Love Dexter
  • Home
  • Blog
  • Prematurity
    • My Birth
    • My First Month
  • Cancer
    • Finding Out & Starting Treatment
    • Chemotherapy
    • Surgeries
    • Platelets
    • Hepatoblastoma
  • Cerebral Palsy
    • Brain Damage - Finding Out
    • Learning to Crawl
    • Learning to Eat
    • Learning to Sit
    • Learning to Stand
    • Learning to Walk
    • Conductive Education
    • Hip Dysplasia
    • What is Cerebral Palsy
    • Ode to Can
  • Cortical Vision CVI
    • Periventricular Leukomalacia
  • Wish List
  • Services
    • Premature Birth
    • Cerebral Palsy
    • Cortical Vision Impairment
    • Childhood Cancer
  • Doing it for Dexter
  • Help
    • Thanks
  • Contact
  • $29K for Charity
    • Camp Quality
    • Cancer Council
  • Wish List

Walks With Dad

11/29/2013

0 Comments

 
I did good walking for Dad today, and he took me to the park! 
But I was tired on the way back, so I got to sit in the pram. 
Charlotte was naughty last night and didn't let him get much sleep! 
Mum was pretty happy though - 
she stayed in bed for the whole night, 
she hasn't done that since before I was born!!! 
Picture
Return to Home page
Return to Blog
Watch my Beach Dash
0 Comments

Mum's Holiday

11/28/2013

1 Comment

 
Mum's gone to Adelaide to visit some friends. 
She didn't take us! 
I'm going to miss her but know that dad will spoil us and that will be fun!
Picture
Return to Blog
Return to Home page
1 Comment

Berry Milko 

11/28/2013

0 Comments

 
The local Dairy Farmers' milko in Berry & Bomaderry 
asked us if they could help me by raising some money. 
They do a Christmas display at their home in Berry. 
On Saturdays, during the month of December, they put out Chocolate & Strawberry Mooves and ask for a gold coin donation. 
Picture
This year, the family will be passing the donations on to their local 
community run preschool and they would also 
like to have a tin to raise money for me! That is so lovely!
They will put up a little sign with a photo of me and my story. 
(We were a little slow getting back to them, sorry!)
Picture
Picture
On the below dates there will be Dairy Farmers Mooves & other drinks available for a gold coin donation and proceeds are going to Dexter (me!).

Evenings of Friday 29th, Saturday 30th November, Sunday 1st December 
Evenings of Friday 6th, Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th December
Evenings of Friday 13th, Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th December
5pm until 9pm - 
Clarence Street, Berry.

We'll definitely be going to check them out!
If you can get to Berry, you should check them out, too
and say a big Happy Christmas to the family.

Click here to read a Kiama Independent Newspaper Article
Return thanks and a little promo for Earth Me:
Earth Me offers quality eco-friendly products, including:
Fluf organic lunch bags & snack packs
Jack n' Jill organic toothpaste & brushes
Pure & Green organic skin care range
Make U Well natural rubber dummies & teethers
Eco Magic washing balls & dishwasher pads
Eco Compressed tissues
Bamboo Bottle Company drink bottles
Biologika deodorant & hair products
My Heart Beats Green organic baby clothes
Geoclense Total Solution Noxious Energy Harmonizer and Negative Ion Generator for Buildings

Phone 0409764734 for free deliveries - Kiama to Nowra.  email: earthme@bigpond.com 
Picture
They didn't ask us to do this, but we like to 'give back'. 
Also, thanks to the Berry Milko!

