SPRING 2024
This update is long overdue, but I guess that means things have been going pretty well for Brax and have not been all treatment focused. We feel like she is finally settling into a more normal pattern for her maintenance therapy. It was a bit of a rocky start this winter, but things have been going more smoothly lately.
March
Brax was able to attend Northern Lights and the Minnesota State meet to cheer on Brylee and the other Twister gymnasts. We were also able to attend the Big10 Women’s Basketball Championships and watch Caitlin Clark in person. Brax would like us to be very clear that she was NOT cheering for Iowa, but was cheering for Clark and what she has done for women’s sports. Brax & Bry had the opportunity to participate in a fun photo shoot for the new women’s line of UNRL clothing. They had a blast at Profeshie and absolutely love the new line. Brax had treatment right before Easter weekend so she wasn’t feeling very good but was thankful to be outpatient and spend time with the family.
April
April is a busy month around our house in preparation of Champion’s Cup at the end of the month. It was our 4th annual event this year and Brax’s care team was able to move some things around so she could attend the event in person. It is always a ton of work, but a ton of fun at the same time. Thanks so much to our guests, volunteers, sponsors, and partners for another great event to raise funds for TB1F.
May
We were finally able to sneak away to Florida as a family for a long weekend in May. This was Brax’s first trip since she relapsed in November 2022. We had several other trips scheduled, but for various reasons we needed to cancel. We were nervous and excited at the same time. With Brax still being in active therapy we would need to go to a different hospital other than Masonic if she was to get sick/fever/low counts etc. Thankfully all went well and she felt good and we all had a great time in the beautiful Florida sunshine. A few faves from this trip include: LOTS of pool time, eating at our favorite restaurants, cheering for the Wolves on TV for Game 7, golf cart rides, seeing a monster gator sunning itself on the golf course, and having a change of scenery from our house in Blaine.
Other fun things in May included: Mother’s Day brunch, going to Game #1 of the Wolves v. Mavericks playoff series, attending the TCT Optional Banquet, TB1F Sibling Day at Top Golf, and Max’s 4th Birthday Party.
June
Last day of 8th Grade for Brax and 6th Grade for Bry! TB1F hosted Putt 4 Patients and it was the best one to date. Great weather, turnout, prizes, athlete & radio appearances, and fun! The same weekend as P4P the girls were finally able to meet their new baby cousin Emmett who lives in Arizona. We were able to have all 18 of us from the Battaglia family together for the first time. Other fun things so far in June include: Twins game and FloRida concert, Bunker Beach, hanging out with friends, PT, hoops & pickleball on the sport court, and babysitting. We are so excited for Olympic Trials for gymnastics at the end of the month.
We have our last big event of the year coming up in a few weeks. Summer Sounds – Music with a Mission is back for it’s 3rd year and continues to keep growing. This year it will be a 2-day event on July 19 & 20 (Fri & Sat). We have 5 Nashville Artists coming to town, including Adam Doleac (Friday headliner) & Michael Ray (Saturday headliner). We are looking to FILL THE FIELD that weekend and if you are looking for something to do, please come out. Free Parking, Food Trucks and All-Inclusive Drinks (both Adult & N/A depending on ticket purchased) GA Tickets still avail and limited VIP remain for Friday, Saturday VIP less than 5 remain. More info online at www.summersoundsmn.com Sponsorship opportunities available as well for any business owners that want to get involved.
Last, but not least we are also partnering with Taste Fore The Tour – Tee off against hunger this July, binging together top culinary talent and celebrities to raise awareness and donations to address the needs of the hungry and food-insecure families at M Health Masonic Children’s hospital.
Day Brighteners is what Brax has focused her mission on since day 1 and there is arguably nothing more important than being able to provide parents and families of in-patient children some stability around a healthy meal or snack when life is coming at you 100 miles per hour. Many people may not realize that while in the hospital, only the patient is granted free meals. The caretaker is left to cover their own meals at their own expense, which can be both challenging and a financial burden on an already overwhelming experience. This partnership with Taste Fore The Tour will allow us to build out programming to make sure we can support in-patient caregivers and also continue to provide all-inclusive hospitality events both inside and outside the hospital. #DayBrightened There are still a few opportunities to get involved if interested. www.tasteforethetour.com/
Hoping everyone has a FUN & SAFE summer! And as always, we have met and made many good friend through this experience and ask for continued prayers for Casey as he continues to recover.