Friday, March 5, 2010

Our little project

Bailey and I decided to do a project together. I am so glad we did. We hope you enjoy it!


The best part for me is seeing Bailey grow to the young man that he is. He's always been a strong little guy. It made me appreciate him a little more (if that is even possible). I have been truly blessed with my children. I hope people see just how amazing this guy is.

If you are reading this, we hope you like it enough to join our team...or support us. =)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wk0zO_5G-XQ

Monday, March 1, 2010

2010 Military Child Award

So proud of our son Bailey! He was chosen to be a semi-finalist for the 2010 Military Child Award! For those of us who know Bailey, we know how wonderful this opportunity is for him. He was just excited to learn that he was chosen to be in the top 20 (out of 650). What an honor this is. So if you have a chance...please vote!


CHD

I don't have a lot of time, but thought this would be worthy of sharing!

http://yourethecure.blogspot.com/2010/02/news-from-hill-staffers-learn-about.html

TOP 20 and in the running to get the 2010 Military Child Award!

We have pretty busy with appointments and not feeling well and well homeschooling. But we did want to share our great news. Bailey has been selected as one of the top 20 military children. Voting will commence sometime today and I will post the link on here so you can vote for him. =) We are so excited for him! I think he is an amazing child and am so excited to share just how wonderful he is with our military community! Wish Bailey luck!

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Heart Walk


We must say that although many of our walkers were not able to make it to this year's walk, it was still a great family event.

I first wanted to thank all of those who walked with us, raised funds with us, donated with us and supported us. We could not do everything we did without all of you.

Every year I have a deeper appreciation for the cause. My "ah" moment was seeing Bailey on stage, arm up in the air. To me it embodied his strength. This was a very challenging year for Bailey. He went through some unfamiliar chest pains, being tired easily, getting sick more often...but all in all, he came out of it, stronger and wiser.

I have no doubt this little man will do great things. How often can you say that your son has made an impact on many lives? In the course of this year, we have had people approach us and tell us how Bailey's story or knowing Bailey has changed their life. It warms my heart that I can share this amazing young man with the world.

We look forward to next year's walk. Hopefully we will double our size. =) I was a little less organized this year with the many changes in our lives BUT next year we should be good to go. We have some big plans...so watch out! TEAM ZIPPERMAN is going to ROCK the walk in 2010!

THANK YOU!!!

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

In less than a month...

...is the heart walk. I feel bad because in the midst of the move and all the concern with Bailey and his health and subsequent adjustments. We have got him to lose the excess weight...something he struggled with in the past. It was never because he wasn't active enough, he just LOVED rice. So we have cut down his portions and I think that has helped him some.

I am currently trying to find local corporate companies that might be interested in helping us in our fundraising goals. Wish us luck.

We hope everyone is doing well. By the way, Bailey is doing wonderful!

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Bailey, my reminder of strength...

When you start feeling like life is unfair, think of my son Bailey. You see, from birth, they counted him out…only a few hours to live, if he survives, he will be frail and sickly and may even have developmental delays, the list goes on and on. Can you imagine starting off your life like that? But instead Bailey has time and time beat the odds, he’s nearing twelve now. He is not frail and sickly, in fact, he looks like a very healthy young man, who stands proud at 5’3” and the only way you would be able to know that he has a heart condition, is the pale scar that runs down his broad chest; the scar that he proudly calls his zipper. He’s participated in little league baseball and even became the team pitcher. He’s very close to earning his black belt in karate. He thrives in school, achieving straight A’s, participating in band and getting nominated for honor programs.

Bailey could easily throw in the towel and use his condition as a crutch. He could use his condition as an excuse to stop living life BUT he hasn’t. I admit, in the past couple of years, I have felt overwhelmed with immense stress about they curveballs we have endured the past couple of years…to the point where I compromised my own health. But yesterday when I was watching him undergo his stress echo, I realized just how strong my son is. I know he was scared, he never took his eyes off the echo screen and the person doing the echo. But he kept going and did what was asked of him. To see how strong my young man has become is bittersweet. He is no longer the blue baby I held in my arms.

So if my husband and I appeal to all of you to join our team or to help us raise funds for the American Heart Association it is because of the deep love we have for our son. It is an event that we have participated in over ten years. It is our time to celebrate Bailey’s strength…and the strength of all the other “red cap” walkers (survivors). This year with the recession a great issue among all of us, Bailey thought of the recycling drive. Through this drive, he has raised over $300. It was a simple idea, people could collect their recyclables and donate those proceeds to the AHA.

Bailey’s journey is not nearly over. He still has many battles to overcome. Even with the news of his heart slowly weakening, he still remains strong. He still sets his goals and achieves them. His greatest one is to one day be a Cardiologist. When the Cardiologist asked him what subject he enjoyed, he said, “Science and Math.” The doctor was pleased and then continued, “What kind of science do you enjoy?” Without hesitation, “Health Science.” The doctor laughed with enthusiasm. At the scholar’s program he attended this summer, he proudly told family about dissecting a cow’s heart. How fascinating it was for him to see the different parts of the heart. The money raised will help further research on cardiovascular disease and defects so that families like ours will no longer be afraid to dream. It is to help keep our hope alive, that one day, our loved ones will be able to live healthy and normal lives.

So please do not get irate over our request for support. It comes from a very good place. I do hope that many of you are able to join us for the walk. We know it would mean a lot to everyone in our family, but especially to our not so little angel, Bailey. Please follow the link below and join our team and let’s have fun and raise some serious funds! =D

http://heartwalk.kintera.org/sandiegoca/dikitanankids