Update Fri, Nov 15, 2002
The Washko family celebrated Samantha's 1 year old stem cells with a birthday cake, then going out to eat. They also went to church to light a candle and thank God and honor the other transplant families. Here is the 1 year party:
Update Thurs, Nov 14, 2002
It's a miracle .... Samantha is 1 year post transplant today. Thank God. Thanks to the awesome parents in NY who donated their baby boy's umbilical cord after he was born. Those stem cells gave Sam new life. Thanks to the doctors and nurses who cared so lovingly for the entire Washko family. Thanks for the bone marrow unit families and friends for supporting the family. Thanks to everyone who fixed meals and sent gifts. Thanks to the Hendrick Marrow program for their loving support. Thanks to everyone who donated platelets that helped keep Sam alive for many months. During the time while they killed her type B+ blood and the time she grew her new A+ blood, donors truly gave her the gift of life. Thanks to everyone for continued prayers. And thanks to the rest of my family for supporting the Washko's in so many ways. Sam still has a weakened immune system and there are many issues to deal with. I still cry thinking about what Sam has had to go through. It is not fair that a little one whould have to suffer so dearly. I have learned so much about cancer and what we can to do help other families with cancer. We need to continue to pray for Sam to remain in remission, although I think God has shown us that He is lending us this angel for many more years. Please say special prayers for all the families who have lost a precious little one. So many angels have touched my life since Samantha was diagnosed with cancer last year. Here is a picture of Sam moments before her transplant last year on Day 0 and then today.
Update Fri, Nov 22, 2002
Sam had her 1 year follow-up studies at Duke this week and things look good. She does not have to go back to Duke for a year - yes, a year. If she makes it 4 more years, she will be considered cured. Yay God. They are going to try to wean her off the FK507 anti-rejection medication again. The hopes are the graft vs host disease will not flair up too much. As long as she is on the FK, her immune system remains suppressed. Once she is off the FK, then another med goes away too. Surgery to remove the port-a-cath will be in a few weeks. She has had the port since July 2001. She has been so brave every time she gets her port accessed (a minumum of every 30 days). That is a needle stick in her chest. Then hopefully sometime after the holidays, Sam will finally get her Make-A-Wish. The bottom line still is that we are on unchartered territory with Sam's form of leukemia.
This is really cute: while at Duke this week, Belk's and a radio station gave away huge stuffed animal ducks to the cancer kids. Sam took her duck, placed the gown on the duck and put it on the examining table and hid to make the doctor think the duck was the patient. The doctors were so awesome to go along with Sam's prank. She loved it. She also loved visting with Andria (her primary nurse). I think Sam and Andria will always have a very special bond. I think Sam knows Andria was there to save her life. We are so blessed in NC to not only have the greatest medical facilities with leading edge research and technology, but also the greatest doctors and nurses on the face of the earth. Thanksgiving is EVERY day for me.
Update Wed, Nov 27, 2002
Happy Thanksgiving. I remember this time last year in the bone marrow unit. Sam had high fevers and looked like a tomato. Nancy and Ken were on pins and needles. But today, Samantha is doing great. We have so much to be thankful for. Thanks God. Miracle really do happen if you pray hard enough - I know !
Sam has her surgery next week to get the port out. That has been in her chest since July 2001. What a long way we have come in a year and 4 months !
Update Tues, Feb 4, 2003
Sorry the site was down a while, my internet provider changed and the new Earthlink really messed me up. So, a few months later and extra $, I am back up.
Samantha is doing great, a year and 2 months post-transplant. She has been healthy and very insightful for a 6 year old. She did get her 1st round of "baby" shots. She got 5 shots at once and never even cried. Why "baby" shots you ask ? When they killed her blood, they killed her immune system. She now has a whole new blood type that never knew any infection to fight. So, her immune system is actually worse than a newborn baby. Now, she starts her shots all over again.
Sam went to a father-daughter dance this past weekend and danced the night away as a princess at a ball. Thank you God !
I say very special prayers for my Uncle Ed (and his family) who lost his battle with leukemia 2 weeks ago and is now cancer-free in heaven. Special prayers also for all the little ones who battle this monster daily as life goes on for each of us - especially Jake.
Update Tues, Feb 11, 2003
Sam is doing good - fighting off her first major infection since transplant. She still has a weakened immune system until she gets all her baby shots. Matt has been sick too, so this is a test on the family.
