May 17, 2010

Many thanks to Energy Karate for organizing the Tal Doron Friendship Tournament on Sunday May 16th .  It was a beautiful, sunny day and we also held a bake sale.  The event was a huge success, and over $11,000 was raised!  So many kids came to participate, and they had lots of fun. Thanks so much to Kathleen, Evan, and Maggie for the money you raised from your lemonade stand! 

To date we have now raised over $76,000!!!

April 10, 2010

We want to thank all those who have supported Tali’s Fund through direct contributions and through fundraising events / projects. To date, we have raised over $65,000!  We appreciate your ongoing support.

The goal of Tali’s Fund is to help fund vital research at SickKids, aimed at learning more about paediatric brain tumours (causes, treatments, and cure), as well as to help provide support to families with children battling brain tumours.  We also strive to be connected with other similar organizations and funds around the world.

A two year research project is already underway at the Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, located at SickKids Hospital in Toronto.  Funds have been distributed to families in need through the b.r.a.i.n. child Family Fund.

Did you know…

Family Support
The b.r.a.i.n.child Family Fund at SickKids provides emergency funds to families to help ease the financial strains related to caring for their child.

Affiliations
We are working on establishing connections with other organizations.  We are currently a member of the International Brain Tumour Alliance (www.theibta.org) as well as the Grey Ribbon Crusade (www.greyribboncrusade.org).
We are in the process of joining a new organization called the Children’s Brain Tumour Research Foundation (www.cbtrf.org).

If you are interested in helping in any way with Tali’s Fund, or if you have an idea for a fundraiser, please contact us!

 

Eulogy For Tal

It is often said that the true nature of a person is defined by the way in which he or she deals with adversity. Tal was forced very early in life to confront enormous challenges, and as her struggle began, our daughter began to reveal herself as a most exceptional, unique, and inspiring human being.

Tali’s ability to give strength and courage to those around her was truly astounding. Only days after her admission to hospital, as family and friends waited anxiously for her to emerge from surgery, imagine our surprise when, as she lay in the recovery room, Tal began to sing her ABC’s! Throughout her stay at the hospital, Tal continued to sing – sometimes even minutes after she awoke in the morning.

We marveled at the way she quickly learned to adapt and overcome her fears. In an environment of daily medical procedures that would be frightening to an adult, Tali was able to master techniques such as deep breathing and thinking about happy things, to the amazement of hospital staff. As she conquered each procedure, she accumulated a tremendous number of bravery beads, something of which she was extremely proud. Indeed, Tal was very independent, taking pride in doing things “all by herself” – as she would say. So much so that even during her last hours she summoned the strength to grab the medication syringe from our hands, holding on to it tightly and insisting on doing it herself.

Though she had every right to do so, Tal seldom complained about her stays at the hospital, or about returning to the hospital after being at home. Her incredible, unwavering spirit provided us with the energy we needed to help her get through each day.

Regardless of how sick she felt, Tal demonstrated an unlimited love of her life, her family and friends. She always made sure that she exchanged a proper hug and kiss from those important to her upon each visit. Her determination to share her kindness, gentleness, and deep affection with those around her through both her words and actions, lit up the world for everyone to see. Tal had a wonderful sense of humour, beautiful smile, and an infectious laugh. She loved to act silly, and particularly enjoyed it when her brothers entertained her with their silliness. Tali cherished her brothers, Noam and Amir. She looked after them, and with each she shared a special bond.

Tali’s growth and maturation as a person did not stop throughout her illness. In fact we watched her thrive, demonstrating to us a deep level of insight, wisdom, and intelligence far beyond her years.

Tali’s strength of will was tremendous. We were told that the effects of her treatment were likely to prevent Tal from spending much time at home and yet somehow she refused to miss any of the important events in our family this year. There was no way that she was going to miss her Aba’s birthday in December, on the same night that the last candle of Chanukah was lit. She came home that very day. In February, she came home to share her Ima’s birthday, again on that very day, and stayed to celebrate her brother Amir’s birthday three days later. At the end of March, Tali completed her treatment and came home from the hospital, just in time for the Pesach seder. She stayed home for four months, celebrating her own 4th birthday in June together with her brother Noam. We are so thankful for these months, during which Tali was relatively healthy and was able to enjoy many beautiful and special times, surrounded by her family and close friends.

It would be fair to say that most of us here have been touched in some way by Tal. With her strength, courage, and dignity, she inspired us to view the world in a different way and to focus on what is important in life. It is our strong belief that Tali will continue to touch and inspire many many more people for years to come.

