It’s Personal

As journalists, we are ALWAYS searching for stories.  Everywhere we go, we subconsciously keep our eyes and ears open.  So it may come as no surprise that once in awhile, we come across amazing stories from the people we know ourselves.

Longtime KETV producer and friend, Jennifer Shatel and her family

Jennifer Shatel was a much-respected producer at KETV when I got my first internship. From the beginning, she was kind to me, included me in newsroom conversations, and gave me chances to write scripts and learn as much as I could.  When I started reporting on-air, Jennifer was always very patient, yet always gave me constructive criticism to get better.  When breaking news happened, or when a story fell through (or came up!) at the last minute, she was a model of control and made her newscasts look phenomenal, no matter what was going on behind the scenes  She’s continued to send me emails about my stories or well wishes throughout the years, even since she’s left KETV–you never forget kindness like that, especially from someone you so respect.

I was among the many here at KETV who were stunned and saddened to hear Jennifer had been diagnosed with breast cancer.  No matter what stage, what the prognosis, you hear a friend has cancer and it SHAKES YOU.  It was actually Jennifer’s idea to do a story.. to follow along on her journey and show others the decisions that are involved and the factors that play into those decisions.   I’m IN AWE of Jennifer for allowing us to do this–to allow cameras and all of Omaha (and beyond) into such a private journey.  She did–and I was honored to share Jennifer’s story last Thursday night.

You can watch it here.

If you’re a woman who has been through the same journey, hopefully hers is something YOU can relate to.  If you were recently diagnosed, hopefully Jennifer’s fight has given you the hope or inspiration you need to keep going.  If you know of someone who’s been through cancer, this is a great perspective as to what they might be going through.  A story we get to hear, thanks to one woman’s courage to tell it.  THANK YOU, JEN!

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One week ago tonight, we shared another story that again I had a personal connection to.  April is Autism Awareness Month; autism is a disorder I have a strong passion for dating back many years.  As a teenager, I became very close to a family touched by autism.  As a college student, Autism Awareness was my volunteer platform while I competed in the Miss Nebraska system.  I met so many families and kiddos battling this horrible thing.. and all of these years later, we still know so little about this horrible disorder.  We do know the numbers continue to skyrocket.. now ONE IN 50 according to the CDC.  1 IN 50!!

Every April, I try to find a story to spread awareness of autism.  A family with twin girls; one autistic, one not on the spectrum.  An AMAZING young woman, graduating with honors, friends and dreams, showing everyone she can do anything she wants despite her diagnosis.  Omaha’s Robertson family, noted philanthropists, who have donated so much of their time and money to help families just like theirs (they have two sons with autism).

Hagen Schaefer, 4, Soccer Superstar!

This year, a beautiful mother named Ashley Schaefer contacted me about her son, Hagen.  She wanted to get the word out about the treatment that has given them so much hope, and given Hagen a new life in his parents’ eyes.  The Schaefers have greatly decreased certain processed foods and sugars from Hagen’s diet, and are also trying chiropractic work, all part of the DAN approach, Defeat Autism Now.

Watch Hagen’s story here

Watch the Schaefer’s story and see what you think!  They’ll be the first to tell you, many people have had negative reactions about what they are doing, and as always, we present both sides in the story and let you form your own opinion.  My hope is that for any parent of an autistic child SEARCHING for answers, here is one more suggestion that seems to be working wonders for this little boy in Fremont.  A little boy who recently played in his very first soccer game.  His mom Ashley told me, ‘this is one more thing we were told he’d never be able to do!’  And just look at how happy he is out on that field

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Finally, a story I hope you tune in for tonight or watch on  ketv.com sometime this week.  A few months ago, my husband forwarded me an email from a friend of his, promoting a golf tournament to raise money and awareness for cystic fibrosis.  I don’t know this friend well, but I was touched by his story; he and his wife are raising not one, but two beautiful girls with cystic fibrosis.

Presley, 17 months, Noah, 5, and Alexa, 7

If you’re a parent, you know how HARD it is to watch your child go through any illness.  You’d trade places with them in an instant so they wouldn’t have to feel any pain or discomfort.  For the Halls, treatments help and research is promising,  but there is no cure for this horrible disease affecting Alexa, 7 and Presley, just 17-months.

