Happy Halloween! Enjoy this Kid-Friendly Spooky Story

The Headless Horseman

A New York Ghost Story 

retold by

S. E. Schlosser

Listen to the story (4.3 mb download) 

One cold winter night, early in the New Year, a certain Dutchman left the tavern in Tarrytown and started walking to his home in the hollow nearby. His path led next to the old Sleepy Hollow cemetery where a headless Hessian soldier was buried. At midnight, the Dutchman came within site of the graveyard. The weather had warmed up during the week, and the snow was almost gone from the road. It was a dark night with no moon, and the only light came from his lantern. 

The Dutchman was nervous about passing the graveyard, remembering the rumors of a galloping ghost that he had heard at the tavern. He stumbled along, humming to himself to keep up his courage. Suddenly, his eye was caught by a light rising from the ground in the cemetery. He stopped, his heart pounding in fear. Before his startled eyes, a white mist burst forth from an unmarked grave and formed into a large horse carrying a headless rider. 

The Dutchman let out a terrible scream as the horse leapt toward him at a full gallop. He took to his heels, running as fast as he could, making for the bridge since he knew that ghosts and evil spirits did not care to cross running water. He stumbled suddenly and fell, rolling off the road into a melting patch of snow. The headless rider thundered past him, and the man got a second look at the headless ghost. It was wearing a Hessian commander's uniform. 

The Dutchman waited a good hour after the ghost disappeared before crawling out of the bushes and making his way home. After fortifying himself with schnapps, the Dutchman told his wife about the ghost. By noon of the next day, the story was all over Tarrytown. The good Dutch folk were divided in their opinions. Some thought that the ghost must be roaming the roads at night in search of its head. Others claimed that the Hessian soldier rose from the grave to lead the Hessian soldiers in a charge up nearby Chatterton Hill, not knowing that the hill had already been taken by the British. 

Whatever the reason, the Headless Horseman continues to roam the roads near Tarrytown on dark nights from that day to this. 

SOURCE

Welcome to a Spooktacular Halloween Week!

Although it may seem as though Halloween decorations have been popping up at stores for months, we are finally down to the last week before this kid favorite holiday! That is why all week we are surrounding our blog around everything Halloween!

To begin lets take a look at the origin of Halloween in this short video from the HISTORY Channel...

Now that we have a little history on this frighteningly fun holiday, here is a list of posts you can expect this week:

• Halloween Recipes
• Halloween Inspired Crafts
• Uncovering Your Emotional Mask
• Safety Tips for Halloween Night 

Check back for these and more for the Halloween Extravaganza this week on the Blog!

"Don't Forget: This is YOUR Dream"

There are so many quotes about striving after our dreams but this quote in particular resonated with us because it also includes the reality of life. You will not always obtain this dream right away but it is those obstacles that make your dream so special. 

Throwback Thursday: Local Student's Message about Compassion

Happy Thursday Dreamers! As this month marks a year from our blog's launch we hope to share with you some of our favorite posts through out the year. Additionally, September is a very special month to us as it is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month.

We would like to it back to a Dream Team Feature that we shared with you almost a year ago today of local student, Morgan. Morgan was apart of the very first Compassion Project that ever took place and created a Compassion Bag that had a combination of store bought items as well as items that she crafted up herself, really bringing her bag to the next level.

Morgan has rallied students together over the past two years to support Teen with a Dream and joining the fight against pediatric cancer. It was Morgan who presented the idea of hosting a school wide Compassion Project to her school's student council and successfully got the idea voted in. This school wide event took place only a few months ago and was a raving success!

Read Morgan's Message in her Dream Team Feature HERE

A Reflection on Labor Day

The weekend has officially begun and provides us one additional day to spend time with those we love. Now, this day is far more about an extra day off from work or school-so what is Labor Day really all about?

The United States Department of Labor summarizes it's significance as such..

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

We found that key characteristics within this summary to be extremely applicable to living with cancer. These terms are:

1. Strength
2. Prosperity 
3. Well-Being

These traits are profoundly important to maintain when coping with cancer treatment. By remembering to pause, take a deep breath and start refreshed [much like our workforce on Labor Day] will assist in the prosperity and well-being of your inner health. 

