Mason Arik: Wiscurzoo

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Wiscurzoo

What is a Wiscurzoo? They are invading our house!! It all began with a drawing and then an idea and the Wiscurzoo was born. Maverick created his first 15 before school started this summer. The reason, to honor Mason and a desire to help Make a Wish^®, Cure for Cancer and the KC Zoo. After finding out about an upcoming craft fair, Maverick has been busy cutting, sewing, and stuffing. Mom and dad have been helping too. By the way, I do not sew, Mimi is the one that passed her sewing skills to Maverick. Ally shares her input too, she's the official Hug tester. It started with various different designs, but for now 2 of the designs have been in production. Ally's favorite is Maverick's very first one, no longer neglected after being stitched on the wrong side. She named it Gummi Bear. Every night before bed she snuggles it close and feels safe protected from monsters. Maverick is selling each for $6, with $5 going directly to Make-A-Wish Foundation Seasons of Wishes® in memory of Mason. Once again we will have a Season of Wish® tree and of course our Christmas lighting dedicated to Mason. So many ideas and events in the upcoming months, so keep checking back.
Below is a sneak peek at some Wiscurzoos, they are soft, lovable and all for a cause. If you are feeling blue, got the flu, just don't know what to do.... Squeeze a Wiscurzoo!

5 comments:

Heather E said...: Wow! Nice job Mav!!!; September 14, 2011 at 11:10 AM
Jessica said...: i would love to get in on this! let us know if we can submit orders from other states to get some in time for the holidays!; September 14, 2011 at 2:20 PM
The Kempf Family said...: Jessica, thank you. Actually Maverick had suggested to sell them on-line, but I'd thought we would try the sale mid-October, and then possible sell on-line. So far he is enjoying making them, and they keep multiplying.
He would probably be thrilled to take orders. :) We will keep you posted.; September 14, 2011 at 3:03 PM
Anonymous said...: they are SO cute...what a great idea!!!; September 14, 2011 at 4:29 PM
Deanna said...: Maverick, what an awesome idea! And I love the name, Wiscurzoo! They are so cool! Way to go! And, Ally, I know you are a good hugger, filling each Wiscurzoo with lots of love!; September 15, 2011 at 4:11 PM

Seasons of Wishes

About Mason Arik

To continue Mason's dream and his memory, we dedicate this blog to him. He has been diagnosed with Diffuse Pontine Glioma (Brain Tumor) (04/22/10). He courageously battled his cancer for 11 1/2 months. On March 29th, 2011, it was snowing in Heaven. He is and will be missed forever. We will continue to write and share the strength and courage that Mason has taught us as well as the many other lives he has touched, near and far. Links are listed below to provide additional information regarding DIPG.

Discovery of Tumor-Dx April 22, 2010

Beginning in March of 2010, Mason complained of severe headaches, mostly at night. Then the headaches went from 2-3 times a month (over a 2 month period) to every night and more severe, by the 3rd night I contacted his pediatrician. I was told to give him Excedrin Migraine.

But by the next day we were walking to school and he had double vision- Thanks to the school nurse, we scheduled an appointment that day with Sabates eye care. After his eye was dilated they noticed his eyes were shifting. An immediate MRI was scheduled.

After the most agonizing MRI, we went home awaiting the results. That's when we were told it was a tumor (pontine glioma) We waited to visit the doctor before researching the internet. So imagine the shock to hear this is the worst locations to find a tumor, inside the brain stem. (inoperable and unfortunately very serious)