He's got the puppy!

The past few weeks have been pretty fun and exciting for Sean and his family. He celebrated his 16th birthday with friends and family at his home in Temple. He looked awesome playing volleyball and just hanging out - just like his ol'healthy self. Upon his Dr's hearing this information they were pretty stunned and impressed that he was playing volleyball - according to his Dr, most patients at this stage of the game are usually bed ridden and certainly not up for a game of volleyball - he was quite impressed with his resiliency, as are so many of us - YOU GO SEAN! Sergio has also arrived and he has been a good little puppy keeping Sean and family busy. In addition to all this he has started his sophomore year in high school with the hopes of being able to attend for full days, yet on those days where he just isn't feeling well he has the opportunity to go home - especially now that he has his LICENSE!! What awesome excitement for you Sean! This past week Sean did go to his clinical where he received platelets and his chemo injections, as of today he isn't feeling all that awesome and is at the hospital for hopefully a brief stay while they determine the cause of his fever. Keep him in your thoughts and hope for a speedy recovery and return to his second week of high school - will keep you posted.

If you're interested in adopting a puppy, check out the Second Chance Sato Rescue at www.scsr.petfinder.com

Birthday Puppy!

Sean continues to go through weekly chemo trips along with additional trips throughout the week into Boston to help keep up the blood counts with transfusions. This summer has had its ups and downs. The ups have been pretty fun - fishing trips, day at the beach, time at mom's house in Auburn along with time spent at Dad's in Temple have kept it fun. The most exciting being that he has been attending driver's ed classes so that license can be his - this has kept him motivated to get up in the morning and head out on the road. On the new computer one will find him looking at cars trying to figure out what is a good starter car for a high school sophomore along with being good on gas and keeping that "look" every 16 year old wants - be cool, look cool and stay cool. (Just keep that seatbelt on Sean! and friends! they are a pain BUT they do serve a purpose). Another exciting point is Sean is receiving a puppy for his birthday from his buddy Marc and the Sato Dog Rescue. Sergio arrives all healthy, trained and good to go on August 8th and will be sure to be a great companion as he continues through his treatments. The downs, include a few emergency trips to the hospital, a stolen gps out of the car from the parking garage while getting treatment in Boston, and the fewer smiles from Sean some days, something that he has been credited for throughout this ordeal - always smiling, but you know Sean it isn't always expected and feeling like crap isn't always a reason to smile - but it is knowing that you still allow yourself to smile that is so AMAZING!!! You keep going - laying down somedays if you have to but you keep going knowing that it may be a better day tomorrow.

Saturday Aug 2nd is Sean's 16th Birthday if you would like to send him a birthday card that would be AWESOME!!! Let's aim for 100's -

send them to

Sean Levesque

40 Brown Road

Temple, NH 03084

and remember emails are forwarded to him so send them to hugs4sean@gmail.com

Looking for a dog? Check out this site www.scsr.petfinder.com Second Chance Sato Rescue

An Annonymous Gift

Sean's 5 Day stay at the hospital for his 48 hour chemo treatment didn't go very easily... mouth sores, infection, high fever, weight loss and vomitting left Sean feeling pretty down in the dumps. Upon his return home, Sean was presented with his very own Dell Laptop. This gift came from a very special family who believe in Sean and that he will make it through. Along with the laptop he received many other necessities (from another Sean believer) that will help him stay connected: an LL Bean Monogrammed laptop backpack and an HP All-in-1 Printer. The laptop/printer will be a great asset to help him with his school work as he will begin his sophmore year at ConVal in September!!! Sean (and his family) are so appreciative of the continued ourpouring and support the receive, both locally and as far as Texas!!! Sean had to return to the hospital for his weekly clinicals on Wednesday where he received a blood transfusion as his counts were extremely low, but he enjoyed being on his laptop, "as all the other kids and adults there are always on their computers and now I CAN TOO!" Sean is holding his own while riding this horrible roller coaster and will be returning to the clinic on Friday where they will be doing a follow up on his blood counts. With summer around the corner and kids being scattered here and there (as the school district contains many local towns) a summer fund raising event is in the works - keep checking back ... we'll keep you posted!

Contact Sean Today! & Help Keep His Spirits Up!

