{Party Planning} A Sweet 7th Birthday Celebration for Kate McRae!

There once was a little beautiful girl named Kate. A happy, vibrant, gorgeous, blond 5-year old with an amazing sparkle in her eyes. The moment I heard about her story, is the moment she stole my heart. I felt an instant connection to her, likely because my own beautiful little blond daughter is named Kate. Kate McRae has been through what no child should ever have to go through. She was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer in June 2009. {read her story here}

When Kate turned six last December, she was in the hospital undergoing harsh treatments. Her wonderful mom, Holly allowed me to come in and decorate her room, bring gifts and her favorite treats, powdered donuts. Many of my blogging friends and vendors sent goodies for Kate. It was a day that I will never forget. {read about my visit here}



Fast forward, it's been a over a year since that day. Kate has undergone treatment after treatment and miraculously {with the world praying for her} is cancer free. Kate started kindergarten this school year. She is still that happy, vibrant, gorgeous girl that she was before this evil disease took over her little body. Of course, she has repercussions from all of the treatments, but she is here and she is an absolute miracle.

I am honored that Holly asked me to help with Kate's upcoming 7th birthday celebration! What could be a bigger celebration that honoring your child's birthday that you never knew if she would see.

It's a big day.

I would love to ask you for your help! Whether you have a party product or service, or would like to send a gift or donate money to help with the party....I know that many of you have been touched by Kate, and would love nothing more than to help her celebrate this amazing day.

Please email [email protected] if you are interested in helping with Kate's party, which is scheduled for January 29th.

We are creating a new version of our Ice Cream Shoppe Collection for the party in neapolitan colors: pale pink, chocolate brown & white!

{Kate McRae} My Visit to Phoenix Children's Hospital to Decorate on Kate's Birthday

On Kate's birthday, the day after Christmas, I visited Phoenix Children's Hospital to decorate her room and bring her the many wonderful gifts you all sent. It was an emotional experience for me. I was so nervous. To meet her. To meet her parents. When you read Holly's blog (her mom), you feel her emotions, the ups and downs of this trying journey. What do you say? {photo of kate courtesy of ohsoposhphotography}

Her dad, Aaron brought me up to her room, where I wore a cape and mask before entering. He introduced me to Kate, but she wasn't feeling well at all. He explained that she was on many medications, including morphine. She looked right at me for a long time, and her eyes were mesmerizing. Clear, beautiful blue. She was the most gorgeous little girl. I wanted to run over and hug her, and hold her like she was my own. Aaron took her to another room so I could decorate and set up her gifts. I worked quickly and nervously, hanging snowflakes from the ceiling, hanging a gorgeous banner on the window and setting out all of the gifts. Kate's nurses came in and gushed about how cute everything was. Kate's mom, Holly came in, and she was so appreciative of everything. I had an emotional chat with her and Kate's nurse, Erica. I cannot imagine being in Holly's position, yet her strength is undeniable. She is such an amazing mother. I am grateful to have had the chance to tell Holly how she has inspired me personally. Kate is so blessed to have caring, loving parents by her side at every moment of this terrible experience. Kate's nurse deserves a gold medal. What a difficult yet rewarding job she has, caring for these children with cancer. Her heart poured out as she spoke of Kate and her strength. How inspiring this experience was.

Unfortunately, Kate was feeling terrible when she came back in. Holly assured me that once she was feeling better that she would love opening her gifts. I decided it was my time to leave, and as soon as I left the room, the tears started streaming down my face.

Kim, Thank you for the amazing decorations and gifts. Please pass that thanks along to everyone that donated. Late last night Kate felt like opening some gifts so we did. What great things people sent. We are so grateful that so many not even knowing her personally are praying and also doing tangible things to help. It makes the very hard days a little more palatable. So thank you! I am leaving the decorations up!
Much love, Holly

Thank you, Holly for allowing me to do this little thing to help brighten Kate's day.
PLEASE FOLLOW KATE'S JOURNEY HERE &
CONTINUE PRAYING FOR HER RECOVERY!

A HUGE THANK YOU
to all of my readers and friends who sent
the most fabulous decorations, gifts & attire for Kate's special day:
Sally - Polka Dot Market - Gift Buckets, Custom Shirts and Totes for the McRae Family, Polka Dot Leggings, Notecards & More (some items courtesy of Lilybella & Sticker Shop)
Jess - Polka Dots & Pirates - Tutu & Birthday Banner
Kristina - Modern Frills - Snowflake T-shirt
Amy - True Love Found - Snowflake Crown
Mia - Dolce Vita Mia - Crocheted Hats
Jess - Pen 'N Paper Flowers - Aqua & Red Bubble Set
Melissa & Kellie - Icing Designs - Cupcake Stand
Trisha - Daisys & Dots - Aqua & Red Flag Banner
Jill - Pocket Full of Posies - Canvas Artwork
Kara Hartman - American Girl Doll
Kristi Hansen (my BFF) - Snowflake Decorations
Sandi Arata - Oh Baby Shower Decor - Snowflake Banner
Kim -The Celebration Shoppe - Princess Crown & Carriage

Please let me know if I forgot anyone!
There were so many wonderful things to keep track of!

