Comments for Riding for Roses http://www.robsartin.com/blog Stories about my son, six year old cancer survivor Spencer Sartin. True tales about having a child with cancer. Profiles of cancer survivors. Cancer resources. Thu, 20 Jun 2013 11:46:53 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.5 Comment on Smoke-Free Texas Rally by Deepa http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2009/01/27/smoke-free-texas-rally.html#comment-40998 Tue, 17 Feb 2009 23:28:39 +0000 http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2009/01/27/smoke-free-texas-rally.html#comment-40998 http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Health--Science/Leukemia-cure-with-arsenic-vitamin-A/articleshow/4146183.cms Hi Rob, I ran into this article on the time of India, and just wanted to send it along for you to add to your knowledge base. Deepa http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Health—Science/Leukemia-cure-with-arsenic-vitamin-A/articleshow/4146183.cms

Hi Rob, I ran into this article on the time of India, and just wanted to send it along for you to add to your knowledge base. Deepa

]]> Comment on First Report on National Cancer Survivors Day by Riding for Roses » Blog Archive » Fundraising Progress Report - 2/3 Through 100 Days http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2005/06/05/first-report-national-cancer-survivors-day.html#comment-40875 Fri, 28 Nov 2008 17:44:37 +0000 http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2005/06/05/first-report-national-cancer-survivors-day.html#comment-40875 [...] So far, I’ve approached about half of my address book by email. We’ve mailed about half of the people on our normal holiday greeting card (which we completly failed to send last year, so we are including an update as well as the fundraising pitch). We’ve run three reasonably successful events: a National Cancer Survivors Day at our church, Tour Watch 2005 throughout the Tour de France, and a raffle at It’s a Grind our favorite coffee shop. We started working the “tell a friend” option by emailing out to people who have donated and asking them to tell their friends. That has been very successful. [...] [...] So far, I’ve approached about half of my address book by email. We’ve mailed about half of the people on our normal holiday greeting card (which we completly failed to send last year, so we are including an update as well as the fundraising pitch). We’ve run three reasonably successful events: a National Cancer Survivors Day at our church, Tour Watch 2005 throughout the Tour de France, and a raffle at It’s a Grind our favorite coffee shop. We started working the “tell a friend” option by emailing out to people who have donated and asking them to tell their friends. That has been very successful. [...]

]]> Comment on Balding for Charity by Riding for Roses » Blog Archive » Let the Smackdown Begin http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2006/02/04/balding-for-charity.html#comment-40873 Fri, 28 Nov 2008 17:41:50 +0000 http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2006/02/04/balding-for-charity.html#comment-40873 [...] I mentioned before that I am balding for charity and how easily I was convinced to shave my head to help raise money for CureSearch via St. Baldrick’s. I haven’t spent a whole lot of effort on it, but last week Spencer challenged me. He wants to shave his head and raise money as well. And he wants it to be a contest. He thinks he can raise more money than I can by promising to shave his head. It’s time for Dad to show Son what it’s like to lose. [...] [...] I mentioned before that I am balding for charity and how easily I was convinced to shave my head to help raise money for CureSearch via St. Baldrick’s. I haven’t spent a whole lot of effort on it, but last week Spencer challenged me. He wants to shave his head and raise money as well. And he wants it to be a contest. He thinks he can raise more money than I can by promising to shave his head. It’s time for Dad to show Son what it’s like to lose. [...]

