In December of 2006, my 1 year and 9 month old daughter came down with what appeared to be a common cold. Runny noses and low grade fevers are pretty normal for little ones like her, but things started to get unusually out of control. After 6 visits in 7 days to the local hospital, and fevers hitting the 105 degree mark, we were referred to Waterloo. After what seemed to be an endless night of poking and prodding, we were then sent on to the Children’s Hospital of Iowa in Iowa City. The next morning, we were taken to a procedure room. The doctors explained to me that they needed samples of her bone, and bone marrow so that they could run tests to try and figure out what was going on. After a grueling procedure, and a day of trying not to think the worst, our biggest fear was confirmed. She had been diagnosed with LEAUKEMIA.
After the initial shock was gone, a harsh reality set in. We were faced with a fight for the life of our little girl. The leukemia was one thing, but with her immune system beat down to nothing, pneumonia had set in, along with a bacterial infection that was causing the fevers in the first place. We spent the next 12 days in the hospital learning about the disease and what we needed to do at home to care for our daughter.
Since the day of her diagnoses, 1 year and 9 months ago, she has had quite a battle. She spent 22 of 34 days last winter in the hospital battling sickness, bone marrow tests, countless spinal taps, blood tests, finger pokes, and constant chemotherapy have become a way of life for her.
Early this spring, while at a monthly appointment, our daughter’s lead doctor informed us that he had referred her name to members of the Make A Wish Foundation. He explained to us that this organization grants wishes to all children who have a life threatening illness. A volunteer then came to our home, and told us that they were sending us to Disney World. My daughter’s Wish was granted at the end of July this year. To say that we all had an amazing time would be an understatement. While there, she received the royal treatment, and it was an experience that none of us will ever forget.
My daughter has responded to treatment very well. If everything goes as planned, treatment should be done in February, about 6 months from now. I share this story because I know some of you have raised money for the Make A Wish Foundation. I can tell you that your work goes to a wonderful cause, and Reagan, along with my wife and I, could never thank you enough.
Travis
After the initial shock was gone, a harsh reality set in. We were faced with a fight for the life of our little girl. The leukemia was one thing, but with her immune system beat down to nothing, pneumonia had set in, along with a bacterial infection that was causing the fevers in the first place. We spent the next 12 days in the hospital learning about the disease and what we needed to do at home to care for our daughter.
Since the day of her diagnoses, 1 year and 9 months ago, she has had quite a battle. She spent 22 of 34 days last winter in the hospital battling sickness, bone marrow tests, countless spinal taps, blood tests, finger pokes, and constant chemotherapy have become a way of life for her.
Early this spring, while at a monthly appointment, our daughter’s lead doctor informed us that he had referred her name to members of the Make A Wish Foundation. He explained to us that this organization grants wishes to all children who have a life threatening illness. A volunteer then came to our home, and told us that they were sending us to Disney World. My daughter’s Wish was granted at the end of July this year. To say that we all had an amazing time would be an understatement. While there, she received the royal treatment, and it was an experience that none of us will ever forget.
My daughter has responded to treatment very well. If everything goes as planned, treatment should be done in February, about 6 months from now. I share this story because I know some of you have raised money for the Make A Wish Foundation. I can tell you that your work goes to a wonderful cause, and Reagan, along with my wife and I, could never thank you enough.
Travis