The new is in: Samantha's Make-A_Wish has been granted. They will be going to Disney. Thanks to all the folks who support such organizations.
I ask very special prayers for 4 year old Jake. He has neuroblastoma, had a stem cell transplant before Samantha did, then he relapsed and has quite a battle. He has a virus now.
Ski season and all this shovelling of snow is keeping this Aunt Cathy busy, but I will try to get the website all fixed up soon.
Update Wed, Feb 19, 2003
Samantha is doing great. She had her clinic visit yesterday at Brenner's Childrens Hospital and talked the nurses into 2 finger pricks instead of 3. I have to say the my sister is so amazing. She watched a 6 year sibling of a little girl with cancer so the Mom could stay back in the room with the little one. Sam and Matt had a ball at the hospital playroom with the 6 year old. That family had recently been on their Make-A-Wish trip to Disney too. In case you have not her, Make-A-Wish has granted Samantha's wish to Disney and they trip is all finalized. Thanks so much to Todd and Leaha especially for remembering that this cancer "happened" to Matt too.
Sam has managed to fight off her 1st infection and did great. What a miracle a cord blood stem cell transplant can be.
Special special prayers go to Jake Courtney who continues his 2 year battle an relapse with neuroblastoma after his stem cell transplant. He just started another round of chemo. He is such a fighter and recently celebrated his 4th birthday.
Update Tues, Mar 4, 2003
Samantha is 1 yr, 3 months post-transplant and doing great. I pray that more little ones can survive cancer like she has. Special prayers go to 4 yr old Jake Courtney who relapsed a year ago with his neuroblastoma. He is back in the hospital battling the nasty side affects of chemo. Please please consider donating platelets in his HONOR. Platelets kept Samantha alive as they do Jake and many others with cancer. It's the least we can do for these little ones who suffer so much.
Update Wed, Mar 5, 2003
I spoke with Nancy last night and they got the results of her titer from her 1st round of "baby shots". Bad news is that her shots are not taking. Her immune system is not mature enough yet to accept them. What does this mean ? They will keep trying and hopefully eventually her immune system will mature. Please please please understand that with a weakened immune system, Samantha should not be exposed to anyone who is or has recently been sick or vaccinated. Thanks. Also, her rash was doing great and now she has a nasty different rash. I don't know if it's the GvHD (graft vs host disease) or what. Her donor may just be as allergic to everything as her Aunt Cathy is !
Update Tues, Mar 18, 2003
Samantha is 1 year and 4 months post-transplant. Wow, what a road this has been. Last week, Nancy had to take her back to the hospital with the signs of GvHD (graft vs host disease). Sam was vomiting and had the burning GvH rash. She could not even wear clothes. She's doing better - yay. The last thing they need to to put her back on anti-rejection medication which would suppress her immune system more.
I know they are getting excited about the Make-A-Wish trip. Thanks to everyone who is making this possible and for remembering Matt too.
All the special prayers are helping 4 year old Jacob Courtney. What a fighter that little guy is.
Update Sun, Mar 23, 2003
Well, Ski season ended today in the NC mtns with actually a TON of snow left. I hope Samantha and Matt get to come up and go skiing and ice skating next season with Aunt Cathy next season. Hopefully by then Sam will have an immune system. But before then we have have many fun things ahead. The Make-A-Wish trip is soon.
I want to ask everyone to consider the gift of life - platelets. Many people give blood, but platelets are needed too.
Say special prayers to the families who have lost members to cancer and families who are losing loved ones for freedom and the love of their country.
Update Thur, Mar 27, 2003
Happy Birthday to Nancy. Now we are the same age. Nancy has had a reason to age far quicker than this Aunt Cathy.
Samantha is doing good, other than some GvHD skin issues right now. She's already packed for her Make-A-Wish trip. She has every Disney Princess shirt anyone has ever given her, even the ones that are too small. It's amazing how far in advance kids are ready for a trip. Hang in there Sam, the trip is soon. She told Nancy that she knows she will not be able to sleep the night before they leave. Thanks so much to Make-A-Wish, Give Kids the World, the folks at Disney and anyone who donates to these organizations to make this so possible.
Special prayers to the family of 3 year old McKenzie who got her angel wings this week. She too had a rare form of leukemia. She has had a tough battle. I want a cure for this leukemia so bad !
Update Fri, Apr 4, 2003Thanks so much to Make-A-Wish, Give Kids the World and all who made Samantha's wish come true. People are just so awesome when it comes to kids. I will share some pictures of the family with Mickey and Minnie and then with Goofy. I better not share the one of Ken with Alice in Wonderland.