{Fabulous Things} Dolce Vita Mia on Etsy: Gorgeous Headbands, Hats, Bows & More!

Mia from Dolce Vita Mia and I became fast friends after she offered to host an auction back in July, for Kate McRae after reading about Kate here on the blog. Mia is local, and though we haven't met in person yet, she is sweet as can be.

Not only is she sweet, she's also super creative and runs fabulous Etsy shop, Dolce Vita Mia. Dolce Vita Mia carries handmade bows, headbands, hats & onesie sets using gorgeous fabrics including Heather Bailey designs (my fave, also a local).

I recently reached out to Mia and asked if she would be willing to design a hat to match Kate McRae's snowflake t-shirt (via Modern Frills) for her upcoming birthday. Of course, sweet Mia said yes and sent me not one, but two hats for Kate.

After she posted the hats, she created a headband in the same color scheme, which I promptly had her hold for me to purchase for Marley, my BFF's one year old (snowflake party this weekend)! It is ADORABLE! While I was shopping there, I decided to pick up one of her vintage inspired flower headbands as a little treat for myself! It's darling! Check these out...mine is the one in the top left corner...
Because I was shopping on Black Friday (I knew there was a freebie involved that day in her shop), Mia was kind enought to send me a fabulous freebie...a set of pink satin ribbon clips with rhinestone details! These are so perfect for my daughter...I LOVE them!
You probably get my point by now, but I had to share this fabulous Etsy shop & owner with you! Now, go visit her and get some gifts or treat yourself to a little something! You deserve it!

Thank you, Mia for your support for Kate McRae.
Read more about Kate here.

Find Mia ~ Dolce Vita Mia:

BLOG

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

SHOP

{Kate McRae} Sweet 6th Snowflake Birthday Celebration!

If you read this blog, you know that I've been moved by Kate McRae's story. I follow her mom, Holly's blog but often wait a few days between reading because it upsets me so much.

Kristina from Modern Frills emailed me offered to create a custom shirt for Kate's upcoming birthday. Kristina's email sparked the idea of contacting Holly to see if I could help with Kate's birthday celebration. I had always wanted to reach out to Holly, but I really never knew what to say. Holly accepted my offer and without trying to be overbearing, I offered to do whatever I could...decorate, cupcakes, a special outfit, photography, gifts, anything to make Kate's day special. I sent her links to my most popular parties, and Kate chose the Red/Aqua Snowflake party! It is likely that Kate will be in the hospital for her birthday. I will just follow Holly's lead with how she wants to celebrate. If she wants to wait until she is home, or do something to celebrate in the hospital.

In the meantime, Kristina with Modern Frills designed this PERFECT snowflake shirt for Kate. Isn't it gorgeous? The quality is exceptional and Kristina was so efficient and a pleasure to work with on this. Visit her SHOP to see more of her adorable designs!

I have several other offers to help with the party, and I will post more as things progress!
If you would have an item you think would fit with this theme, or would like to send a birthday gift for Kate, please email me at [email protected]!

Thank you, Kristina for this wonderful idea.
I hope we can help make Kate's birthday celebration her best yet!

While You're Christmas Shopping....PLEASE REMEMBER TO GRAB ONE FOR....

Kate's Crazy Cool Christmas Toy Drive!
I mentioned Kate's Crazy Cool Christmas last week, and the effort is now in full swing!

{please copy this icon for your own blog,
and link to: http://www.prayforkate.com/}

If you are new to my blog, Kate McRae is a local 5-year old battling a brain tumor. Her story has touched my life. I have hosted several auctions, along with others for her benefit. I recently reached out with Holly, Kate's mom and offered my help with this toy drive, as well as Kate's upcoming birthday party. The McRae family is collecting Christmas gifts for ALL of the children in the oncology unit at Phoenix Children's Hospital.

A new {amazing} website was just launched at http://www.prayforkate.com/, read her story, see her sweet face, and get details on what toys they are hoping for and where to send them.

I just helped create a Facebook Fan Page for Kate's Crazy Cool Christmas.
Please become a fan, visit and leave your thoughts and comments for the McRae family!