Return to Home page
Return to Blog

0 Comments

My Sleepform Mattress

11/27/2013

1 Comment

 
This is what we are buying for my bed. 
Its called a sleepform and is made by Leckey,
 the same company that made my standing frame. 
It's basically like a beanbag. 
We can mold the sleepform around me and then suck the air out. 
This will form a solid shape, and I will stay in the one place, 
while I am sleeping. It does make me hot 
and I hate being made to stay in the one spot, but it should help get me used to having my legs in the one position, before surgery. 
The sleepform can be used as a seating system and a couple of other things. 
It's important that I sleep in the correct position at night, 
because otherwise, one night of sleeping in the wrong position, 
can undo a full days worth of exercise and therapy.
Picture
Mum got the quote for it today, $3666.
If we applied for funding, it would take at least 6 months to (maybe) get approval, and I need it now to help get me ready for surgery. So, thanks to Melissa, I will be able to get this much, much sooner! Thank you!
Picture
Leckey is the company we got the mattress from. They have great stuff - like my standing frame.
Visit the Leckey website here.



A bit more of the money will go to my fun Christmas present.
 You just wait until you see it. I'm pretty sure you will love it.
Then, there will be enough to cover the Intensive Therapy in Adelaide - 
we're just not to sure when I will be able to go, 
because of my upcoming surgery.
That will be at least $5000.
The recent Doing it for Dexter will cover all of this.
It really is an incredible thing, knowing we can just hand over the money 
and order these things, and not be in for lengthy waits, 
only to be rejected months down the track.
To everyone who helped with #doingitfordexter...
thank you! xx

You might like to read more:
Read about Melissa and her #doingitfordexter fundraiser
Watch her sing Somewhere Over the Rainbow to me
Read about my upcoming surgery
Return to Home page
Return to blog
1 Comment

Fun Fundraiser Two

11/24/2013

0 Comments

 
Melissa raised just over $10,000 for Dexter!
This is an incredible amount of money!
We will be buying Dexter special sleeping equipment, which will help prepare him for his upcoming surgery and make sleeping post-surgery much easier for him.
We'll also buy a very special Christmas present, which we are sure you'll love. We'll tell you more when we get it.
And, we'll be able to fund the intensive therapy in Adelaide.
With the upcoming hip surgery, the Adelaide therapy may be postponed. 
We have Dexter on a waiting list for the surgery, and have advised the surgeons that we can accept an appointment with only 24 hours notice. 
Surgery could happen at any time.
(Read more about the surgery here)


Here are more photos of the Doing it for Dexter fundraiser night 
that were posted on social media. 
I love the happiness they captured.
Picture
Andrew, Lenice and Melissa at Doing it for Dexter.
And, the Music Makers. Love them!
Picture
Carol, Melissa and Lenice
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Thank you for a great night, Dan Usher Band!
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Dexter woke as Melissa was singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" to him. 
It was beautiful. Watch Melissa singing to Dexter here.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
When Dexter finally woke up, he was Mr Popular!
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Coffee and Love from the Brooding Italian. Thanks for your time and generosity!
Picture
Lenice had a go at the coin toss - but missed the Moet!
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
A lot of love... and a few tears.
 Melissa just told Lenice how much had been raised.
Picture
It's easy to forget Melissa is just 18. 
She organised a relaxed, enjoyable night, which was very successful. 
She sang, she danced, she worked. Thank you, so much! xxx
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Lenice and Andrew taking a selfie in the background!
And, Melissa singing that beautiful song to a montage of Dexter's life so far.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Thank you, Melissa. The day you walked into our lives was a very lucky day for us. We're touched by your kindness and support and by the way you love Dexter.
Older posts you might enjoy:
More about Melissa
Melissa pampers Lenice
Overwhelmed
Melissa Sings Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Doing it for Dexter information
Doing it for Dexter in photos
My cancer journey in photos
Courage - PTSD
Upcoming Surgery
Return to Home page
Return to Blog


0 Comments

Fun Fundraiser

11/23/2013

2 Comments

 
Doing it for Dexter was a lot of fun.
Melissa raised $9,504.80!
There were two times the night brought tears... 

one was this video and the other was when Melissa first told us, 
before the public announcement, how much money had been raised. 
Here is Melissa, singing the Hawaiian version of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow":
Thanks, Melissa.
And now... the photos!
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture


