Friday, December 28, 2012

Post Max signs

A few minutes after Max passed away his nose was twitching. Dr. Taylor explained that it was normal and ok to see this. For me, it was as if he was smelling where he had just arrived. Heaven.

As we were leaving the vet’s office and elderly gentleman came out to the parking lot holding a small puppy. He had seen us pass through the waiting room. He was sobbing and wishing us well as he was aware that we had just lost Max. He had recently lost his dog of 17 years. What a simply wonderful person.

When I got back to my apartment at lunch time there was a moving van parked in the loading bay. The name on the side of the van was Wheaton. So close to Wheaten (Terrier).

After Robyn and I dropped off (donated) Max’s food and belongings to the Maryland SPCA we overheard a couple talking about their animal adoption. The dogs name that they were adopting was Calamity Jane. Max’s mother’s name was Calamity Jane.

This morning the sunrise was beautiful. So long boy.




Thursday, December 27, 2012

A very sad chronology





At 5am Diana woke me up and told me Max was having a difficult time and seemed to be in pain. I went over to her house and took Max's pain meds with me. He really seemed to be in distress and was bumping into everything. Robyn was trying to take him for a walk as he would not sit or lie down. We all took turns trying to walk him and Robyn was finally able to give him a pain pill. It took a while to take effect and he was finally able to lie down, exhausted. 

We all knew what was going on but just wanted to pretend it wasn't going to happen. Before we left for the vet Michael said his goodbyes to Max just incase he never came back with us. 

We got to the vet at 9am and they were simply amazing. I cannot say enough about Dr. Taylor's wisdom and compassion. She had been his doggie physician for the past 13 years. She checked Max out and asked us a bunch of questions. All the while being so sensitive to our feelings. We all decided the best thing for Max was to put him to sleep and that's exactly how it occurred. I never ever figured it would come to this and it was simply the most awful decision I (we) have ever made. It was disgustingly surreal.

Dr. Taylor then explained exactly what would happen and we all elected to stay in the room and be with Max when he left us. I was holding him and Robyn when he died in the hope that he knew we were with him to the end. I can tell you that it was very quick and peaceful. He went to sleep at 9:30am and I felt his breathing stop and his heart stop beating. Something drained out of me at that very moment. We were all devastated. Even Dr. taylor was sobbing. I cannot begin to explain what it's like holding a living thing as it dies. Something died in me as well !

Max will be cremated and we will have him home next week. There is an emptiness in us all now. He will forever be missed. Rest in peace old friend. We will all meet up again one day. Until then….....run free, run free.


RIP Max

You will be sorely missed. Until we meet again.

Carpe Diem.

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Chemo 4 (Round 8)



So far so good. My weight is stable at 161 lbs (73 kgs). Blood pressure was good. Temperature was normal and oxygen saturation was fine. The blood and urine work came back all stable and good. The spot on my forehead is not to do with converting to Hinduism but removal of a pre-skin cancer. What the f*ck is it with Me and cancer ! Now if we can just keep that “Best before date” way down the road.


I’m about to get my pre meds and then the two poisons. It’s kind of unsettling when the nurse shows up to give you the chemo and she is totally kitted out in mask and gown and the bags she is holding has a skull and crossbones on it.


Carpe Diem.



Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Pave takes on student debt………




My nephew just launched this new company (Pave) today with an incredible new idea. Read on. 

http://gigaom.com/2012/12/12/pave-takes-on-student-debt-with-crowdfunding-site-for-education-and-careers/

Check out the web site at:

http://www.pave.com

Carpe Diem.

Good quote

‎”If you only visit two continents in your lifetime, visit Africa twice." - R. Elliott

Carpe Diem.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Observations about Bulawayo



  1. Traffic seems to have gotten a bit more hectic.
  2. Some of the robots (traffic lights) have advanced green arrows.
  3. Some of the street markings have been painted.
  4. Electricity cuts seem to be a bit less frequent.
  5. Water cuts have become more frequent.
  6. There are still some really good places to eat.
  7. Eskimo Hut is still going.
  8. The USA bank notes are even more filthier.
  9. Things are dry. A good soaking rain is needed.

    Carpe Diem.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

My trip summary


Friday November 23rd, 2012.

Just a quick note before I go off to bed. The flight (IAD-DKR-JNB-VFA) was great and the Thursday night in Joburg was fun. I stayed at Stan and Glenda and we went out for grilled king prawns and chicken.

I met Silvi and Lee at the Falls airport Friday lunch time and after a quick check-in at the Vic Falls Hotel, went straight to the pool. Good to see all my "friends" at the hotel. They were chuffed to see me. I'm always treated really well there.

We went to Mama Africa for dinner. What else but sadza, nyama (meat) and veggies.

I was feeling quite knackered and slightly nauseous post chemo but being at the Falls really helped.

Off to Botswana for the day tomorrow (Saturday).

Saturday November 24th.

