Cool Bird

While putting up shutters on the house we were able to get a birds-eye view of a mourning dove in the tree by the front door. She has a little baby under her.

Want fries with that?

Last night I went to the Keys baseball game except this time I saw none of it. Tyler and I worked in the largest concession stand there along with other friends from the high school boosters.

I worked the fryer! Making french fries, chicken fingers, and... corn dogs!!! I must have made 100 bags of fries and the temperature must have been 120 degrees by the fryer. There was grease and oil all over me!!! I think I still smell like a chicken finger. It really gives you an appreciation for the work that needs to be done.

In any event we made a good deal of money for the work that we did. It will go to a good cause for the school athletes.

Climb for Hope Lunch

I had the honor of having lunch today with Andrew Buerger who is the founder of the Climb for Hope charity that raises funds for advanced research for Dr. Leisha Emens. She was Chris's oncologist at Johns Hopkins.

Andrew brought his wife with him and the 3 of us had a wonderful lunch discussing all sorts of topics. His sister had just passed away a month ago from breast cancer leaving 3 children and a husband. A very similar situation as mine.

They are actually leaving this weekend for a climb in Iceland! Very exciting for all of them.

We had lunch a year ago as well and will continue to keep in touch for sure. Please check them out at www.climbforhope.com

Alex makes conference honor roll

Here is the story...

Alex was one of 9 girls on her team to maintain an overall 3.2 gpa or higher. She was honored in the MAC conference for lacrosse.

Lacrosse comes to a close and 20% less!

Well today was our Spires Lacrosse club picnic. Of course it was supposed to be on Friday but was postponed due to the 2 straight days of heavy rain. Then the boys tournament on Saturday was canceled because of the soggy fields. The girls tournament went on as scheduled on Sunday. Even with the reschedule we must have had close to 500 people attend the end of the year picnic. Very well attended this year. Finally, lacrosse in the DeWitt house is over.

Saturday evening there was a small get together in the cul-de-sac that I live on. About 10 families came out and we ordered crabs and had a small cookout with a bon-fire in the middle of the circle! It was nice as I had not really seen everyone in a social setting like that in quite a while. Hopefully, we can do it again soon.

Today was also a crappy day for work. Everyone in my company was hit with a 20% pay reduction until the recession rights itself. This was hard for all of us to swallow. Especially me. Going from 2 very successful salaries to one was hard enough. Now that 1 is not as successful and is now 20% less! Hmph... It does beat the alternative of being laid off and only makes me want (need) to work even harder at the sales and marketing stuff. Wish me luck!

School's out next week and it's time to start planning the next 10 weeks of summer. Tyler needs a JOB. If not then he'll be volunteering somewhere in downtown Frederick.

Critters!

Came home a month or so ago to find about 6 deer in the front yard of the house. Hard to see them but their eyes light up. Last night I was attacked by a lunar moth! It was huge!

2nd Annual Award

Last Wednesday I presented the 2nd annual credit union award in Chris's honor at the MDDC League's annual marketing award ceremony. This year Tyler and Michale attended along with Chris's Mom and Dad. It's a great feeling to be a part of something so special...

DGEFCU Wins Christine DeWitt Memorial Award
for Excellence in Marketing, Best of Show

The Christine DeWitt Memorial Award for Excellence in Marketing, Best of Show, was presented to DGEFCU for its winning entry in the Best Marketing Campaign. The award memorializes Christine DeWitt who was the Vice President of Operations of COMSTAR FCU before her untimely passing in September 2007. Members of the DeWitt family presented the award to Carla Decker, CEO of DGEFCU, Joann Clark, Chairman of DGEFCU, and Claudia Saidon and Maximo Gastaldi from Graphic Ideas.

The entry featured low-rate tiered unsecured loans (personal, holiday, kwik cash, overdraft LOCs and credit cards) and a chance to win a loan payoff up to $5,000, from October 1, 2008, to January 20, 2009. The theme was “New Year, New President, New Possibilities…Inaugurate Yourself!” to make your dreams come true. This theme was used throughout the campaign and featured, “Inaugurate Yourself with a makeover, celebrating with your family, with new adventures, with extra cash, and in your work place. All of the promotional materials were printed in both English and Spanish versions.

The judges remarked on the creativity of the Inauguration theme and perfect tie-in to DGEFCU’s field of membership as well as the results – they exceeded their loan goals despite the overall lack of consumer confidence and the credit union’s falling loan volume and balances.

2009 Christine DeWitt Memorial Award for Excellence in Marketing, Best of Show, is presented to DGEFCU. Left to right: Claudia Saidon, Graphic Ideas; Joann Clark, Chairman of DGEFCU; Charlie DeWitt; Mallorie David of COMSTAR FCU; Carla Decker, CEO of DGEFCU; and Mike Beall, CEO of MDDCCUA.

Another week gone by...

Where is the time going? It is Memorial Day weekend already! I've been feeling a little bit better. I did have my lower x-ray series done awhile ago. Never heard anything from the Dr. and that means normal. There's a sign in the office that says they'll call you if the results are not normal. So if the phone rings... that's when you panic! The test took 3 hours and was really just time consuming. Next Friday is my colonoscopy.... happy days.

So, yesterday I found out that yet another high-profile person has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Amy Mickelson, wife of Phil (golf pro), was just diagnosed. Not much details out, but hopefully this will bring more attention to the subject!

Last weekend the kids and I went to a very good friend's son's 1st birthday party! Nick Kreiner is just a gem. Marianne used to work for Chris, and called me the week she was in the hospital before she died to tell me that she was pregnant. I told Chris and even though she was heavily sedated she knew exactly what I told her and was so happy. Marianne visited Chris the night before she passed away and the first thing Chris did when she saw her was say.... "I know, I know". Chris will be watching over Nick his entire life I'm sure.

After the birthday party, we headed out to Annapolis for a graduation party. Great to see all our friends out there. We were really tired as that morning we all got up early to participate in the community yard sale. We got rid of a lot of stuff, including some things of Chris's that were a little difficult to part with. All in all it was okay and the kids and I plugged through w/o too many problems.