Thank you
Thank you
Thank you
xxx
Read more about Melissa
Read about the Doing it for Dexter night
Read about the Pampering Day Melissa arranged for Lenice

Return to Blog
Return to Home page
2 Comments

Dexter's Night, From Melissa - Thanks

11/23/2013

4 Comments

 
Last night was the fundraiser: Doing it for Dexter. Melissa asked us if she could help raise some money for Dexter. She did a fantastic job! 
Melissa and her army of friends and family worked tirelessly to make sure the Doing it for Dexter fundraising night was a success. It's incredible to think that Melissa is just 18, 
and this is just another example of the good she does for her community, 
and the people in it. 
Doing it for Dexter was held at the beautiful Kiama Pavilion.
Here's it is - #DoingitforDexter:
Picture
Picture
Melissa got a call from the lovely ladies at Southern Style events. They covered the chairs with white covers and a rainbow of colourful sashes. 
They polished mirrors for the tables, and placed beautiful centre-pieces on each mirror. They also attended the night. Thanks so much!
Picture
Picture
Colourful balloons were delivered by All Things Party. 
They helped brighten the room!
All Things Party
Find them on facebook or visit their webpage. Call Di on (02) 4257 2789 to learn more about their huge range of Party Supplies, Balloons & Frozen Food to make your next event easy. As well as being Special Event Decorators- Balloon Decor, Chair Covers, Ceiling Draping & Back Drops.
Picture
Picture
The Dan Usher Band kept the music pumping all night. They helped create a happy atmosphere and Dexter and Melissa enjoyed a spin on the dance floor. 
Picture
The Dan Usher Band consists of John Tierney (drums and vocals), 
Craig North (rhythm guitar), Glen Glaister (bass and vocals), 
Jim Mathieson (lead guitar) and Dan Usher (lead vocals and acoustic guitar)
Picture
All band members have years of experience playing plenty of gigs, especially around the Illawarra and Dan started off as a solo singer/songwriter, winning a Sydney wide singer/songwriter competition at the "Basement" circular Quay.
Find The Dan Usher Band on facebook
The Music Makers were there, too. They were fantastic, as they performed for the crowd. They have met Dexter before, and as he was carried in - asleep, they all called out and welcomed him. They were delighted when he finally woke up, 
and we were delighted that they could be a part of the night. Thanks, guys!
Picture
Melissa works with the Music Makers, helping them shine through their dances. 
The Music Makers are a dance/singing/performance group for people with a disability, from all ages. Find them on facebook. 
To be apart of the Music Makers, contact director Melissa Tierney through facebook or melissa.tierney@disabilitytrust.org.au or 0409976987. 
Picture
Melissa created a montage of photos, to help tell Dexter's story. While it played, 
she sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow", a song Lenice had suggested.
Picture
Cheeky Dexter (who usually fights sleep) had fallen asleep in the car, 
and spent most of the night in an office, sleeping. When Melissa sang to Dexter (Somewhere Over the Rainbow - The Hawaiian version), 
he woke up and appeared on stage as Lenice thanked everyone for coming. 
Dexter then got a lot of sleepy cuddles, and loved every minute of the attention.
Picture
We were lucky enough to have the Brooding Italian there, 
serving up coffee until late into the night.