Been lucky with the weather. Cloudy skies so it's kept the temp down. We spent the day in Botswana cruising the Chobe river and then after lunch a game drive. Saw a lot of of animals and dodged a few huge thunderstorms. Dinner Saturday night at the Vic Falls Safari Lodge and then contemplated going to the casino at the Kingdom Hotel. Ended up not going. Boring !

Sunday November 25th.

Sunday morning, after a confusing sleep because of the chemo, jet lag and baboons fighting on the roof, we had a really nice buffet breakfast with some friends of ours that live at the Falls. Had to endure multiple toilet breaks. Thank you chemo !

Set out for the drive to Bulawayo before noon and it pretty much rained off and on the whole way back. The heaviest rain was about 60kms from Bulawayo. Biblical proportions but much needed. We dodged multiple humans, cows, goats and baboons the whole way back. We also endured 2 tolls, 1 speed check and 6 police checks. Survived them all.

After a brief break at the Solomons on Hall road we went out for a wonderful BBQ (braai) to the Sommers. Between a power failure and tons of flying ants we still had a good time and meal. The flying ants (termites) are ridiculous after a rain.

Monday November 26th

This morning I sat with Loveness and showed her pictures of late Ethan. It was really sad and tough. Also, seeing the pool where he drowned was very unsettling. But it was really good to give her the cash I had raised for her and the family. Thanks to all the incredibly generous people who donated.

I had to have an afternoon chemo induced siesta. Otherwise doing well. Monday night we were home for dinner.

The Center tomorrow (Tyoosday).

Tuesday November 27th.

What the %&$#, I thought it was supposed to be summer in Africa. Bladdy hell, it's been highs of 70's and lows of 50's.

This morning I got a bucket load of donuts for all the workers at Solomon's. In front of the supermarket the road has been dug up for new electric cables and is effecting the business. What a shame. The construction timetable is on Africa time. TIA.

I then went out to the Center to drop off all the stuff I brought for them. 2 laptops and some medical supplies. Two of the staff have already been trained in CPR and basic medical care. The place looks great. It was good to see all the people there. I was amazed at how organized it is. There are timetables and schedules everywhere of who does what and it's fantastic to see what's available for the kids to do. The computer room (10 computers so far) is impressive. Where would these kids have ever been exposed to computers if not for the Center ?

Had lunch with Silvi at Peter and Claire Einhorn's new coffee shop. Very nice.

Wednesday November 28th.

The sun has finally come out and it's getting hot. It looks like the chance of rain has really gone down which is a shame. It's really needed here.

And then back home for a chemo induced power nap. Another home cooked dinner, a bit of telly, a hot bath and then off to bed.

Thursday and Friday November 29th and 30th.

The last few days have been a blur. I've been doing so much running around trying to dispense the infusion units and tubing. So far I have donated 6 to Mater Dei Hospital, 6 to Mpilo Hospital, 4 to Bulawayo Central Hospital, 1 to Dr. Mark Dixon (a Liverpool fan) and 1 to Dr. Eric Cohen. It took me 2 years to get the equipment to Zimbabwe.

Friday night Shul we had 15 for a minyan. Awesome for Bulawayo. Only 66 Jews left in Bulawayo and mostly the elderly. Then off to the Chitrins for an intimate shabbat dinner for 30.

Saturday December 1st.

Today I went to the Center and I took some special guests. The grandmother, the mother and the sister of the late Ethan (who drowned in the pool). There was lots going on with about 70 kids there. I have already posted some pictures on FB. Privilege got involved with the activities and Loveness and Joyce watched. They were so impressed with the goings on and the Center itself. Just before we left they donated Ethan's clothing to the Center. What was really touching and strange was one of the little boys at the Center followed us and Loveness gave him one of Ethan's caps. Just killed me ! Simply incredible in their time of mourning. I am trying to get a copy of the journal that Ethan's sister wrote after his death. It's very sad and detailed.

The weather has started to become true Africa weather. With no cloud cover like the first few days, it's hot. High 80'sF or 30'sC. I feeling ok but with bouts of extreme constipation to serious other extremes ! But nothing like a good afternoon nap.

By the way, we came 4th in the Nike Fundraiser thanks to you all. The top six all got somewhere around US$30,000 each.

Sunday December 2nd.

I went to the cemetery for the Shmulian headstone unveiling. Cemetery's are not my thing !

Til next time...........

Carpe Diem.


Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Out of Africa

Literally. I’m on my way back to the USA after avery enjoyable and productive trip.

Carpe Diem.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

And now for something completely different

I’m off to Zimbabwe today, post chemo and all. I’m really looking forward to this trip. Of course, what visit would be without spending time at the magnificent Victoria Falls and cruising the Zambezi/Chobe rivers with a smattering of game dive afterwards.

Lots to do in Bulawayo. I look forward to seeing the Nyathi/Dube family and handing over the awesome amount we were able to raise for the Ethan Fund. Rest in peace my little friend.