Alexa is an absolute SWEETHEART.  She is a very bright little girl; she let me interview her and her answers were very clear and well thought out–not always the case for a first grader!  Her sister, Presley, is A DOLL.  The epitome of CUTE CUTE CUTE!!! If she hadn’t already stolen my heart with her bright, blue eyes and plump cheeks.. she absolutely would have with her fish impressions!  It’s not fair these two perfect girls have to stop what they are doing twice a day to put on vests that literally SHAKE their little bodies, to break up all of the mucus clogging their lungs.  It’s not fair they have to take dozens of pills EVERY DAY to stay healthy.  It’s not fair Alexa gets sick every few months because a little cold to any of us, is a major sinus infection with great risks for her.

Her parents, Wendy and Steve, have so much hope for the research going on right now.. trials they say could make a HUGE difference in the lives of their girls and thousands of kids across the country.  But as with everything, it will take MONEY, DONATIONS to pay for that research.. and the Halls agreed to share their story to encourage people to help them get there.  Sometimes it’s hard to remember all of the facts and figures behind a cause, but these literally girls are IMPOSSIBLE to forget

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As journalists, we LOVE telling stories.  When it’s something inspiring, something that might help someone else, something people will remember, it just makes our jobs that much better.

Choosing Love Over Hate

A few weeks ago I posted about a daily project I try to add to at our house.  Every day, I write down on an index card that date, and something that happened.  Sometimes it’s something big, sometimes it’s something minor, someday I hope it’s a neat way my family can look back on our history.

Monday’s card simply reads…

2013: This was a very sad day in Boston.

In the coming years, how should I explain this entry to my sons? How has ANY parent explained such cowardly, horrific acts to their children?

Maybe I’ll show my boys this.. a recent post from my friend Molly Campbell.  If she wasn’t already a brilliant lawyer, wife and mother.. I would spend every waking hour trying to convince her to write for a living.. she’s that good.

***

Dear Jack,

Yesterday when we got home from school, I pulled your daily report out of your backpack. I realized that I hadn’t read it since last week and that on Friday, you did something that you hadn’t done since you were a baby: you bit a friend. Now, you would have gotten in trouble for this on any day but yesterday especially, you were in the hot seat. I realize that a 3 year old’s attention span leaves a bit to be desired so perhaps it wasn’t my smartest move to make you sit with me for a good ten minutes, talking about love and hurt. I kept repeating the same things over and over, trying my hardest to ensure that you were truly listening and understanding what I was saying…why it is not ever okay to hurt someone else, no matter what you are feeling or what they did to you. By the end of the conversation, you were exasperated. You buried your head into my lap and wailed, “Mommmmyyyyy!!!! I won’t bite anymore! Mommmyyyyy!!!” I kissed your head and sent you back to help your daddy get ready for bath time. But I didn’t follow you. Instead, I just sat on that cold kitchen floor and thought about it all. I thought about how this world has changed so much from the place I thought it was when I was your age. I thought about how sad I am that you have to grow up here, in a world where hate has so much power to change things–to shake every day people from everything they thought they knew. And I thought about how helpless I felt over all of it. 

Jack, I have had so many plans for things I wanted to teach you. I wanted to teach you to be hardworking and successful so that you would never have to worry about how you would pay your bills. I wanted to teach you to find someone who will make you happy the same way that your dad and I make each other happy. I wanted to teach you about all the things that will bring you a good life. And while all of those things are fine, yesterday I realized that if I can only teach you one thing, I will and I will teach it well. I will teach you love. 

There is so much hate in this world. Virgina Tech, where people trying to make a better life for themselves were taken six years ago today. Aurora, where we lost your Crazy Aunt Jessi. Newtown, where parents lost their babies who hadn’t yet had the opportunity to grow up. Boston, where a day of triumph turned into a day of terror. And all of this, all of it because of hate. Jack, I will teach you that every single life is unique and precious. I will teach you that every single person is so very loved and has a network of friends and family who will find it hard to breathe without them. I will teach you that hurting other people and choosing hate over love does nothing at all to make you happier or feel more triumphant. I will teach you that the only thing that can truly combat and ease your fears is love. Child, all I can do is teach you love. And so I will. 