If you ever want to do a good deed and go to Florida at the same time, plan to volunteer at Give Kids the World. It's a gifty from the heart !
Samanatha is doing great and it's so nice to see her enjoying life as a little girl.
Update, Sunday, April 20, 2003
Happy Easter All. It's hard to believe that Samantha is 1 year and 5 months post-cord blood stem cell transplant and less than 2 years ago was diagnosed with such a rare form of cancer. God has been so good, just like He gave His only son, He has lent us this little angel on earth. She has so much to give and so much we can learn from ! Thanks God ! Or "yay God" as Sam and Matt would say.
Happy birthday to "Aunt" Joni who will always be older than this Aunt Cathy. And soon, Nancy and I will no longer be the same age.
Special prayers to my friend Ivette who is still battling complications post-transplant. Special prayers also to another friend who recently finished her last round of chemo and will undergo surgery next week. I pray they get all her cancer. And extra special prayers for 4 year old Jacob Courtney who battles his neuroblastoma relapse, yet keeps battling. Please consider the gift of life to cancer patients - platelets. It takes more time than giving blood, but you save a life within 5 days of your donation. I have seen 1st hand what this wonderful gift is.
Update Sun, Apr 6, 2003
I will start sharing some pictures from the Make-A-Wish trip.
Update, Monday, May 5, 2003
Samantha is doing great. They went to the Rainbow of Heroes walk at Duke this past weekend. It was to honor the Duke Pediatric Bone Marrow patients (those who are angels here and the angels who have gone Home) and to raise money for the a new home for the families who have to live at Duke while their children have a transplant. The kids had a ball eating cotton candy and ice cones. Samantha went on an on about the airwalk and how much fun they had. They also went to the local Relay for Life (to raise money for cancer) and really enjoyed the adventure. I am just so happy to hear them with so much life in their voices.
Happy 5th birthday to Matt. Aunt Cathy will have a special "treasure" cake for you matey !
Special prayers to 4 year old Jake (relapse with neuroblastoma) who is in the hospital from this round of chemo. And special prayers to his Mom and Dad who have also endured the pain of watching this trooper fight so hard.
By the way, did I mention that Matt who is only 4 years old is reading now, just like Samantha !
Update, Monday May 12, 2003
We had a great pirate birthday party for Matt - wow, 5 years old. It was great to see the kids being "normal" again. Matt got a hamster for his birthday and loves it so much. I just pray every day that remission is a word that lasts forever for Samantha. Here is toothless Samantha.
Update, Fri May 23, 2003
Samantha is doing great. She got to be a trophy presenter at the Hendrick Marrow Cook-off. The race car driver's wives created a cookbook to raise money for the Hendrick Marrow program. That reminds me I need to say thanks again to the Hendrick Marrow program for helping families like ours when the kids go through a bone marrow transplant and for providing funding for bone marrow drives. A bone marrow test is as simple as a needle stick for a blood test. The best way to get on the registry is to donate platelets via the Red Cross and ask to be typed. The platelets are a gift of life more needed than blood ! And that leads to me ask special prayers for 4 year old Jacob Courtney who has to go through another round of chemo while they wait to see if he can get trial antibodies for his neuroblastoma. He needs extra prayers and will be using more platelets in this next round of chemo.
Thanks God for keeping my special princess Samantha in remission. After 9 days of rain, I am looking forward to playing with the kids and hopefully getting off the crutches after my surgery.
And I say extra special prayers for families who remember this memorial day their angels in Heaven.
Update, Tues May 27, 2003
Samantha is doing ok. She has had a few swollen lymph nodes, but hopefully they are simply her body fighting something. We had a great weekend and the kids decided they would rather have Aunt Cathy make s'mores since I make the best. They savored every bite. It was so great to see the kids in the river doing normal kid things. We cannot let up our prayers !
I got the stitches out of my knee, but still need to use crutches till the end of the week.
Update, Tues June 3, 2003
6 year old Samantha is doing good. Maybe her immune system is finally coming back if she has been able to fight a cold. It's been 1.5 years since transplant. Wow. She still has the cateracts, but 20/20 vision. God shows us miracles every day.
This is too cute: she decided the Declaration of Independence should have just a few changes.. ."We hold these truths to be self-evident that All men, women, and children are created equal and that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, among those being Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness and Remission forever for All!" I say AMEN to the remission forever.
