UPDATE

It's been quiet since the big Fat Cats event.  Macey has been taking it easy at the house and letting her body recover from her 5 weeks of treatments.  She seems to be more up in spirits and when we help her walk she feels stronger.  It looks as though she steps more with her right leg now rather than pulling it around like she was doing.  We are all waiting patiently for some signs of improvement.  Her docs have all said there is no set time of when or how quickly she will regain some or all of her mobility in her right side.  It's mostly a watch and wait game.  So that's what we have been doing, watching and waiting. 

Macey continues to get stronger and we still truly believe the outpouring of love she receives everyday is key in her healing process.  Her mental state is good but she still has moments of weakness when everything hits her.  The way you survive an ordeal like this is by keeping your focus off of what is wrong or the negativity associated with this disease.  You can't help but think about it sometimes though and it's those moments that really test a persons will and mental strength.  Macey's ability to stay focused takes an inner strength that is so incomprehensible that her will alone transcends the power of Cratus.  She has been called a hero by many of her friends and family.  I am her father and she is definitely my hero.  We will continue to love her, support her and keep her "will" iron clad.

Hoodies:  Just wanted to let everyone know too that the hoodies you ordered are being completed and we should have them next week.  We'll start contacting you all as soon as they are done.  Thanks for being patient. 

Tomorrow Macey goes in for an MRI and we will give you all an update afterwards.

Thanks everyone!

Fat Cats was a Success!

Amazing turn out at Fat Cats.  I can't tell you how happy Macey and our family is about the turn out last night.  It was so incredible to see all of the love and support for Macey.  Macey couldn't have been more happy and touched by each and everyone of you for being there.  There were even people we didn't know coming by to show their support for Macey.  Last night epitomized the true beauty of the human spirit and the gifts and donations were selfless acts of kindness and love.  Even though I didn't know everyone there, I'm quite certain Macey and my daughters knew almost everyone.  I would like to personally thank the following people for going out of their way to make this event happen and for the wonderful donations and support.

Fat Cats - For setting up the rooms, donating some of the prizes and accommodating our requests and giving us a place to make this all happen.  Thank you Christie and Rachel.

Hazen Photography - For bringing the breathtakingly beautiful framed prints of our girls.  For those of you who didn't know, those beautiful works of art were created, printed and framed literally hours before the event.  Hazen Photography was gracious and kind to do this for Macey and Maranda and we are thankful beyond words.  As you can see too, their work and those photos say it all.  In this case a picture is worth a thousand words.  And our family would like to say a thousand thank you's to Teresa and Ryne Hazen and all those involved in creating those works of art so quickly.

97.1 ZHT and the Morning Zoo - For helping us to promote the benefit for Macey.  They were more than willing to help out and even let us come to the studio to talk about the event on the radio.  So thanks again Frankie, DB, and Jess!

My Family - I would like to thank my wife and daughters for putting this together and for dealing with their impatient Dad when things got a bit stressful towards the end.  You are all beautiful, understanding, patient and the perfect balance of making our family so special.  I love you all!

And last and most importantly, our family and friends! - The Miracle Moo benefit wouldn't have been successful without each and everyone of you.  Thank you for being supportive, thank you for loving my daughter and thank you for the very generous donations.  It will help Macey so much. 

The Travelers - The Cheney family for driving so far, even though you were all exhausted.  Again, no words to describe how thankful we are for you.  Macey loves you all so much and your presence meant the world to her.  Also, Marty Lewis from work who drove a long way with his little girl to show support for my family.  Marty and the guys in the lab where I work are awesome.  So thanks to all of you!

We will continue to fight this terrible disease with Macey and with the love and support we have behind us, Macey's Unyielding strength, determination, and positive attitude, there is only one possible outcome.  Victory!  We will win, we will beat this and we will never accept anything less...

Audrianna Cole, Angela, Amber, Macey and Dad trying to fix

the Wheelchair, moments before I about tore my finger off.. 

Macey, Mom and Kylah on the far right sitting next to

the beautiful prints Hazen Photography donated.

Flyer for Fat Cats - Print and Bring with you!!

If you plan on coming to Fat Cats this Friday the 21st, here is the flyer you need to bring.  It's not a must but it makes it easier for Fat Cats to track who showed up for Macey.  If you can't print it, just be sure and mention you are there for the Miracle Moo event.  So here's the flyer.  See you all there!!

Just click on flyer to enlarge, then right click and then click "save picture as" and save it to your pictures or desktop.  After that, open the file and print.  Thanks!

Donation Address Update!