This past Monday I played golf in a charity golf tournament. It was for a hospice in a neighboring county. I had a great time and the weather was pretty good. Unfortunately, I am now sick again with a cold or allergies!!! 3 days of stuffy nose and sore throat!!!

This weekend is going to hopefully be spent relaxing. We all need some downtime. Michael has been working very hard on 2 big projects for school. It's been a drain on me as well as Alex. She is working part time for the credit union. They cut her hours way back this summer but she's still getting some that's a good thing. She's also an intern (no pay) at the Frederick Keys stadium and is working many of the home games. It's good experience and she's enjoying it too.

Me or Willie?

Okay so my friend Rich keeps telling me everytime he comes to my house that a picture I have in my living room of Chrissy and I makes him think of Willie AAmes from 8 is Enough fame. Here's my college Id and a picture of willie from the 80's.... what do you think?

A very sad loss...

The founder of Climb for Hope lost his sister to breast cancer last week. She had been fighting for over 4 years. She was diagnosed 1 month after Chris. This posting was placed on the website that I keep for Chris. It was posted by his sister.

The following remarks combine the thoughts of Peter Augustini with mine on the loss of Jodi Alter Buerger, Mr. Augustini’s wife and my sister.

Jodi A. Buerger ended her four and one-half year struggle with cancer May 8, 2009.

My sister Jodi was the inspiration to create Climb for Hope. When she was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer in October 2004, I knew we had to move quickly to find a cure. Jodi was one of the greatest women you’d ever meet. Her courage and strength led me to put together an organization dedicated to speeding up work on a treatment for advanced breast cancer to give her more time with her family.

Our precious and beautiful Jodi died only after exhausting every ounce of energy from her broken body. She never gave up and never wavered, clinging to life with awesome courage and determination. I believe she was driven by a sacred devotion to her children and an abiding promise to protect and nurture them. That’s the spirit we embody on our mountaineering expeditions.

In turn we honor her life and take forward the lessons she taught us about being a good and decent person, always acting with integrity and grace, always with words of support and encouragement. She measured her life by what she could do for others and never by what was taken from her.

Throughout her battle she drew tremendous strength from the overwhelming support and love of her family, friends, and climbers. It helped her more than you might know—through all the harrowing medical procedures and crushing relapses and in those dark moments when unspeakable pain and suffering would momentarily weaken her grip.

She leaves behind Peter, a loving husband of 14 years, and 3 children Charles 12, Caroline 9 and Max 5,

We were not able to save my sister Jodi’s life. But, as Jodi remarked to me when our expedition returned successfully from Kilimanjaro last year that we may not find something fast enough for her, but she believed that her daughter Caroline would grow up in a world without breast cancer because of the hard work of CFH volunteer climbers.

I want to thank each of you for all you’ve done to support and sustain us. Thank you for every hug, every tear, every dollar, and every ounce of support to create a sustainable organization that will keep Jodi’s name alive.

Our board recently voted to change the name of the organization to Jodi’s Climb for Hope to fulfill her wish that despite leaving us at an early age, she never be forgotten.

Now, in Jodi’s name we will continue on the many advances we’ve made in three short years, giving Johns Hopkins researcher Dr. Leisha Emens $350,000. That money sped up research by six months and lead to the ground-breaking discovery that lower doses of chemotherapy increase immune responses, a lasting legacy that will be left for future generations.

Jodi will be missed by so many people, including the more than 75 CFH climbers that she inspired to push themselves way beyond their perceived physical limits to summit a mountain they never thought possible.

I would have traded anything that Jodi would have never gotten this disease. Since she did, she was able affect real change in this world. Due to Jodi’s humble personality, she never fathomed how many lives she touched – donors, climbers, guides, volunteers, breast cancer survivors, and grieving families – through Climb for Hope.

If furthering cancer research and inspiring scores of people is how’s she’s remembered, than she’ll have lived a fulfilled life.

May her memory continue to be a blessing.

Donations in Jodi Alter Buerger’s memory can be sent to the charity of your choice or on-line to Climb For Hope, a Baltimore-based foundation that raises funds for breast cancer research. http://www.climbforhope.com/

Laces

Sunday Alex got up early and went to Mass really early and then went to the cemetery. Later in the day I went by on my own and noticed that she had left her pink shoelaces there that she had worn all season in honor of her mom. A perfect mother's day present for sure.

Yesterday

Yesterday was Mother's Day... 'nuff said.

Dr.

Went to the gastroenterologist last Tuesday. Left with 2 tests that I have to take. Small bowel series of x-rays.... and since I'm almost 50, oh god did I say that?, a colonoscopy... So that's it for now... still feeling okay but not that great.

TODAY - I took Tyler to the MVA and he now has his learner's permit to drive in MD! Watch out! As we were leaving I tossed him the keys and said drive home. He was like a deer in the headlights! Too funny. Could not figure out the turn signals!!!

Just busy...

It's been yet another very busy few days in the life and times of cedewitt... Last week after watching Alex's game up in Philadelphia, I had to go up to Lycoming on Friday morning and get her things. She has a lot of things.... I left really early in the AM and got up there about 9:30. We went to her cafeteria and had breakfast and then packed the car. We finally made it home abour 2:30. We had a couple of hours to unpack and then went to the high school to watch Tyler's lacrosse game.

Saturday was a day of youth lacrosse and I had to drive Michael to Chambersburg, PA for his game. 1 hour there 1 hour back... you get the idea. I did stop and get some salmon and we had a nice dinner at home that also included Tyler's friend Tanner. He's a great kid that lives around the corner from us. Always welcome in my house.

Sunday... more lax. Michael had a tournament that started at 10am not far from home. ONly problem was that it was pouring outside all morning long. It was miserable. They played 2 and it was cancelled around 12:30. Cold and dejected we came home and spent the afternoon trying to warm up.