VISIT KATE'S CRAZY COOL CHRISTMAS
FACEBOOK PAGE HERE

As you start shopping for your holiday gifts, please remember to pick up something extra for this amazing cause! Please share with your family and friends, so we can help make this effort a successful one!
Thank you in advance, my sweet readers!

Kate McRae: Santa's Coming and Kate's Helping!

"Continue to pray that somehow, Kate will keep dancing through her treatments......." ~ Holly McRae in her latest entry.

{photo above used with permission from oh so posh photography}
I haven't mentioned Kate McRae lately, but she is on my mind all of the time. I have to admit that I cannot read her mom's blog entries everyday, because I can't handle even reading what she is going through without the tears flowing. I read it about once a week when I am alone. I can honestly say that this little girl has changed my life. Her situation makes me appreciate what is most important in my life (my family), and nothing else matters. When I lay my own kids down to bed, I think of Kate and thank my lucky stars that my own babies are healthy and happy. My heart breaks into a million pieces for Kate and her family.

The holiday boutique I participated in last weekend was at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship in Chandler. This is the church that the McRaes are members of, and where Kate's father works. A magazine was handed out at the boutique....and there she was on the cover, sweet Kate. A smiling, beautiful little girl with a brain tumor. There's that pit again in my throat.

Despite their own needs, the McRae family is organizing a toy drive for ALL of the children at the hospital where Kate receives treatment. How's that for thinking of others? It's so cute, they are calling it "Kate's Crazy Cool Christmas" and YOU CAN HELP! If you would like to donate a toy(s), please contact me, or view the post on 11/8 for a list of what items are suggested. I would be happy to collect them from you and drop them off all together, or you can ship directly to:
Cornerstone Christian Fellowship
c/o Kate's Crazy Cool Christmas
2211 E. Pecos Road, Suite 2
Chandler, AZ 85225

Also, I recently connected with Holly (Kate's mom) and she has taken me up on the offer to make Kate's birthday party items! Kate's birthday is the day after Christmas. I hate to even write this, but all I can think is...what would it feel like to wonder if this birthday would be your child's last? The thought devastates me. I would love to help make Kate's birthday celebration special, even if it has to be in the hospital. If you have a product/gift that you would like to send to Kate, please email me. Modern Frills has already offered to design a t-shirt for Kate to match the party goods I create (thank you!). Kate will be 6 years old.

{tomkat studio photo from my kate's lollipop party}

I will do whatever I can to help make this little girl smile.
I hope to one day have the pleasure of meeting her and her amazing family.

Visit www.PrayforKate.com to read Holly's inspiring posts and updates on Kate's treatment and progress.

New Auction to Benefit Kate McRae - Amy Butler Bib & Burp Cloth from Amy Rose Designs

It is so wonderful to hear from other people who want to do what they can to support the McRae family. If you haven't read about Kate McRae, a local Gilbert 5-year old in the hospital with cancer, please READ about her here. I hosted an auction for a custom party package a couple weeks ago, and since many others have done the same. I am gathering the proceeds and will be purchasing gift cards for the family next week. Sandra, the creator of Amy Rose Designs and Bloome clothing, saw my tweet about the last auction for a dress by Jaime at BusyBizzyB and offered to auction a matching bib & burp cloth from her collection (shown above).

PLEASE visit Sandra's blog to bid on the auction HERE!

Visit Amy Rose Designs Etsy shop HERE

New Auction to Benefit Kate McRae - Sweet Dress

Jaime from Busy Bizzy B, offered to auction off this adorable onesie dress (size 12 months) made with Amy Butler fabrics (my fave!) to benefit little Kate McRae. If you aren't familiar with Kate's story, you can read my posts here and here. After being on vacation last week, I caught up on the lastest post on her mom's journal today. The heartbreak continues as Kate has started chemotherapy. A recent video captures a day in Kate's life now. Extremely different from what her life was just a month ago, I'm sure. Please keep this little angel in your thoughts and prayers.

To enter the auction, please visit Jaime's BLOG HERE

Visit Jaime's Etsy Shop HERE

Kate McRae: Auction Results

Thank you so much to all of you who bid on my party package auction to benefit Kate McRae. Congratulations to Brooke Meyenberg from Jackaroo Love blog, who placed the highest bid of $200. I want to also say thank you to everyone who is supporting this family and praying for this little girl.

This is an excerpt from Kate's mom's post today, and it brought tears to my eyes reading it..

Today we realized Kate was really processing what was going on around her and to her. We stopped as I was pushing her in the hallway and she asked "Mommy, am I going to be bald?" We were waiting to have this conversation a little further down the road with the Child Life Specialists. She wasn't going to wait. So there in the middle of the hallway, I sat down and tried to explain to her why the kids were on this floor, and why most of them lost their hair. And that yes, we were pretty sure she would lose hers. She began to wimper and say "no, no, i don't want to". My heart broke knowing her anxiety, and yet also knowing the battle was over so much more than her losing her hair. We did assure her that hair grows back. She seemed a little more at ease knowing that. But some days it is so difficult to tell what her little 5 year old mind is all thinking. So pray for her anxieties. She is a thinker, and I know by her question that none of this has escaped her. Innocence stolen.