]]> Comment on A Glorious Misadventure by Riding for Roses » Blog Archive » Our Story So Far http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2005/03/18/a-glorious-misadventure.html#comment-40303 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:16:08 +0000 http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2005/03/18/a-glorious-misadventure.html#comment-40303 [...] The delayed intensification causes a lot of fatigue, nausea, and shuts down the bone marrow in the second four weeks. That means that red counts, white counts, and platelets all plummet. Transfusions and isolation protocol are the tasks. During the March/April intensification, the weather was just right for daily trips to state parks, so we visited almost all of the state parks that are an easy day trip from our house. On most of the trips, even a glorious misadventure we met wonderful people (while avoiding crowds and washing hands frequently) and had great times. [...] [...] The delayed intensification causes a lot of fatigue, nausea, and shuts down the bone marrow in the second four weeks. That means that red counts, white counts, and platelets all plummet. Transfusions and isolation protocol are the tasks. During the March/April intensification, the weather was just right for daily trips to state parks, so we visited almost all of the state parks that are an easy day trip from our house. On most of the trips, even a glorious misadventure we met wonderful people (while avoiding crowds and washing hands frequently) and had great times. [...]

]]> Comment on I Almost Cut My Hair by Riding for Roses » Blog Archive » Kicking it up a Notch http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2004/11/13/i-almost-cut-my-hair.html#comment-39260 Sat, 06 Sep 2008 15:33:16 +0000 http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2004/11/13/i-almost-cut-my-hair.html#comment-39260 [...] Friends rallied around us immediately, helping with child care and transportation for Rachel (who is currently not able to drive). I was able to stay in the hospital with Spencer for the four days he was there to begin his induction therapy. I made two deals with Spencer. The first deal was that I would shave my head when his hair began to fall out from chemotherapy. This happened on November 9. The second deal was that we would ride the 25 mile route in the Ride for the Roses together in 2005 and I would help Spencer raise enough money to get him into the private ride with Lance Armstrong. Spencer is preparing for a career as a diplomat and views everything as a negotiation, and no negotiation is ever fully closed. He amended the shaving agreement to include me staying bald until his hair grows fully back. He amended the Ride for the Roses agreement to include the 40 mile ride (“if my butt doesn’t hurt and we stop at every rest stop”) and raising enough money for the Peloton Project Yellow Jersey award (they raised the amount for this award to $25,000 of fundraising). [...] [...] Friends rallied around us immediately, helping with child care and transportation for Rachel (who is currently not able to drive). I was able to stay in the hospital with Spencer for the four days he was there to begin his induction therapy. I made two deals with Spencer. The first deal was that I would shave my head when his hair began to fall out from chemotherapy. This happened on November 9. The second deal was that we would ride the 25 mile route in the Ride for the Roses together in 2005 and I would help Spencer raise enough money to get him into the private ride with Lance Armstrong. Spencer is preparing for a career as a diplomat and views everything as a negotiation, and no negotiation is ever fully closed. He amended the shaving agreement to include me staying bald until his hair grows fully back. He amended the Ride for the Roses agreement to include the 40 mile ride (“if my butt doesn’t hurt and we stop at every rest stop”) and raising enough money for the Peloton Project Yellow Jersey award (they raised the amount for this award to $25,000 of fundraising). [...]

]]> Comment on Let the Smackdown Begin by peggy maxwell http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2006/03/15/let-the-smackdown-begin.html#comment-34901 Wed, 12 Dec 2007 14:19:53 +0000 http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2006/03/15/let-the-smackdown-begin.html#comment-34901 i guess my letter got knocked off but i was wondering about shaveing my head for spencer or one of the other kids who have cancer this is my christmas present to them to sacrafice my hair for one of them . call me peggymaxwell@gmail.com XXX-XXXX i guess my letter got knocked off but i was wondering about shaveing my head for spencer or one of the other kids who have cancer this is my christmas present to them to sacrafice my hair for one of them . call me peggymaxwell@gmail.com
XXX-XXXX