Alex and I went grocery shopping last night. When she comes home we have to throw out all the outdated stuff in the fridge and buy new stuff. Milk that is only 2 weeks out of date is still GOOD. She doesn't understand...

Today is raining again. I have a dr. appointment with the gastroenterologist this afternoon. I'm hoping we can start figuring out what has been causing me to feel so poorly recently. I'll keep you posted.

Inaugural Breast Cancer Awareness Game Raises over $3,500

This is from the Saint Mary's website:

St. Mary's City, Md. - St. Mary's College of Maryland women's lacrosse coach Kara Reber announced Monday the results from the inaugural Breast Cancer Awareness Game held on Saturday, March 7 against McDaniel College.

The Seahawk women's lacrosse program raised $3771.74 through the sales of pink St. Mary's College of Maryland lacrosse t-shirts and the donations collected from over 500 fans in attendance at the game.

"I am amazed by the support and participation in this cause given by the St. Mary's community," said Reber. "This type of dedication proves that there are more important things than wins and losses. We have a chance to truly impact our nation by raising breast cancer awareness and dollars for research."

The game was played in remembrance of Christine A. DeWitt, the mother of a player once coached by Reber at Lycoming College, who lost her life to breast cancer last year as well as all individuals affected by this disease.

The team's charity of choice is Climb for Hope, in partnership with EarthTreks Climbing. Climb for Hope, a division of breast cancer research that Christine believed in very strongly, was organized to raise and channel funds towards targeted and promising research in the fight against breast cancer. Their mission is to find a viable treatment for breast cancer within the next three years. In two years, they have raised over $550,000 for a vaccine being developed at Johns Hopkins University by Dr. Leisha Emens. Not only does the vaccine address some of the most aggressive and lethal forms of breast cancer, but the research is expected to derive advances for many forms of cancer as well.

de Beers Lacrosse and GTM Sportswear were involved in the inaugural Breast Cancer Awareness Game. de Beers and GTM both donated pink T-shirts, while de Beers also provided pink eye goggles, pink balls and a pink stick which was given away as part of the halftime shootout.

Lyco Lax done...

Alex's team lost yesterday. They are done and she's coming home later this week. She did get her picture on the opposing team's website which was cool.

http://www.goeasterneagles.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1336&Itemid=20

I drove up to Philadelphia and watch the game which was a very exciting game to be at. The coach's mom brought pizza for the team and I brought up a cooler full of beverages for them as well.

Women's lacrosse on the road for MAC tournament opener

I am headed to Philadelphia to watch Alex's playoff game.

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. --- The Lycoming College women’s lacrosse team will travel to St. David’s, Pa. to face Eastern University on Tuesday, April 28 for the quarterfinal round of the 2009 Middle Atlantic Conference tournament. The Lady Warriors are the No. 5 seed in the tournament, while Eastern is No. 4.

Lycoming wrapped up its regular season with an overall record of 9-8 and a 7-4 mark in the MAC. Tuesday’s game will be a rematch of the Lady Warriors' regular-season finale against Eastern, which took place Saturday, April 25. Eastern held on for an 18-12 victory and locked up the No. 4 seed with home field advantage in the opener.

All fans must purchase a ticket to the event. Adult tickets are $5, senior citizens are $4, students are $2 and children under six are free. Tickets can be purchased at the gate.

Things happen for a reason.... I guess.

Yesterday morning was an interesting morning. I got up early and Mike did as well. Tyler was spending the night at a friend's house. I told Mike to get ready to go to Church around 10 as I went up to get ready. Mass begins at 11. Of course I came out of my room around 10:40 and he was in the shower, and Tyler was not home.

I was not happy and just got in the car and went to church by myself. I parked on the street in downtown Frederick and walked a block and a half to go inside. I sat down and watch the church fill up. The usher brought a young married couple to my pew and I slid over so they could sit down. The entire time I sat there I thought of the many years that Chris and I would go to church together. After Mass I found out that the young woman was not Catholic but the husband was. Also, very similar to me. Mass went into overtime as there were several 1st communions. Afterwards, I wished them well and headed for the car.

I drove over to Beans and Bagels for a bite to eat. 1st pass down the street yielding no parking spots. I kept driving and decided to go to the cemetery. I needed to check on the flowers that the boys and I planted a couple weeks ago. They were doing okay and I gave them a good bath. When I was getting to leave a car pulled up about 50 yards away. I looked at the guy walking and when we made eye contact I realized that it was my old neighbor from 8 years back, Brian. He was there visiting his son's grave site. His son died suddenly from a blood clot in his head back in June 2007. I had not seen him in quite a long time. We chatted about many things. They are busy building a memorial baseball field in Jeff's honor. Check it out here at their website http://jeffreyhayekmemorial.com/

After I left the cemetery I thought I would give B&B one more try so I drove back downtown. It's not far. I came up the street and was stopped at a light 1/2 block before. There was a parking spot on the right a few cars up so I was just going to park there. I was the 1st car at the light and in the right lane. There was an elderly woman with a cane at the corner. It was apparent that she had some sort of a mental disorder.

Well when the light turned green she was still on the curb so I waited a minute before moving. Just as I took my foot off the gas she blacked out and fell right into the street!!! I couldn't believe it. Another driver and I jumped out, and helped her. She wasn't moving and just laid in the street. 911 was called. She finally woke up and we moved her to to sidewalk as she wanted to move. The ambulance arrived and started assessing her. She had a bunch of medication that she was supposed to be taking and I don't think she had.

I parked and went to B&B and told them and they said that she was a regular and knew of her. The owner went out with me and we chatted with her some more. She refused treatment so they cleaned up her scrapes and left. The owner and I brought her in and sat her down. She was much more coherent than before and started talking.

I bought her breakfast and some water along with a coffee before moving on and getting my own. The whole situation could have been so much worse had I not been the one at that light. Someone else would have taken off as soon as the light turned and could have easily have run over her.