The 21 infusion units plus tubing is waiting for me in Bulawayo. I am thrilled to be working with local doctors and hospitals to dispense these units. Finally ! Thanks Dr. Phil and Dr. Steve. Siyabonga kakulu.

There will be lots to see, friend to visit and things to do at the Zimkids Center. I have some VIP tours to conduct. Well actually, I arrange the tours and leave them in the very capable hands of the people running the Center. Or is it Centre :-)

I’m hoping that my post chemo fatigue and nausea will be somewhat mitigated by the awesome change of environment.

I will be celebrating Thanksgiving somewhere over central Africa. Still lots to be thankful for. To all my family and friends celebrating this Thanksgiving holiday I say…………

Carpe Diem.


Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Chemo 3 (Round 8)

Sitting here waiting for the poison to seep into my blood and do their thing.

Things went smoothly and I’m all cleared to go on my trip.

Trip you ask ? Africa, the deep, dark continent. Where ? Well Zimbabwe of course.

Carpe Diem.

Monday, November 19, 2012

iPhone 4S

Words of wisdom. “Don’t put your iPhone in the washing machine !" It’s not good for it.

Carpe Diem.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

From Teamdraft.org


The Facts

  1. Anyone can get lung cancer.
  2. Lung cancer kills more people than breast, prostate, colon, liver, kidney, and melanoma cancer combined.
  3. The 5 year survival rate for lung cancer is just 16% - a rate that has changed very little since the 1970's.
  4. Nearly 60% of those diagnosed with lung cancer are people who have never smoked or are former smokers.
  5. Lung cancer surpassed breast cancer as the number #1 cancer killer for women in 1987.
Carpe Diem.

New wristbands

I had these new wristbands made as I no longer wear the yellow Livestrong wristband. This one says “ZIMKIDSORPHANTRUST.ORG” and is pearl blue. The color symbolizes support for lung cancer. The problem is that the sizes I got were all youth. So, if you have a skinny wrist and would like a couple then email me and I will send you some.

Carpe Diem.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

My prediction

Tomorrow, a president will be elected. Tomorrow, there will be no tanks or troops in the streets. Tomorrow, life will go on.

In the mean, time my thoughts and best wishes are to all those who have suffered post hurricane Sandy.

To all the men and women in our armed services, thank you for your service.

F*ck cancer and carpe diem.

At this moment……..

We are sitting at number 1

http://www.globalgiving.org/leaderboards/girl-effect-challenge/

Please remember when donating that it is not the amount donated but the number of unique (different) donors that counts.

Thanks and Carpe Diem.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Please don’t forget


The month of November is Girl Effect Challenge at Global Giving. We are trying to win a Nike sponsored challenge. We need as many "unique" donors as possible. It's not the amount we raise but the number of donors. So, if you could all make a small ($10) donation using your credit card or any other means at:


Thanks and……….


Carpe Diem.

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Phew !

Monday night was lots of heavy rain and serious wind. Tuesday morning we still have power and are all fine. Thanks. Now piss off Sandy.

Carpe Diem.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Sandy, what the….


Monday morning and the rain is pissing down and the winds are picking up. Do your worst……..we’re ready.

Carpe Diem.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Chemo 2 (Round 8)

Didn’t sleep a wink last night. Damn pre chemo steroids amongst other things !

All the blood work and vitals were good. Chemo took a bit longer than usual. Nonetheless, I was out-a there in 4 hours. Run awaaaay !

Carpe Diem.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

With regards the “Zimkids project" post

If you are thinking of donating please remember to only do this in November as per the instructions. Thanks.

Carpe Diem.

Zimkids project


For Just Ten Dollars, You Can Give An AFRICAN Orphan Girl a Real Shot at a Future

Across Zimbabwe, girls without any other option are forced into early marriage to men who are abusive, unfaithful and, in too many cases, infected with HIV. We’re trying to change that. We’re trying to give them nothing less, and nothing more, than control over their own destinies.

How? Since “women’s work” doesn’t get you very far in Zimbabwe, last year, we trained two girls in welding and basic building techniques – from laying brick to pouring cement. Now, we’re trying to establish an expanded version of that program, ZimGirls Welding, and grow it into an independent company for future trainees. And we plan to make it a model and template for other microenterprises run by, and tailored to, dozens of young women orphaned by AIDS.

The umbrella program, Zimkids Orphan Trust, is a finalist in a competition sponsored by Nike and the GlobalGiving Foundation to improve the lives of girls across the world. In order to become one of the twelve winning organizations – each of which will get about $30,000 - we need as many individual donations as possible during the month of November. Donations don’t need to be large. Since it’s the NUMBER of donations, not the total amount raised, that will catapult us to the top, even $10 will make an enormous difference.

Our goal is 1000 donations. So can you spread the word and ask your friends and family members to give our girls a helping hand? Every little contribution is worth a LOT to us. Let’s make this cause go viral!

