Dulles Dispatch: Some Things to Consider

 In the "don't forget" list, start with the Freedom Drama Department's "Ring Around the Moon," which can be seen for only $7 on Nov. 5-7 at 7:30 p.m. in the school auditorium. Group sales (discounted) and advance tickets are available by calling (703) 957-4305 or by email: michelle.portch@loudoun.k12.va.us.

 The biggest “don't forget” of the week is to vote, because you can only complain about the actions of the winners if you participate in their selection. I have voted religiously in every election for the past 34 years, and complain constantly, with vigor. I've earned it!

 Finally, I'm feeling guilty about how often I let my feathers get ruffled by my teenagers. This morning, I could have cheerfully slaughtered my daughter, as she meandered through a morning routine designed to ensure being driven to school, with full knowledge that it is part of her ongoing lobbying for a car of her own - as if she'd roll over to drive it to school on time after the new wore off.

 I am lucky. I am lucky to have kids who come home late, lose and lose interest in perfectly good clothes, wear out skateboards and headphones, and have the energy to argue endlessly about inconsequentials in the larger scheme of things.

 That larger scheme has fallen like a ton of bricks on one local family, who would probably love to be able to relax and complain about meaningless annoyances.

 Please go to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/racheldandrea and learn about a two-year-old girl who you can help beat the odds, so her parents may have the delicious luxury of arguing with her in the future over the cut of her hemline.

 Please draw a big red ring around Saturday, Nov. 14 on the calendar to be at Rachel's benefit at Chantilly Bible Church, 4390 Pleasant Valley Road, from noon to 4 p.m.

 Don't just go to have a great time, because you will! But also go to learn about childhood cancer.

 South Riding Pediatrics will have two doctors present as an educational resource. Rachel was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma, a disease which attacks nerve tissue in young children, with 50 percent of cases occurring in children under two. She faces an extremely aggressive treatment program over the next 18 months, which has already begun.

 Every penny raised at Rachel's event will go to the family, and if you can't be there, please consider sending a check to the Rachel D'Andrea Fund, c/o Chantilly Bible Church, 4390 Pleasant Valley Road, Chantilly VA 20151, or visit http://www.teamracheld.com/index.html to keep abreast of events and opportunities.

 As the holidays approach, please keep this child in mind. We all have plenty to give thanks for whether it feels like it or not, and so do our kids. The next time they need a new skateboard deck or ITunes card, and life will be the pits if they don't get it right now, consider saying "Nope!" with a smile, and make a donation for a kid whose family just might love to have somebody else's "problems."