Special prayers to 4 year old Jacob Courtney who fights his battle so hard every day. With all the ACS Relay for Life events around the country, I ask that everyone please consider a donation. The battles that are being won every day are because of the donations. Also, don't forget to donate PLATELETS. They are so needed every day.
Thurs, June 26, 2003
It's been a while since I have updated. I guess that is a good thing. No news is good news, right ? We are so blessed that Samantha is still in remission and doing so good for having a cord blood stem cell transplant. I cannot say enough how grateful I am that some parents in NY who donated their healthy baby boy's umbilical cord. It was packed with stem cells that gave my precious niece life back.
The Washko's attended their Relay for Life and Nancy has been growing her hair long just to have it cut off VERY SHORT for Locks For Love. She did this in memory of Cassie who lost her battle to leukemia after 2 transplants. Cassie was so sweet to Sam while in the bone marrow unit. I have to share this story. Cassie loved lady bugs and the kids loved Cassie's lady bug slippers. At the recent Rainbow of Heroes walk at Duke, honoring the pediatric transplant patients, a lady bug stayed with one of the nurses for a while, then stayed on little Garrett's shoulder (Cassie's neighbor in the bone marrow unit) and then flew to Sam's hair. How ironic.
Samantha got to walk as a survivor in the Relay for Life and was so proud to get her survivor t-shirt and sash. I think it was more emotional for Nancy and Ken.
We are rapidly approaching that day 2 years ago when little 4 year old Samantha was diagnosed with such a rare form of cancer. Her chances were slim. All I say is THANKS GOD !
Special prayers to 4 year old Jake and his family battling so hard with the neuroblastoma relapse. And little Jillian from FL who had her transplant Christmas Eve day who relasped with leukemia last week.
I am off to donate platelets next week in honor of Jake and in memory of my uncle who lost his battle to leukemia this year. Please consider donating too !
Sat, Jun 28, 2003
I have not spoken to Nancy in a week, so no new updates on Princess Samantha.
So, I will use my space for a few very special prayers. Special prayers to the family of John Freeman. He followed Samantha during her battle with cancer. John went home to Heaven today. John will be missed by all us paddlers. Thanks John for cheering me on one last time just moments before your journey Home began. I will miss you so much at the kayak races. You were such an inspiration to me.
And then I got home from the race to get a message from another special follower of Samantha - Kathy Billings. Last year, Kathy ran her first ever marathon, running with Teams in Training, raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. She ran with Samantha's picture on her shirt. Kathy was just diagnosed with cancer. Please say prayers as she begins her battle. Prayers work !
And then I realized that I lost my kayak race hat that says "Life is Good". How ironic.
On a more positive note, 4 year old Jacob Courtney has been approved as the last child in an anti-body study for neuroblastoma at Sloan in NY. That is one more prayer answered. Thanks God !
Got to go, as the tears are too heavy now to even see the computer screen.
Thur, Jul 3,2003
Happy 4th everyone. I spoke with Nancy and they had a fun time at the beach. Samantha had some tough times with a rash. It's hard sometimes to tell if it is the GvHd (graft vs host disease) or something else. All that chemo, radiation and then a transplant will always affect Samantha is some way. Although she missed some time as a child, 6 year old Samantha is finally riding her bike without training wheels. She is excited to ride in a neighborhood 4th of July parade (the poor kid in front or behind her !).
I donated platelets and made through a double donation again finally. I kept reflecting on how many platelets Samantha received as a gift sustaining her life from the start of chemo all the way til the miraculous day when her life started again with her new stem cells.
We are free to make choices, but those with cancer are not. Please please consider a gift of life. Your platelet donation saves a life within 5 days. I feel honored that Samantha got mine one day.
Special prayers to 4 year old Jake-a-saurus who battles his cancer, my friend Kathy who was recently diagnosed with cancer and the family of John Freeman who went to Heaven this past weekend.
Tues, Jul 8, 2003
I had a great 4th with my precious nieces and nephews. Samantha so proudly rode her bike with no training wheels in the parade. It was so funny starting off, she got backwards and thank God, the kids behind her were teens who quickly dodged Samantha. Starting and stopping are NOT her strong point. But determination - wow, it's amazing what enduring a battle with cancer does to kids. The heat really does a number of Samantha's graft vs host disease (from the transplant). She had her picture taken with Senator Dole and that was a highlight for the parents of course.
