Quick Monday Emily Update

Friday night, I got a call from PayPal. The woman on the other end of the line wanted to know if I was aware of the amount of activity the account had been receiving, and wanted to verify the situation with me. I said I was aware, and I probably could have left it at that, but because I am the kind of person who explains herself whether or not anyone ACTUALLY CARES, I gave her a brief rundown of the situation. "I wanted to set up a donation account for our friends and their daughter, who they just found out has brain cancer, " I said. AND THEN I KEPT TALKING. "And I thought that maybe I could generate a thousand bucks for them or something. I had no idea it would balloon to this magnatude." And then I giggled, because SERIOUSLY, MY (in hindsight) STUPIDITY AT EXPECTING LESS THAN ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS.

PayPal Lady didn't really seem to care, she was just doing her job and following up on an account that was flagged by the computer system because it had generated almost $25,000 in under a week.

Twenty-five thousand dollars. You guys are amazing. And the amount keeps growing, except I will no longer have access to the numbers because HELLO, I finally figured out that I should maybe switch out the buttons and send any future donations directly to the Mandells' account instead. Which is what we probably should have done in the first place, you know, the hindsight thing and all, except that I really honestly did not think I'd have to do anything more than write them a decent-sized check when it was all over. Now we're trying to figure out how to handle this tax-wise, since the vast majority of the money is under my name and PayPal won't let us dump the whole kit and kaboodle into Emily's trust fund, only into a bank account with my name on it. No worries though, we think we've got it figured out and regardless of what happens, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. There is just no time to worry about tax issues when the words "brain cancer" are uttered. No time.

I say all of this because some of you have donated more than once, and now when you click through to the Donate page, you'll see Katie's email address and account instead of mine. I didn't want this to throw anyone off.

Likewise, we have had differing levels of success with the Bank of America account. We have had many reports that people have just walked in and donated; we've had other reports (mostly from California) that they have needed the account number in order to donate. What I would ask of you is this: I know it's a pain, but if you want to donate at BofA, would you mind trying it before asking for the account number? I don't know anything about banking practices and security, but I just don't feel comfortable posting an account number or emailing it out unless it is absolutely necessary. There is already a lot of information about this family on the Internet, and I don't want to risk any kind of identity theft or other problems for them if I can possibly manage it. So please, try donating at BofA and if it doesn't work, then email me and we'll figure something out. I hate to make you make two trips, but I have to work to keep this family's information as secure as possible as well.

I don't have any concrete information right now about Emily's future treatment plans, only that doctors are working to get her somewhere as soon as possible. Katie and Brian were further blessed this weekend by two wonderful families who also have children with AT/RT and who contacted them through this blog. They've been so encouraged by what they've heard from them, and are very hopeful for Emily's future. They also got to take Emily outside for a walk yesterday, the first time she's been outside the hospital in two weeks. So they had a great weekend (pictures are on the CarePages website, and the information to visit it is posted one entry below this one). Add to that the generous outpouring of prayers and support from everyone who has passed through this website this past week, and they are just feeling like they can do anything, and that includes beating this cancer.

I can't say it enough: Thank you to everyone who has donated, prayed and thought about this family. There just isn't an eloquent enough way to say it. Just thank you.

I am working on redesigning this website a little so that when the content goes back to me talking about myself in self-deprecating tones (and I assure you that it will, sadly), that there will be a sidebar dedicated to Emily and her progress that I will keep updated. I will also be keeping up the Donate button for as long as she's in treatment. Thank you again, everyone. I have never been a part of something so awe-inspiring and jaw-droppingly COOL. The Internet is awesome, and you all made it that way. Thank you again.

Comments

[Some People Call Me Mom]

The internet IS awesome. Seeing this proved it to me.
So glad to hear that Emily got to have a little fresh air this weekend.
Thanks for the update.

[Shanna]

I just checked the CarePages post and Emily looks great!! Her treatment and the fresh air has really brought some color back to her cheeks. What a beautiful family. So many of us are pulling for them. Thank you for keeping us posted!

[Amy]

Emily this was clearly your calling. No one could have guessed however many years ago that you would be chosen to do this.

I will continue to check on Emily and look forward to reading about her progress. I look forward to your postings too. It's fun reading about your wardrobe adventures and Asher's accomplishments.

Keep up the good work!

[Manda]

Emily,
I've been following since you announced what's going on and I am just floored at YOUR outpouring of love and support for your friends and I think it's AWESOME how you've used your blog to help them. God is totally using you in this awful situation and I'm so glad that you just went for it. I know I don't even know you but I'm just so proud of you! You have really blessed me (as a random offshoot of the blessing you've bestowed on the Mandell family). I hope that if I ever get an opportunity to help someone like this that I am able to do what you have done.
I agree with Amy. Keep up the good work!
Love, Manda

[Beth B.]

That's awesome and you're awesome for spearheading this and also keeping us updated. Keep up the good work and God bless you and the the Mandell's and Emily especially.

Beth (mommy to a busy little 4.5 yr old)

[Mel]

So awesome! :D

The internet so rocks. I have also been watching the CarePages site and she does look fantastic for someone going through this. She is so sweet. :)

[Nicki]

Wow, that is a lot! I am happy for you... You must have lots of friends out in the world, who you don't even know about!

[Lori]

Geez ... I cry every time I read your site now. Even when it's relatively good news (like 25K ... OMG - that's awesome). Anyway, I know you are doing this for all the right reasons and don't want the spotlight on you, but I just want to say thanks for doing all of this for little Emily. To think that one person can generate so much money and support is totally inspiring. And I think it speaks to your character and popularity that you've been able to make it happen. So thanks.

[Boxer Girl]

This is my first time visiting your site and I'm amazed at this story. Puts perspective where I've had none. Thank you for being the person you are and driving this out there! I'll be visiting BofA tomorrow morning.

[Liza's Eyeview]

Bloghopping and landed here. What a blessing you are to your friends. God bless you. And prayers for Emily and her family from Maui.

Liza

[Lara]

WOW. I came over here by way of Chirky, and I'm so impressed that you've raised that much money!

The internet really, truly is amazing.

I don't have all that many readers, but I plan to post your friends' story one day next week in hopes of getting more donations. :)

[dawn in ky]

I work for a major bank in the bank by mail department of all things.
Branches can search for account numbers by first and last names.. so all they should need is Emily's name.
I would say that if you tell them the situation you can get them to search a lil harder for you, so that the family's privacy is protected!!! That sweet baby had all my prayers.. helpful hint with there names being common theya re going to need something else to verify its them, address, zipcode and or state any of those three should work to narrow it down
dawn