Ivan’s daughter, Aubrey, made headlines for the 5,500+ Mother’s Day cards she sold to benefit children’s cancer research. Now with her Father’s Day cards up for sale, Ivan reflects on the purpose and importance of being her father.
Growing up, I would often wonder if being a father meant having a special chair, being the one who said grace before dinner, or having the last word during a discussion. But I now realize it’s none of those things.
I can still remember seeing my little man, our first-born child, enter this world like it was yesterday. Aiden was born with a look of excitement. I, on the other hand, was full of fear. Fear that I wouldn’t be a good father or that I wasn’t ready.
In May 2013, our then-2-year-old daughter, Aubrey, was diagnosed with leukemia. To this day I have difficulty saying those words.
Ivan with wife Vanessa, daughter Aubrey, and son Aiden. Aubrey was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at 2 years old.
Cancer is a disease that does not discriminate age or gender.
But although it took Aubrey’s hair, it has strengthened her heart, faith, and spirit tenfold. Despite the ups and downs of cancer treatment, Aubrey and Aiden have smiles that are contagious. They seek to share them with everyone they meet.
I am amazed at the fight both of my children have in them. And while coping with Aubrey’s cancer has been more difficult than any words can express, I would not take it back.
“Dads need love too,” said Aubrey. “They do lots of things. My daddy helps me and brother with a lot of stuff. He gives me my chemo and plays my favorite songs and sings with me.”
Aiden has been Aubrey’s protector, best friend, and biggest advocate. Aubrey has been so witty and wise during her fight. I am such a proud father and now more than ever, I take joy in every benchmark, achievement, creation, art project, or saying that comes from my children.
Father’s Day is a time of reflection and gratitude. I am grateful that God has been with us every step of the way. Grateful that He has shown me what it means to live and care for others through my children’s eyes. It is a day to reflect on the joy that my children bring.
While my children may not realize it, they have molded me into the man I am today. I am forever grateful and I vow to repay them every day with love, support, guidance, and friendship.
I am forever humbled by this experience.
“Cancer research people can help us. All of us kids who have cancer. Because we all can’t just give up,” said Aubrey. “Thank you everybody for being nice and for helping the Foundation because I love the Foundation. It’s important.”
Ivan’s daughter, Aubrey, raised more than $31,000 selling more than 5,500 Mother’s Day cards. To honor fathers, too, Aubrey has now created a Father’s Day card. All proceeds from the sale of the card benefit the St. Baldrick’s Foundation.
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