]]> Comment on Austin Shaves to Cure Cancer by peggy maxwell http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2006/03/17/austin-shaves-to-cure-cancer.html#comment-34897 Wed, 12 Dec 2007 04:04:53 +0000 http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2006/03/17/austin-shaves-to-cure-cancer.html#comment-34897 i would like to help fight pediatric cancer by shaveing my head i am 51 years old and this is my christmas present to spenser or any kid . please contact me at XXX-XXXX after all its just hair right? its for the kids What would Jesus do ? he would do it this is the year for giving. peggymax@gmail.com i realy don't have the funds to donate so i want to do it this way shave my head for the kids . God bless please get in touch with me as soon as possible i would like to help fight pediatric cancer
by shaveing my head i am 51 years old and this is my
christmas present to spenser or any kid .
please contact me at XXX-XXXX after all its just hair
right? its for the kids What would Jesus do ? he would do it
this is the year for giving.
peggymax@gmail.com
i realy don’t have the funds to donate so i want to
do it this way shave my head for the kids .
God bless please get in touch with me as soon as possible

]]> Comment on Three Year Anniversary, Eighty Wristbands by MSDN Blog Postings » What Livestrong Means to Me http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2007/10/22/three-year-anniversary-eighty-wristbands.html#comment-32446 Tue, 30 Oct 2007 06:52:58 +0000 http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2007/10/22/three-year-anniversary-eighty-wristbands.html#comment-32446 [...] I was able to participate in two evening events. One of the events was a Friday night BBQ party for the Ride for the Roses participants at a beautiful game ranch in Creedmore, TX. It was a small group -- maybe 100 people or so. Lance was in attendance and was very friendly with everyone. I think he knew most of the people in the room. The night started with a silent auction. I saw a Cheryl Crow guitar go for $10,500! After the Texas BBQ was served -- Lance started narrating a slide-show on a projector. He started off by naming off the top fundraisers and went down the list -- saying each name out loud. Many of the names had great survivor stories. One of them is 7 year old Spencer Sartin (if you don't click on another link in this entire post, click on Spencer's link). His dad raised him up in the air while Lance joked about Spencer holding the record for the most Livestrong bands ever worn by one person. Spencer is a cancer survivor going through chemo treatments -- and rode in the ride with his dad! It was hard not to cry. Another was Matt Pomeroy, who's mother just passed away after a 17 year battle with cancer. Matt decided to ride his bike across the country to raise money in her honor. He raised over $64,000! Some of the names couldn't be their -- as they were in hospitals fighting cancer. A couple of names weren't their because they didn't make it -- and then it hits home why Livestrong is important. [...] [...] I was able to participate in two evening events. One of the events was a Friday night BBQ party for the Ride for the Roses participants at a beautiful game ranch in Creedmore, TX. It was a small group—maybe 100 people or so. Lance was in attendance and was very friendly with everyone. I think he knew most of the people in the room.

The night started with a silent auction. I saw a Cheryl Crow guitar go for $10,500!

After the Texas BBQ was served—Lance started narrating a slide-show on a projector. He started off by naming off the top fundraisers and went down the list—saying each name out loud. Many of the names had great survivor stories. One of them is 7 year old Spencer Sartin (if you don’t click on another link in this entire post, click on Spencer’s link). His dad raised him up in the air while Lance joked about Spencer holding the record for the most Livestrong bands ever worn by one person. Spencer is a cancer survivor going through chemo treatments—and rode in the ride with his dad! It was hard not to cry. Another was Matt Pomeroy, who’s mother just passed away after a 17 year battle with cancer. Matt decided to ride his bike across the country to raise money in her honor. He raised over $64,000! Some of the names couldn’t be their—as they were in hospitals fighting cancer. A couple of names weren’t their because they didn’t make it—and then it hits home why Livestrong is important. [...]