Tali, our sweet child, you will remain in our hearts forever.

May you rest in peace, and forever dwell in the protective shelter of the Eternal -
“tachat kanfe ha’sh’china”.

Kim and Ori

Eulogy For Tal

Those who know me well, know that I was always one of those ‘non kid’ people. I watched my sisters with their children, and wondered why, and how they managed the noise, the messes, the chaos, and the energy levels…
And my sisters would look at me as if to say “Glen….. there’s something you’re not seeing.” “You’re missing something.”
I’d brush off and dismiss their looks, and their sighs, and went on being my ‘non-kid’ self.
And then one day…suddenly and instantly, in a passing moment, this little child changed my life.
I stood by Tali’s bedside in her hospital room, as she and I worked on a name for a stuffed animal I had brought for her that day. She was laughing, and argued with me over the choice of name. “It’s Moony she insisted.”
And something struck me. Hard. I saw and felt suddenly… immediately… and so clearly what it was I hadn’t been able to see before. I understood from that moment…what my sisters had known that I was missing. I saw right then, the beauty in a child.
In the way that Tali looked at me, and in her smile, I saw trust and innocence… I saw…kindness, warmth, and beauty. I saw and understood…all that really matters.
I have since watched Kim and Ori, and the way they look at their children. I have watched Lara, and they way she looks at her son. And I have watched my own parents, and the way they look at us.
This child was the very essence of beauty. I learned from her to let go, to accept. I learned about kindness, and patience. And I learned about the unmatched strength of the love of one’s family and closest friends.
My life changed in an instant, and forever. I understood, and felt, with an intensity I had never known before, what it means to love. She taught me all of this, and I’ll cherish every moment I had with her.
In the end, it seems to me, what we are all left with are the connections we were able to make with others. What we were able to share, who we loved, and who loved us back.
Tali gave me the gift of the ability to really make those connections…to know what it means to feel fulfilled. And there cannot be any greater gift.
…and if what really matters in life is how we’ve been able to help others, then Tali accomplished more in her four years what we all strive to accomplish in a lifetime.
In Amir, in Noam, and in our hearts, she will always be.

Glen Kowarsky (Tal's uncle)

Eulogy For Tal

My sweet little tali. You brought so much to my life in your four short years. You taught me all about what was important in life. It was the simple moments that were of most value and moments that i will treasure and hold close to my heart forever. Such simple and special moments such as riding your bike at the park, reading a story together, or going to dairy queen for your favourite ice cream, vanilla with the hard chocolate that you loved so much.

I’m so grateful that we were able to spend so much time together over the last few months. We became so close over time and I love the bond that we built together... A bond that will never be broken.

About a week or so ago i lay in your bed with you and granny, and we each took a turn trying to sing one of your favourites - you are my sunshine, and we couldn’t manage to finish the song without crying, especially at the end, when it says “please don’t take my sunshine away”.

But my dear tali, you will always bring sunshine to our lives and to everyone that had the chance to get to know you. I’m going to miss you, my sweet tali, more than i can ever put into words. I love you now and forever and you will always be our little sunshine.

Lara Fritz (Tal’s aunt)

August 28, 2007

Shiva Arrangements

Location: 31 Amberty Street, Thornhill (Google Map)

The family will accept visitors from 10:30 am Monday through Friday.

Services will be held at the Shiva house at 8pm through Thursday night, with a final service at 9 am Sunday morning after which the Shiva can conclude.

Thank you.

August 26, 2007

With much sadness and a broken heart we inform you that, with Kim and Ori by her side, our Tali slipped quietly and peacefully into Heaven at 11:05 am today.

The funeral service will be held at the graveside on Monday, August 27th at 2:30 pm at Pardes Shalom Cemetery, on Dufferin Street, North of Major Mackenzie Drive , on the East side (Google Map). Ushers will be directing people from the gate to the burial site starting at 2 pm.

Shiva will be observed at 31 Amberty Street (Google Map). Evening services will be conducted at 8 pm at the shiva house Monday to Thursday.

Thank you.

August 20, 2007

About 2 weeks ago, as a result of Tali feeling some pain in her stomach and neck and in general just not being herself, we took her to Sick Kids for investigation. A CT and subsequent MRI confirmed our worst fears: relapse. The degree of spread is very significant and there is no curative option at this point.
For a few days after we came home from the hospital, Tali was feeling well enough that we were able to share some wonderful experiences with her: a night in the park with many of our close friends and their children, a Dora concert at Wonderland and a visit from Cinderella. Since then, her situation has worsened and our current focus is to keep Tali as comfortable and in as little pain as possible. We are also currently exploring an experimental drug called DCA (see link tab).