This Labor Day take a mental break and relax from cancer. We know this can be a difficult task in the mist of such a chaotic time--but we hope you are able to treat yourself or your child to a simple activity that will make them smile!

Happy One Year Anniversary to our Real Life Resource Blog!

We cannot thank everyone for their support over the last year! Our journey through this blog has been a truly exciting one! With thousands of viewers across the world- we would like you all to know how special you are to us and how grateful we are to continually be reminded of profound support!

Compassion Bags at LDS Parker South Stake Activity Day

Last Saturday we were lucky enough to spend the morning with over fifty young girls at LDS Parker South Stake Activity Day. This Compassion Project was filled with excitement, laughter and even a gourmet waffle bar!

This particular activity day was centered around the concept of "service" and "doing good for others". Through out the morning girls drew pictures of their experience "serving others" or times they lent a helping hand on the paper covered tables.

After we introduced the foundation and the logistics of the project the girls then each took turns building a Compassion Bag. As always, it is an incredible experience watching young citizens getting so excited to lend a helping hand to complete strangers.

We cannot thank these compassionate and endearing girls enough for the 70+ Compassion Bags that they compiled for Teen with a Dream!

Read Below for a little more information about Compassion Bags and then check out our photo gallery from last Saturday!

1. These bags are given to patients to help pass the time during long treatment hours.
2. They are typically filled with a variety of items that help the patient work both sides of their brain.
3. By teaming up with your family to show compassion to a stranger, brings you and your community closer.
4. Your bag will make the patient feel special, and thought about.
5. It is important to recognize other people’s life paths.
6. By doing a selfless act, will make you feel good-it creates happiness in the world.

What Parent's Should Tell Their Child's Teachers [Middle School Edition]

Moving forward from last week's focus of elementary school education week, we are beginning our Middle School Week Edition!

There are numerous similarities from last Saturday's post, but we would like to share with you a few key points that are unique to Middle School.

Going to middle school typically means a change in location and buildings. This can be a difficult transition for some. That is why there should be an in-depth conversation between you [the parent] and your child's teachers.

Topics that will be especially important to cover [IN ADDITION TO LAST WEEK'S] during this conversation would be:

• Familiarize yourself and your child with this new building
• Where are some quick routes to get to the restroom if nausea hits your child quickly
• Who is the school nurse and how can you get in contact with this person to establish that particular plan of action
• What are each teachers expectations of your child when there are absences
• Discuss with each teacher what their rules are surrounding wearing a hat due to hairloss that chemo can cause
• Is there a parent portal that you can maintain continuous interaction with your child's curriculum 
• Discuss an action plan that you and your child have established to cope with new friends and peers. Additionally discuss how your child's school handles bullying and the measures they take to prevent this. 
• If your child's middle school has locker's practice how to unlock their types of lock at home, that way the anxiety of not being able to get in and out of your locker is eliminated
• Read read read the student handbook!

Things Parents Should Let Their Child’s Teacher Know [Elementary School Edition]

Back to school after going through treatment is a hard thing, so here is a check list of things you should let your child’s teacher know to hopefully allow for a easier transition back into school. Just never forget that your child went through something very difficult so reentering school isn’t easy for everyone. 

1. What type of cancer did your child have and a little about it
2. Estimated time away, if you have this it may be best to share in advance however explain that cancer and being a cancer survivor has many variables. 
3. Possible side effects or the side effects your child is dealing with
4. Information on your child’s doctor/medical team should be updated at the school =. 
5. Ask to create a plan to help ease absences. 
6. If you think setting some realist goals for your child is helpful, ask the teacher for help in whatever goals you think. 
7. Important details, example if your child now has a heart condition because of treatment, or if you have to be away from school that year if there is a very severe flu season. 
8. It’s important to let them know that illness will most likely effect your child longer because of their treatment. 
9. Also important to know that fatigue is a constant battle to overcome and a break is sometimes needed. 
10. Explain what Chemo Brain is, Chemo Brain is a very real side effect that chemotherapy has that can almost be described has living in a fog, it makes your reaction to recalling things and learning things slower and can be very frustrating to the child and the teacher, it is important that teacher know what this is and does research on their one to see what style of teaching will help overcome this issue.