So, the reason the boys didn't go was so that I could meet Brian and help this elderly lady! Brian and I spoke for just the right amount of time at the cemetery. That is not a coincident! Everything for a reason. Of course, the boys spent the entire afternoon cleaning rooms and doing their laundry! I was still miffed at them!

Lady laxers fall in season finale 18-12 to Eastern

Last game of the regular season for Alex's team. They made the playoffs but play away at Eastern College near Philly this coming Tuesday. I'm pulling strings to try and be there!!!

- 4-25-09 -

Box Score

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. --- The Lycoming College women’s lacrosse team concluded its regular season in an 18-12 loss to Eastern University on Saturday, April 25. Sammi Jo Bell led the Warrior scoring effort with three goals.

The loss drops Lycoming to 9-8 overall and 7-4 in the Middle Atlantic Conference while Eastern improves to 10-6 overall and 8-3 in the MAC. These two teams will meet again in the playoffs, this time at Eastern University on Tuesday, April 28, with the time yet to be determined.

Lycoming struck first, just 17 seconds into the contest. The Warriors won the draw and Bri Robertson finished a pass from Grace Gargiulo. The Eagle evened the score 22 seconds later, before Bell scored her first at 27:05 in what was shaping up to be a track meet of a game. But a three goal run by Eastern halted the Warrior momentum, putting them down 4-2. Bell cut the deficit to one, with 19:02 left in the first half, with assist going to Christi Karr. Back to back goals by the Eagles added to the 6-3 Eastern lead. Justine Titko was able to break up another run, getting the Warriors to within two, 6-4.

The Lady Warriors went down two players after two yellow cards, and the Eagles took advantage, scoring twice in the three minutes the Warriors were down. Kelli Morsey and Karr connected on a play, cutting the lead 9-5. But Eastern wrapped up the first half with another two goals and took a 10-5 lead into halftime.

Opening the second half, the momentum was still in the Eagles court, opening with a goal to spread the gap to 11-5. Grace Gargiulo found the net with 26:43 remaining in the contest, assisted by Megan McIntyre. But another four goal run all but sealed the game. McIntyre and Titko both scored late in the half, and the Warriors compiled a four goal streak with three minutes left in the game, but came up short. Bell, Robertson, Morsey and Laura Carpenter all scored in the run.

Lycoming finishes the season as the fifth seed in the MAC tournament, and will have to travel to Eastern on Tuesday for a rematch. Game time has not yet been set.

Another new domain!

I have secured and set up another new domain.

www.christinedewitt.com

This URL will now take visitors directly to the website that I created that has the updates about Chris's courageous battle with cancer.

It's still there and will be forever!! It's now a little easier to get to!

Lady laxers top Wilkes 22-8, clinch playoff berth

Box Score

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. --- Megan McIntyre had another outstanding day, leading Lycoming College with six assists and three goals in a 22-8 victory over Wilkes University on Wednesday, April 22. Lycoming now has the chance to play in the first round of the Middle Atlantic Conference tournament.

The win boosts Lycoming to 9-7 overall and 7-3 in the MAC. A win over Eastern on Saturday, April 25 would give the Lady Warriors a home game for the first round of the MAC playoffs. Wilkes falls to 9-7 on the year and 4-6 in the league.

McIntyre got the scoring going early, giving Lycoming a 1-0 advantage at 24:44. The Lady Colonels evened the score just 35 seconds later before the Warriors went on a six goal run. Christi Karr scored three times during the run, two of which were assisted by McIntyre. Justine Titko scored the first of her five goals, giving another assist to McIntyre, who also chipped in a tally. Wilkes cut the lead to 6-2 before Lycoming went on another three goal run with three different Warriors scoring. Titko, Amanda Baker and Bri Robertson all found the net to send Lycoming into halftime with a 9-4 lead.

Titko, Robertson and Baker all opened the second half with goals, with McIntyre assisting the Robertson goal. Karr scored her fourth goal of the game between two Colonel goals. Lycoming was able to put together another six goal win, picking up goals from Titko and Sammi Jo Bell twice each, McIntyre and Robertson. Bell and Robertson put Lycoming up 21-7 and Baker rounded out the day with the last goal of the day after a final Colonel goal.

Lycoming hosts its final home game of the regular season on Saturday, April 25 against Eastern University at 1 p.m. A win seals a fourth place finish in the MAC for the Lady Warriors and a home field game on Tuesday, April 28 against the eventual fifth seed.

McIntyre scores 100th career goal in 24-12 win over Alvernia

The boys and I drove up to Reading, PA to watch Alex's game on Sunday. Nice day to get out. She has 2 games left and the playoffs start next week. Also, this is her last week of classes and she has 2 final exams next week. Should be coming home late next week unless of course they keep winning in the tournament! Here's a link to my facebook pictures of the game. Let me know if you can't see them.

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/album.php?aid=81325&id=1532347467

Box Score

READING, Pa. --- Junior attacker Megan McIntyre scored her 100 career goal in a 24-12 Lycoming College win over Alvernia University on Sunday, April 19. McIntyre finished the game with eight points on four goals and four assists, as Justine Titko also finished with eight points on three goals and five assists.

Winning its second game in as many days, Lycoming improves to 8-7 overall and 6-3 in the Middle Atlantic Conference. Alvernia falls to 8-7 on the year and 2-7 in the league.

Lycoming accomplished the feat with 10 different Lady laxers scoring. Sammi Jo Bell had a game high six goals. McIntyre, Titko and Bell were also joined in multiple goals by Grace Gargiulo and Christi Karr, who had three a piece. Amanda Baker, Bri Robertson, Kelli Morsey, Jackie Calbi and Laura Carpenter all had one goal each.

Fourteen of the Lycoming goals came with assists. Titko set the pace with her five, followed by McIntyre and her four hand outs. Gargiulo had two dishes and Baker, Bell and Karr each had one. In the cage, Brittany Bryan had seven saves. On defense, Danielle Gargiulo had an outstanding day, causing four turnovers and picking up four groundballs and four draw controls. Titko also had four draw controls.

