Joy to the World

Thursday was a day I will never forget. Thanks to our friends Linda, Terri and Darla and her mom for coming up to CHOC to share this special day with us. When we arrived, there were many gifts in the front of the conference room where the presentation was going to take place. A lot of the neurosurgery staff was there. While we waited for Dr. Muhonen to come from surgery, Dr. Loudon did some magic and even taught us some of his tricks. He couldn't show me all of his tricks or he said he'd have to kill me. (which is counterproductive to his job) He also told us about some generous people, that were also at the presentation, who donate money to their Neuroscience Institute and part of that was to recognize certain patients. Then Dr. Muhonen came in and they explained why they chose me. They said I had been through so much this year with four surgeries, radiation, chemotherapy and even a recurrence of the cancer. Dr. Muhonen asked me to come to the front of the room as he told my story. He said he admired how brave I was whenever he had to give me bad news. He also liked the fact that I always seemed to have a smile on my face. As he told my story, a lot of the adults were teary. It was very touching for them.

Then he asked Megan and Shannon to join us in front and he gave us our presents. I was amazed at the gifts I received!! I got a macbook laptop computer, a red digital camera, a Wii game system and games, and a couple gift certificates. Megan also got a computer, an iMac, a digital camera and a gift certificate. Shannon was so happy to get Julie, the American Girl doll she wanted, plus outfits for her. She also got a Nintendo DS with some games. We couldn't believe all the wonderful gifts we were given. That wasn't all. We also got gift certificates to Disneyland to spend the night at Paradise Pier Hotel and to renew our annual passes. Erin, who works with Dr. Muhonen, was so wonderful since she did a lot of the shopping. Erin, you did such a great job getting just what we wanted, if not more! We can tell you spent a lot of time doing all that for us. We can't thank you enough.

Since we live in Orange County, we have never stayed at a hotel at Disneyland before. It was so nice to have a hotel room there. We watched the fireworks from the rooftop pool on our hotel. Thanks for coming back up to meet us Linda! This was one of the most amazing days of my life! Thanks to Dr. Muhonen and everyone who made this day possible.

Since this is already Saturday, I have some more good news! MY DAD CAME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS TODAY! He'll be here until Thursday. We are so happy to have him home!

Love, Kelly