This week some amazing things happened...

Patrick celebrated his 5th birthday with a "boring"MRI.

We couldn't be more thrilled. The doctors, nurses, child life staff, and researchers at Yale Cancer Center and Smillow Cancer Hospital will continue to keep a close eye on Patrick to ensure that he remains cancer free.

We had another incredible Facebook milestone. We now have more than 1000 followers. I'm a bit of a geek when it comes to social media reach, and how quickly word can spread, so I wanted to show you this weeks facebook statistics.

Look at that, and just think about how many people we are reaching now!!!

Does everyone knit or crochet? No, and that is not the point. The point here... The more people that are aware of what we do, and the more people that are telling their friends about PatPats Hats, that means more people will be able I help us spread warmth.

Remember, if you know of an organization or child that is in need of a hat or 2, please let is know.

A very merry Christmas to all of you!!! We would not be here were it not for your constant support.

Oh Patrick how you have grown. You have brought so much laughter and joy into our lives. but you have done more than that. You have taught us about strength and courage, you have taught us what being brave really means.

When life handed you something difficult, you only knew one thing to do...... Fight.... You fought because you didn't know that there was another option. You survived because that is what you were supposed to do. Your smile and laughter kept US going through it all.

Patrick your courage has helped me get through so many days in my life. Any day I think I cannot get through something, when I need to run or ride  just one more mile, I think of you. I think of what you went through, I think of what you endured. I see your smiling face.

Nothing has been easy for you, yet you seem to not know that. it seems to not matter to you.

Dearest Patrick you have given me so much. You have taught me to work harder, you have encouraged me to give back to others.

Some day, I hope you understand what you have given to our family, I hope that you will see the warmth that has been spread throughout this country because of you, I hope that you will see the feats of strength that others have accomplished in your name.

Being humble will not be easy, but I hope that if we can give you any gift, it is the gift to understand how to give back to others and pay it forward.

All my love to you on your 5th birthday Patrick James.

Today is #givingtuesday, a day where people are encouraged to give to organizations after black Friday and cyber
Monday.

All of our PatPat's Hats supporters have given us so much over the past few years. Since the first day when I decided to donate "a few" hats to Yale, I have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support.

I know that many of you are preparing your holiday crafting. Today, you can give to PatPat's Hats by sharing our page, and telling your friends. The now followers we have, the more people we can reach.