Ok, as we promised we have the PO Box set up for anyone wanting to send donations for Macey.  The address is as follows:

Macey Steckelberg
PO Box 588
Roy, UT 84067

Thank you all so much!  We are getting excited for Friday!  Don't Forget, Fat Cats in Ogden from 6 p.m. until midnight.  Mitternacht if you're German.  Hope to see you all there!!

BIG Announcement!!

Audrianna Cole

We are trying to get Audrianna Cole to come out to Fat Cats on Friday.  She just finished her Christmas album which will be exclusively sold at Neiman Marcus stores.  Audri is good friends with Macey and our family and we know she will be on the radio in mainstream rotation within the year.  So if you want to be up close and personal with a superstar, now is your chance.  This isn't confirmed yet but we are confident Audri will make an appearance.  Another reason to come to Fat Cats.  We look forward to seeing you all there and we are excited that Audri may make an appearance.  Google her, Facebook her, YouTube her, she is doing a lot of exciting stuff.  I will leave a link to one of her songs/videos. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59h2QuZwPhg

Just a Reminder. Fat Cats on Friday! Don't MISS THIS!!

 

2261 Kiesel Ave Ogden, UT

(Just off of Washington Blvd and 23rd St)

Date: Friday October 21st, 2011

Time: 6:00 p.m. until Midnight

Hey Everyone!  Just wanted to let you all know that we are holding a benefit/fund raiser for Macey this Friday, October 21st at Fat Cats in Ogden!  If you haven't been there, it's a great time and full of games, activities, bowling, arcades, etc.  It's a great family place and fun for all ages.  So please come join us.  It starts at 6:00 p.m. and ends at midnight.  Bring your kids, friends, anyone and MAKE SURE you say you are there for the Miracle Moo benefit.  If you don't let them know you are there for Macey, she will not get credit for your attendance, plus we are going to be giving away some incredible stuff!  So if you say you are there for the Miracle Moo benefit, they will give you a raffle ticket.  Must be present to win.  This would be a great time for anyone and everyone that knows us to come say hi, come see Macey and show her your love and support.  It would mean so much to her and the rest of us to see all of our family and friends.  We will have her t-shirts and hoodies there for sale and her stickers too.  All of the proceeds will go to Macey and deposited in an account set up at America first CU on her behalf.

ALSO...  Friday the 21st is Macey and Maranda's birthday too!  So come out and wish them both Happy Birthday!  This will be a double whammy event!  We are going to have a great time!  Also, if you want to eat at Costa Vida right next to Fat Cats, please let them know as well that you are with the Miracle Moo fund raiser and they will donate a portion of the nights proceeds to Macey. 

Please, everyone come out!   It will be such a great time!  Hope to see you all there..

THANK YOU HAVEN ESTATES!!

The Tree of Life

So one of our wonderful neighbors and good friends Angie Swift stopped by tonight and gave Macey a Dappled Willow tree.  The tree was aptly named "The Tree of Life".  As instructed by our awesome neighbors, we are to plant the tree somewhere special and watch it grow healthy and strong, just like Macey will do.  The tree was beautifully decorated with gifts, all of which Macey loved!  Our subdivision is called "Haven Estates".  Even though I know there were many others who donated and didn't leave their names, we want to thank everyone of you for helping Macey through this trying time.  A special thank you to Angie Swift, The McGavins, The Mclellans, and Country Gardens Nursery for the beautiful tree.  We took a picture of it, and it really doesn't do it justice because it was breathtakingly beautiful.  Macey was very touched and so happy that so many people, even those she doesn't know, have shown her so much support and so much love.  Thank you neighbors!  We love you too!
 

Macey and her Family,
Ken, Angela, Erica, Alyssa
Maranda & Kylah.

A BIG thanks to The Morning Zoo on 97.1 ZHT!

Macey and our family wanted to send out a HUGE thank you to Frankie, DB, and Jess from the Morning Zoo.  Our family has listened to this incredibly entertaining trio for a very long time.  Since the girls were young and Angie was driving them to school, we have listened to the program.  These guys (and gals) are incredibly funny, real, down to earth DJ's and hands down have the best morning show in Utah.  We wrote them about Macey and they responded to us within a matter of minutes (on a Sunday nonetheless), about posting information regarding Macey and her Fat Cats event on their website, along with saying some very sweet, very kind words in support of her.  You guys seriously rock!

Listen in on Friday morning around 9:45 a.m.  We might be live on air talking in person to the Morning Zoo about Macey and her event that evening. 

Thanks for everything ZHT!!!   