Your mom is afraid. It’s hard to watch these kinds of things happen in our world and not be affected by them; not think about the possibility of it happening where we are. It’s hard to lose someone in this way and still think, “It could never happen to me.” or even, “It could never happen to me again.” I have spent so much of my life worrying. I worry about you and about your dad. I worry about my family and my friends. I worry about me. And the worrying has done nothing. It hasn’t stopped anything. And I realize now that I am absolutely, completely, devastatingly helpless over all of this. I cannot stop any of these terrible things from happening and that is just such a sickening feeling–to be sitting here, waiting for the next thing to happen, knowing that there is absolutely nothing that I can do.

But that’s not entirely correct, Jack. Because there is something I can do. Something that if every parent did, we wouldn’t be in this situation. So yesterday, I made a decision. Our family will choose love. We will not choose worry, it does nothing. We will not choose sadness, it does nothing. We will not choose fear, it too does nothing. Instead, we will choose to teach you how to love every single person you meet. Deep, sincere, respectful love. Maybe if someone had taught those other people about that kind of love, our world wouldn’t be where it is today. And maybe I can’t go back in time and teach them the things they should know but I can teach you, and you can teach your children and your children can teach their children. Because the one thing I know is that hate will not win. Love always, always wins. And it will win this time too. 

Because all I can do is teach mine to love. And suddenly, I don’t feel so helpless anymore. 

Love,
Mommy

All you need is love.  Thanks for the reminder, Molly

See Jack Run

“In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.” 

–Albert Schweitzer

***

JACK

What a weekend for this brave little boy.

He’s only 7.  He’s had countless surgeries on top of years of chemotherapy and traveling for treatment and tests to defeat pediatric brain cancer.  He’s only 7.

When I saw his touchdown run Saturday.. Jack Hoffman, running down the field at Memorial Stadium in front of 60,000 emotional, screaming fans.. I bawled.

Seen it yet? If you haven’t (and you’re one of the few people in the country!) click here.. it’s an absolute MUST.

Why is this story, this video, so inspiring?

Because simple acts of kindness.. by former Husker Rex Burkhead extending friendship to Jack.. by the team ‘adopting’ the Hoffman family and their cause to fight pediatric brain cancer.. by Coach Bo Pelini and the Nebraska coaching staff making this moment possible Saturday.. made this little boy feel glorious.  They helped Jack forget about surgeries and needles and cancer.  They made this little boy, only 7, SO HAPPY.  And who is more deserving, after all he’s been through at just 7 years old, than Jack Hoffman.

A quick note.. Jack’s fight isn’t over.  His tumor is still there, even though it has shrunk substantially since it was first discovered in 2011.  Jack will still face chemo for several more months.

So many kids lose their battle to this horrible disease.  Too many.  That’s what #TeamJack is fighting, and the Hoffman family hopes long after Jack’s highlight stops running on Sportscenter you’ll remember their cause.  There are ways you can help listed in Jack’s story posted above, and you can learn more here in a story I shared after talking to Jack and his dad, Andy, last May.

There are so many things in the world that pull us down, make us doubt everything we know and everyone around us.  This was one of those moments that brought everyone together and simply put, made everyone smile.

Way to go, Jack.

The Momma-To-Be Wish List

Any expectant mother will tell you that some days you just feel better than others.  Your baby isn’t sitting on your lungs.  You don’t feel nauseous or exhausted.  You make it up the whole flight of stairs without stopping.

This is my wish list for those ‘other’ days..

A Skyfari for the Newsplex.

Just like the one at the Henry Doorly Zoo, except this one would transport me upstairs and down.  Although I’m fairly certain since this would pass right by the KETV Sports Office, the motor would quickly burn out from Andy and Thor riding it all day..

My own Segway for the Newsplex

Look how happy that lady is!!  And she’s not pregnant!

The Claw

Unlike the first two things on my wish list, I may seriously have to consider this one.  That or risk Ryan Luby moving to another desk MUCH farther away from mine, where I can’t constantly bother him to help me  because I can’t reach something..