Special prayers to 4 year old Jake. The news is in - prayers are working - there is no neuroblastoma in his bone marrow. He started the long awaited experimental anti-body treatments and is suffering dearly with extreme pain. Prayers also to my friend Kathy who has just started her battle with cancer.
I started PT today after my knee surgery, but that's nothing compare to the world of cancer suffering.
Thurs, Jul 17, 2003
In 2 days, 2 years ago, my sweet 4 year old niece Samantha was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia. The chance she was given was slim. Her brother was not a match for a bone marrow transplant. I remember crying day and night. From Jul thru Oct, she received high dose chemo and radiation, miraculously got into remission for her life-saving cord blood stem cell transplant. Some wonderful parents in NY donated theit baby boy's umbilical cord AFTER he was born. Samantha went to Duke for a week of cranial radiation, a week of total body radiation, 3 days of high dose chemo to destroy her own life. A day of rest, then her transplant. I remember watching that new life go into her while we played a game on the computer, with her parents nervously watching. The next week was just beyond words. I watched a nightmare get worse. But God heard all the prayers. He let us keep this angel with us. Samantha is now 6 years old and so full of life and energy. Yes, there are issues to deal with. She's down to every 2 months of going to clinic. It's truly a miracle.
But daily, people start their battles with cancer, continue to fight cancer and sadly lose their battle. 4-year old Jacob Courtney has bravely battled cancer over half his life. My uncle Ed lost his battle to leukemia this year, but is now free and whole again in Heaven. Please pray for all those with cancer, in or out of remission. Prayer really works !
Mon, Jul 28, 2003
1 yr, 8 months post-transplant, Samantha remains in remission. She is a miracle I thank God for every day. I donated platelets yetserday - whew 82 minutes of sitting still with a needle in each arms. That was a double donation that will help save 2 lives within 5 days. I have such a high platelet count that they love seeing me walk in the door. But I think about all the platelets Samantha received to help save her life, and how many my Uncle Ed received. I watched Shrek the whole time, so the time went by fast.
I have to comment on what an awesome Tour de France I watched this year. What an athlete Lance Armstrong is. He faught his battle against cancer too and what a comeback. I think surviving cancer makes a person even more strong willed. I see it in Samantha's eyes with everything she does.
Wed, Jul 23, 2003
Great news, I heard from Nancy last night that the tests results from Samantha's tetnus titer came back and she not only has accepted it, but is fully protected ! Now she can begin all her baby shots again (except live ones: MMR). What a miracle this kid is. Her blood type went from B+ to A+ with her new stem cells and she has fought so hard to win her battle with cancer. Samantha is my hero for sure. And more great news, she finally gets to go to school, starting 2nd grade on schedule (although she has far surpassed expectations due to her cancer treatments). One thing that is so amazing about Samantha is that if she does something wrong, she goes right back to re-do it. It was so inspiring one day when she tripped and fell going down a hill, got back up and went back up the hill to start it again.
Thanks to all who have participated in Relay for Life, going the extra mile to give cancer patients a better quality of life. I have seen 1st hand how American Cancer Society really has made a difference. Other organizations that make a difference are Hendrick Marrow Program, Red Cross and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. THANK YOU- THANK YOU so much.
Wed, Jul 30, 2003
Samantha is fighting something now. She has had a high fever. Things like this are scary for Nancy and Ken. Her white blood cell count is elevated, but that's expected with a fever. They are keeping a close eye. All other blood work is ok. At times like this, I just say extra prayers for no relapse. The fears will always be there. Nancy did say she broke the fever last night. More bloodwork today to just make sure though.
Special prayers to a friend Kathie Billing who undergoes surgery today to remove her cancer. Studies will reveal her course of treatment - chemo, radiation...? Her journey begins, but she is a fighter just like Samantha. I am so proud of Kathie because she ran a Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Teams in Training marathon in Samantha's honor.
And special prayers for 4 year old Jacob Courtney who lives not too far from Samantha. I pray the experimental treatments in NY get his neuroblastoma in remission forever so he can know how a normal kid lives. He is definitely the bravest little boy in the face of this earth. Please please please say prayers for these little ones suffering so much.
