Thursday, January 22, 2015

Another milestone reached.....

Exactly 1 year ago today, Delaney received her second autologous bone marrow transplant. Above is a picture from a year ago and one from today. The pictures speak for themselves and we are blessed to where we are today from a year ago. On this day, Delaney, for the second time, received her own stem cells back that were taken from her by a apheresis machine, and preserved. After each round of aggressive chemotherapy at UCSF, the bone marrow transplant would take place, using those very stem cells to give back to Delaney, to "rescue" herself, and earning another birthday. The chemotherapy she received was too much for Delaney's little body to recover from. Yet again Mommy and Daddy continued with the tradition of a bone marrow transplant, singing happy birthday to Delaney with tears in their eyes while she lay sleeping in her hospital bed. As many of you know Delaney is still immunosuppressed, that being said Delaney has been fiercely fighting off a cold for about a week now. She is trying to shake it off, but being immunosuppressed makes it just that much more difficult. She is very happy and playful with her brothers and is getting better slowly. We are thankful beyond words. Thank you for all the prayers, love, and support. As always...... GO TEAM DELANEY!!!

Happy Birthday Delaney, we love you.

"And though she be but LITTLE, she is FIERCE!"

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Disney Dollars for Delaney..

Delaney is starting off the new year happy, healthier and strong. Delaney continues to smile big and bright, all the while, doing the best she can to make up for lost time in her childhood and overcome her daily challenges. Early last year, Granada High School started "Disney Dollars for Delaney". A collection of funds to help send Delaney to Disneyland. This fund was started by the students, faculty, staff, and community because one of the first things Delaney was able to verbalize, 2 weeks after her brain operation (because the operation took away her ability to talk) was that she wanted to go to Disneyland. That being said, because of the big hearts and efforts of the students, faculty, staff and community of Granada High School, Delaney was able to go to Disneyland last week. Delaney enjoyed every minute she was there! Laughing, smiling, and creating new, powerful, lasting memories with the family. On the happiest place on earth, of course. Thank you, to all who helped make that possible for Delaney and the family. There were many highlights from the trip, but one was very emotional for mommy and daddy. As Mommy and Daddy continue to work very hard with Delaney on every meal, on the way back from Disneyland we stopped at In-N-Out Burger. We knew it would be a long shot to try and get her to eat, but we tried anyway. At first Delaney was adamant that she did not want any food, and then at the last second she asked for a grilled cheese sandwich, and of course we followed up, asking her if she would like a milkshake also. And she said yes. The food came and the real challenge was in front of her. First she tried the milkshake, she smiled big, then followed by a nibble on the grilled cheese, and then another and another. Then back to the milkshake. The smile she had on her face was so beautiful, and she kept repeating "I like this sandwich!", "I like this sandwich!" We savored those moments, simply watching her eat the grilled cheese, burned into our memory forever. When she was done she ate nearly the entire grilled cheese and all but a few sips of her milkshake, by far this was the most food she consumed in one sitting. It was a good time for Delaney and the family to heal, get some "normalcy" back, and enjoy being together. Little Miss Fierce, keeps working hard every minute of everyday. Thank you for all the prayers, love, and support. As always..... GO TEAM DELANEY!!!!

"And though she be but LITTLE, she is FIERCE!"