Donation Information for Macey

We've had several people ask about how to make donations to Macey.  For those who can't attend her event on friday or just want to contribute to Macey's cause, we have an account set up at America First Credit Union.  Any America first will accept donations.  The account is under Macey's name "Macey Steckelberg".  If you aren't near an Amercia first or out of state we will have a PO Box address set up tomorrow where you can send donations.  If any of you are PayPal users, you can also send to paypal.  The PayPal email address is contrablues@gmail.com.  So there you have it!  We really hope to see everyone at Fat Cats this Friday the 21st.  If not, keep Macey Moo in your prayers.  Thank you everyone for your wonderful support! 

Finally got Macey on a boat!

Well it's a measly 4 days after 5 weeks of intensive Radiation and chemo therapy and Macey is doing great!  Our Macey Moo was feeling good enough to come out with us and enjoy a day that could only be described as an artist's rendering of a perfect fall day.  Today was magnificent!  It was so beautiful.  Mother Nature at her finest, showing off her colors with breathtaking water, skies,  and mountains. Mother Nature today, like our daughter Macey, were both pulchritudinous!  Macey was glad to get out of the house and it couldn't have been a better day for her to do it.  We found a nice little cove on the lake, anchored down and sat and enjoyed the scenery.  It felt wonderful having Macey with us finally.  It's been a day long overdue.  We are truly blessed and blessed beyond words.  The fact the we are spending such a glorious day with our daughter and enjoying each others company, personifies the fragility of life and the power of existence.  We are thankful for every day and our family will never live another day without making sure we respect the power of life and the tranquility of love.

Macey and Family

Our Beautiful Daughter!

It's not a painting, it's real

Come to Macey's Fund Raiser at FAT CATS in Ogden next Friday!!

2261 Kiesel Ave Ogden, UT

(Just off of Washington Blvd and 23rd St)

Date: Friday October 21st, 2011

Time: 6:00 p.m. until Midnight

Hey Everyone!  Just wanted to let you all know that we are holding a benefit/fund raiser for Macey next Friday, October 21st at Fat Cats in Ogden!  If you haven't been there, it's a great time and full of games, activities, bowling, arcades, etc.  It's a great family place and fun for all ages.  So please come join us.  It starts at 6:00 p.m. and ends at midnight.  Bring your kids, friends, anyone and MAKE SURE you say you are there for the Miracle Moo benefit.  If you don't let them know you are there for Macey, she will not get credit for your attendance, plus we are going to be giving away some incredible stuff!  So if you say you are there for the Miracle Moo benefit, they will give you a raffle ticket.  Must be present to win.  This would be a great time for anyone and everyone that knows us to come say hi, come see Macey and show her your love and support.  It would mean so much to her and the rest of us to see all of our family and friends.  We will have her t-shirts and hoodies there for sale and her stickers too.  All of the proceeds will go to Macey and deposited in an account set up at America first CU on her behalf.

ALSO...  Friday the 21st is Macey and Maranda's birthday too!  So come out and wish them both Happy Birthday!  This will be a double whammy event!  We are going to have a great time!  Also, if you want to eat at Costa Vida right next to Fat Cats, please let them know as well that you are with the Miracle Moo fund raiser and they will donate a portion of the nights proceeds to Macey. 

Please, everyone come out!   It will be such a great time!  Hope to see you all there..

Radiation.... COMPLETE!!

So yesterday was a pinnacle moment in Macey's ongoing treatment.  She completed her radiation!  She was excited the entire week leading up to this day and you can't blame her.  This is a huge relief for her and the rest of us.  Even though we know the treatments were very much needed, the day in and day out routine of going to the hospital started to wear on us all.  But, like the true hero she has become to so many people, she braved her way through the last appointment.  Even more amazing is you hardly ever heard her complain.  She just wanted to get it done, get it over with, and start getting better.  She has done so well her spirit and courage literally transcend anything definable.  We are proud of her and love her so much.

Also, we are so profoundly thankful for the staff in the radiology department at McKay Dee.  You have all been so very nice and so helpful with Macey.  It's not hard facing such an arduous task when you're greeted with wonderful smiling faces and warm, fun personalities every day.  And thank you from all of us for the gifts and flowers you gave Macey as she was wheeled out of her last visit with you.  You brought tears of joy to her eyes and all of us.  Thank you for making it easier for her and thank you for being so thoughtful.

