Got Inked!

SUCCESS!

So everybody knows about the tattoo fundraiser that happened on Saturday right? Well, let me tell you. What a success!! It is kinda funny that all you hear about on the news is the negativity about people. This just proved how people from all walks of life can unite without incident.

Where to start… The event was supposed to be from 12:00pm till 12:00am. The wife and I had planned to be there about 10:00am to help set up. Got a call at about 9:30am and was told that there were already about 40 people in line! We dropped Hannah off at the softball field so she could make an appearance, then headed over to the shop with the boy. When we rolled up there were probably 60 people waiting in line.

It was a pretty slow start and a couple of the other artists were running late. But when the ball got rolling there were hundreds of people standing in line. We had some festivities going on in the back but not very many people went back there because they didn’t want to lose their place in line. So somebody came up with a great idea of using the number system. That way, we just called out the numbers and people could eat and relax out back. By the time we figured out a system we came to the realization that each tattoo was taking a little longer than expected. We were assuming each one would take about 10-15 minutes. But when set up and tear down were factored in it was more like 20-30 minutes. So we gave people the option of going home and calling back periodically.

There were a total of six artists, four working at all times and two relievers. Even with four artists going nonstop it was a fairly slow process (can’t hurry perfection). Anyways, about the artists. First and foremost, there was Big J from In The Skin. He worked NONSTOP throughout the day and night. With him was Robbie (spelling?) from Trigger Happy Tattoo in Whittier. Let me tell you, what a talented artist! Then again, so was everyone there. Explicit Ink in Fullerton was there for quite a while. And definitley last but not least, Blue Collar Tattoo in Costa Mesa. Their artists stayed until the bitter end! They had some very talented artists as well.

As I previously mentioned… The event was supposed to end at 12:00am. Well, there was such a large turnout that it ran a little longer than anticipated. The last tattoo that Big J did was number 190… and at 4:30AM! And there were several people that waited patiently without too much complaining.

After we cleaned up we all sat around for a little while and discussed the event. We were all super tired but felt good as it went almost without a hitch. We cannot thank everyone involved enough. Everybody that came out and showed your support and everybody that donated your time. You do not know how much you are appreciated. You are all extremely special people and the Lord has something very special in store for you.  Hannah and us thank you very much.

Dodger Blue Anyone?

What an experience!!!

Nobody knew what to expect Friday night at the Dodger game. We were all (Hannah, Mom, Dad, Nana, Papa, Auntie Leah, Uncle Jordon and Grampa) supposed to be at the stadium at 4:30pm. But as usual, we were late half an hour. It took us an hour and a half to get to the stadium and it is only about 25 miles.  Did I ever mention that I hate LA traffic? It doesn’t matter though, it was totally worth it.

When we got there we met with a stadium official who introduced Hannah to another breast cancer survivor that worked there. You never realize how many survivors there are until it affects you or a loved one.

Hannah was handed a bag that contained some pretty cool knick knacks including the “first Pitch” ball. Each of us were all given field passes so we could accompany Hannah on the field. Our tour guide made a pit stop into an office and came out with a pink bat from the mother’s day game! Even signed by some of the players. Hannah had a smile from ear to ear.

As we walked up the stairs to the field we all had butterflies (except for Hannah of course). That alone was an experience we will never forget. We got to walk on the dirt, feel the spongy grass and see the players and coaches up close. Hannah was given instructions on what was going to happen and where to be when everything started.

Hannah and mom were interviewed by a couple of reporters. And while Hannah was being interviewed, her favorite player Russell Martin walked up from behind her and gave her a hug! Hannah’s jaw about hit the floor!

After Hannah was all googoo gaga over Martin, it was time for the first pitch. There were actually three first pitches but we were told Hannah’s would be last and most important. We were fairly concerned that Hannah would not be able to throw hard or even make it to the catcher (which was Orlando Hudson). But she put all of our fears to rest after she threw a strike.

After that, we were led off of the field to our seats. On the way, people were cheering for Hannah, giving high fives and congratulating her. Even though we didn’t win Hannah said this will be an experience that she will never forget. Either will any of us. Thank you so very much to the Los Angeles Dodgers for giving Hannah this tremendous gift.

From Uncle Jordon,

I’m sure some of you heard about the pre-game honorable mention for Hannah at last night’s Dodger game, and I’m sure her parents will be posting details and pictures about it soon. But I just wanted to share with you all a piece of her experience as shown from last night’s KABC news segment following the game. If only all of you could have seen how excited she was!!

What A Day!

Today was a very busy day. Hannah got to play in her game today due to her surgery being pushed back (probablly about a week) for more testing. All of the girls played a great game and we won 5-2. It was also announced that Hannah will be an honorary member of the 2009 10U Gold All Stars (which she will not stop talking about). Health permitting, she will be at every game possible. After the game, the three of us took a trip to Corona because we heard they were putting on a little something at their park. Boy were we WRONG about a little! Before we even got to the field we saw pink ribbons tied to the fence along the street. When we arrived at the field, it was a sea of pink. Almost everybody was wearing something pink, all of the fields were decorated with pink balloons, banners and ribbon. Even the trees had pink ribbons!
One of the T-ball teams wore pink pajamas instead of their uniforms.
Another team had special jerseys made and changed their name from the Blue Angels to Hannah’s Angels. This, as well as everything else was very touching.
Even ladder 3 (from Corona Fire Dept.) was there to take some aerial photos.
There were fundraiser such as, pink rubber duckies that had personal messages written on them, pink snow cones, candies and much more.
We are all so moved by the support by all of the people involved. People that we had never before met and had no idea whom each other were. This will be a day that we will NEVER forget. We need to give special thanks to Corona Girls Softball Association (CGSA) and the president Randy Thomas for making us and Hannah so welcome and accepted. THANK YOU!!
We want to let everyone know that this all makes Hannah so very happy. We honestly do not know how to thank everyone for what they have done. I don’t think a day goes by that we don’t tear up by all of the kind gestures from everyone. You are all truely appreciated and special individuals.
That’s all for now… check back soon as we will update the gallery with lots of pictures.