Sean was off to Tufts Medical Center in Boston bright and early this morning. He has been admitted until at least Saturday (6/6). There he will be receiving his "in-house" chemo treatments which is part of the phase 1 cycle of his treatment. Dad packed some things and will be staying with Sean to keep him company. With every chemo treatment Sean has received it has effected his body in a different way, yet each time the doctors have informed him that this one might be the one to wipe him out a bit more than the last one - but with summer around the corner and the anticipation of driver's ed starting in July (through a private driver's ed school who has happily agreed to work around his schedule of treatments and health issues) and the possibility of doing some golfing at the Mondanock Golf Course - he has taken those lemons and turned them into lemonade! He continues to smile, which makes so many of us smile in return ~ mostly in amazement with how he is taking his whole treatment thing. The smile sort of fools us all and we forget there are the days where getting out of bed takes extra motivation, the nose bleeds come and go, the nausea keeps him from eating or wanting to but in return that makes him feel worse, and many other issues his smile hides. So, the pats on the back and well wishes have really helped him keep that smile going, he wasn't looking forward to this hospital stay (but really who would be?) but there is a way to keep the smile there - contact him today by logging on to: www.tuftsmedicalcenter.org and send him an email or ecard today!!! When you click on the site, there is a blue tool bar that has different options - the email is to the far right along with the ecard right next to it. It is fun, quick and simple to do and it means the world to Sean! Remember he is only there until Saturday so don't hesitate if you want him to know that you are thinking of him!

A Night in Derry

Calling all friends and family ~ Sean's family in Auburn are planning an evening in Sean's honor and they would like you to attend!

Where: Derry/Salem Elks Club

When: Friday, June 20th

Time: 6pm-12am

There will be a DJ along with light snacks and raffle items

Tickets are being sold in advance for $10.00 each children under 13 are free
Donations are accepted at the door.

Questions? Or to purchase tickets in advance please contact:

Lucie Gagnon 603-624-7053

or

Sylvie Hornor @ 603-622-2352 (home)

Another Successful Evening!

Saturday evening's events at the French Socialization Club was a wonderful success filled with friends and family all there to support Sean in his battle against cancer. The evening was filled with many wonderful items that were donated and raffled with dancing. Even though Sean wasn't feeling his best that night, he was there to thank everyone and if he didn't' get that chance then he would like me to let you know that he fully appreciated everyone who traveled near and far to support him and his family! All proceeds from the evening went towards his Medical Fund.

A Night For Sean

A Special benefit has been planned by the grandparents of Sean and his family. This evening will benefit the medical fund for Sean and be a fun evening out for all!

French Social Club

Lawrence, MA

May 31st

7:30pm - midnight

Entertainment, Food, Dancing, and Raffles

$12 pp or $20 per couple

Contact us at hugs4sean@gmail.com for further information

On to Phase 1 of Treatment!

Sean, you continue to amaze us all! :) Two weeks ago the doctor ran Sean through a series of tests - many which hadn't been done since his initial diagnosis- to determine how the treatments have been working. Well much to the credit of Sean and his will to be strong he is 3 months ahead of where they expected him to be! Many of the masses that were found throughout his body have decreased in size to almost nothing and they have decided to move him from the typical 6mth induction phase on to Phase 1 of a 7 phase regimen. As Sean goes through these weekly treatments the doctors have informed him that each week he will be feeling many of the side effects that the chemotherapy can bring about. We are all here behind you Sean as your treatments become more difficult and challenging physically - be strong, stay strong ... live strong!

Tumbleweeds Day Care, Wilton Hosting Fund Raiser for Sean!

Mark your calendars!

A Levesque Family Fundraiser is being held on Saturday, April 26th from 9:00-3:00 at the American Legion on Maple Street in Wilton. There will be many beautifully handcrafted gifts, theme basket raffles, orders taken for Soy Candles, Home Baked Good and Gently Used Items. For further information, questions or to make a donation please call 654-5390!

Thank you so much Tumbleweeds for supporting the Medical Fund and the Levesque Family ~ Your efforts are so appreciated

What an Amazing Outpouring!

Wow! That is what we have to say about the amazing outpouring we had for Sean's Benefit Dinner on Saturday night! We will be posting information about the benefit within the next few days so please keep checking back, but in the meantime if you missed us all on WMUR channel 9 on Friday night - check us out at http://www.wmur.com/news/15862801/detail.html - and thank you all again for your kindness and support for Sean and his family!


