Fighting the Monster

19 April 2013
Meet Taten - the bravest little boy I know.  Taten is in grade 2 at my daughters' school; his younger sister is in my youngest daughter's class.  Taten's mom is an EA at my daughters' school; she has worked in my oldest daughter's class.  She is also a good friend of mine.

Taten was just diagnosed with cancer.  

His fight began less than two weeks ago when doctors found a tumor in his leg.  Today he is in surgery to have his port put in place, and will have his first round of chemo.  Taten and his family have to travel to a hospital almost 8 hours away every three weeks for the next nine months to receive treatment.  

I cannot even begin to imagine the nightmare his mother is going through, but I knew I had to help in whatever way I could.

This weekend, I'm having a sale at my TeachersPayTeachers store and I'm donating every single penny to the family.  All day Saturday and Sunday (April 20th - 21st), all my teaching resources will be on sale.  I hope you will be able to find something to help you in your classroom, and help this family at the same time.  Please click on the link above, or in my left sidebar to visit my store.  And if you can, please share this post. 

A few days ago, his mother wrote about her love for her son and promised him that she would hold his hand every step of the way.  Well, hold on tight Marnie, but know that we're all behind you, holding your other hand.






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25 comments

  1. EmilyApril 20, 2013 at 12:16 AM

    Praying and will go shopping :)

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  2. Third Grade Is The Place To BeApril 20, 2013 at 4:33 AM

    Thanks for sharing. I filled up my cart with cootie catchers, smart board activities, and your cute magic ball quiz. Please keep us updates on sweet Taten.
    Joanne

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  3. Brandee GreenApril 20, 2013 at 5:50 AM

    I'll be praying for this family and I am heading over to your store right now.

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  4. iloveknittingApril 20, 2013 at 7:48 AM

    Thoughts and prayers going out to you all! Shopping is now on the agenda this weekend :) Jen

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  5. rebelshopeApril 20, 2013 at 9:02 AM

    I love your resources. My group of third and fourth graders were literally rolling on the floor after using your fairy tales drama circle. We did it three times, and they still wanted to do more. I also love your fans. I have been buying so many things on tpt that I told myself I needed to hold off for a bit, but that sweet little boy above and all my kiddo's reactions to the drama circles and ... well payday is in a few days. :) I hope the best for Taten.

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  6. Ms. DunnApril 20, 2013 at 9:12 AM

    Please hug this sweet boy for me and his family, too. I personally have been down the cancer road, so my heart is with them. On my way to highlight on my FB page. Thank you for doing this for them. <3

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  7. Ms. DunnApril 20, 2013 at 9:23 AM

    Had to come back here and comment again. Just bought the set of Koosh ball activities for the smart board. I am getting one next year and basically have no clue how to work one. I can already see that this is going to be a LIFESAVER!!

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  8. HoJoApril 20, 2013 at 10:09 AM

    The kindness of teacher-bloggers such as yourself never ceases to amaze me! What you are doing for this little boy and his family is incredibly kind. I'm going to share this out AND buy some stuff myself. :)

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  9. AnonymousApril 20, 2013 at 11:11 AM

    Heading over to your store to support the cause and score some of your items that I've been stalking!

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  10. hkubinApril 20, 2013 at 11:55 AM

    Just downloaded all of your items that were on my Wish List and then added a few more :) Love and prayers for Taten! What a great way to help support this family AND get some useful resources for my classroom :)

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  11. AnonymousApril 20, 2013 at 12:56 PM

    Hey, would you be able to e-mail me your first name and the date you created the interactive math journal? I have been doing my thesis on integrating literacy in the math classroom. I have used the interactive math journals during my study within my classroom and I want to be sure to give you credit for your creation. Thank you so much! (sarahweber09@att.net)

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  12. UnknownApril 20, 2013 at 1:40 PM

    I am going to go shop right now. I understand what you are feeling. I have a cancer survivor in class this year, and we have a young lady in another 4th grade classroom who began her fight against The Monster in November.

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  13. UnknownApril 20, 2013 at 2:28 PM

    Wow, thanks for sharing about this. I'm on my to shop. Sending my thoughts and prayers...

    Tracey
    Third Grade All Stars

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  14. Cindy ForemanApril 20, 2013 at 2:39 PM

    I'm moving back to 4th grade next year after teaching kindergarten this year so I just purchased some resources for my 4th grade class for next year! I will also pray for this little man and his battle that lies ahead. God bless him and his family, and God bless you for helping them!

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  15. Collaboration CutiesApril 20, 2013 at 3:54 PM

    Hey Jen,
    I saw Kristen's post about you and Taten and I had your fans on my wishlist and totally forgot. I just bought all 5. I hope it helps! What a sweet gesture you are doing! I will be praying for Taten and his family!

    Amanda
    Collaboration Cuties

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    Replies
    1. Collaboration CutiesApril 25, 2013 at 6:05 AM

      I just wanted to let you know we posted about you today...I hope that's ok...

      :O)
      Amanda
      Collaboration Cuties

      Delete
  16. Jennifer LaffinApril 20, 2013 at 4:21 PM

    What a wonderful way to support Taten and his family. I gave your project a shout out on my blog today and am heading to TPT right now to do some shopping. Blessings to all!

    Jennifer
    Mrs. Laffin's Laughings

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  17. BethApril 20, 2013 at 7:20 PM

    I just blogged about this and then went shopping! Sending all sorts of good thoughts.
    Beth
    Thinking of Teaching

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  18. Runde's RoomApril 20, 2013 at 11:39 PM

    Just stopping in to say a HUGE thank-you to everyone for their support, prayers, and generosity. You are AMAZING, and have truly touched my heart.

    Jen

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  19. AnonymousApril 21, 2013 at 12:50 AM

    I'd love to donate the proceeds from my store this weekend as well. Is there a website with a donate link set up for Taten?

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  20. TerriApril 21, 2013 at 12:08 PM

    Jen, You are an amazing, caring person. I just posted this on my facebook page and now I am off to shop for some of your AWESOME items.
    Cheers,
    Terri
    Terri's Teaching Treasures

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  21. GinaLynneApril 21, 2013 at 5:43 PM

    After reading your blog, I went straight to your store and ordered several items. My thoughts and prayers will be with Taten and his family. What a blessing to them to have kind and compassionate friends like you. Please keep us posted about Taten.

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  22. Casey WigginsApril 21, 2013 at 6:29 PM

    I am heading to your store now. Definitely keep us posted and let us know if more help is needed. Children, especially second graders, are near and dear to my heart. :)

    Casey
    Second Grade Math Maniac

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  23. Elementary AMCApril 21, 2013 at 8:23 PM

    Sending prayers and good thoughts to your friend and her son. I am off to your store right now, happy to help out even in this small way. I think that this is an incredible act of friendship and support you are offering to this family. Thanks for letting us all be a part of it.

    Looking From Third to Fourth

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  24. Jen BellingerApril 23, 2013 at 9:34 AM

    We could do a Thirty-one Gifts fundraiser for your friend's son. Contact me and let me know what you think.

    Jen B
    Niagara Falls

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