You can donate two ways – and PLEASE, not before November 1 or after November 30.

By credit card: Go to http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/building-girls-futures/  and follow the instructions.

By Check: Payable to “Global Giving”. Must be received by November 15th to be counted. Make sure to note that donation is to be applied to Zimkids Girl Effect Challenge – Building Girls Futures project. Mail to Global Giving, 1023 15th Street, NW, 12th Floor, Washington, DC 20005.

For more information on Zimkids, go to www.zimkids.com or facebook/zimkids

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Sorry. I didn’t mean to be so cryptic.

It’s about Lance Armstrong. Even though his LIVESTRONG foundation ultimately does good work, I am so disappointed in him as a role model that I can no longer wear the yellow bracelet. Anyone want a Zimkids Orphan Trust bracelet ?

Carpe Diem.

As of this day forward

I am no longer wearing my LIVESTRONG yellow bracelet. I am truly saddened and disappointed by all that has transpired these past few weeks. To all my friends and family that have worn this bracelet in support of me and others dealing with cancer, I say a simple “thank you”.

Carpe Diem.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Damn ! I forgot.

After being off chemo for 4 months I forgot what side effects I endured during all my treatments. This shit has come back with a vengeance.
Bad stomach cramps
Constipation
Nausea
Headaches

How much fun can one person have ?

Carpe Diem ?






Friday, October 5, 2012

Donating to the Ethan Fund

I will be gratefully collecting funds for the next few weeks. If you would like to help please send a check to my 212 Washington address. Unless anonymity is requested, all names, donations and email addresses will be included with the final donation letter and funds. Please understand that I will not be able to provide any tax deductions ! Thanks in advance and please spread the word.

Carpe Diem.

The Ethan Fund



Dear Friends and Family,
As you may all be aware of the terrible tragedy that happened a few days ago in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe I am writing to you all with an appeal.  

I am putting together a fund to assist the family left behind. I would be grateful for any and all assistance. Some of you have already kindly offered to help. I will reply to each and everyone of you who have pledged so far with how we can accomplish this.

The Solomon family have been unbelievably helpful and generous to the family of Ethan. They have magnanimously arranged a dignified burial for this wonderful little guy (3years 9months old). The Solomons are totally and utterly devastated by this horrific turn of events but want you all to know that they really do appreciate all the love and support. 

Ethan's family are struggling to cope with this senseless and untimely tragedy. Nothing will bring this beautiful child back but we can make a huge difference to the family. The funeral is tomorrow Saturday October 6th.
Warmest regards,
Adrian. 

P.S. Please pass this along to anyone you may care, to with thanks.

Adrian Suskin
212 Washington Ave Apt 1707
Towson MD 21204-4735
USA

410-339-3435 home
443-629-6133 cell

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Hamba Gashle (go in peace) my little friend

On my many and recent visits to Bulawayo I always made time to play with Ethan. I would bring little things for him and his family from America and he was always so excited.

We have tragically lost our little friend.

I will forever miss you trying to push the buttons on my cell phone and computer. I will miss our times looking at my pictures on the computer of you and the others. I will miss you shouting at Diesel and Hugo in the yard. I will miss teasing you to help Bongani with the gardening chores. I will miss that mischievous smile and your constant curiosity in what I was always doing. There will be a big hole in my heart when I visit Bulawayo again. Words cannot express the joy you brought to all the people who new you and were a part of your short life. I greave with all your family and friends, of which you had many. We will meet again my little friend, just not yet, not yet !

Dear Friends and Family


Please forgive me for being so cryptic in the following email but It's out of respect to the family and friends involved. I will elaborate when the family involved and my friends allow me to do so.

There was a terrible tragedy today in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. A young child I know very well, lost his life. I, along with many other people, am devastated by this awful news.

In the coming days I will be putting together a fund to assist the family left behind. I would be grateful for any and all assistance. Nothing will bring this beautiful child back but we can make a huge difference to the family. As soon as I figure out the logistics I will reply to each and everyone of you who have pledged to help. Please email me privately at:

asuskin@hotmail.com

Carpe Diem.

I’m totally gutted !

RIP little Ethan (Tony). These are tears of utter sadness for you. Hamba gashle !



Carpe Diem.

Friday, September 28, 2012

The Doc visit

Well, sh*t.……….. I will be starting up chemo again this Thursday !

Blood work was great, weight stable all vitals were good. However, the scans were not quite what we were expecting or wanting. They showed a recurrence of the disease in my right lung. The “positive”, out of all this, is that there is no spread to any other part of me. I will be going back on the Alimta and Avastin combination every 3 weeks. Hopefully, I will respond well and continue to tolerate the renewed treatment.

In the meantime………F*CK cancer and

Carpe Diem.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Scan day

So lovely “living” from scan to scan. Doctor’s visit tomorrow.

Carpe Diem.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Run BigBoySlim Run !