Now, Macey gets her month-long break.  A little R and R is definitely in order.  She is really beat and the treatment's have taken a toll on her.  But I must reiterate, she has done so well and looks better than any of us could have ever imagined.  I think too that her health and diet have played a HUGE role in this.  We have her on an incredibly healthy diet and she juices at least twice a day.  We're talking vegetable drinks that only someone very brave like Macey could consume.  Imagine if you will, a drink containing the fresh juices of Kale, Spinach, Celery, Jalapeno, Bell Pepper, Carrots, Green Apples, radishes, ginger root, cucumber and garlic.  The fruit drinks were much more appetizing and usually more like a dessert, but very very healthy.  Juicing is a chore and takes a lot of prep, cutting, cleaning of the veggies before they are juiced.  Hats off to Macey's twin Maranda for being our juicing pro.  She makes the majority of the juices and has been adamant about Macey drinking them each and every day.  Macey does so with a smile and loves all of them.  You can see it in her smile, her eyes, her skin and her attitude.  There are incredible powers in natures foods.  Even if you aren't sick, juicing is a very powerful thing.  Try it, we are believers now. 

So now the family takes a break.  We relax.  We enjoy the serenity of having nothing to do and nowhere to go.  We are looking forward to it.  Especially Macey.  She needs it more than anyone.  It will take her a little bit to recover from all of this, but we're hoping to see some improvements very soon...

A Scary Relief

Well as most of you know, Macey is an identical twin.  On our last visit to the Huntsman Cancer Institute they brought something to our attention that they were waiting for the right timing to tell us.  Since Macey is an identical twin, just for peace of mind and to be sure, they asked us if her twin Maranda would be willing to do an MRI to make sure she is ok.  We had already pondered this and wondered if it wouldn't be a good idea.  So the doctors wrote us a prescription for the MRI.  Yesterday, Maranda went into the giant tube at McKay Dee Hosptital and had two scans performed, one without and one with contrasting dye.  To our relief, she was clear.  No problems, no tumors.  Whew!  I honestly think I would have found a very tall, very rocky cliff and tossed myself over the edge.  This has been the most difficult thing our family has ever faced with Macey and the thought of anyone else having a serious health issue would just send us over the edge (Pun intended).

Macey has only 4 radiation treatments left and she is done!  Wooo Hoo!  We are going to celebrate.  We are going to do dinner and when we are through, get Macey another massage.  She really liked the last one.  From there, we'll just watch her and hope that she starts to show signs of improvement and starts to get some use back into her right side.  She is one tough cookie and has endured this process better than I could have ever imagined.  When they told us she was doing chemo and radiation at the same time, I pictured her sick, bed ridden, skinny, sleeping 24/7, bald and weak.  Macey sleeps a normal 8 hour schedule, doesn't take naps, eats healthy and eats frequently (which is great for a chemo patient), has great color, is only slightly tired sometimes and gets around on her own for the most part (even though we are always there to help her).  She has only lost some of her hair, mostly where the radiation is concentrated and is still as beautiful as the day is long.  We are so very proud of her. 

And to Mr. Marcin and Cooperview Elementary, thank you so much for the reply and the thoughts and prayers.  You guys are all incredible and we love each and every one of you. 

We'll let you know how the last treatment goes and keep everyone up to date on her progress after the last treatment.  We have a lot of incredible family and friends and want to thank all of you who have stepped up and done so much to show your love for Macey.  We will never forget your kindness and selflessness. 

Much love,

Macey and the Steckelberg Family

Cancer is like a new car

Like most things in life, when you first get something, hear of something, or discover something, it's new and sometimes exciting and exhilarating whether positive or negative.  Like buying a new car, the excitement of it, the smell, the newness all just consumes you.  You wake up in the morning and check the garage to see if it's really there or if it was just a dream.  You're instantly relieved when your shiny new car is still sitting there, waiting for you to turn the key and cruise around feeling like you just went to school in a new outfit. 
On the flip-side, Cancer is something that some people have the shocking and usually terrible news of discovering.  You wake up every day and it's there waiting for you.  No matter how much you try to wish it away or hope it's not you that was diagnosed, the reality of it, just like opening the door to your garage, grips you and no matter how hard  you try, can't escape the fact that it exists.  For the people that face this horrible reality, like our daughter, your only means to cope with it is hope, support, love and continual reinforcement that "IT CAN BE BEAT"!  To beat anything in life or to succeed you have to be tenacious and you must persevere at any cost.

My point?  New cars are only new for a short period of time.  The excitement wears off.  So too does the news of someone getting cancer.  My daughter still wakes up every day and has to face this terrible disease and no matter how hectic her family and friends lives become, she still sits here and fights everyday.  Your support is desperately needed and your love to her is as precious as life itself.  Macey is still here, and anything from anyone reading this means so much to her.  A quick note on the blog, a card, a visit, anything that lets her know we are all still behind her means the world to her!  We continue to receive wonderful thoughts and prayers from so many people.  So please, don't forget about Macey, she needs all of us. 

Thank you.