Fri, Aug 1, 2003
Thanks God ! is all I can say. Samantha has been very sick this week fighting off something. But the best news is no relapse. Prayers really do work. She is still not herself and Nancy said she is still pale and not hungry. But at least it's good news that her weakened immune system will fight. That's good new in itself. Matt has been so good to leave his big sister alone this week too. He has been kept busy doing crafts and catching butterflies. In another few weeks, this little Princess will be 7 years old. I remember 2 years ago this time when one of my sisters was advertising our big bone marrow drive, her posters read "Please help see Samantha turn 5 years old". And now she is headed toward 7 years old. Another Yay God ! Have a great weekend, I am off to a kayak race this weekend.
Sat, Aug 2, 2003
Samantha's infection seems to want to hang on. 7 days now of the fever. A few extra prayers would be helpful. Special prayers also to a friend from work who's husband is struggling in his battle with cancer too.
I just got back from the kayak race a came back a winner with a trophy.
Mon Aug 4, 2003
Yay, the fever finally broke for good Sunday and Samantha finally started eating again. I guess those new unprotected cells don't know how to deal with infections very well. Nancy said they went to Dairy Queen and ate outdoors. Thanks again God for miracles every day.
Special prayers for my friend Becky who lost her husband Jeff to his hard battle with cancer on Saturday.
And Happy birthday to one of my sisters who is ever so close to the big 40 !
Mon, Aug 18, 2003
Well, I am back from my awesome vacation to Alaska. I will soon be updating my web page with Alaska photos. Kayaking with the humpback whales in Icy Strait was a dream come true. What huge, yet graceful creatures. God gave me the best weather possible - no rain (and it always rains in Alaska). Life is short, enjoy it while you can. On the plane ride home, I read Lance Armstrong's book. What an inspiration. Everyone should read it. He battled a slim chance with his cancer to come back as what I consider the world's greatest athlete by winning the Tour de France again.
News on Samantha: 2 years since she was diagnosed with her rare form of cancer, 1.6 years since transplant and she finally got to go to school, entering 2nd grade last week. That was what she wanted most, to be normal enough to go to school. What a miracle ! Matt got to start kindergarden too. Thanks God.
Special prayers for 4 1/2 year old Jacob Courtney who is back to chemo again, round 24 for this little fighter. His parents need extra prayers too.
Fri, Aug 22, 2003
Samantha was sick again one day this week. She is feeling better now. It may just be lactose. The Graft vs host disease from the transplant is under control until something sets it off. I wonder how long the new cells will keep the battle up against her own body. But GvHD is good, keeping cancer cells away.
Samantha will be the big 7 years old next week. Happy birthday also to one of my little sisters tomorrow.
Speaking of tomorrow, it is the Brenner Children's Classic race to raise money for Brenner Children's Hospital in W-S, NC. It's been a great place for Sam and Matt through this cancer ordeal. Imagine, a hospital fun ! Thanks to the organizers of BCC
Special special prayers for 4 year old Jake with neuroblastoma relapse who is back in the hospital fighting the effects of round 24 of chemo. God bless this little guy and especially his parents. We need more cancer cures for these little guys so they can be the children they are supposed to be !
Tues, Aug 26, 2003
Happy Birthday to Princess Samantha. It is a true miracle to see her turn 7 years old today. To think that 2 years ago she just started the chemo and we were praying for a miracle. God listened and she is a happy little girl, finally going to school. She went straight to 2nd grade. There are still physical issues to deal with, but she will always be a fighter. Happy Birthday Sam and I cannot wait to party with you this weekend.
Wed, Aug 27, 2003
Samantha had a great birthday. She was so cute talking to me on the phone last night about school. She takes after her Aunt Cathy and loves PE. She told me all about a book she read. For the 1st time ever, I was the one who had to cut off our phone conversation since I had a class to go to.
I have a very special request. This comes from Jacob Courtney's family. Jacob is a 4 year old who had a stem cell transplant at Duke like Samantha, but unfortunately, his neuroblastoma slipped out of remission. This little guy and his family are so brave, but they need these prayers as requested:
"Please join me in prayer in asking the lord for the following: White's (blood cells) to GROW! No more fevers ! TO COME HOME! FOR ALL OUR STRENGTH ! Peace in our hearts, we are so tired of seeing Jake suffer like this."
Fri, Sep 5, 2003
In a few more months, Samantha will be 2 years post-transplant. Wow. She is really doing good and we are blessed for such a miracle. Cancer still sucks though ! It was great seeing Samantha this past weekend and seeing how long her hair is getting and how cute she is missing all those teeth. She seems to me to tucker out easy. She loves school. Her final wish she made while going through chemo at age 5 came true. It was to eat at the Golden Corral buffet. She and Matt relished every bite of every course they chose. Her immune system is proving to be working !