For Benefit/Fundraising contact Marc @ supper4sean@gmail.com
For General Inquiries or to send a note to the family contact Sheryl @ hugsforsean@gmail.com

April 12th ~ Benefit Dinner for Sean

The benefit dinner for Sean is quickly approaching and we wanted to make sure you marked your calendar!

Sean Levesque Medical Fund Benefit Dinner

When: April 12

Time: 5:30pm ~ 8

Where: Temple Elementary School

Rte 45, Temple, NH

Dinner Menu:

Lasagna ~ Cheese, Meat & Veggie!

Homemade Mac-N-Cheese,

Garlic Bread

Dessert

Assorted Bevearges

Cost:
No tickets, or reservations necessary

There is no set cost price HOWEVER donations will be graciously

accepted at the door.

Raffle items - Tickets $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00

** Dinner for 2 and a bottle of Wine~

Donated by The Birchwood Inn/London Tavern, Temple

**EMS Backpack, donated by EMS Peterborough

** Carr's Store, Dublin $50.00 Gift certificate donated by them

OTHER INFO:

A poster, that was created by Molly Taaffe of the ConVal Graphic Arts Progra, will be available for everyone to sign at the benefit dinner!!!

Candy Bars are available:

Sean Levesque "Candy Bars" $2.00 each (designed, prepared, and donated by one of Sean's friends Mom.

A sincere thank you to everyone who has volunteered to support this event. We're all set on volunteers for the dinner, so please come on down, support Sean, and enjoy dinner!

Any questions, or if you cannot attend but would like to make a donation, please send email to Sean's Bus Driver Marc @ supper4sean@gmail.com

An Amazing Village!

The saying goes, "It Takes A Village To Raise A Child" and it is so true in situations like this and truthfully - what a village Sean is a part of.

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Crotched Mountain heard of Sean's final run for the '08 season and came through with a great night for Sean, his Dad, Bob, and Michelle. Even with the yucky rainy weather Sean managed to get in quite a few good runs - and the dr's thought he'd only get one run in - he proved his strength and resiliency once again! Thank you to all the friends who came out to say hi to Sean!

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On March 6, Temple Elementary School hosted a blood drive. At this blood drive tickets were sold to raffle off a gift donated from the Birchwood Inn, in Temple - dinner for 2 and a bottle of wine, and a backpack from EMS. A few high school students/friends of Sean's were there to sell these tickets, thank you Tyler, Ashley and Theresa!


If you are interested in purchasing tickets for the raffle please contact Marc at supper4sean@gmail.com

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On March 11th the Monadnock Ledger Transcript had an article about some Mascenic Students who ride Jean Hewitt's bus to and from the vocational center at Conval High School where they attend classes that are not offered at Mascenic. Hewitt approached her bus students with the idea of donating spare change and sending it to the Levesque Family to help with Sean's medical expenses. Hearing of his current health circumstances, they all reached into their pockets and donated their extra change - in just 2 days between the students and a matching donation from Johnson Transportation (Hewitt's bus company) they were able to donate $260.35! Wow - all of you are amazing in what you did to help Sean and his family. You touched not only them with your generosity but many others who were amazed that high school kids do have compassion for someone they don't even know. Thank you! Thank you!

**********************************************

If you know of any other good deeds that are being done to help Sean and his family please contact me, Sheryl, at hugsforsean@gmail.com and I will be sure to post it for you. Your efforts should be recognized just as much as the ones above.

*************************************

In today's closing the Levesque Family would like to extend their SINCERE appreciation to everyone who has done something to assist their family at such a challenging time. Your thoughtfulness, gifts and prayers are more than they expected and they struggle with ways to say thank you to each and everyone of you - please know and understand that what you do for them is not going unnoticed or even unrecognized. There is not a moment they are not appreciative of what you have/are doing - so, with much sincerity please feel this heartfelt "Thank you".