]]> Comment on Three Year Anniversary, Eighty Wristbands by Empowering the End User : What Livestrong Means to Me http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2007/10/22/three-year-anniversary-eighty-wristbands.html#comment-32429 Tue, 30 Oct 2007 05:39:21 +0000 http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2007/10/22/three-year-anniversary-eighty-wristbands.html#comment-32429 [...] I was able to participate in two evening events. One of the events was a Friday night BBQ party for the Ride for the Roses participants at a beautiful game ranch in Creedmore, TX. It was a small group -- maybe 100 people or so. Lance was in attendance and was very friendly with everyone. I think he knew most of the people in the room. The night started with a silent auction. I saw a Cheryl Crow guitar go for $10,500! After the Texas BBQ was served -- Lance started narrating a slide-show on a projector. He started off by naming off the top fundraisers and went down the list -- saying each name out loud. Many of the names had great survivor stories. One of them is 7 year old Spencer Sartin (if you don't click on another link in this entire post, click on Spencer's link). His dad raised him up in the air while Lance joked about Spencer holding the record for the most Livestrong bands ever worn by one person. Spencer is a cancer survivor going through chemo treatments -- and rode in the ride with his dad! It was hard not to cry. Another was Matt Pomeroy, who's mother just passed away after a 17 year battle with cancer. Matt decided to ride his bike across the country to raise money in her honor. He raised over $64,000! Some of the names couldn't be their -- as they were in hospital's fighting cancer. A couple of names weren't their because they didn't make it -- and then it hits home why Livestrong is important. [...] [...] I was able to participate in two evening events. One of the events was a Friday night BBQ party for the Ride for the Roses participants at a beautiful game ranch in Creedmore, TX. It was a small group—maybe 100 people or so. Lance was in attendance and was very friendly with everyone. I think he knew most of the people in the room.

The night started with a silent auction. I saw a Cheryl Crow guitar go for $10,500!

After the Texas BBQ was served—Lance started narrating a slide-show on a projector. He started off by naming off the top fundraisers and went down the list—saying each name out loud. Many of the names had great survivor stories. One of them is 7 year old Spencer Sartin (if you don’t click on another link in this entire post, click on Spencer’s link). His dad raised him up in the air while Lance joked about Spencer holding the record for the most Livestrong bands ever worn by one person. Spencer is a cancer survivor going through chemo treatments—and rode in the ride with his dad! It was hard not to cry. Another was Matt Pomeroy, who’s mother just passed away after a 17 year battle with cancer. Matt decided to ride his bike across the country to raise money in her honor. He raised over $64,000! Some of the names couldn’t be their—as they were in hospital’s fighting cancer. A couple of names weren’t their because they didn’t make it—and then it hits home why Livestrong is important. [...]

]]> Comment on Three Year Anniversary, Eighty Wristbands by ron kolenic http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2007/10/22/three-year-anniversary-eighty-wristbands.html#comment-31722 Thu, 25 Oct 2007 15:42:51 +0000 http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2007/10/22/three-year-anniversary-eighty-wristbands.html#comment-31722 Spencer, CONGRATS on #3 and way to go - you are my hero and an inspiration to all. And you upstaged a well known cyclist (Lance) with this photo. So LIVESTRONG and give a big hug to mom and dad for they love you very much. Rob & Rachel, thank you for raising such a wonderful young man and for all that you do in support of cancer survivors. Spencer,

CONGRATS on #3 and way to go – you are my hero and an inspiration to all. And you upstaged a well known cyclist (Lance) with this photo.

So LIVESTRONG and give a big hug to mom and dad for they love you very much.

Rob & Rachel, thank you for raising such a wonderful young man and for all that you do in support of cancer survivors.

]]> Comment on Three Year Anniversary, Eighty Wristbands by Steve Basile http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2007/10/22/three-year-anniversary-eighty-wristbands.html#comment-31603 Wed, 24 Oct 2007 17:45:52 +0000 http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2007/10/22/three-year-anniversary-eighty-wristbands.html#comment-31603 Happy Anniversary Spencer! This post cracked me up. I also clicked on the "first day without training wheels" video clip and it took me back about 40 years or so to my first ride like that--I'll never forget it, learning that I could keep myself balanced, and that it actually got easier as I went a bit faster, putting the fear behind me. Great music too -- John Fahey? Leo Kottke? In any event, here's a toast to the end of the treatments, and more and more happy bike rides. Happy Anniversary Spencer! This post cracked me up. I also clicked on the “first day without training wheels” video clip and it took me back about 40 years or so to my first ride like that—I’ll never forget it, learning that I could keep myself balanced, and that it actually got easier as I went a bit faster, putting the fear behind me. Great music too—John Fahey? Leo Kottke?

