We decided to extend Ali’s legacy to more than just University hospital where she was treated. Since I am all too familiar with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, we figured why not let them play too! For those of you who don’t know, the girl standing in black in the image directly below is Rachel. She was previously one of my soccer players and is now practically my little sister. She’s 18 and just celebrated her ONE YEAR anniversary of being in remission from her stage 4b hodgekins lymphoma. (She’s amazing, but everyone already knows that!) Anywho, she was in and out of Children’s regularly for a good six months and Nori and I spent a lot of time visiting her during our “Tuesday’s with Rachel.” We thought it would be perfect to add some tutu love to the playroom up there and eventually give them to patients directly. So this weekend we focused on tutus for kids and then people made their own for Saturday’s walk at PMHS.
Then, of course, we had to try them on.
I wanted to try ALL OF THEM on. (I’m actually like 5-6 shy here!)
Laura is developing superhero capes for the dudes in oncology units. I have a vision in my head of a photo I want to capture, I hope i can make it happen one day! She made a teeny one for Nico.
He loved it! 🙂
You’ll have to excuse the quality here. I was busy playing host/babytending/tutu making and I forgot to grab a shot of a completed tutu. D’oh. They are at Laura’s house, so I have some iPhone pics from her. We wanted the patients to know a bit about Ali so I wrote up this little ditty. “Ali believed you can never love too much, dress up too much, wear too much pink, or have too much fun! So dance, twirl & laugh in your tutu and don’t let yourself forget you are beautiful, inside AND out. We pray you win the fight! You got this, girl!!” Then Adam reworked the book label to make it say, “Leaving her legacy in tutus.”
Here is our first official Tutu Hero. Her name is Rachel, she’s gorgeous and from what I hear, she’s amazing and one hell of a fighter. She’s the perfect first recipient, and I’m so glad she let us share a picture of her rockin’ it out for Ali. Rachel was so moved and inspired by this gift, she wanted to help us craft for other patients! Um how sweet of her?! -Rachel, I know you wanted to hang out with us Saturday, and I’m so sorry it didn’t work out. I hope you are feeling better and know that you are ALWAYS welcome to join us in the future. I know you’re incredibly strong and I look forward to meeting you! Enjoy your tutu!
Thanks for stopping by! peace, Melanie.
how cool!!
and so glad it went well – looked like fun 🙂
GREAT TO SEE YOU DENISE ,AND FOR TELLING ME ABOUT THIS WEBSITE . IT IS BEAUTIFUL. MY PRAYERS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY…THANKSFOR THE MEMORIES. MARY SWEENEY.
What a loving tribute to Ali and a great way to make those girls feel special! Girls will forever be Rockin’ Pink and being all cute just like Ali. I love it!
love it 🙂
I love it! Especially the notecard that goes with it! Great job girls. Ali IS, I am sure so proud!
Absolutely love all of this! Ali is/would be so proud of you I’m sure. I know I am!
Love this idea and can’t wait to see the patients rocking there tutus while I am at work!!! Just another thing that will remind me of Ali and make me smile. The patients will love these and to be honest so will the nurses we love to see them smiling and happy and I know the tutus and super hero capes will do the trick!!! So thanks for this awesome idea to included Children’s in all the great things your doing to continue her legacy!!! 🙂
incredible.
I was introduced to your website from a friend of mine who shared Ali’s story with me way back when. I was sucked in (happily) and have looked forward to reading it ever since. I then found out that my mom and sister-in-law know your parents also…..my maiden name is Duebber. Small world? Nope, it’s a westside thing! I was wondering if Rachel would allow you to share the details of her story? I love how you write and I love that your family never lost their faith and belief in Jesus Christ along the way. What a testimony you have to share….thank you for sharing it with all of us! I will continue to pray for each and every one of you as I continue to follow your blog. Thanks again!
How amazing and thoughtful. I am a nurse at Shriner’s Hospital for children. I would love to be able to do this for our girls and boys too, all while sharing Ali’s legacy. You girls are awesome!
Mel your picture with all the tutu’s is AMAZING……I LOVE IT!
Pingback: We have a walker! And a runner? «
Hope to see my little patients wearing these soon 🙂 (I am a nurse at Children’s on the oncology floor.)