My good friend Craig S. ran his first marathon this morning in Cape Town, South Africa. With an awesome time of 4hrs 7mins. Well done Craig and a very special thank you from all your friends at Zimkids.


From Craig: “ I pushed on through the pain for Zimkids. Couldn’t let them down.”


From Craig’s brother Dean: “ He nearly stopped at one point cos he thought he was gonna have heart attack. But he pushed through for the Kids.”


From Craig’s dad Hylton: “ 4hrs 7mins in freezing, shit weather.”


From Craig’s mom Lee: “ So proud of our son Craig who completed his first marathon run in Cape Town this morning. ;) x x.

Carpe Diem.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

A truly fine young man

And who I am proud to call a good friend. Thank you Craig.

Please read:

"To my family and friends,

As most of you are aware, in January 2011 I took up road running as part of my weight loss regime. Little did I know that 18 months later, running will have become an integral part of my day-to-day life and that I would at long last be preparing for my 1st full marathon (Cape Town Marathon) to be held on 23 September in which I will run 42.2km/26.2 miles around Cape Town.

Given that distance running is a fairly lonely sport, one often has time to think and reflect. On my longer training runs around beautiful Cape Town, I often consider how fortunate I have been from a financial and health perspective. I have a loving and supportive family and many wonderful friends. There are however those who have not been as fortunate. I would therefore like to use this milestone in my life and running “career” to raise funds and awareness for a charity which is close to my heart, Zimkids.

As most of you are aware I spent the better part of my childhood in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. For those who have not visited Zimbabwe, the people ,who have endured so much over the last couple of decades, are still incredibly humble, gentle and grateful for all that they have. It is this that I admire and for whom I would like to raise awareness through Zimkids.

In a country where 20% of the children are orphans and 94% of the adults are unemployed, Zimkids provides a safety net for 200 of Zimbabwe’s neediest orphans and teaches them the skills necessary to build better futures for themselves and their community.

I understand that many of you have commitments to your own charities which you support however, I am asking that as I intend to push myself physically to reach this milestone, for you to push yourself too and kindly consider making a contribution (no matter how big or small) to this very worthy cause which I support. The link to donate is as follows http://www.globalgiving.com/projects/zimkids-feeds-zimbabwean-orphans-body-and-soul/ and can also be accessed through the Zimkids website http://www.zimkids.com/new/. All donations will be completely anonymous. Should you wish to make the donation in my honour, please feel free to do so.

With gratitude,

Craig


ps check out Zimkids on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/Zimkids

Carpe Diem.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Planes, Japanese and RUSH

What an action packed day.

Picked up my good friend Bwian (Brian), from BWI airport and we drove on to IAD airport to the Air & Space Museum. For two pilots, it was simply amazing.


Then on to the RUSH concert at a nearby venue. Backstage passes and all. Not before partaking in a wonderful Japanese dinner.


Carpe Diem.

Friday, August 31, 2012

Zimkids update

By Dennis Gaboury - Founder, Chair, Board of Trustees


As you might have noticed, we updated our GlobalGiving project page to reflect that Zimkids now has a new home.  We are happily and productively operating out of our new building. We worked 7 days a week for the last few months to open on July 31st. We’ve entered a whole new era – thanks to so many of you.  You can see the project in a 2 minute slideshow by going tohttps://www.vimeo.com/47694837.
Now that we have land, along with a greenhouse and drip irrigation system, we can produce much of the food the orphans we serve require – along with training in modern agricultural techniques using little water or fertilizer. Our goal, after all, has never been to foster dependency. While we will continue to provide them with staple foods, we are encouraging them to work with our staff to grow the vegetables and – later -fruit that will add such critical nutrition to their starch-heavy diet. Our donations for kale will be used for seed or soy protein.  We are ending beef distribution because meat inspection is now untrustworthy because of corruption.
We’ve been able to improve our educational programs substantially. In addition to paying school fees, we will be offering tutoring in our own resource center, a library and a fantastic computer center that will allow the children to enter the 21st century in style. Our old Council of Elders, who “graduated” into Seniors, and who built our center and who will now be referred to as Staff will receive ongoing training in first aid, counseling, management, accounts which in a year’s time they will pass on to our next generation of Seniors.
Our staff members are receiving basic first aid and minor medical training so that they can work with our physicians.
We’re also expanding the on-the-job vocational training we gave to the Seniors with training in metalwork (take a look at the phenomenal metal shields that hold up our computer desks – we’re already offering similar ones for sale!) And our center is entirely powered by solar energy!
With our new space, we have been able to broaden our recreational activities to include netball, which is popular with the girls, an obstacle course which under the guidance of Foster Dingani, one of our exceptional Seniors, will build the obstacle course as a carpentry training program for the older children, and board games for rainy days, in addition to our old programs in performing arts, visual arts, and soccer. If you take a peak at the slide show you will see the murals on the walls that surround the Center, you’ll see the work of our amazing new art teacher, Shaka, who is currently working with the children to design and paint murals on the inside of the walls.
Finally, we’re making a serious push on special training for our girls, who are growing up in a society where rape is an epidemic, families press for early marriage to gain access to cash (since the husband needs to pay for the privilege of marriage), sanitary napkins are expensive, and obedience is prized. Two of our trainees who built the new center are young women, and they are taking the lead in designing programs to help teach the younger women and girls the lesson that they have learned about protecting themselves, the value of saying NO, and standing up for their rights. They will be bolstered by a nurse who will teach them about family planning and reproductive health.
You can visit our facebook page at www.facebook.com/zimkids or our website, currently being updated to see photos of the project. Our website is currently being updated.
Stay tuned, please. We have already been widely recognized as one of the most innovative orphan projects in Africa, and we’re just getting going to show what can be accomplished by a center built by orphans and run by orphans for orphans.
I am in the States until I return to Zimbabwe in December and have lots of frequent flyer miles if you or your organization would like to host Zimkids for fundraising events.  Wherever possible we can set up skype video conferences with our kids and yours bridging the miles and bringing the smiles to opposite sides of the globe!