Dairy Queen in the KETV lobby

Just a little stand in our building. One I can ride my Segway to and grab a quick Blizzard.. every day. I haven’t taken a survey in our newsroom yet, but I’m pretty sure this would be universally accepted by our team..

Oh, to dream…

***

Climbing Up On My Soapbox

As a journalist, I always try to keep my opinions to myself in the workplace, on Facebook, and on this blog.  Unless it involves baseball.

GO BRAVES!!

Today, though.. a rare op-ed, as I climb up onto my soapbox.  And at the size I am right now, that’s no small task…

OK.  All jokes aside, tomorrow is Election Day in Omaha.  Voters have their first opportunity to narrow down the field of mayoral candidates, city council candidates, and Omaha School Board hopefuls.  But last week, Douglas County Election Commissioner Dave Phipps painted a dismal picture of what he expects on April 2.  He predicts voter turnout will be about 18%.

Read our March 28 story about Phipps’ predictions for the April Primary

18%?!?!?!?!?!

Here’s the math: of  274,321 registered voters, less than 50,000 will decide who moves on to May’s General Election.  Less than 18% will decide who shapes the public policy of our city for the next four years.  What happens regarding taxes, crime, roads, policy.  Less than 18% will determine who gets to decide on education for kids who attend OPS schools; how THEIR tax dollars are spent in the district.

Imagine being in a group of five people and letting one person decide how your money is spent, what you do, what will keep you safe, etc.  Are you willing to give up that power?

These numbers aren’t anything new.  For the primary election in 2009, Phipps says Omaha saw a 19% voter turnout.  Still, I am so surprised, and DUMBFOUNDED by these numbers.  As I’ve mentioned here before, we receive quite a few story ideas from our viewers, including A LOT of complaints or issues they need help with.  Don’t get me wrong–I’m a proud member of the Seven Can Help team and want to help if we can.  But folks, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE to make your voice heard!! THIS if your chance to help yourself, your community, your business, your loved ones!!  THIS is our process, a privilege our country was built upon!

‘I’m just too busy..’

I’m a working mom.  I get it.  BUT VOTING TAKES SO LITTLE TIME, AND IT IS SO IMPORTANT!  We MAKE time for so many things.. to stop for coffee on the way to work.. to get gas on the way home.. to meet that friend or coworker for lunch.  PLAN out a window of time, 15 minutes, to exercise your privilege!

‘I don’t know where to go..’

Click here  to figure out where your polling place is, what you need to bring, or to download a sample ballot.  All of the information you need is right at your fingertips.

‘I don’t know enough about the candidates..’

We truly believe in our slogan ‘More Complete Coverage’ and have done our very best to provide that to viewers in this (and every) election.  Click here to see how each of Omaha’s mayoral candidates responded to 7 questions from KETV.  You’ll also find links to all of the stories we’ve covered about the campaigns, the allegations and our investigations into the truth behind them, and the mayoral forums and debates that have taken place in the past few weeks.

‘I don’t like any of them.. I don’t like the negativity.’

Two of the people in each race, whether it’s for mayor or council or the school board, WILL MOVE ON whether you vote or not.  And you will have little room to complain if you didn’t try to make a difference while you had the chance.

I leave you with a thought before I step down off my soapbox (and by the way, I might need some help doing that..).  In January 2011, I was assigned to cover the effort by native Sudanese to form their own country, an independent South Sudan.  Omaha was one of 8 polling locations across the United States.  The weather was MISERABLE.. sleeting, damp, FREEZING.  But you’d never know it… because the THOUSANDS of people who showed up, by bus, by carpool, some WALKING, were joyous.  They were singing together.  They were smiling.  They were EXCITED.  THEY WERE ALLOWED TO VOTE.  Those thousands of people waited, in that freezing, wet cold for HOURS.. to MAKE THEIR VOICES HEARD.

At least think about it.   As Americans, it is our privilege and responsiblity.

VOTE.

Polls open at 8am Tuesday!

Tick Tock, Tick Tock

“Evidently I’ve to go to Crib World, because it’s a whole world of cribs; I guess Crib City wasn’t big enough. Why isn’t there a store called This Is The Crib For You, and they just have one great crib and they deliver it and assemble it and help you raise your child?”

