April brings more than showers...

I read an email message today.  It was from one of my friends, saying that for the first time, she saw a video that I'd made.  The video was of my niece, laying in a hospital bed, smiling and chatting.  I made the video because I was elated.  And in shock.  You see, this video was made only days after she nearly died - because she had been misdiagnosed for months.  She was 3 years old.

8 years ago, this month, my precious niece was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Through several close calls, over 2 years of chemotherapy, with complete hair loss, body bloat, excruciating pain and needing to live at Ronald McDonald house for 8 months, she fought for her life, along with the staff at Stanford's Lucile Packard Children's Hospital.  For her courage, determination, and fearlessness, she became a hero to us all.

Today she's a healthy, happy 11 year old, with more hair than anyone I know.  She doesn't like to talk about cancer, and for her sake, I resist talking about it to anyone she knows.  It's her story to share with her friends, if she so chooses.

In responding to the message from my friend, I watched a couple of videos again, for the first time in years.  Now, I find myself in tears of joy for her survival and the fact that both she and her big brother (God bless him for being such a wonderful support and source of love for her, despite his only being 2 years older) are thriving.  It was a very difficult, and terrifying time for my family.  But we made it!  I'm simply overwhelmed with gratitude...

Thank you...