IT'S OVER!!! SHE DID IT!!!

Katie took her last chemo meds tonight!!! It’s been a long road… but SHE DID IT!!!

It’s been 26 months since Katie was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, and she fought it like a champ. Yes, there were many bumps on her journey, and challenges along the way – both emotional and physical – but she stuck it out, somehow knowing that she had to stay strong to fight this terrible disease that had invaded her little body.

Katie has hundreds of beads to remind her of just how many times she had to find the strength within her to be brave. And although I am thankful that she will not remember most of her journey, my hope is that she will one day realize that these past two years of her life are something she should never forget. Remembering her battle will help her recognize and comprehend the strength that lies within her… it will keep her humble and always remind her how fragile life is – but most importantly, it will remind her how necessary and critical it is to give back to those who have helped save her life, and for her to live life to it’s fullest – for there are great plans for her.

Mike and I want to thank you – dear friends and family – for walking alongside of Katie and our family down this long, dark and gloomy road. At the darkest and dreariest part, you were right beside us, holding our hands and encouraging us to keep going – sometimes even carrying us. Through your compassion and graciousness, you gave us comfort. Through your prayers and encouragement, you gave us hope. You were always there when we needed you, and we are absolutely blessed to have each and every one of you in our life.

Katie will continue to take blood tests once a month. After the first year, her blood tests will be every other month, at 3 years...every 3 months, at 4 years...every 4 months and then at 5 years...once a year will be sufficient.

We will continue to post updates on this blog to let you know how Katie is coming along, but we are hopeful that it will be more normal life and less about cancer. We are hoping to treat Katie like a regular kid... go to school, or playdates, even be around sick people...YIKES! It’s just a little scary to transition back to a relatively “normal” life and trust that she’ll be OK. But we have to trust that the 2 years of treatment have done it's job and focus on starting a “new life”!!!

WATCH OUT WORLD…. HERE SHE COMES!