In the mean time……..


Mike is back at school in his senior year of mechanical engineering. He also has a part time internship (paid) that he is quite excited about. His pet ball python “Nyoka” continues to grow.

Rob leaves for the UK towards the end of September. She is really excited about completing her Masters in Sports Psychology. In the meantime she is still enjoying coaching and playing soccer.

Max continues to plug along at 15+ years. He is almost completely blind, deaf and a bit incontinent. But, nonetheless, he is loved dearly. Rob is definitely “alpha” now with me relegated to “omega” !

Aunt E is fine. Playing and watching as much tennis as she can.

As for me………who cares. Not really. Traveling as much as I can and loving it.

Carpe Diem.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

A visit with the “Warden”

I had my port flush, bloodwork and Dr. check up today. Here is how things went:

The port flushed beautifully. Just like a brand new commode from Home Depot :-)

The bloodwork and vitals were all fine. Allow me to dispel some myths. There are no blood markers or blood tests for lung cancer. When I say all is fine it means all the standard blood stuff (white cells, red cells etc.) are normal. I have however, put on 3 more pounds. My BMI (body mass index) is slowly creeping up. I know. Stop eating like a pig !

My meeting with Dr. S went well. We have set up my next scans for September 26th and doctor’s appointment for September 28th. Depending on how the scans look a determination will be made then as to whether we need to restart chemo or continue on my well deserved break. I know what I prefer.

Carpe Diem.

Friday, August 24, 2012

By the way……..

Zim was Zim. What else can I say ? Another great trip. When is the next Zim trip planned you ask ??? Soon ! It’s very exciting with the Center now up and running.

The Olympics were fantastic. I had an amazing time in London.

Birthday in Boca was excellent. I hung out with Bobba the Bear and made out like a bandit with regards presents. Saw lots of family as well.

Off to New York for Rosh Hashanah. Until then.

Carpe Diem.


Thursday, August 23, 2012

56 from '56

Is that supposed to mean something ?

I’m having a great day here in Boca with my mom.

It’s great getting “older” because the alternative is not very appealing.

CARPE DIEM !

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Olympics bound

I will be representing the Zimbabwe Navy in the synchronized submarine missile event. Ought to be a tight competition between us, the North Koreans and the Iranians. Keep an eye on that dark horse (submarine) from Syria.

I will be there from this Thursday for a week.

Carpe Diem.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

My check up

My port flush and check up went well. The blood work was fine and the protein in my urine is back to normal levels. The break from the Avastin has really helped the protein levels return to normal and given my kidneys a break. My blood pressure is good and my weight is “high” normal :-)

My next flush and check up is scheduled for August 29th and the next scan will be sometime in mid September. Hopefully, the condition of my “inside” matches the “outside”……………all ok !

Carpe Diem.

The Center

The Adrian Suskin Center for Zimkids is opening this weekend. This is such a proud moment for me. Thank you to all involved with this amazing project. Dennis, without your guidance and inspiration we would all be lost. Siabonga kakulu and tatenda.

Carpe Diem.

Monday, July 23, 2012

Wonderful news for Robyn

Quote:


"NYU accepted my postponement until Fall 2013. This upcoming year, I will be studying for my MSc at LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY in the UK! Im so excited :)”


Rob will be studying Sports Psychology at Loughborough and then continuing with Occupational Therapy at NYU. 


Carpe Diem.

Saturday, June 23, 2012

Away I go

I’m off today to Europe for a cruise with my mom and the Polskin/Bass families. Check out this link:

http://www.rssc.com/cruises/MAR120626/suite/a_penthouse_suite/ship.aspx

Then I continue on to Zimbabwe for 2 weeks. Maybe longer if I’m having fun !

One serious Carpe Diem(s).

Friday, June 22, 2012

Finally !

