I read an email message today. \u00a0It was from one of my friends, saying that for the first time, she saw a video that I’d made. \u00a0The video was of my niece, laying in a hospital bed, smiling and chatting. \u00a0I made the video because I was elated. \u00a0And in shock. \u00a0You see, this video was made only days after she nearly died – because she had been misdiagnosed for months. \u00a0She was 3 years old.<\/p>\n
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. \u00a0For her courage, determination, and fearlessness, she became a hero to us all.<\/p>\n
Today she’s a healthy, happy 11 year old, with more hair than anyone I know. \u00a0She doesn’t like to talk about cancer, and for her sake, I resist talking\u00a0about it\u00a0to anyone she knows. \u00a0It’s her story to share with her friends, if she so chooses.<\/p>\n
In responding to the message from my friend, I watched a couple of videos again, for the first time in years. \u00a0Now, 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. \u00a0It was a very difficult, and terrifying time for my family. \u00a0But we made it! \u00a0I’m simply overwhelmed with gratitude…<\/p>\n