The best thing about up-dating this journal is being able to pass on GOOD news…and the very best good news is that Carly’s 19 month scans are clear. She continued to have residual leg pain and made repeated trips to the Children’s Hospital pain clinic. Her pain meds were increased and then Roy had an idea! Why not add an anti-inflammatory (Aleve) to the mix. Well, the docs agreed and Carly’s pain has greatly diminished. So much, in fact, that she now takes three dance classes a week.
Way back in the Spring Henni organized a team for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Carly’s Crusaders. Carly’s team raised over $5000 and earning a silver star and special recognition. When Carly was diagnosed with her cancer we learned that 1 in 300 children would be diagnosed each year. We felt confident that his dreaded disease would never afflict any other children in our family. On the very night of our Relay walk, a member of our extended family (Carly’s Uncle Noel’s cousin’s child) and fellow walker was diagnosed with a malignant astrocytoma. He had brain surgery and is currently doing rehabilitation. Michael, 13 yrs old, has shown a remarkable spirit and attitude and his entire brain tumor was excised during his surgery. He is an inspiration to all of us.
In August Roy participated in his own fund raiser for the Jimmy Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. He raised over $3000 for the Pan-Mass Challenge. Roy biked 192 miles in this 2 day event from Sturbridge, Ma to the tip of Cape Cod, Provincetown, MA. He rode like a champion and wasn’t even sore the next day! All along the route people stood by their homes and cheered the riders. The challenge went through our home town and we had a large group to cheer and support him. Roy liked it so much he’s going to do it again next year.
Carly joined her sister Kelcie at elementary school this year as a first grader! Kelcie is a wonderful “big” sister and the two girls are best buds. And speaking of big sisters, our really extra-special good news is that Carly will join the big sister ranks. We are expecting a new baby (think boy)! This was quite a surprise but we couldn’t be happier (think boy). The new baby (think boy) is due in March.
This has been a long post…my first time…but it gives me the chance to tell you all how thankful I am for your love and support throughout this ordeal. It also gives me the opportunity to tell you how proud I am of Roy and Henni. They have been through so much but never complain or cry why me. They’ve made decisions that no parent should have to make. They have faced this family crisis with dignity and strength and unabashed love for each other and their children.
With Love and Hope, MiMi