The Lady Warriors are off until Wednesday, April 22 when the travel to Edwardsville for an important MAC match-up against Wilkes University. The first draw is set for 4 p.m.

Post-Easter

Easter was nice. Alex was home and we went to 9am Mass with the boys. After that we went over to spend some time at my in-laws house. We even did a mini-egg hunt in the back yard! It was a nice day.

I've been feeling okay so that made it even better. I found out the results of my MRI on Friday and it was NORMAL>>> Ugh. Now what? I have to make an appointment with the gastroenterologist for sometime this week and we'll go from there.

Alex went back to school late yesterday. I had to take her up to Gettysburg where she met up with a teammate and they went back from there. I was thankful that I did not have to drive all the way up to Lyco on Easter Sunday ... again. I did it before and it's a long drive for just a drop off.

This week I am off to Philadelphia for 2 nights to attend a conference / trade-show for work. It's pretty important that I be there and it's not too far from home. The boys are on auto-pilot (long leash) but will be sleeping at our friends down the street.

Oh yeah, Saturday we drove over to our friends in Annapolis and visited for a few hours. It was really nice to get all of us out of the house. The picture shows Matty's new pets. Of course now Alex wants one!

More on me later...

Scan results

Okay so the my General Practitioner calls me Monday morning at 7:45AM! Immediately I'm already sweatin' bullets.

The CT results showed the following: no tumors, cysts or things of that nature (Oh thank god!), slight inflammation of the pancreas, and an inflamed gallbladder. So something is now causing the gallbladder to be inflamed which causes the pancreas to be agitated which produces higher levels of lipase. You following me on this?

She called a gastroenterologist in Frederick that does some specialized test called ERCP. He in turn said no lets do a MRCP. Basically this is a non-invasive and specialized MRI of the duct work of your pancreas and gallbladder. I'm scheduled for that on Wednesday morning at 7:30 AM. The ERCP goes in through your mouth similar to an upper GI and it can actually cause you to get pancreatitis because of all the irritation that it can do. After that then we'll see how / if we can fix what's been causing the pain and issues for the last 6 weeks. All indications are gallstones followed by gallbladder removal.

Today I feel better than I have in a long time so maybe I'm on a rebound too. Still have pain but more localized. Thanks for pulling for me and looking out for me. I'll let you know more as I find things out...

CT Scan done..

Deja Vu!!

Just got back from my scan. No big deal. Side is still hurting but it may be from no food as I had to fast.

The Dr.'s office called and my amalyse is still normal but my lipase is still elevated. Although it is now 147 (4/2) vs. 249 (3/26) and normal is 70. So it is trending down which is good. Hopefully I'll make it through the weekend this time!

Update on Me.

I've been feeling pretty crummy the last 4 weeks or so. Started with a small pain to the left of my belly button and now there's pain across my abdomen and back. Not severe. More achy.

This was very similar to what I went through right after Chris passed away back in Sept 2007. At that time I finally went to a gastro dr. and they did many tests and finally discovered some erosions in my small intestine, gave me some drugs and it eventually went away.

I went to the Dr. last week and she prescribed the same drug and said lets see how that goes. I also went for a blood test. This past weekend while visiting Alex I had a few beers on Saturday night. Later that evening I experienced some severe back pains that I toughed out. Tuesday I went back to my primary care Dr. who told me that my lipase enzyme was elevated yet my amylase enzyme was normal. Both produced primarily in the pancreas. She gave me a pain med and we were going to let it go 1 more week.

Well, Wednesday the pain med (or something else) made me nauseous all day long. It was horrible. I was in bed all day. Finally started going away and I eat some soup around 7pm.
Thursday I was back up and about, and I went to get another blood lab drawn. I awaiting those results. At the same time today, Friday, I am going in to have a CT scan done of my abdomen area. Not sure what's next. The pain is moderate, more achy than anything else. Should know these results Monday or Tuesday. So that's where I'm at...

Check back later for updates.

Lady laxers overpower King's 24-5 in conference victory

Alex SCORES a goal!!!!!

Box Score

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. --- With 14 Lady Warriors scoring a goal, including a six point night from Grace Gagiulo, the Lycoming College women’s lacrosse team overpowered King’s College 24-5 in a Middle Atlantic Conference match up on Wednesday, April 1.

After taking the win, Lycoming is 5-5 on the season and 3-1 in the MAC while the Monarchs slip to 0-8 and 0-5 in league play.

Freshman Grace Gargiulo had the finest game of her young career at Lycoming, finding the goal four times on five shots while assisting on two other goals, tallying all six of her points in the first half. Bri Robertson also had a fine day, scoring three goals and registering one assist. Sammi Jo Bell and Jackie Calbi both had two goals, while Bell also registered an assist.

Justine Titko played a solid game through the midfield, putting up three goals and one assist, while also picking up seven groundballs and earning three draw controls as well as three caused turnovers. Bell was the game leader in draw controls with six. Lyz Logan put the ball in the net once, while handing out two assists. Megan McIntyre also tallied two goals as Crystal Cody, Christi Karr, Morgan Reale, Alex DeWitt, Kelli Morsey and Danielle Gargiulo all tallied one goal, with Gargiulo’s being the first of her career.

Lycoming hits the road this Saturday, April 4 when it travels to Arcadia University for another MAC match-up. The first draw is set to go off at 1 p.m.

Something new!

Happy Birthday Ryan...

Today Ryan McPhee would have turned 14 years old. Instead we celebrate his birthday w/o him. I saw his father, Rich, last weekend. He explained to me how Ryan would come home after some of his treatments and be absolutely famished. They would take him out to one of his favorite places, Perkins, for something to eat. He would then order the Tremendous Twelve and devour the entire thing! 3 eggs, hashbrowns, 4 bacon, and 4 pancakes!

Now in celebration of his birthday his family goes to Perkins and order the T12. TODAY I too celebrated Ryan's birthday and his life by going to the Perkins in Williamsport with Tyler and Alex. I ordered the T12 thought of him the entire time. He'll be with me forever. God bless you Ryan. You're in good company!

