Well we got some sad news today. A little boy, named Henry that we met in Clinic a few months ago has relapsed, and his cancer seems to be returning. He was diagnosed with the exact same type of cancer as Rachel. He is 1 year younger than her, and is one year behind her in treatment. He just finished this July, vs. May 07 for Rachel.  When we met them, and Henry's father saw Rachel and how well she is doing, he basically cried, b/c he was so happy that Henry might be able to follow her footsteps. I really wanted that to be...  I was so happy that we could provide them some hope, and an example that things can work out.  Now, obviously we are not out of the woods yet, and we will not get a clean bill of health until 2012, so we are still climbing up the mountain, but she has come so far, and done so well that hearing about Henry has floored me again, and renewed my fears and uncertainties about how this will all go for Rachel.  This little boy doesn't deserve this, nor do any children, obviously. but, I feel so horrible ( and I know it isn't my fault) for telling his father, Bryan, to relax, and that Rachel has done so well, that of course Henry will too.  I just felt like her progress was a badge of honor that I could wear, and inspire people in the same situation.  It has been humbling to say the least.  I don't know how Bryan was able to call me, and be so rational, and even worry about what I WAS FEELING?  There isn't too much more to say, just pray for him, and for us, and if you can, please visit his web site, and donate if you can.  http://henryschallenge.blogspot.com/ 

Now..  Rachel's next MRI is coming up on 11/12, and obviously my anxiety just went through the roof... Please pray, as always, and thanks for listening.

Mike

Well Rachel had her 15 Month MRI a few days ago, and she is still clean!!!!!  This was a big milestone for her, and us, as the doctors say that making past 1 year increases all of her odds that it wont come back! It has been a really stressful week, as you might imagine, but she got through it, and all is well!  We are so relieved. I am sorry that i don't write more often these days, things have been so busy, and like i said previously, i poured so much emotion into this Blog over the past few years, i am just burnt out on it. (Plus i hear that Facebook is totally the new Myspace anyway! :) ) Rachel doesn't have a facebook page, and we will probably just keep it here, unless the whole world moves on, and we are the last ones left! Anyway, thanks for keeping up to date, and for those of you who have been there for us.... thank you as always, we coudn't get by without you.

Mike

Hey everyone!  It's been a while, i thought i would catch everyone up on things.  I would be writing more, but these days i find it kind of tiring. I poured so much emotion into this thing while she was getting treated, i kinda burned out on it!  But, she is doing quite well!  I posted a new album of pics for you to see!  We are leaving (all 4 of us, gulp!) on a plane Friday for California! Rachel is gonna get to meet her Great-grandmother, as well as some aunt's/uncles/cousins.  It is going to be a little crazy flying for 7 hours with a baby who won't sit still for 7 minutes!  We have a 2 hour flight to Atlanta, and then a 2hr. 45 min lay-over and then 5 hours to California.  I can't wait though, we are gonna be staying near Laguna beach!  I need some sand, and i need it NOW! LOL.  Anyway, all is good here, and rachel's next MRI is scheduled for early AUG. We'll keep in touch!  thanks for the support!

Mike

Hi Everyone!  Our family is taking part in the "Relay for Life" on May 9th.  
This is an American Cancer Society event to honor cancer survivors and those who 
have lost their battle.  Its an all-night walk, from 7pm-7am, members from the 
team take turns walking throughout the night, so that someone representing the 
team is always walking!! 

Mike, Rachel, my Mom, some of our friends, and I are all taking part in this 
event, and if anyone else is interested in joining please let me know!!  Because 
we’ve never done this before, we’ve signed up through my work, so our team is 
"Franklin Square Hospital" at the Essex Relay for Life.  Next year I would like 
to start our own team, in celebration of my beautiful and strong little girl!!!

So now we need sponsors!!!   As a family we’d like to raise at least $500.  
$1000 would be even better!! So please help us!  Every bit adds up, so please help 
us out and donate on our behalf!!!!   Since we each have our own page, its completely 
up to you whether you’d like to donate to Mike, Rachel, or me.....  Or all three!!!! :O)

The address to Brandy’s page is: 
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifeSouthAtlanticDivision
?pg=personal&fr_id=9290&fr_id=9290&px=4922487

Rachel’s page is :
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifeSouthAtlanticDivision
?pg=personal&fr_id=9290&fr_id=9290&px=4939895

Mike’s (although he hasnt personalized his page yet, it still works to donate to 
it!):
http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/RelayForLife/RelayForLifeSouthAtlanticDivision
?pg=personal&fr_id=9290&fr_id=9290&px=4939896

Please let me know if you have any questions!!!   Thanks for your support!!!

Love,
Brandy