Follow Kate's progress HERE

Kate McRae: Family Photography Session Auction from Live. Love. Photography

My friend, Tina with Live. Love. Photography has generously offered to host an auction on her blog for a family photo session. All proceeds will go directly to Kate McRae & family. Tina is a very talented photographer in the Phoenix area, and this is a great opportunity to secure your family photo session for your holiday cards!

Retail value of the photo session is $300. The minimum bid will be $100.

Auction begins Thursday, July 16th at 9:00am and ends Monday, July 20th at 9pm MST.

Please visit her blog for rules/details!

COMMENT HERE on her blog to bid!

Kate McRae: Party Package Auction - Latest Bids!

THANK YOU for your support!

I was so happy to wake up to 3 new bids!

The party package is now at retail value!

$150

7/15 8:41am

Interested in bidding?

PLEASE COMMENT HERE!

Also, please feel free to grab the button above, that my friend Andra created. Add it to your blog sidebar to show support for Kate. You can link it to:

http://www.prayforkate.com/

Kate McRae: Auction from Dolce Vita Mia

One of my local Twitter friends, and fellow Etsy seller, Dolce Vita Mia generously offered to auction one of her adorable onesie sets!She picked my very favorite one from her collection! It is made with Heather Bailey fabric and includes a onesie & matching hair clippie. All proceeds will go directly to the McRae family.

PLEASE visit her blog ASAP to BID on this item!

Perfect for baby shower gift, or for your own little one!

Thank you, Mia for your support!!

Visit the Dolce Vita Mia Etsy SHOP HERE

Kate McRae: Party Package Auction - Bid Now!

LASTEST BID AMOUNT: $200.00

Updated: 7/16 12:35am
(check comments for new bids before bidding!)

The McRae family needs your prayers, for their daughter Kate. This story really hit home for me, so I decided that I would auction a party package, with every penny of the proceeds going directly to this family. Even though they may only be asking for prayers at this point, they have a long road ahead and people around the world are supporting them. Let's do our part!

Starting today, I am auctioning a custom party package from The TomKat Studio that includes:

25 custom invitations - 5x7 flat

25 coordinating thank you cards

50 return address labels

24 cupcake toppers

24 favor tags

(retail value: approx. $150)

Minimum bid for this party package is $50. Payment to be made via Paypal within 48 hours of acceptance of bid, or package will be awarded to the next highest bidder. Highest bidder will have 6 months to redeem the party package.

TO BID, PLEASE COMMENT BELOW!

If you would prefer not to bid publicly, please email me at [email protected] and I will keep track of the bidding. Bidding opens Tuesday, July 14th at 10:15am and ends Friday, July 17th at 9pm. Time will marked automatically when the comment is posted. No comments/emails will be considered after this deadline.

If you would like to donate directly to the McRae family or host an auction of your own, please email me at [email protected] and I will make sure that they receive whatever it is you would like to give! If you would like to host an auction of your own, I will write about it here on my blog and link to your auction. Email me for details! I already have 4 people willing to auction products/services with the proceeds going to the McRae family. I will post them soon!

In the meantime, please PRAY FOR KATE! Read updates HERE.

Pray for Kate: TomKat Studio Party Package Auction

You probably read my post about little Kate McRae, a local 5 year old girl recently diagnosed with brain cancer. One of my readers sent me the link to her story and it really broke my heart. During my "Birthday Week" giveaways, one of the commenters said that if she wins, she would like her prized auctioned for the benefit of Kate McRae. I've been trying to think of something I could do to help this family, and this comment sparked an idea for me.

I am putting together a post to auction off one of my complete customized party packages, and the proceeds will go directly to Kate's family in the form of gift cards. Although the family didn't request it, with the outpouring of people wanting to help, there is currently a fund being setup for their benefit.

Here's how the Auction will work....

Bidding will begin on Tuesday, July 14th 9:30am and end Friday, July 17th at 9pm.

I will be putting together a post shortly describing the party package that will be auctioned and the minimum bid required. I promise it will be filled with fabulous items!

If you have a product or service that you would be willing to auction for the benefit of Kate, please contact me!

Please spread the word about the auction! If you would like to donate a gift card or money to go towards purchasing gift cards for the family, please email me at [email protected]. My customer/friend, Andra has a direct connection to the family and will make sure it goes directly to them.