Monday, June 2, 2008

Celebrating Courageous Kids

Yesterday we attending an event at Newport Dunes in Newport Beach for the CHOC oncology patients and their families.  It was a beautiful day on the water and Kelly and Shannon had a lot of fun.  (Megan had a confirmation retreat at our church.)  It was Luau themed with bands, hula dancers, crafts and games for the kids.  Since it was Hawaiian themed, naturally lunch was catered by Panda Express, a chinese restaurant.  It was good though.  


Kelly was interviewed by our local newspaper, The Orange County Register.  They talked to Kevin and I also, as you'll notice when you read the article. (Yes, Kevin just got home this last weekend!)
Here is a link to the article if you want to read it.  Also, click on More Photos to see photos of Kelly and us.    

Kelly has a doctor appt. and labs at the clinic tomorrow.  We will leave her port accessed so they can use it for the contrast for her MRI on Wednesday.  I will post results Wednesday evening when we get home.  Thanks for all the prayers and good wishes for Kelly.

Sadly, we say goodbye to one of our special oncology nurses at the clinic.  We hope to see you again soon, Trina!  We will miss you more than we can say.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Kelly,

Your luau sounds like fun. I'm sorry you had to say goodbye to your nurse.

My wife Kathy and I took a long weekend to visit my mother.

Anyway, I remmbered an adventure you might like to hear about.

When I was 7 years old, I had a series of 4 operations. I came home wearing plaster of Paris casts from thigh to heel on both legs with a 3-foot broomstick going from ankle to ankle, so htat my 2 legs were sprad wide, and they we completely immobile.

My father thought this situation didn't look like it was much fun (he was right; it wasn't). He had some vacation time coming to him, so he took a few days and suggested that he, my mother, and I go out on a row boat on Great South Bay to see if the fluke were biting.

It was a picture-perfect day. The sky was blue, the sun was brilliant, so he and Mom put me on the stretcher he had built, put me into the car, and off we went to hire a row boat and an outboard motor.

We set out, got out to the middle of the bay, dropped anchor, and started to fish. Mom packed egg salad sandwiches for lunch and a thermos of iced coffee, both of which we enjoyed (I was allowed coffee once a week).

After 3 or 4 hours, cabin cruisers came whizzing past us, and people were yelling, but we couldn't hear wha they said. Finally, one stopped to tell us that a big storm was brewing, and we'd better get back to shore.

Fad tried to start the outboard, but the rope broke. He grabbed the oars and started to row. Then the storm hit us, and the boat was tossed around like a cork. I thought the whole thing was great fun, and I asked if Mom could reach the thermos for some more coffee. She said she wasn't moving for fear she'd capsize the boat. Dad managaged to reach into the slot the starter rope came out of and pull enough out to tie the two ends together. After 3 or 4 frantic tries, the motor started, and we made it back.

I didn't think of it at the time, but if I had fallen in with those heavy casts, I would have gone straight to the bottom. I can't fault my parents. The day started beautifully, and the forecast called for good weather all day, but the storm blew up out of nowhere. Oh, well, we all survived.

I hope and pray for a good MRI for you on Wednesday.

Henry

Anonymous said...

We are sending wishes for an easy day at the clinic tomorrow, and prayers for a clear report on Wednesday!
The Palmer Family

Gabby's Mom said...

Hi Kelly - I hope today is a good day and chemo does not make you feel so yucky. Will be thinking about you.

And just so you know - in that picture with the panda I thought you looked really tall - easy for me to say sjnce most everyone always does to me, but still I did think so :)

Hugs,
Pat

Anonymous said...

Hey Kelly,

I hope today isn't too rough for you, and we'll be praying for a good clear MRI tomorrow! Keep up your good positive attitude! It's working!

We love you!
Silvestris

Anonymous said...

We are all praying here too!

Love you guys!

The Diemer Family :)

Tracy said...

Hi Kelly & Kath!
Prayers abound! Ours included - for nice clear pictures of that beautiful brain of yours!

Your courageousness is worth celebrating every day! The event in Newport sounds like it was great fun! The article and photos about it were great too - you and your family offer such hope to lots of other people, not to mention your postive spirit touches everyone!

Hope today goes as easily as possible. Prayers for Megan later today too!
Love & hugs to all of you!...
Aunt Tracy

Anonymous said...

Kathy and Kelly,

It was so nice to see you at the luau yesterday. For us, it was a chance to do something "Normal" without people staring at my daughter since she is bald. Prayers for a clean MRI.....

~Teresa & Jessie Rodriguez

Aunt Jenny & Uncle Bob, Kylie and Ryan ie & Ryan said...

To One Courageous Kid,

So glad you all had fun on Sunday! What a great event for everyone. The article sure reminded us of everything you've been through!

Tomorrow is Kylie and Ryan's last day of school! They are very excited and we all will be thinking of you and praying for a clear MRI!!! It will be a good day!

Love,
Aunt Jenny, Uncle Bob, Kylie and Ryan

Anonymous said...

Hi Kelly and Family,
I hope you are doing well today! Your day on Sunday sounded/looked like so much fun!! It was a BEAUTIFUL day Sunday,wasn't it? I have the article from the paper, in case your mom would like an extra copy? I will be praying for a very clear MRI tomorrow. You are all in my thoughts. Please remember you are loved!
Sent with Love and Prayers,
Patty J.

P.S. Welcome home, Kevin.

Anonymous said...

One last quick prayer being sent your way before your MRI tomorrow. We'll be watching for the good news to come that the pictures are crystal clear!! Our thoughts will be with you the whole way!
Love,
Allison and Sharon

Anonymous said...

Dear Kelly, You are held in prayer every day and especially on the days of chemo and MRI. I pray for good news. I KNOW miracles happen and I want one for you and your family. Just wanted you to know I am thinking about you.
It was a pleasure to walk and support you in the Relay for Life. Team Kelly did awesome!
Love, Marilyn

Anonymous said...

Hi Kelly and Kathy,

Just to let you know I'm thinking and praying very hard for you today. I'm anxious to hear about your results. My daughter has the results of her recent brain MRI next Monday. Even though we have been going through this for many years, my heart is "in my throat" over the anticipation. So, I know just what you go through each time. Please just know you are surrounded by love and all the support of your many friends and family.

Blessings,
Sondra Morrow

Unknown said...

"ATTENTION ALL PRAYER WARRIORS"

The Prayer Warriors at Angel_Wings

are holding a Prayer Vigil on Saturday,

July 19th, between 8-9 P.M. EST for

all the children, teens and adults on

our prayer lists and our Angel Wings

Remembers families. Won't you please

join us in prayer?

"Sending Angel hugs, love and prayers."

Angel w/Angel_Wings