Noam and Amir are truly amazing. They are so loving and supportive of Tali and we can see the appreciation in her eyes as they exchange hugs and kisses.

We are proud of our strong and brave little girl, and we continue to pray for her.

We are grateful to you all for your love and support as we face the days ahead.

Please check the website each morning for news

love
Kim and Ori

June 20, 2007

Just a brief update to let you know that Tal had her Gtube and her central line removed yesterday! The procedure was relatively short and Tal was in good spirits afterwards. We spent a few hours in recovery and then headed home. Amir and Noam were happy! This is a huge step for Tal.

It was also an exciting week as we celebrated Tal and Noam’s 4th birthday!!!! As part of the festivities, Tal and Noam each entertained us with a song. J
(See new pics)

We are amazed and thankful that Tal is doing so well at this time. It is with heavy hearts and much sadness that we think about the “rhabdoid kids” who have recently passed away. We also continue to think about and pray for the other children who are currently undergoing treatments.
 

June 5, 2007

Tal is continuing to recover well and is getting stronger every day.  At our last clinic visit, she weighed 17.7 kg!!!  Until now, Tal has had a Gtube (a feeding tube) in order to ensure that she receives the necessary calories and nutrients needed.  As her appetite has increased, we have gradually been decreasing the amount of supplementary feed giving through the tube.  We recently got the “go ahead” to stop these feeds altogether.  If this goes well, the Gtube will be removed in a few weeks.  We also had a detailed discussion with our doctor (Dr. Eric Bouffet) about Tal’s central line.  The reason for keeping it in at this point is in case the need arises to use it again for treatment.  However, without the line, Tal would enjoy a better quality of life.  She would have more freedom and would be able to take showers and go swimming.  Although the chances of relapse are higher during the first year, it could happen at any time.  Therefore, Dr. Bouffet feels that he would rather remove the central line and choose to improve the quality of her life at this time.  Choosing to remove it is not a straightforward and simple decision, and he remarked that we do not have to agree with him.  It’s a matter of making a choice to improve the quality of her life, and taking a chance.  He suggested removing it at the same time as they remove her Gtube.  We have decided to go ahead with this. 

Tal is taking various medications, including Tamoxifen.  This is a drug that is usually used for breast cancer treatment.  There are no clinical studies dealing with the used of such drugs on children with rhabdoid tumours but there have been some studies using lab animals as well as some anecdotal reports which have shown some promise for use of this as a maintenance drug.  The side effects are minimal, so we agreed to try it.  So far, Tal seems to be tolerating it well.  

At home, we are gradually beginning to bring Tal “out of isolation”, with the hope that she may be able to return to school in September.  While it is important that we do this, it is also important to remember that her immune system is still very compromised.  She will also need to be re-immunized one year after completion of her treatment.  

What now?

We have no way of knowing what the future holds.  Tal will have to be seen for MRI’s every 3 months from now on.  Doctors around the world are not sure of how to treat this tumour; our doctors have done what they feel is best according to what is known at this time.  While some doctors would have encouraged us to do radiation, our team (under the direction of Dr. Bouffet) did not recommend that we go ahead with radiation at this time.  It would cause extensive brain damage, and there does not seem to be enough clearcut evidence that it is necessary.  We followed this advice.  For now, we continue to keep our energy and thoughts positive.  We hope and pray that the worst is behind us and that Tal will win this battle. 

We thank you for your continued support, friendship, and encouragement!!!! 

May 17, 2007

Great news! Tal had her MRI two days ago (May 15th). The procedure lasted two hours, during which time she had to be under sedation. The results indicated that there is no sign of tumour cells at this time. This is the happiest day we've had in many months.

Tal came home on March 30th, just in time to be with us for Passover. She is doing amazingly well. She is eating more and has gained some weight. Her eyebrows and eyelashes are back, and the hair on her head is growing back as well. She is still quite restricted and cannot go to most public places. At home, she is very happy and is keeping busy. We are gradually starting to have people visit (as long as they are healthy!). Some of her teachers have come to spend time with her at home and work with her on school material. Tal enjoys being home with her brothers and often tells them how much she loves them.

Tal has been really brave through this journey. She is our hero. Tal is now being recognized for this and will be featured on May 28th as "Hero of the Week" on the Bravery Hearts Website (www.braveryhearts.com).