Exchange and establish the best form for contacting each other is also important to building an ongoing relationship. 

We could never write out all the things someone should know about childhood cancer because their is so much, so hopefully these are some of the most important ones, every year at back to school we will come up with more, and if you have any that are important to you make sure you voice them and let your child’s teacher know.

A Message from our Founder [August Blog Preview]

Summer is almost over and it’s time to think about going back to school. For anyone going back to school is stressful, but for a current cancer patient or a post treatment cancer patient it brings a whole other wave of stress. Whether it is germs, dealing with doctors appointments and school, chemo brain, or general fatigue it is hard to deal with. 

Over the next coming weeks we will be giving some advice on how to communicate with teachers during and post cancer, advice on side effects of chemotherapy and school, and tips for getting through it all. From after school snacks, or what your teacher needs to know about being a cancer patient-we hope to be your Real Life Resource for going back to school. 

We have spoken to teacher in all age groups to find out the information they want to see and will also think about the information teachers should know about having a child with cancer in their class. For me personally, it was hard to go back to high school and deal with everything during my treatment. This was due to the fact that I was diagnosed a week before I started the 9th grade, and it was a rough road for me, so I hope in the month of August to help others with their journey. 


Spencer Harrison 
Cancer Survivor, Founder

Alien Slime !

We have found an activity that is out of this world and fun for the whole family- alien slime! It is a great and simple craft from Mini Monets and Mommies to accompany you this weekend! 

Ingredients:

• Elmer's Glue
• Tap Water
• Liquid Starch
• Green Food Coloring

Directions:

1. Measure out equal parts of water and glue. Mini Monets and Mommies suggest a 1/2 cup each.
2. Mix water and glue thoroughly.
3. Add same measurement used for water and glue ingredients and add liquid starch.
4. Mix and experiment with ingredients until you obtain the slime consistency you prefer.

Check out this craft and more on Mini Monets and Mommies 

A Message from our founder....

Coming up on the 46th Anniversary of the Moon Landing I can’t help but think of some parallel between the Apollo Program and being a cancer patient. So for todays tip we ask you to look to the stars and think about this… 

The Apollo Program took more then 400,000 people to achieve its goal, every little detail to make someone live in a unlivable situation had to be thought of and made. Just like cancer thinking about how many people and man hours went into coming up with chemotherapy drugs, researching different types of cancer, and how many people trained your doctors and nurses to achieve the impossible. It is mind blowing to truly think about the amount of people that have come to together to move mountains and make you well again. 

So to celebrate Space week, look up at the moon or the stars, and then close your eyes and think, so many people are looking after me, all will be well. I have hope and faith. 

-Spencer 

Happy National Ice Cream Appreciation Day 2015!

Wishing you a day filled with lots of tasty ice cream!

Summer Research Project Example: Part One

Throughout last week you focused on the following topics to research and record regarding your cancer:

1. Fundamental Facts about your cancer
2. Emotional Aspects
3. Inspirational Individuals

We also discussed credible resources and researching tips. Today we would like to share with you our founder, Spencer Harrison's research for his own summer project! 

Next week we will be discussing even more aspects to add to your Summer Research Project!

Summer Research Project: Knowing your cancer inside and out!

We are excited to begin a two week journey with you as we share our Summer Research Project Proposal with you and your family. After being diagnosed with cancer, you are flooded with information and even more questions. This can create even more stress during a chaotic time.
That is why we would like to invite you to embark on our Teen with a Dream Summer Research Project!

What is this project?
Over the course of two weeks we will post certain aspects of research that you should focus on. Each section of this project is fairly broad and leaves room for flexibility and the opportunity to take it where you want. At the end of this two week duration you will have abundant information and fundamental research on the following topics:

1. YOUR particular cancer, how it works, what it looks like on this inside
2. Type of Treatment
3. Side Effects
4. Emotional Aspects
5. Inspirational Figures 
6. Your desired communication and discussion plan about cancer

Each one of these sections will have subtopics that we will share with you through out this project.

