This is Kaiden. She just turned four last week....something that we are more grateful for than you can imagine. We met Kaiden about a year ago at a mutual friend's house. Kaiden was diagnosed with neuroblastoma (cancer) in May and has gone through a whirlwind of treatments since then. She begins her 4th round of chemo today. She had surgery over a week ago where they removed an 11" tumor from her little baby belly that weighed in at 4 lbs. They also took her adrenal gland, part of her liver and diaphragm. She's had her stem cells taken so they can replace them later, after the chemo. I get a lump in my throat when I look at this picture...one of my favorites. She is actually getting a blood transfusion as she rides this thing down the hallway with a smile on her face.
I am connected to this family in a strange way. We share mutual friends and I now work part time for Chad, Kaiden's dad. The pressure on this family, and their friends, is tremendous. They struggle with anxiety, fear and the need to stay positive when the statistics are staggering. And it is not just an emotional war...the financial impact has been daunting. But my intention here is not to pass on to you all the sadness of this situation, but to share a lesson that Chad taught me today. Chad stated that though this experience he wishes he could impart to both his children what he has learned about life:
Do whatever makes you happy as much and as often as you can, because when the bad stuff happens you really don't wish that you'd spent more time doing things that don't really matter. Chad would love to pick up a surfboard and hit the waves...that would bring him joy. Right now his focus is on holding it all together.
Please take a moment to send a positive thought or prayer their way. And do something that makes you happy...right now. Really.
To learn more about Kaiden or to donate to her cause please visit:
http://www.carepages.com/carepages/KaidenEvans/updates
3 comments:
Traci, I can't remember what you do for a living, but after reading your most recent post and re-reading most of your old ones, I must tell you that you should be writing (if you're not already). You hav, as they say, a way with words.
Keep up the great work. And thanks for reminding me of what's important.
Have friends all over the world, literally, praying for Miss K. Thanks for reminder...was being dragged down a path I didn't want to go about a half an hour ago...so gues what...I am not going down that path:) Thanks for the update and i agree, you should write:)
Anne
No need for clever turn of phrase, Traci. The situation speaks for itself to all of us. I have been following the challenges of a family in my church who have been going through a similar situation. It is heartbreaking and, yet the parents often manage the most profound and moving words to share with us through their carepages. Thank you for keeping us updated. Your friends are in my prayers.
Post a Comment