September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month. Everyday, children who are our future are being diagnosed with this monster. Please pray for cures. Please remember all the little ones battling the monster who need blood and especially platelets every day. I did a double platelet donation last weekend and it took 94 minutes. Whew ! But that is nothing compare to the need they have.
Wed, Sep 24, 2003
Sorry for no update lately. Samantha is doing GREAT, almost 2 years post-transplant. She is doing great in school and has been enjoying the social life. She gets tired easily, but her stamina is improving keeping up with kids. Nancy did say that she made an appointment for her to be checked since she has been having headaches and coughing a lot. I know there will always be issues to deal with due to what was done to that little body just to give her new life. I thank God her immune system is holding up against all the germs out there.
Special prayers to all the little ones who battle cancer daily, especially 4 year old Jacob Courtney. September is Childhood Cancer Month and we should all be aware that the kids our the future. I am donating platelets this weekend after my kayak race. Why don't you give the gift of life too.
Thur, Oct 2, 2003
Samantha is doing great, 1 more month for her 2 year re-birthday, transplant day. Wow, what a long road we have taken and it seems like yesterday.
For news, I donated platelets this past weekend - 100 minutes for a double donation. I scared the nurses when I fell asleep after 70 minutes. Imagine being comfortable enough to fall asleep with a needle in both arms. But I really relax, thinking about the lives I will be saving within the next 5 days. It's a GREAT feeling.
Other news, we are doing a new road race called Run Back in Time to raise money for American Cancer Society Relay for Life.
And finally, I ask extra special prayers for my aunt who was diagnosed with a brain tumor yesterday. There are unknowns as they begin extra tests, so please pray for good news. She has always been an angel among us and now it's her turn for extra prayers.
Wed, Oct 15, 2003
I ask very special prayers for my Aunt Fran who just had a brain tumor removed and was diagnosed with glioblastoma. Samantha asked special prayers that Aunt Fran have a painless recovery from her surgery too. Cancer sucks !!! Please show some mercy God.
Wed, Nov 5, 2003
It's hard to believe, but 2 years ago today, my little then 5 year old niece Samantha started her week of TBI (total body irradiation) in preparation for her life-saving cord blood stem cell transplant. What a miracle it has been for her to go through this and now she is a healthy 7 year old. Thanks God.
Special prayers to all the folks who battle cancer daily, especially my aunt. The prayers and Protocel have been working for 4 year old Jacob Courtney. Prayers also to the families who have lost loved ones to cancer. And prayers to my friend Kathy who just finished her last round of chemo. 2 years ago, Kathy ran a Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team in Training marathon in honor of Samantha. Who would have guessed she herself would become a cancer patient.
Fri, Nov 14, 2003
Happy 2nd Anniversary of Samantha's life-saving cord blood stem cell transplant. A huge thanks to the awesome parents in NY who donated their son's umbilical cord after he was born. That cord was packed with stem cells that gave Samantha a whole new blood type. Samantha is now a happy 7 year old in remission and going to school.
Special prayers to my Aunt who is fighting brain cancer, to my friend Kathie who has just completed chemo for her breast cancer, to another friend who just started her battle with breast cancer, to 4 year old Jacob Courtney who continues his battle with neuroblastoma and to all those families who have lost a loved one.
I do have to share this. Nancy told me that Samantha had to write what she was thankful for on something at school. Samantha wrote "I am thankful to be alive, because I could have been an angel". To me, Samantha is an Angel on Earth !
Thanksgiving, 2003
Wow, I cannot believe it was Thanksgiving 2 years ago when Samantha was fighting for her new cells to give her life. I remember sending Nancy and Ken off to eat a meal together brought to the family lounge at Duke by a church. Samantha and I were sitting on her bed when she sneezed a sneeze that opened the flood gates. Her platelet count was so low that she sneezed and the blood poured out. Once they finally got platelets in her is when the bleeding stopped. I am so thankful people donate platelets - have you lately
Special prayers to my Aunt who is battling brain cancer and special prayers to another Aunt who is spending her 1st holiday season after my Uncle became an angel, now free from his cancer. Special prayers to my friend Kathie who just completed her chemo and to my friend Margery who is soon to start her chemo. CANCER SUCKS !
One little poem sums up my feelings now:
Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God.