I was able to get UPS to help me get some of my medical equipment shipped off to Zimbabwe. I was able to send 21 infusion units, 2 nebulizers and lots of IV tubing. My stuff is hooking up with another shipment of medical equipment and supplies destined for Bulawayo. I will elaborate at a later date. Suffice to say:

Thanks UPS, Doc Phil and Doc Steve.

Carpe Diem.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Port flush and Doc visit

But no chemo ! I went in today to get my port flushed and visit with my Oncologist. All was fine. The blood work and vitals were good and I have blimped to 160lbs :-)

My next “flush" will be July 26th. Did I mention no chemo !

I also went to see my heart Doc and did a stress ECG. You sit in a room and people come in and swear, belittle and insult you until you stress out. No, not really. But I did actually do a real stress ECG and it was all fine.

Now, away I go.

Carpe Diem.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

The results

I have just spoken to Dr. Schraeder. He was pleased with the scan results as they still show no spread and no progression. Now I can really enjoy my 3 month break.

Carpe Diem.

Monday, June 4, 2012

The scans

Had my PET/CT scans this morning. Now waiting for the results.

Carpe Diem.

Friday, June 1, 2012

SOLD !

After a brief but somewhat difficult and hectic time, our house in Baltimore has sold. We are generally happy with the outcome and look forward to the future.

We are not planning to leave Baltimore quite yet as Mike is still in college going into his final year of Mechanical Engineering. Rob will be going to New York in September to complete her Masters in Occupational Therapy.

I’m enjoying my apartment but yes, it does get lonely at times. Diana is moving into a town home very close to our “old home”.

Carpe Diem.

Saturday, May 26, 2012

Don Bobleone

Happy birthday to the most amazing mother anyone could ask for. Live long and prosper.

Carpe Diem.

Friday, May 18, 2012

Chemo 28 (Round 7)

In a positive light, lets hope this treatment will be it until we hear about the scan on June 4th. At that time a determination will be made to let me go without treatment until approximately early September.

Carpe Diem.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

A Facebook posting by Megan Linde

With kind permission, I have reproduced Megan Linde's post about her recent trip to Zimbabwe and her visit to Zimkids.

"Hello there friends, family, casual acquaintances, random people I met once and agreed to friend on Facebook, people from my past, present, and future (I guess...)!

It's my birthday! Yay! Turning 24 is awesome and I'm super into it! I kinda want to do things a little differently this year. I can't really be bothered to have a party and I don't want my poor friends to feel obliged to buy me drinks and stuff. But here's what I'd really like for my birthday. Brace yourself, it's a long-ish read.

Some of you may know that I finally went on my Grand Pilgrimage to the Motherland (Bulawayo) in February and it was life-changing and beautiful and whatever. On a perfect, sunny Saturday, I had the opportunity to visit an organization for Bulawayo orphans called ZimKids. I was picked up bright and early to go collect about 70 cabbages and take them to a school on the edge of the city, where I then participated in a food distribution and eventually met over 100 amazing children.

I got to climb trees with them. They taught me important words in Ndebele (umngane - friend, asigide - let's dance, and my favorite, Kulelitshe esicathulweni sami - There's a rock in my shoe.) I got to see their homes and meet their families, which mostly consisted of Gogos (grandmothers) and younger siblings. I got to participate in their activities! I heard them sing, watched their chess games, danced with them, and was treated to really funny, sweet little plays.

I also got to see the amazing facility that they've been building. As a community, they've learned to mix cement and lay bricks, and have been hard at work to build a site where they can be safe while they learn and play. They'll have tutors. They'll have a doctor, which is especially crucial for the little ones who were born HIV-positive. They'll have solar power and computers! Internet! This will change their whole world!

I'm sending this out to all of my Facebook friends to ask you to please contribute to ZimKids today. If you wouldn't think twice to buy me a drink for my birthday, please consider donating that money instead. It can seriously make a difference to the lives of over 100 kids, their families, their community, and ultimately to a little town I hold extremely dear.

Here's the Global Giving link to donate: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/zimkids-feeds-zimbabwean-orphans-body-and-soul/

Here's the Facebook page for more info and also for liking:
https://www.facebook.com/Zimkids

Here's their website for even more info:
http://www.zimkids.com/new/

If you can't give, or think this is a weird request coming from someone you haven't spoken to in a million year, I totes understand, and don't worry about it. I figured it couldn't hurt to put this out there. Maybe just make a point to be extra nice to someone today. That's cool too.

And I've officially written WAY more than I ever planned to because I never learned how to be concise apparently... sheesh!

Peace, love, and tea for all!
Megan”

Many thanks Megan.

Carpe Diem.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

The latest Zimkids update

From Dennis:


Dear friends of Zimkids
So much Zimkids news this month, both wonderful and tragic.
 