In any event, here’s a toast to the end of the treatments, and more and more happy bike rides.

]]> Comment on Three Year Anniversary, Eighty Wristbands by Rob Sartin http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2007/10/22/three-year-anniversary-eighty-wristbands.html#comment-31439 Mon, 22 Oct 2007 21:03:24 +0000 http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2007/10/22/three-year-anniversary-eighty-wristbands.html#comment-31439 I actually emailed this to Lance and Doug. Lance said: <blockquote>Classic!!!!<br /><br />I love it!<br /><br />Please have the principal call either of us if there are issues.</blockquote> and Doug said: <blockquote>Me too...wow. What a kid.<br /><br />Rob - thanks for all that you do. We should be thanking you...<br /><br />Tell Spencer congrats on the milestone!</blockquote> I actually emailed this to Lance and Doug. Lance said:

Classic!!!!

I love it!

Please have the principal call either of us if there are issues.

and Doug said:

Me too…wow. What a kid.

Rob – thanks for all that you do. We should be thanking you…

Tell Spencer congrats on the milestone!

]]> Comment on Alex, 8 Year Old Cancer Patient and Fundraiser, Died by amanda http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2004/08/03/alex-8-year-old-cancer-patient-and-fundraiser-died.html#comment-30486 Thu, 11 Oct 2007 20:00:20 +0000 http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2004/08/03/alex-8-year-old-cancer-patient-and-fundraiser-died.html#comment-30486 we will alllllllllll miss you alex!!! we love u and care we will alllllllllll miss you alex!!! we love u and care

]]> Comment on Lion in the House at Alamo Drafthouse Sunday by Tracey Robinson http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2006/06/16/lion-in-the-house-at-alamo-drafthouse-sunday.html#comment-6144 Tue, 11 Jul 2006 15:19:47 +0000 http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2006/06/16/lion-in-the-house-at-alamo-drafthouse-sunday.html#comment-6144 Hi - I actually found your blog accidentally when I googled Dr. Brent Cardwell for his phone number. I am new to Austin (moved here a couple weeks ago), and feel like it is more than coincidence that I found your blog! I have been heavily involved in fundraising and advocacy for pediatric leukemia for the past 2 years - last year my Light The Night team (in Providence, RI where I moved from) raised over 10k for research. I am friends with Jenny Scott who founded Heroes For Children (www.heroesforchildren.org) after her daughter Allie passed away from AML in 2004. I also have a 6 year old going into 1st grade, as well as 2 younger children. Wanted to say hi and that I would love to help you with any fundraising or advocacy efforts that you do - my passion is fighting for a cure for pediatric leukemia. I am a high school counselor, but hope to go to UT for a MSW, specializing in pediatrics in a hospital setting. Take care - Tracey Robinson Hi – I actually found your blog accidentally when I googled Dr. Brent Cardwell for his phone number. I am new to Austin (moved here a couple weeks ago), and feel like it is more than coincidence that I found your blog! I have been heavily involved in fundraising and advocacy for pediatric leukemia for the past 2 years – last year my Light The Night team (in Providence, RI where I moved from) raised over 10k for research. I am friends with Jenny Scott who founded Heroes For Children (www.heroesforchildren.org) after her daughter Allie passed away from AML in 2004. I also have a 6 year old going into 1st grade, as well as 2 younger children.

Wanted to say hi and that I would love to help you with any fundraising or advocacy efforts that you do – my passion is fighting for a cure for pediatric leukemia. I am a high school counselor, but hope to go to UT for a MSW, specializing in pediatrics in a hospital setting.