An Update on Sean's Health

So the last few weeks have become pretty challenging for Sean physically. The chemotherapy a few weeks back was very grueling and in the end it took away all of his bone marrow which made his blood counts drop. In all actuality that is a good sign as that means that the chemotherapy is starting to work and take its course. This is called the "induction stage". To help increase the white blood cells Sean's Dad gave him daily shots (for up to 7 days) until they saw an increase in the white blood cells. Last Friday Sean received his first platelet transfusion which left him feeling pretty good for Friday and Saturday. This past Sunday was a little nerve wracking as Sean started to develop a fever. Fevers are something which are taken VERY seriously as his body doesn't have the ability to fight infections so this means anything over 101* he is to be brought to Tufts Hospital in Boston immediately where they will give him the appropriate treatments to help with fighting infections. Turns out the fever which never reached over 99.8* was his body rebuilding the blood cells and bringing his counts back up. Phew - sigh of relief! Next Tuesday (3/25) Sean will be admitted to the hospital for another tough four day round of chemotherapy - this will entail staying overnight until at least Thursday. If you would like to learn more about Sean's cancer, Lymphoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma check out http://leukemiaandlymphomasociety.org. Takes a bit of looking around but there is some good information on it.

Sean's attitude has stayed positive ~ even when he is soooo tired he has that smile on his face - and the hair, yeah that is completely gone BUT truthfully he is one handsome Mr. Clean! Keep up the good attitude Sean we are all behind you!

See You At School and On the Slopes!

Wow! Sean is truly an amazing young man and has truly surpassed many expectations, including those of his doctors in Boston. This past Monday Sean began his 4th week of chemo, which as they were informed, would be the most challenging one yet as within 5-7 days it is expected to wipe out his bone marrow and really hit hard. Under the doctors advice and approval, Sean will be heading to school on Friday (Thurs was a surprise visit for all!) following his new half day schedule including two classes and a late lunch. He has been eager to get back to "his" life and studies along with seeing all of his friends. Sean's chemo treatments are far from over, and will continue to be done weekly, for now on Mondays, and with a second visit later in the week so his blood counts can be checked, but he is hoping to attend as many days as he is feeling physically up to it. Sean you are truly amazing and an inspiration to us all - you endure these difficult treatments handle them like a trooper, you keep smiling and truly remind us that life is what you see it as. Thank you for reminding us all of that lesson -


Marc, Sean's bus driver was so thrilled to see Sean on the bus and asked me to add:
"Sean attended a half day of school today, and he rode the bus home. I kept looking in the mirror, and I never saw such a happy, smiling, laughing group of kids. I’m not sure who was happier, Sean or his friends. One of Sean’s friends, Terry came running on the bus saying "I know he’s on here"…. I don’t think I’ve seen that much joy in the back of bus 13 in a long time… And then when I arrived back at ConVal for the late bus, they were all thrilled to tell me that Sean was in school today…. He’s a young man with lots of friends in Temple and at ConVal…"

Another exciting thing for Sean is.... the doctor said - much to everyone's surprise - that he could go skiing Friday night, so Crotched Mountain look out because Sean is coming to hit the slopes! This will probably be his last run for the season, as the chemo treatments are expected to become more grueling and physically challenging to his body. So... if you are looking for some fun, (and if Sean is feeling up to it), meet him at CM for a fun night of skiing! The more friends the more fun! Even if it is just one run that he can do, the lodge can be just as fun and good for the spirit! Will continue to keep you all posted.....

MORE NEWS ON OUR FUNDRAISING EFFORTS

Nick, Andrew, and Trish from the Birchwood Inn/London Tavern in downtown Temple (603) 878-3285 have gernerously offered a "Dinner for 2 with a Bottle of Wine" to be used for a raffle at the upcoming Benefit Dinner on April 12th. Sean's friend Tyler will be selling raffle tickets at the door the night of the dinner. Please don't wait until April, feel free to stop by the Birchwood to purchase your raffle tickets now! Tickets are $1.00 each, or 6 for $5.00.

We realize many of you may not be from right here in Temple, but if you would like to help sell some raffle tickets (family, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc), please contact Marc at supper4sean@gmail.com and we'll see about getting you some blank tickets. You can sell them, collect the money, and then get us the completed tickets, and we'll get them in the collection jar for the drawing on April 12th.

Don't forget, Benefit Lasagna Dinner at the Temple Elementary School, 5:30 PM till we run out of food..

Volunteer Needed

In our last post about the dinner benefit for Sean, a gentleman with a kind heart offered to organize a silent auction for the same evening. Since then he has realized what a huge undertaking this would be for him (at this time) so he has had to sadly withdraw his efforts in organizing this auction. We completely understand, but we wanted to see if maybe there was another volunteer who may wish to take on this task for the April 12th Lasagna Dinner Benefit OR it could be set for a future date - (that would be for the volunteer to decide)? For more information or to offer your assistance, please contact Marc at supper4sean@gmail.com.