Alex's Formal

Today I drove Tyler up to Lycoming College so that he could attend his sister's sorority formal dinner/dance. She invited him a couple weeks ago and everyone thought it would be a great idea and lots of fun.

She went out and bought a new outfit complete with shoes and earrings for the occasion. We came up around 1pm and got to watch Alex's lacrosse team play. It wasn't pretty. They ran into a buzz saw vs. St. John Fisher out of Rochester NY. She started and played the whole game but it's always a bit of a bummer when they lose.

So that leaves me in Williamsport at the hotel by myself. I'm hoping to get out and get a bite to eat and then to bed real early to catch up on some rest. Tomorrow is a special day. More on that later.



Here are some pictures of Alex's game today from Lycoming.

Lacrosse has begun!

Well this has been a very, very busy and difficult week. Tyler's JV lacrosse team started games on Tuesday night. I have vowed to attend every possible game that I can whenever I have the opportunity. I know from experience that my parents did not see me play very many high school sports, and I played every year.

His team lost on Tuesday to a very good team from a neighboring county, South Carrol. The score was only 6-2.

Friday night they played one their county arch rivals, Urbana. They played very hard and came out on top 6-4!!!!! This is the 1st time any TJ High School team has beaten Urbana in lacrosse from what I can remember. I may be wrong but it was a huge win!!! Ty's been working hard and got a good amount of pt (playing time)... Here are PICTURES of Tyler's game vs. Urbana.

I've had a rough week. I came down with yet another cold on Tuesday and it really kicked my butt for 2 days. I'm still not better but at least up and around. I also have had some problems with my stomach flare up again. Seems to be similar to what I had a year and a half ago right after Chrissy died. I went to my Dr. and she prescribed something that helped before. I also went for some bloodwork for the just in case scenarios.

I've been really run down lately it seems with all the activities that I'm involved in. I'm the President of Spires Lacrosse, the Treasurer of the Western MD Lacrosse Conference, and about a month ago was elected to the board of directors of the High School Athletic Boosters. So each of those things keeps me busy with meetings and website work. I'm doing okay with it, but starting next year will have to reevaluate it all as I plan on becoming heavily involved at St. John's Catholic Prep where Michael will be attending high school. We'll see.

Summer's on the way and we have NO idea what / where we are going for a vacation. It may a simple vacation to deep creek this summer. It's been 2 years since we were there in the summer and I think the kids will like it. I can remember vividly the year we went and we rented a boat with a tube and Chrissy got on and we towed her around the lake. Yes the memories will last forever...

Lady laxers streak to victory 16-10 over Manhattanville

Box Score

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. --- The Lycoming College women’s lacrosse team used three multi-goal streaks to take down visiting Manhattanville College 16-10 and secure the Warriors’ first Middle Atlantic Conference victory of the season. Justine Titko was a scoring machine, putting up five goals, including three straight key goals late in the game.

The win improves Lycoming to 3-4 overall and 1-1 in the MAC and Manhattanville is now 4-1 and 1-1 after taking its first loss of the year.

The Lady Warriors started off strong, scoring the first seven goals unanswered. Bri Robertson started streak, scoring on an assist from Sammi Jo Bell at 28:31. Crystal Cody found the net at 20:53 on a free position shot. Titko scored the first of her five goals to give the Warriors a 3-0 lead at 20:34. Megan McIntyre and Grace Gargiulo connected on a goal as McIntyre finished the pass. Cody and Titko rounded out the run with Cody scoring twice unassisted and Bell assisting Titko.

Manhattanville answered the Warrior run with a 6-0 run of its own to round out the first half and send the teams into the break with Lycoming up 7-4 before continuing the streak early in the second half.

McIntyre broke up the run at 21:27 to give the Warriors a narrow 8-6 lead. Two Valiant goals knotted the match at 8 before Lycoming was able to put together a tidy five goal run, including Titko’s natural hat trick and Robertson scoring twice, giving Lycoming a 13-8 advantage. Kelli Morsey scored the final point of the game as the buzzer rang, locking up the 16-10 victory.

Titko finished the day with six points on five goals and one assist and Cody wrapped up with four goals and Robertson with three. IN the net, Brittany Bryan was able to make seven saves as Danielle Gargiulo played tough on defense, causing six turnovers.

The Lady Warriors are back in action on Wednesday, March 25 when they travel to Dallas, Pa. to face another conference opponent in Misericordia University. Game time is set for 4 p.m.

Lycoming Relay for Life

Alex and many of her friends and classmates walked in this year's Relay for Life held at the Lycoming College indoor athletic facility. These were 2 of the many luminaries that were there...

Alex pics...

Women's lacrosse falls in nail biter to Susquehanna 14-12

The boys and I went up to Susquehanna to watch Alex's team. They played hard but were really up and down the whole night. Alex started and played the entire game again! She did a great job on defense . I know her mom would be very proud!

Box Score

SELINSGROVE, Pa. --- Kelli Morsey scored twice under 30 seconds as the Lycoming College women’s lacrosse team fell to Susquehanna University in a non-conference match up on Thursday, March 19.

The loss drops the Warriors to 2-4 while the Crusaders improve to 5-1.

Crystal Cody scored first in the game, just 47 seconds in on a free position shot. But four straight Susquehanna goals put the Warriors in a 4-1 deficit. Cody found net again at 15:56 on an assist from Grace Gargiulo. 20 seconds later Bri Robertson scored the first of her three goals, catching and firing a pass from Megan McIntyre. McIntyre tied the game at four with 6:40 left in the first half. Susquehanna broke the tie before three more Warrior goals, two from Robertson and one from Grace Gargiulo sent Lycoming into half 7-5.

Susquehanna rattled off seven straight goals at the start of the second half to go up 12-7, taking advantage of three Warrior yellow cards. Lycoming fought back, putting in five goals in the final seven minutes of the game, getting scoring from Cody twice and Grace Gargiulo before Morsey’s final two goals, closing the game 14-12.