The good: Our amazing greenhouse – 50’x20’ - has been installed with a full drip irrigation system, thanks to the Ambassador’s Fund/PEPFAR grant from the U.S. Embassy here and Barnert Temple in New Jersey. Already, we have more than 500 tomato, pepper, cabbage, Chimulia plants growing, donated by the Israeli company that makes the drip irrigation and greenhouse system. The garden is flourishing. The open field next to the greenhouse has also been fitted with drip irrigation, waiting for our well to be hooked up. So more food is in the offing all being managed and cultivated by our kids.
 
Our Tech Center is virtually finished, and we’ve purchased 15 beautiful new laptops thanks to the generosity of the Proctor & Gamble Alumni Foundation and support on our behalf of Julie Tazzia, a member of our board of advisors who lives in Michigan.  She and Shelley Kenigsberg of Sidney, Australia, gathered dozens of computer and non-computer games that the children are chomping at the bit to try out once we’re up and running.
 
Our solar array, which will power the entire complex so we can avoid connecting to the collapsing grid, have been ordered and should be installed next month – a gift from the Independent Pilots’ Association, thanks to the entreaties of Adrian Suskin, a member of our Board.
 
Drillwell Partnership, the local company that drilled our well, surprised us with a swing set and a see-saw that they build specially for us. And our soccer field has been graded, courtesy of Carly Bidner, a high school student in Kentucky who raised the money for the work.
 
Our kids lined up with bricks to help continue the construction of the path to our buildings that make Zimkids entirely handicapped accessible.
 
All of our Seniors have now mastered all aspects of building with cement as well as using the circular saw, drill, grinder, planer and welding equipment. Dennis trained Tinashe to weld and he has proved to be a master welder making all our burglar bars. Sithibisiwe in spite of her tiny hands managed to master the circular saw cutting gumpoles for our steeple from which the zimkids flag will fly.
 
It’s been a dizzying few months, as you can see, and the entire site has become a sort of local tourist attraction, with wedding parties gathering to have their photographs taken next to our lovingly painted walls and teachers using the imagery to show their students the development of Zimbabwe from bushmen cave paintings to the modern day computer era.
 
For the most part, our children are flourishing. Our Fairbanks, Alaska supporters, led by the inspiring Gloria Slagle, have sold a remarkable number of dolls, which has kept the kids and their guardians eating well. And the children are hard at work on a new set of dolls to provide them and their families with food and medical care over the coming year.
 
We’ve begun bolstering our educational programs and have great hopes for several of our elders who are about to write their O-level exams since they are being tutored by terrific volunteers from USAP (United States Achievers Program), all local students on their way to Harvard, Amherst and other top American universities. If they succeed in their exams, we will help them continue their educations by paying for their A-level studies, as we are currently doing with Pauline Mhendo, who is about to write her A-level examinations after two years at a local Mission school.
 
Finally, we have added a staff member to the Zimkids family, Philip Mudoyi, who we’ve known for 7 years and dreamed of adding him to the Zimkids family. He will serve as our program director, training our Elders to run programs for the younger kids and working with our caregivers. Philip, just 29-years-old, worked with a series of local children’s clubs and the highly-regarded Masiye Camp before leaving for similar work in South Africa several years ago. We lured him home with a large pay cut!  If you befriend us on our new Facebook site, which is a work-in-progress, you’ll soon receive regular updates from him, as well as from Tinashe.
 
Our bad news is that the vulnerability of the children we work with has been driven home to us with particular vehemence in recent weeks. First, one of our 12-year-old girls who was born HIV+ was raped by her grandfather. He was arrested but let out on bail to return to his home. She’s since been removed to another family member. 
 
Then two brothers were attacked in separate incidents. Mbuso and Nqabutho lost their mother last year and are cared for by Sithabisiwe, one of our seniors. First Mbuso, a 14 year old who looks about 11, was smacked on the ear for being late to school and can no longer hear out of his right ear since the blow demolished his ear drum. We took him to our Ear Specialist. Then, his older brother, Nqabutho, was stabbed in the back by some local bullies while walking to church. He spent three hours waiting to be seen at a local hospital and was finally treated for a 2” deep wound that just missed his lung. He is being treated by our volunteer doctor Sashka Macsimovic.
 
Thandiwe Mlotshwa, one of the Seniors constructing the center, lost her mother last week to what we think was meningitis.  Her mother’s sister died that same week, both in their 50’s.  Thandiwe is alone now so we are making sure she is well supported.
 
Ethel Ngwenya, who arrived at Zimkids a few years ago listless and sick with worms and following treatment brightened to smiles and energy had to move to one tiny rented room with her gogo (grandmother), Melta, after being kicked out of their home.  Gogo, 63 years old, lost her husband of 35 years two years ago. As is customary here, his family took possession of the house, rented it and sent them packing with the clothes on their back.  We are helping her get on her feet.
 
And that’s the story! We move forward ever hopeful to improve and in some cases save lives. Thank you for helping our kids learn to help themselves.

Carpe Diem.