allergic to the chemotherapy drugs they had been giving me since the beginning. After they figured out the correct concoction of chemotherapy drugs, I was out of the hospital until November 30^th. My transplant was scheduled for December 3^rd. Although difficult, I knew that this was potentially the beginning of a new life for me. After my stay in the BMT, I went to live in a long stay hotel. I was finally able to go home to Port Washington in mid February. From March of 2011 until March of 2012, I was in the hospital each month for a period of time.

Since my bone marrow transplant, I have continuously been improving and getting my life back to my new normal. I had one hospital stay in May for some graft versus host disease issues, but my counts have continually improved and I have been feeling great. I am so happy to be able to watch my baby girl, age 2, grow up and spend time with my family and friends. I will forever be grateful to the individual from Germany who gave me another chance at life by signing up for the National Bone Marrow Registry. Without this individual, it is likely I would not be here today. I realize that my road to full recovery is a long one, yet I am thankful that I have a road. Cancer changed me. I always felt like I appreciated life, but now the appreciation for life is on a whole new level. I remember early on in my diagnosis one of the doctors saying to me, “We will take care of your physical health; it is your responsibility to take care of your mental health. Be positive.” That has stuck with me. To others going through cancer, I leave you with this: Don’t ever give up hope. A little over a year ago, a doctor stated to my family that my chance of survival was 1 on a scale of 1 to 100. Today, I am looking forward to returning to my teaching job in the fall and being a head coach. Life is good and getting better every single day.

We hope that this will help you have an appreciation of the battle that is waged daily by the 1,000′s of children, teens and adults that are fighting Blood Cancers. Please help us fight that battle too.

Lindsay’s Voice, Inc is a registered non-profit Public Charity in WI with a mission to support the Blood Center of WI, BeTheMatch- National Marrow Donor Program, CIBMTR and research to find cures for Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma.
Trees of Hope WI is our Signature Fundraising Event Nov 17, 2012   Radisson Hotel-Milwaukee West (Mayfair)

www.TreesofHopeWI.org

June 2, 2012 in Blog, In The News by Karen

Marrow Donor Registry…What it is and How to Join…Why it is Important!

For most people, the words “you need a bone marrow transplant” will be something they never hear.  But, sadly for many more,  it is a chilling reality.

This is a first-hand report of why Joining the Marrow Donor Registry is so important!   Jake’s Story

Leukemia, Lymphoma, Myeloma – are all in the catagory of “blood cancers”.  The body becomes in-capable of producing healthy white and red blood cells.  Intensive
treatments are needed and many times that is not enough to bring the patient into “remission”.   A bone marrow (or stem cell) transplant is used to give the body the ability to replace the patients damaged marrow from a healthy donor.  But, finding that right “MATCH” is something that is extremely hard to do.  Especially in the case of people with mixed heritages (which is a vast majority).

We are so fortunate to have a National Bone Marrow Donor Program (BE THE MATCH)  that is a resource that can be accessed from all over the world to provide possible matches for cancer patients.   Our daughter, Lindsay, needed a bone marrow donor, and her match was found …
1 perfect match in the world… in Germany.

You too could have the power to save the life of someone, here or somewhere in the world.  It is a simple task to get on the registry. Join the Marrow Donor Registry  There are Marrow Donor Drives being held in locations all over the country (and the world) We need many more people to join the registry. A genetic match is what is important in this type of transplant- so having people from all nationalities on the registry is critical. Every year too many people who need a donor match, can’t find one.

You can be a Hero!   All it takes is a cheek swab.  You can even have a donor packet sent to your home.  Imagine being able to save a life… it is the most amazing experience.

Organizations like:  AbolishCancer.com ,  GiftofLife.org , JeffreysVoice.org   and  TreesofHopeWI.org  are working daily to raise awareness and the urgency for public support of donor registries.

We are willing to help organize a donor drive if you are interested.  Just email or call.

Till Next Time…

Karen Wenzel
Karen@TreesofHopeWi.org

March 16, 2012 in Blog, Media by Karen

Lives are affected daily by Cancer

While we are enjoying a most gorgeous warm spring day here in Milwaukee, there are tens of thousands of people that are fighting for their lives. They may be undergoing Chemotherapy, transfusions, MRI’s, biopsy’s, Radiation or any number of treatments. 
So many are praying for a bone marrow match to give them another chance at life.

Cancer affects more than the patient. The entire family and extended family and friends of the patient all are impacted by this evil disease.  We need to remember daily that when you are next to somebody at the store, work, or anywhere, that anyone can be dealing with the journey of living with cancer. 

We want to help spread the message of how important it is to support all the medical facilities that work night and day to treat and comfort those that are ill.  Don’t forget that even when the weather is nice and there are so many things to enjoy, that there are many that would give anything to just be well.

So I ask….   Donate Blood   The need for blood and blood products continues each and every day. Contact the Blood Center to find out where there are blood drives or schedule to give
Join the Marrow Donor Registry…. it only takes a cheek swab!  There are so many people whose lives depend on a marrow or stem cell donor…and many of them will never find a match.  The more people on the registry, the better chance of saving lives..
Donate what you can to help continue the work being done through the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society, CIBMTR (Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research) Blood Center of WI,  BeTheMatch, and all the medical facilities here and all around the country (and the world)

We will continue to do all we can to help those that are fighting for their lives.  If you wish to join with us, we welcome you. 
Here is the Mission of Trees of Hope WI

Till Next Time…

Karen Wenzel- Chairperson
TreesofHopeWI.org
Karen@TreesofHopeWI.org