Good news.

After many calls and talks and much more, I would like to give you a soul-soothing update: the methotrexate shortage crisis has been averted. THANK YOU to all of you who were proactive -- we were heard! The FDA has approved APP Pharmaceutical's application to produce preservative free methotrexate, and Hospira has beefed up its manufacturing, as well. There is still much to be done. More than anything, we need the bill placed before congress to become a reality. There needs to be a checks and balances when it comes to life-saving medicine or this will happen again. It might not be childhood cancer, it might be another disease. The FDA needs to be aware when a shortage is approaching, and not get as dangerously close to running out as it did, and then find a last-minute solution. Life is too precious. Dr. Adamson testified before Congress, and said this: "I certainly understand that passing legislation is complex, difficult. I suspect, however, that it is no more complex or difficult than curing a child with cancer. And I can absolutely tell you it is no more complex or difficult than what children with cancer face everyday.” Yes, Dr. Adamson is a new hero for his amazing testimony.

Speaking of heroes, I have to completely confess again: I adore Justin Beiber. I may not be as into his music as my sons, but I encourage their need to hear this boy belt out his songs as loud as they need in order to FEEL it. I was a New Kids on the Block girl...I get the pop music scene. My mom let me have the pillowcase and every oversized button in the collection. But, back on track (before I jump out of this seat and bust out some "RIGHT STUFF" moves): Justin Beiber is an all-out AMAZING childhood cancer wish granter and humanitarian. Just this Valentine's Day, this young pop star spent the entire day with an incredible little girl, Avalanna Routh. Avalanna suffers from a rare and deadly form of brain cancer. She is six years old. This wasn't a Make-a-Wish, this was simply Avalanna's dream: to meet Justin Beiber. She calls herself "Mrs. Beiber" and is as obsessed with him as any little girl could be, stating, "I have been his fan for 80 years." My heart becomes a liquid mess when I read about her or see her interviews. I can't blame the Biebs for hearing her story and rushing out to spend an entire Valentine's Day with the sweetest girl around. He did not have to do this...but he did.



Well, as it turns out... Justin Bieber was a hero in our house tonight, too. I bought the boys toothbrushes that SING 2 minutes of different Justin Bieber songs. They are supposed to brush-brush-brush for the entire song. Oh. They did SUCH a great job. Thanks, JB!