The Brooding Italian is a Kiama coffee shop, where everyone feels welcome!
Shop 2 / 160 Manning Street, Kiama
Call them on: 0406 401 213
Picture
There were so many items available for the silent auction, and the raffle prizes. 
The love and support of the community is just amazing. Thank you!
Also, thank you to the beautiful people who purchased the donated items. 
Lush Flowers and Gifts Kiama
Picture
Kiama Toy World
Picture
Ocean Angelz of Kiama
Picture
Bella Rose Fashion
Picture

Marriott’s Country Store

Sew n So Kiama
Quirky Cow Kiama 
Picture
Kiama Smash and Mechanical Repairs
Picture


The Bookshop Kiama
The Salon On Tingira
Picture
Kiama Leagues Club
Picture
Beach & Bush Gallery & Café
Picture
Hunt & Gather Fine Food Kiama
Picture
Black Rock Café
Picture
Amaki Cottage Café
Picture
Gloria Jeans Coffee Kiama 
Picture


Maci Kiama - Home of Fashion and Beauty
Commonwealth Bank Kiama
Picture
Bombo Gallery and Bombo Clothing Co 
Picture
Blooms The Chemist
Picture

Kerrys Klothes Kiama & Nowra
Amcal Kiama
Picture
Harvey World Travel Kiama
Picture
Woolworths Kiama
Picture
Kiama Mowers Sales and Service Repairs
Picture
Rosebank Meats
Picture
Kiama Scenic Tours
Picture
Endota Spa Kiama
Picture
Gareth Ward MP
Picture
Beth Hewitt
Picture
Kiri Warriner- Mary Kay 
Picture
Vaseo 
Auto Engineering 
Zink Surf Shop Kiama
Picture
Simpson Signs
Picture
House 2 Home
Picture
Kiama Sports and Cycle Shop 
Picture
Grand Hotel Kiama
Picture
Minnamurra Lions Club
Picture
Chris Evans
Picture
Bunnings 
Picture
The Brooding Italian Kiama 
Picture
Tanya from Cheboom Bridal & Formal Boutique
Picture
The Pavilion Kiama 
Picture
Ki Print Kiama
Picture
Kiama Municipal Council
Picture
Kiama Medical Practice
Picture

Greg Walsh Associates 


PL & LD Kirk 
Doing it for Dexter got some support 
from our local newspapers and radio. Thank you!
The Kiama Independent took some photos on the night. Thanks, David Hall.
Picture
The Photo link
The Illawarra Mercury wrote an article before the event. 
Picture
The article. Thanks.
Bianca Dye shared the event on i98FM. Thanks, Bianca.
Picture
You never think you will be the family a community steps up to support.
You never plan to have a child with a vision impairment and you never imagine your child will have cerebral palsy and need support with everything.
You never believe your child will have cancer.

Dexter has all of these.


We love him... with all our hearts!

But, he is different, and he requires a lot more support than most children. 
We are again humbled by the support we have received, 
and feel loved by the showering of kindness we have been given.
Sometimes, words can't express your gratitude... and this is one of those times. Just know, from our hearts, we are so appreciative of everything that was achieved for us at Doing it for Dexter.

Because of Dexter's upcoming hip surgery, 
we are going to buy a special sleep support system, 
which will help get Dexter's legs ready for surgery and will be great for after surgery. We are also getting Dexter a special Christmas present with the money, 
but don't want to say what it is just yet!
We think you will love it.
If we missed you in our thanks, let us know.


Our next post will be a 'photo' one, showing the love and friendship 
that was the theme of the night.
You might like to know more:
Read our earlier post about the amazing Melissa

Read about his upcoming surgery

Watch Dexter's cancer video
Read about his cancer
Read about his cerebral palsy
Read about his vision impairment
Read about his premature birth
Watch our convoy video - first and second
Return to Home page
Return to Blog
Thank you xxx 
4 Comments

#DoingitforDexter

11/22/2013

2 Comments

 
In one hour, it'll be #DoingitforDexter time!
Melissa organised a fun, happy, colourful fundraiser for me.
We'll be posting all about it later.
This is just a little sneak peek at the room. 

We were there this afternoon, and were lucky enough 
to help make the chairs look beautiful!
Thanks, Melissa.