Cody, Robertson and Morgan Reale each had two caused turnovers while Alex DeWitt and goal tender Brittany Bryan had three groundballs a piece. Bryan made eight saves in the game. Cody was the Lycoming goal leader with four, adding one assist for five points.

The Lady Warriors will be back at home on Saturday, March 21 at 3 p.m. as they return to conference matches against Manhattanville at the Robert L. Shangraw Athletic Complex.

Lady Warrior lacrosse rally halted by McDaniel

I didn't get a chance to go but I was able to watch real-time statistics on the web which was just like being there. They played an incredible game and just lost by 1. McDaniel was ranked 20th in the country coming in...

Box Score

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. --- Despite a late surge, the Lycoming College women’s lacrosse team was unable to halt the Green Terror of McDaniel College, falling by a narrow margin of 12-11 on Tuesday, March 17. A late free-position shot by Crystal Cody got the Warriors to within one, but they were unable to complete the rally.

With the loss, Lycoming is now 2-3 overall while McDaniel improves to 4-3.

An early four goal streak by the Terror got them to 4-2 before Bri Robertson was able to connect on a pass from Sammi Jo Bell to close to 4-3. Another two goals by McDaniel put the score at 6-3. A foul on the crease allowed Justine Titko to take a free-position shot with 5:14 remaining in the first half, cutting the Green Terror 6-4. Grace Garguilo scored the final goal of the half with 32 seconds to send the Warriors into halftime down 8-5.

Both teams traded goals throughout the second 30 minutes, with neither team scoring more than two times in a row. Several small runs by Lycoming kept them in the game. Another goal by Cody with 21:47 remaining got the Warriors to within three, 9-6. Robertson and Baker were both able to capitalize on shots at 17:15 and 15:52, with Robertson’s goal assisted by Kelli Morsey and Baker had help from Robertson. Baker and Titko scored back-to-back goals with 5:50 remaining, cutting the Terror lead to 11-10. McDaniel’s Chelsea Feruzzi connected on an unassisted goal with the clock at 4:23 to go up 12-10 before Cody took her free-position shot with 2:30 left.

Cody was able to find the net on three of her six total shots and earned one draw control. Robertson and Bell both had three controls apiece while Grace Garguilo had two caused turnovers late in the game. As a team, Lycoming caused nine turnovers and the two squads tied in draw controls with 12, but Lycoming’s came late in the match, allowing them to close the gap. In net, Brittany Bryan had a nine save afternoon.

The Lady Warrior will be back in action on Thursday, March 19 when they travel to Selinsgrove, Pa. to face Susquehanna University in a night game, set to start at 7 p.m.

Michael goes to private school!

After a long and sometimes agonizing decision process on my part, Michael and I have decided that he will spend his high school career at St. John's Catholic Prep located here in Frederick.

This started back in October with an open house visit along with several interviews, and financial aid packets. It was a long process. We got the acceptance letter in February and had a month to decide if he was going to go AND be eligible for a scholarship. He and I talked alone at dinner on Sunday and we both felt that this would be a great opportunity for him. Class size is approximately 12-18 per class. Some as low as 5 or so depending on the class.

There are many, many positives that are too numerous to list and only a few drawbacks. The number 1 being I have to take him to school each day... I work from home so hopefully it won't be too bad, but as I told him, we do this together and I as well as he must work hard to ensure his success.

I know for a fact that Chris wanted this for him. This was something that we had talked about before and it is my duty to carry her desires forward as I continue on this single-parenting role!

Wish us luck!!

Haircut

Finally got a chance to take the dog in and get her haircut. She was getting a little unruly as she had not been cut since Nov 1. I've include a before and after picture for your entertainment!

Women’s lacrosse falls on the road to FDU-Florham 13-7

Box Score

MADISON, N.J. --- Seven different Lycoming College women’s lacrosse players second as the team fell in its Middle Atlantic Conference opener against FDU-Florham 13-7 on Saturday, March 14. Megan McIntyre led the team with one goal and one assist.

With the loss, Lycoming slips to 2-2 overall and 0-1 in the MAC while FDU improves to 2-2 and 1-0.

Throughout much of the first half, the Warriors and the Devils traded goals. Crystal Cody scored first for Lycoming, catching and shooting a pass from McIntyre. After FDU rang a goal, Lycoming was able to put together a two goal run from Laura Carpenter on a free position shot and Kelly Morsey on an assist from Bri Robertson, sending the game into the half with Lycoming up 4-3.

But the beginning of the second half belonged to FDU, who came out of the locker room scoring six unanswered goals before Lycoming’s Chisti Karr found the net, with the assist coming from McIntyre, closing the gap 9-5. Sammi Jo Bell and McIntyre scored the final two goals for Lycoming.

In the net, Brittany Bryan made 23 saves while defender Robertson had a team-high five groundballs. Bell had four draw controls.

The lady laxers will be back in action on Tuesday, March 17 when they host McDaniel College at 4 p.m.

Lady Laxers take down Soaring Eagles 18-3

I took the afternoon off and drove up to watch Alex's game today. They played great. The weather was horrible and there were 2 lyco fans and 2 Elmira fans!!!!!! Very funny. I yelled a lot. Alex started and played very well despite the cold rain! We went to the Bull Frog afterwards for a quick sandwich before I came home. Well worth the 6 hours on the road!!!!!

Box Score

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. --- With five different Lycoming College women’s lacrosse players scoring multiple goals, the Lady Warriors defeated Elmira College on Tuesday, March 10 by a score of 18-3. Bri Robertson led in points, tallying five goals and one assist for six points.

Lycoming scored in the first 30 seconds to take the lead and never looked back. Midfielder Justine Titko found the back of the net, driving down the alley. Titko stuck another goal with an assist from Megan McIntyre to make the score 3-0. Christi Karr tallied three goals in just over four minutes, with Kelli Morsey assisting on her first of the day.

Other players scoring multiple goals included Sammi Jo Bell with four and Amanda Baker recording two. Titko assisted three times and McIntyre twice, while Robertson, Bell and Morsey all had one helper.