Amen, Miranda.  Amen.

I’ve been setting up stories this week and next, and just realized APRIL STARTS NEXT WEEK.

THEN IT’S MAY.

THEN IT’S JUNE.

(This is where Rob says, ‘Good job, Brandi!! You’ve mastered the calendar!’  Sigh…)

June means BABY!  Where has the time gone?!?!?

I feel like we have SO MUCH left to do to get ready for this little man.. a crib, painting his nursery, a new stroller for 2.. where to begin?!? I feel like time is just FLYING by!

AND, yes, we are still playing the Name Game.

Read my previous post, What’s In A Name?

THANK YOU so much to all of you who emailed, tweeted, and sent me messages over Facebook with suggestions!  Here are a few of my favorites..

lyndsey: Chipper?

(My favorite baseball player of all time.. but my husband is a huge Padres fan.  AND Chipper’s real name is Larry Wayne Jones, Jr.)

Maria: How about a name from one of the 6 movies since you’re a huge Star Wars fan?

(I actually LOVE the name Lucas.. but we’ve ruled it out..)

Wendy: Weston

(A good compliment to our Easton.. and also, the top suggestion from Papio Mayor David Black, the name of his grandson!)

OPD’S Helicopter Crew: Abel

(The crew’s code name is Able One.  Many votes of support on this one from the KETV News team.. )

***

SOOOOO the Name Game continues.  Since my husband is a high school baseball coach, we should just let the team vote on a name, right?

(Ladies and gentlement.. we proudly introduce Baby Chalupa…)

Maybe at This Is The Crib For You they have a Perfect Name department, too.

***

“I guess only the Pixar lamp enjoys jumping. Good to know. If anyone asks, you didn’t see anything.” –@HonestToddler

Sliding Into Third

Disclaimer: I haven’t slid into third since I played elite softball as a kid.. the last time I tried I just kind of crumbled onto third base during a slow pitch game.. and I hurt myself.

So why the headline?  Because this week, Baby and I begin the third trimester of pregnancy!

WAIT.. WHAT?!?! How did this happen so quickly?!?!  I thought we had plenty of time to paint.. to choose a crib.. to prepare!  This pregnancy has simply FLOWN by, thanks to a healthy baby and some really good luck in having a smooth pregnancy!

Still, as any momma will back me up on (except for the REALLY lucky ones!) things are starting to get a little more uncomfortable.  And sometimes, you just need to talk to someone who knows and can share their pregnancy pains with you!  So it’s a good thing I’m in very good company…

THE WOMEN WHO DRANK THE WATER

Lauren Nathan, wife of my good friend Jeff Nathan.. due in May

Former KETV reporter Kailyn (Reid) Watson.. due in June

My hair stylist extraordinaire Mattie Knihal.. due in August

One of my best friends from high school, Cassie Lacey.. due in August

My friend and Omaha nurse Kylie Scheideler.. due in September

Fellow PLHS classmate and Omaha actress, Leanne Hill-Carlson.. due in October

That’s A LOT of friends, all pregnant at the same time!! It’s really great though.. because together we are a pool of endless resources for commiserating and comparing notes.

“I have a horrible cold.. anything you’ve tried that helps?”

“I’m so tired!! Any tricks that help with the other kiddos and/or give you energy at work?”

“Strollers!?! Help me!! Do you like the brand you got? Which ones are you looking at?”

And the biggest thing we can all discuss.. DRINKING THE HORRIBLE ORANGE WATER for the glucose test! Ugh.. it’s like drinking Shasta from a 2-liter bottle that’s been left open on the counter for a few days..

The BEST part of sharing this experience together is watching each little life enter the world, hearing each new name, and seeing each precious face.

Chloe Cadwell Kaiser, born March 4 to my friends and proud parents Erin & Josh Kaiser

I see this perfect, gorgeous little girl and I grin ear to ear.  I can’t WAIT until we meet our newest little addition!!  Batter up!

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“Listening to a speech about self-control from a person who just ate three bowls of Cinnamon Toast Crunch.” –@HonestToddler