It is official, as of June 17th, 2008 - Scrapping with Cancer is an international program to help children with cancer. The state of Hawaii is the first to benefit. The state of California is also on board and is beginning the process.

Brody has had an incredible month. We just returned from Hawaii where Brody mixed business with pleasure but it turned out to be all pleasure, you'll understand as you read ahead. The Children's Wish Foundation granted Brody's wish to go to Hawaii and meet Dog the Bounty Hunter. But, before Brody met with the star he had some business to do in Hawaii. With gratitude, Air Canada graciously sponsored and donated space on the airplane for Brody to take 23 Scrapping with Cancer kits to children with cancer in Honolulu. The airline treated him like royalty from the moment we checked in for the flight to the time we returned home.

Brody likes to get in there and help, they let him help check in all the luggage and boxes. When we got to Vancouver to transfer planes, we had to go through customs. They said they had to go through some of the boxes before they were cleared to leave the country. When we explained to the customs what they were, she blurted out that she saw Brody and his story on TV. She said she still had to open one box in order to clear. I think that was more out of curiosity because she only opened one kit and was amazed to see what was in it. She told Brody she was proud of him and wished him luck with his project and to enjoy his trip. That was cool, considering we were no longer in Alberta, it made Brody feel important that he was recognized. Once we got to Honolulu, by the time we made it over to pick up our luggage and boxes, we were surprised to find our luggage was sitting there but the boxes were gone. Air Canada took it upon themselves to store the boxes in the office for us so no one would steal them as it took us forever to find where we had to go to pick up the luggage after Brody spent sometime in the cockpit with the captain.

We made arrangements to go to the Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women and Children in Honolulu where Brody personally handed out Scrapping with Cancer kits to all the children who were there. He felt like he was Santa. For the first time, we were able to see for ourselves the benefits of the project. It was interesting to watch the kids as they received the kits. At first, they weren't too sure. The kids were into them by the time Brody was making his second round of delivery taking pictures and starting to work on pages. It was an incredible sight. This is what turned the business into pleasure - Brody was in his element and he was thrilled to hand out the kits and see the kids happy.

The following day, Brody met Dog. Dog brought his two youngest children and grandson with him to meet Brody. I believe the meeting was scheduled to be only half an hour, it turned into an hour and a half. I have to say I have a new respect for Dog the Bounty Hunter. I have to make this very clear; he does not do this for publicity. He makes the time for kids because he loves and cares for these children. To watch him take the time and have the patience for Brody proved that. The way he spoke with Brody was very fatherly, loving and sincere. He took the time to play with Brody along with his kids. Brody really enjoyed playing with Dog's kids as well. That was an added bonus for Brody's visit. He even showed Brody a new move on how to arrest the bad guys and Brody showed him his secret hand shake. He also gave Brody an authentic Texas Ranger belt buckle that he wore himself. What really amazed me is the fact that Dog plans to stay in touch with Brody. I wish that people could have seen the way he was with Brody; he is a very humble and loving man. Even though Brody was very nervous and star struck in the beginning, by the end of the visit Brody felt he was with an old friend.

A year ago at this time, we didn't know if Brody was going to survive the summer. We had asked Brody to think about changing his wish but Brody was very stubborn and determined that meeting Dog was what he wanted to do. Last Christmas we almost lost Brody a second time and Dog himself was going through some rough times. Again, we spoke with Brody about changing his wish; again he was stubborn and even more determined to meet Dog. This young boy saw something the rest of us could not see. He had faith that everything would work out and if something was meant to happen - it would. Just by Dog saying "Yes" to Brody an amazing chain of events occurred. Through Brody's determination and Dog's acceptance of meeting Brody, 23 children were able to forget about their own illness even for a day. In the world of cancer, one day can mean a lifetime.

We would like to thank the Children's Wish Foundation for granting Brody's wish. We would like to thank Dog for having the heart to meet one little boy out of kindness. And, we would like to thank Air Canada for their exceptional care in donating transport for Brody's Scrapping with Cancer kits. Through this chain of events, all of these people touched the lives of other children who are fighting cancer in another part of the world. Brody has always said, "It doesn't matter where they are from - if they have cancer, they can scrap with cancer”.

When we got back to Alberta, Brody had to be at the West Edmonton Mall the same day we got back to accept an award from the Premier of Alberta for Scrapping with Cancer. Sixteen children from the province were chosen from over 450 other children for the Great Kids Award. Brody won for his age category and we are very proud of him as he stood with 15 other very exceptional kids.

Brody has another two years of treatment to battle his own cancer and we know we have a very long road still ahead of us. We realize that we still have to live each day as it comes and be grateful for each day we have with Brody. We are very proud of Brody and his accomplishments knowing his strong will and determination to try and beat his cancer and succeed with all that he has accomplished. This is only the beginning for him.