What will the end result of this project look like?

Although this is primarily up to you we would suggest to record and compile all of your research and put have a hard copy for you and your family. This will be discussed more closed to the end of this project.

Why would this project be beneficial for me?

By researching, evaluating and coping with your particular type of cancer will empower you with knowledge and provide you with the ability to discuss it openly and factually with your loved ones. 

Get a Free Teeth Whitening and help a child with cancer!

All patient’s new and current are eligible for free whitening and with each whitening Arbor Dental Group will donate to the charity Smiles for Life and Teen with a Dream!

For every teeth whitening scheduled, $50.00 will be donated to Teen with a Dream and provide aid & comfort to pediatric cancer patients!

Contact them today to schedule your FREE teeth whitening!

CALL TODAY 720-943-3761
www.arbordentalgroup.com

Call for Eligibility Details

Arbor Dental fighting for pediatric cancer patients-until there is a cure!

All patient’s new and current are eligible for free whitening and with each whitening Arbor Dental Group will donate to the charity Smiles for Life and Teen with a Dream!

For every teeth whitening scheduled, $50.00 will be donated to Teen with a Dream and provide aid & comfort to pediatric cancer patients!

Contact them today to schedule your FREE teeth whitening!

CALL TODAY 720-943-3761
www.arbordentalgroup.com

Call for Eligibility Details

Mammoth Heights Elementary students continue to be a driving force in bringing COMPASSION to their community!

As you may have read in previous posts, the students at Mammoth Heights Elementary school continually seek out ways to provide aid and comfort to pediatric cancer patients across the nation.

Our story with MH begins two years ago with the launch of our very first Compassion Project. Through out these two years we have met some truly incredible students who strive to make this world a better place in any way they can. 

It was through their passion to help that the student council of the school hosted our very first SCHOOL WIDE COMPASSION PROJECT!  

When the student council approached Teen with a Dream with this idea, we were elated at the opportunity to work with the school. 

To begin this process the student council asked us to present our mission to the council for those who may not be familiar with the foundation. This presentation was followed by members of student council discussing and voting on hosting this process...and we must admit we were a bit nervous, as these students meant business! Lucky for us, their vote was unanimous!!

Over a cross of a months time 800+ students came together and gathered items for 2015 Compassion Bags. 

Concluding the month student council members that range from kindergarten to sixth grade came together and compiled nearly 100 bags-and there were still items left over for our inventory!! 

It is truly a remarkable feeling of overwhelming support, excitement and compassion every time that we walk through the doors at Mammoth Heights Elementary School. Their students continue to go above and beyond for our foundation without a doubt in every interaction that we have. 

Not only have they made Teen with a Dream history hosting both our first Compassion Project both on a classroom level and school wide level, students have also sought out ways to give back through out the years through donating birthday gifts, allowances, and raising funds for our foundation in general! 

It is difficult to adequately put into words how much we truly appreciate and adore the Mammoth Heights Community! Additionally the comfort that they bring not only to pediatric cancer patients, but the comfort they bring to the community knowing the inspiring force they will bring to the future as well-thank you Mammoth Heights Elementary School!!! 

2015 Evening of Dreams [Day One]

Happy Tuesday Dream Team! We have been on a little hiatus wrapping up our annual Evening of Dreams fundraiser-but we are so happy to be back on our Real Life Resource Blog! 

Today we want to share with you the first portion of our photos from this truly wonderful night! Attendees bid on auction items from around the globe-which was perfect for our events theme: Around the World!

Following the silent auction + short program, guests dispersed into our country themed activity rooms. These rooms included: Mexico, Singapore, England, France, Italy and finally a layover lounge + experience room!

Today’s collection of photos are from our silent auction portion of the evening.

We are excited to see our event photo booth collection provided by Grand Photo Booth Company -so check back soon!

HUGE thank you to our sponsors:

• Subaru
• Teakoe
• Western State Fire Protection
• Universal Lending- Cliff Holmes and Chris Murray
• Peak Billing Services
• Lady Bird Poppy Floral Design