Much of the offensive opportunities came at the hands of the Garguilo sisters Grace and Danielle, who combined for eight caused turnovers, each recording four. Robertson led the day in groundballs, picking up four. In the net, Brittany Bryan made one save in her 49 minutes of play and Libby Stoesz made two.

Lycoming will be on the road Saturday when it travels to Madison, N.J. on Saturday March 14 for the conference opener. Game time is set for 1 p.m.

Headed to St. Marys College

Mar 7, 2009

2009 Inaugural Breast Cancer Awareness Women's Lacrosse Game Tomorrow

St. Mary's City, Md. - The 15th-ranked St. Mary's College of Maryland women's lacrosse team (3-1) will take on McDaniel College (2-0) tomorrow at 1:00 in Seahawk Stadium on PINK OUT DAY. Tomorrow's game is the inaugural Breast Cancer Awareness Lacrosse Game and the Seahawks are hoping to PINK OUT all of Seahawk Stadium. This game will be played in remembrance of Christine A. DeWitt, the mother of a player once coached by current St. Mary's head coach Kara Reber at Lycoming College, who lost her life to this disease last year as well as all individuals affected by breast cancer.

Earlier on in the year, the Seahawks sold pink St. Mary's College of Maryland lacrosse t-shirts to PINK OUT Seahawk Stadium. Tomorrow, the Seahawks will be accepting donations and doing a 50/50 raffle with all proceeds going to Climb for Hope, a division of breast cancer research that Christine believed in very strongly.

Climb for Hope was organized to raise and channel funds towards targeted and promising research in the fight against breast cancer. Its mission is to find a viable treatment for breast cancer within the next three years. In the past two years, the organization has raised over $550,000 for a vaccine being developed at Johns Hopkins University by Dr. Leisha Emens. This research will one day allow patients to successfully battle the disease using a specialized vaccine in conjunction with lower doses of chemotherapy. Not only does the vaccine address some of the most aggressive and lethal forms of breast cancer, but the research is expected to promote treatment advances for many forms of cancer as well. (www.climbforhope.com).

Youths attending tomorrow's game will also have a chance to win a deBeer's lacrosse stick at halftime as the Seahawks will sponsor a halftime shoot-out.

Lyco wins their first...

Lady Lax defeats Marywood 23-6 for first victory

- 3-7-09 -

Box Score

SCRANTON, Pa. --- The Lycoming College women’s lacrosse team picked up its first victory of the season as the Lady Warriors defeated the Marywood University Pacers by a score of 23-6. Justine Titko set the bar high with two goals and five assists for seven points on Saturday, March 7.

With the win, Lycoming improves to 1-1 on the season while Marywood falls to 0-2.

Sammi Jo Bell started off the scoring for the Warriors, putting in the first two goals. Bri Robertson assisted on the first, and Bell’s second goal came on a free-position shot. Lycoming went 5-for-5 in free positions shots on the day.

Titko picked up the first of her goals on another free position shot, putting Lycoming up 5-1. The Warriors saw every player on the field, with 13 different Lycoming players finding the back of the net. Robertson and Bell lead with four each, Grace Garguilo, Kate Isennock and Christi all scored twice. Lyz Logan, Kelli Morsey, Crystal Cody, Jackie Calbi, Amanda Baker, and Laura Carpenter found the goal once.

On defense, Danielle Garguilo picked up four grounds balls and caused three turnovers. The goalies split time, with Brittany Bryan playing the first half and making six saves while Libby Stoesz played in the second 30 minutes, making five saves.

Lycoming will be back in action on Tuesday, March 10 as it hosts the Soaring Eagles of Elmira College at 4 p.m. at the Robert L. Shangraw Athletic Complex.

Lady Warriors fall in season opener to York 11-9

Box Score

Alex's lacrosse team had their first game today. A tough loss for them. She was exhausted. She was a starter and played the entire 60 minutes. Spirits are high. This game was a non-conference game.

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. --- In its home opener, the Lycoming College women’s lacrosse team fell to York College of Pennsylvania by a score of 11-9 on Tuesday, March 3. The Warriors’ Bri Robertson led the team with four points on two goals and two assists.

Lycoming slips to 0-1 overall, while York picks up its first win of the season to improve to 1-3.

York started the scoring, putting in the first two goals of the game at 25:42 and again at 24:29. Sammi Jo Bell got the Warriors on the board at 24:09 on assist from Amanda Baker. Robertson tied the game 2-2, cutting to the crease and receiving a pass from Justine Titko. The Spartans scored two more goals, taking a 4-2 lead into halftime.

At the start of the second half, Lycoming rattled off three unanswered goals from Titko, Megan McIntyre and Crystal Cody, giving McIntyre the assist. The Spartans and Warriors battled, trading goals at 23:50 and 22:52, with Cody scoring her second of the day on a Robertson assist, knotting the score at six.

The Warriors rallied back but a five goal run by York would put the game out of reach for Lycoming. Robertson scored her second goal of the game on a free position shot and Bell scored her second on a pass from Kelli Morsey. Bell scored the final goal of the game with 28 seconds left on the clock.

As a team, Lycoming picked up 25 groundballs to York’s 20 while the Warriors’ Brittany Bryan recorded six saves. Both teams were even at the draw, each winning 11.

The Lady Warriors next game will be Saturday, March 7 when they travel to Scranton, Pa. to face the Pacers of Marywood University. Draw time is set for 1 p.m.

Alex home

Alex came home on Thursday for the weekend. She had bought tickets for her and I to go to the Caps Hockey game. We had a fun time and the seats were pretty good too!

She needed some home time and we pretty much just hung out around home while she was here. I think she misses my home cooking!

She went back on Sunday morning and is now starting her spring break! Next week is her 1st game of the season vs. York at home.

Of course today we are getting hammered with snow today. Lacrosse season starts today for all the area teams, high school and youth. I've already had to cancel our practices for tonight and of course school is closed today.