Updated Dinner Benefit News!

Temple is just an amazing place. A local businessman has contacted Marc and wants to see about having an "auction" the night of the Benefit Dinner (April 12th). It's in the early stages, but Peter is forming a committee and hopes to get local businesses to donate items and/or services that can be auctioned off the night of the benefit.

Do you have know of a business that would like to donate something for the auction? Please send email to supper4sean@gmail.com and we'll get the information to the committee heading up that part of the benefit!


** For Benefit infomation please contact Marc at: supper4sean@gmail.com
** All other information please contact Sheryl at: hugsforsean@gmail.com

What an amazing Response! & Important Emails

WOW! What an amazing response Sean is receiving from friends, family and the community! Sean, along with his whole family, would like to extend their thanks and appreciation for all the little and big things that everyone is doing for them. As they are reminded, and what seems to be the theme, "It Takes A Village to Raise a Child" and wow what a village the state of New Hampshire is!

Many of you have requested ways to either help, write an article, or to provide assistance for Sean, here are two important contacts:

** For Benefit infomation please contact Marc at: supper4sean@gmail.com
** All other information please contact Sheryl at: hugsforsean@gmail.com

Thank you all so very much for your help, concerns, prayers and well wishes ... more updates on Sean to be posted as it becomes available so keep checking back!

BENEFIT DINNER BEING PLANNED - APRIL 12th

post request by: Marc Raposo

A benefit dinner is in the works, and we need all the help we can find. Marc Raposo, Sean's Bus Driver here in Temple has set the wheels in motion to put together a Lasagna Dinner (ok, Mac N Cheese too) that will be held at the Temple Elementary School. It is his hope to get the community involved and get everything for the dinner donated so that 100% of the proceeds can go to Sean's family here in Temple and aid them in covering the many medical expenses they will continue to incur.

The date has been set. Saturday, April 12th, 5:30 - 8:00 at the Temple Elementary School
The menu will consist of Lasagna, Mac N Cheese, Salad, Garlic Bread, Beverages, and Desserts.

I have requests in to a few of the town organizations to see if they can head up certain areas and be in charge of them. As of right now, ConVal School has committed to providing the Salad and all dressings, and will be working with the Art Department to create Posters for us to distribute. The 3rd and 4th graders have committed to purchasing and preparing the garlic bread for the evening. Requests are in to 2 other organizations to cover both Lasagna's and Desserts and I am expecting positive responses.

Please help get out the word about this fundraiser, we need help to pull it off.

Would you be interested in helping by making a Lasagna, Desserts (all finger foods, cookies, brownies, etc)? How about helping with set up and clean up? Volunteering in the kitchen? Distribute posters in the area? Can you tell all your family and friends about this dinner and get them to attend?

There will be no set charge for the dinner, a "donation jar" will be available for everyone to contribute what they choose to benefit the cause.

If you are interested in helping out in any way, please contact Marc at supper4sean@gmail.com or call him at 603-325-2019 and leave a message.

Medical Fund

The Sean Levesque Medical fund has been established to help offset medical expenses. Donations can be made by either going to any TD Banknorth and making a check payable to the Sean Levesque Medical Fund or by mailing your donation to:

TD Banknorth

c/o Sean Levesque Medical Fund

PO Box 150

Wilton, NH 03086

Sean's Awful Diagnosis

On February 7th Sean was admitted into Tufts University Hospital in Boston, MA for testing because of symptoms that included major swelling in his neck, fatigue, night sweats and weight loss. On February 9th Sean and his family, were informed that he had an extremely rare form of non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma called Lymphoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma. His stage 4, cancer effects the lymph nodes and has been discovered in his stomach, chest, head (between the skull and skin), kidneys, lungs, neck, throat, and spleen. They were told that this type of aggressive cancer is not normally detected until it is pretty far advanced, the doctors figured he has had it for a year or two. They did receive some good news ~ it was not discovered in his brain nor his spinal cord - so we continue to pray that it remains this way. For the next two years he will receive chemotherapy once a week. Sean says that he is "Gonna kick this thing in the a_ _!" He has kept his handsome smile throughout this whole ordeal.