Take care – Tracey Robinson

]]> Comment on LAF Manifesto Video is Out by Scott Joy http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2006/05/25/laf-manifesto-video-is-out.html#comment-5439 Tue, 30 May 2006 02:16:17 +0000 http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2006/05/25/laf-manifesto-video-is-out.html#comment-5439 I stumbled across your site tonight during a web search. Thanks so much for posting the link to the new Manifesto video. I hadn't seen it yet, and it's great. I stumbled across your site tonight during a web search. Thanks so much for posting the link to the new Manifesto video. I hadn’t seen it yet, and it’s great.

]]> Comment on LAF Manifesto Video by Riding for Roses » Blog Archive » LAF Manifesto Video is Out http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2006/04/25/laf-manifesto-video.html#comment-5362 Thu, 25 May 2006 18:45:20 +0000 http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2006/04/25/laf-manifesto-video.html#comment-5362 [...] I wrote earlier on the “inspiring experience of making the LAF Manifesto video”: http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2006/04/25/laf-manifesto-video.html when Spencer and I had the chance some of the filming that led to this video. [...] [...] I wrote earlier on the “inspiring experience of making the LAF Manifesto video”: http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2006/04/25/laf-manifesto-video.html when Spencer and I had the chance some of the filming that led to this video. [...]

]]> Comment on Livestrong Day Motivation by eliz. s. http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2006/05/17/livestrong-day-motivation.html#comment-5265 Fri, 19 May 2006 20:04:59 +0000 http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2006/05/17/livestrong-day-motivation.html#comment-5265 This post was included in Austinist's best of the local blogs for this week. This post was included in Austinist’s best of the local blogs for this week.

]]> Comment on Spencer Sartin and his Media Career - Step 6 by Riss http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2006/05/03/spencer-sartin-and-his-media-career-step-6.html#comment-5219 Tue, 09 May 2006 06:13:01 +0000 http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2006/05/03/spencer-sartin-and-his-media-career-step-6.html#comment-5219 That was a very moving article. Your son is an inspiration. All of you are, him and your whole family. The strength it must take to fight that battle is amazing. Good luck and God bless. That was a very moving article. Your son is an inspiration. All of you are, him and your whole family. The strength it must take to fight that battle is amazing. Good luck and God bless.

]]> Comment on Spencer Sartin and his Media Career - Step 6 by Omni http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2006/05/03/spencer-sartin-and-his-media-career-step-6.html#comment-5218 Mon, 08 May 2006 22:34:50 +0000 http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2006/05/03/spencer-sartin-and-his-media-career-step-6.html#comment-5218 What an amazing child Spencer is!! My mother has stage 3 breast cancer; I wish she had 1% of his drive to stay strong and overcome... <a HREF="http://omniverse.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Omni</a> What an amazing child Spencer is!!

My mother has stage 3 breast cancer; I wish she had 1% of his drive to stay strong and overcome…

Omni

]]> Comment on Spencer Sartin and his Media Career - Step 6 by Hank http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2006/05/03/spencer-sartin-and-his-media-career-step-6.html#comment-5215 Mon, 08 May 2006 12:38:57 +0000 http://www.robsartin.com/blog/2006/05/03/spencer-sartin-and-his-media-career-step-6.html#comment-5215 Well, I'm biased as Spencer's uncle, but I thought the Sports Illustrated story was beautiful and moving, and it reaffirms what I've been seeing so much evidence of in the last year and a half-- what a great kid Spencer is, and what a great father he has. (like I said, I'm biased.) Well, I’m biased as Spencer’s uncle, but I thought the Sports Illustrated story was beautiful and moving, and it reaffirms what I’ve been seeing so much evidence of in the last year and a half—what a great kid Spencer is, and what a great father he has. (like I said, I’m biased.)

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