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Some BTB News
Cody Neilson, the 4 yr. old boy pictured above from one of the families we helped this year is still waging his war with Histocytosis (a white blood cell disease, akin to cancer) since 2 months of age and is currently undergoing his 3rd round of chemotherapy. Little is known about his disease, affecting only 1 in 200,000. We pray that his condition will go into remission, but his outlook is uncertain. Cody is an amazing little boy who has shown nothing but strength and bravery throughout his many treatments, doctor visits, hospital stays and surgeries. In addition to Histiocytosis, he was just recently diagnosed with Von Willebrand's Disease, a form of Hemophilia. He underwent another surgery for this in October to minimize the very severe, and frequent, bloody noses he has been enduring. He will need to be treated for this disease his entire life as there is no cure for it. He is an inspiration to all of us in that no matter how sickly he feels, he always has a smile on his face and story that either melts our hearts or makes us laugh hysterically. Cody is looking forward to Christmas with his brother Sean Thomas and has his letter to Santa written and ready to go! We pray that his first wish "to get better and stop chemotherapy" is granted. Please keep this little guy in your prayers and thoughts during this Holiday season as the Neilson family prepares for a better 2011. 
Jake Spachner, whose family we helped in 2009, turned 6 this past July, graduated from Kindergarten in June and went to Disney World for his "Make a Wish" this past May.
He also had a rough summer and battled some health issues but came through them a stronger fighter, if that's possible for this brave, brave boy! He's completed year 2 of his leukemia struggles and the family is preparing for this critical 3rd year of remission. They thank everyone for your prayers and support!
Sally's Studio has been a tremendous success, recently reaching it's 4th month of weekly art therapy for patients at Lutheran General's Cancer Care facility. We recently attended their Open House with over 100 friends, doctors, nurses and patients! Check out their new web-site - www.sallysstudio.net and sign up for their newsletter.
Chris Errera - our miniature golfer - who has helped us by playing piano on the course for the last 2 years has had a fruitful yet crazy summer! - He's released his first album (which is beautiful, moving and inspirational - just like Chris!)
- Been featured on WGN-TV and a Milwaukee TV News station
- In a few weeks is releasing an exclusive single where 100% of the proceeds will go to help Shriners Hospital
- Has a documentary about his life and the obstacles he's overcome in final consideration for inclusion at the Sundance Film Festival in 2011
- Will be heard tonight and this weekend on FM 87.7 - Chicago's Smooth Jazz. station
Buy his incredible album - tell him Tom and Bill sent you and he'll donate $2.50 to our Foundation and find out more about Chris at www.chriserrera.com
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