Picture
Return to Home page
Return to Blog
2 Comments

KidzWish Party

11/22/2013

1 Comment

 
We went to the Kidzwish Christmas party today! 
It was our 1st one and was so much fun! 
There was singing and dancing and even a horse that came on stage! 
I loved the lights. Thanks Kidzwish!
Picture
There was a lot of noise and a lot of colour. I liked the clapping, too.
Picture
Even better, I loved the icecream!
After the party concert, my sister and I got a Christmas present!
Picture
Thanks so much Kidz Wish! 
And, thanks to the volunteers and businesses, who made it all possible!
1 Comment

Mercury's Doing it for Dexter

11/22/2013

1 Comment

 
The Illawarra Mercury posted about the Doing it for Dexter fundraiser. Thank you.
Here's the link:
http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/1922237/teen-stages-show-for-little-kiama-battler/

Teen stages show for little Kiama battler By GEMMA KHAICY
Nov. 21, 2013, 4:05 a.m.

This is the article: 
When 18-year-old Melissa Tierney met two-year-old Dexter Heffernan earlier this year she instantly fell in love with him and his family.
Now she has organised a fund-raiser for the little boy, who was born prematurely and suffers from a range of medical conditions.
He is due to undergo hip surgery within the next three months and will require intensive therapy to build up the muscle tone and strength he will lose due to the surgery.
Despite his illnesses, including vision impairment, cerebral palsy and past battles with liver cancer, Dexter had the ability to make people smile, Melissa said.
‘‘I think that anyone that meets Dexter falls in love with him instantaneously,’’ she said.
‘‘The family themselves are so special, friendly, easy to get along with,’’ she said.
‘‘I kind of see Dexter as an adopted brother and his sister Charlotte is beautiful.’’
Dexter’s mother Lenice Heffernan said she appreciated the support of family, friends and the community in Kiama.
‘‘It’s nice to know that there are people out there and we’re not on our own going through it all,’’ she said.
‘‘The surgery is happening because his hip isn’t developing properly, it’s starting to come out.
‘‘Both his legs will be in a cast for six weeks ... it will take at least six months to get back physically to where he is pre-surgery.’’
The fund-raiser starts at 7pm tomorrow night at the Kiama Pavilion. Limited seats are available from Melissa Tierney at 0409976987.
Funds raised will be used for a three-week intensive therapy treatment in Adelaide once Dexter has recovered from his hip surgery.


There were 259 likes on this article.
Thanks Mercury!
Read the article online here
Return to Blog
Return to Home page
1 Comment
<<Previous
    Dexter's Flying Fox Fun
    Picture
    Popular Posts
    I'm a Kindy Kid!
    Would you like some cake?
    We Nearly Lost Him
    Equal Love
    When I Was Tiny
    See The Cancer?
    I Just Want to be a Mum
    Who is Dexter?
    Learning to See
    And then, they whispered about me

    Dexter's Comm. Bank account details are:
    Dexter Heffernan
    BSB #  062562
    Acc # 10234461
    Extra therapies for Dexter. Thank you xxx
    Our Charity Fundraising:
    #DEXTERSMATES for Camp Quality 
    $11,595 raised
    Relay for Life
    We raised
     $20,967.60

    Others $2630
    Total raised for charity:
    $35,192.60
    Dexter's You Tube
    Surfing
    Cancer in Photos
    Beach Dash
    Stand Up Paddle
    Premmie
    First Month in Photos
    Dexter's You Tube
    Books & characters with disabilities here

    Find a Beach Wheelchair near you

    Buy a Yabby beach wheelchair here.
    Picture
    "I am tired, I am having a bad patch and I am unsure if I want to scream, get drunk or most likely just pull myself together and get on with it."  Kelly Dugan
    Picture
    Australian accessible toilets mapped  here.

    RSS Feed

    Tweets by @LoveDexter3

    Archives

    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013
    January 2013
    December 2012
    November 2012
    October 2012
    September 2012
    August 2012
    July 2012
    June 2012
    September 2011
    August 2011
    July 2011
    June 2011
    May 2011
    February 2011

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.