Check out Tali's new pictures. She is as happy as ever!

March 30, 2007

After five months in the hospital, Tali has finally finished her six rounds of chemotherapy and is coming home. She will be having an MRI within the month and our hopes are that It will show that all is clear.

Tali has been amazing through this long process and has adapted well to her difficult circumstances. She never  complained about staying at the hospital or returning to the hospital after her home visits. She came a long way from her initial fear of nurses merely checking her line -- to the point that she now helps flush her line and even helps with injecting medications into her G-Tube.  She takes her medications like an adult would. Our Tali has shown tremendous bravery and maturity beyond her years!

To those of you who don’t know, through this process Tali has also become the “puzzle queen”. She is able to put puzzle pieces right into their correct spot on her first trial. She loves to play Dora and Wiggles games on her computer and can maneuver her computer mouse very skillfully. Her bright and cheerful voice is such a pleasure to hear. Tali is always happy to sing for those around her, even if she is asked to do so first thing in the morning. Her best time so far was 2 minutes after waking up.

From here on in, Tali will be attending the hospital on an outpatient basis for follow ups. We know she will take this in stride as she is our amazing little girl.

March 06,2007

 Tal is doing very well on her second high dose chemotherapy treatment so far. She just engrafted and her counts are on the way up. As most of the time she is in high spirit, she is very playful and she keeps us inspired and being very positive.  She is responding well to her treatment and if everything is going to continue the way it is, then it looks like Tal might do a repeat of her last round, and surprise us again.  We might be able than to take her home for a few days until she will start her 3rd and final round of chemo.

February 28, 2007

Tal completed her first of three high dose chemotherapy treatments.  She recovered well and was actually able to come home for a few days!  This was a pleasant surprise for all of us.  She was home just in time for her Mom’s birthday as well as for her brother Amir’s birthday.  She had fun at home and even had a chance to play in the snow and build a snowman!  Unfortunately, Tal did sustain some hearing loss from the last chemotherapy treatment, and we are hoping that she will not sustain further damage from the two following treatments.  The doctors decided to lower the dose of the second treatment in order to try to reduce the effect on Tal’s hearing.  At this point, the hearing loss is not affecting her daily functioning.  Tal is now in the middle of her second high dose treatment and is now back in isolation at the hospital.  She is keeping busy and is in good spirits. 

We are so thankful for the amazing ongoing support that we have around us from friends and family… it gives us strength and helps us tremendously through this difficult struggle.

February  2. 2007

The results of Tal’s most recent MRI were encouraging and she is therefore proceeding on to the high-dose chemotherapy regime. She had a wonderful few days at home, and is now back at the hospital to begin the chemo. During this round, Tal will receive a stem cell transplant. We know this will be very tough but also know that Tal will face it with her usual strength and bravery.

Tal was in a great mood today – singing, dancing, laughing and being very silly! Her collection of bravery beads continues to grow, and she is very proud! She even likes to help her nurses with various procedures.

January 17. 2007

After completing her third round of chemotherapy, Tal has been able to spend some more time at home, going back to the hospital as needed on an out-patient basis. She is handling her treatments with her usual strength, collecting lots of bravery beads along the way. She did have to go back to the hospital for a few days this week for investigation of a low-grade fever but everything seems to be under control and we anticipate that she will be released shortly. She has been spending lots of time on the computer, playing interactive games and talking to various people on her web-cam. Her appetite is also returning; she insisted on eating spaghetti after midnight last night! She is looking forward to coming home for a bit so she can see and play with her brothers in person.

January 6. 2007

Tali is back in the hospital as of last night, she had a good night sleep. Although, she has a bit of a cold, the doctor decided to move forward and start 3rd round of chemotherapy. Tali feels comfortable in the hospital and in very high sprit.

January 1. 2007

2006 is behind us and we are facing a new year and new challenges for our Tali. Having completed her second round of chemotherapy, Tali has been home from the hospital since Friday, the 22nd of December arriving just in time to light the last Channukah candle with her parents and brothers. What a wonderful birthday present for Aba!

She has been doing really well, playing with her brothers, eating a lot and singing her favourite songs. She even had a play date with some of her friends from school. When she is relaxing, she loves to watch her favourite show Dora the Explorer on TV.

Tali has been facing her daily visits from the nurse with her usual brave face and taking her meds at home has become more routine as well. She is scheduled to start the 3rd round of chemotherapy on Friday, the 5th of January.