Our life has taken some unexpected turns but it’s all seemed bearable in the darkest of times because of the love of friends, family and complete strangers.

I felt the pressure of time ticking yesterday as we got the news that chemotherapy would start Monday. I know it’s going to be hard on Joe and our chances to have fun are going to be determined on good days and bad.

The call for help went out and our phones blew up. I think we almost broke the internet. Take that Ellen!!

We are all booked for our weekend Chicago extravaganza! Your donations helped me book flights without worrying about that incredible last minute price tag!

An amazing friend of a friend of a friend, got us set up in a gorgeous hotel room in the city. Remember, we never got a Honeymoon, so this is our chance for fancy-schmancy! And you can bet I’m making Joe take me to a romantic dinner.

Your calls and emails to your contacts in the hockey world got to some head honchos and the Blackhawks are now hosting us for the game Thursday!! I’m told there could be some surprises in store!!

Friday night we will be doing a party at Fox and Hound on Army Trail Road in Bloomingdale. Start time is 6 o’clock. This is easiest to put Joe in one spot and have you all come to him! Come say hi, have a drink and let us give you a squeeze for everything you’ve done for us.

As for today, we are off to get some winter clothes because we leave the sunny weather for cold Chicago tomorrow!!!

All I can say is thank you! Thank you for helping me make this weekend so special for Joe. He deserves it and will be riding high to start another hard journey.

We’ll be posting pictures as we go along so you can all feel apart of the magic and see for yourself what you’ve done. Now I’m off to find Joe some gloves.

We love you!!