12/21/2009
by Michael Wells A new day, a new week and for some a new life. One of Brady’s newest friends Lilly went home yesterday; it was her final day fighting the beast of cancer. I don’t know exactly what type of cancer she had but that’s really not relevant what is significant is this sweet 15 year old girl rang the bell as she left the pediatric hematology/oncology unit of this hospital with about 20 of her family and friends. She walked outside in the frigid windy cold and snowy air on her way to a “normal” life. We all cheered as her friends released 200 helium balloons signifying she has beaten this monster called cancer. It was a very moving event and one I hope Brady will repeat some day. Sunday was another “good” day for Brady; CBC still extremely low but that’s what we all want. He continues to impress and please just about everyone he meets. His latest accomplishment is saying hell-o in Spanish. As he sitting in his “male” cart and we pass Jimmy’s mom who greets us in Spanish Brady repeats her greeting with an adorable “Hola.” As I said, he just continues to impress. Sherrie’s parents are off to Florida to see their son and their 2 grand daughters. We hope they have a fantastic vacation as I am fairly confident Grand Mom Janice is in need of some much needed down time. Cannot say it enough she is truly a very special lady. Thank you and hurry home Brady already misses you!!! It’s getting time for me to start my day, so until next time prayers, hugs and “good” thoughts for Brady and Lilly…by Sherrie Wells Today has had its share of drama, and it’s only 2pm! Brady is officially on isolation. He has had vomiting, diarrhea, and a cough. They gave him two respiratory treatments, drew blood for lab work, cultured his nose two different and unpleasant ways, had a blood transfusion, and gave him the usual antibiotics and medicines he was due for. Until we hear if the culture is positive or negative he’s stuck in his crib. This could take one or two days to get the results. Let’s hope it’s closer to one day as he can get really stir crazy looking at the same four walls all the time. But, on the optimistic side, he does not have a fever, yeah! Thank you to everyone who has donated blood, platelets, plasma, or registered to become a bone marrow donor. Your response to Brady’s Christmas wish list continues to astonish us! Just to let everyone know the significance of donating blood and platelets. The head nurse, Sue, has informed me that because of the snow we have had the last couple of days; there is now a shortage of platelets. The consequences can be devastating if not addressed quickly. For those of you that are able, I beg you to donate as soon as possible, wherever you live. On behalf of all of the children with cancer in need of transfusions on a regular basis, thank you. We have many, many, many people to thank… Thank you to Susan O’hanlon for the extremely generous contribution for Brady’s marathon runner Brittany, in support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Thank you to Grandma Wells (in superb coordination with Brady) for the night out on the town for Sherrie and Mike! We can’t wait! Thank you to the Cruz family, especially their young daughter, who handed out plates of homemade cookies! YUM! Their adorable daughter was a patient here just a few years back and is doing great! For courageous Lilly, who went home yesterday! She made Brady smile as he watched her celebratory balloons fly into the air and she waved goodbye to all her friends at the children’s hospital. Brady said “WOW”. Thank you to the Fisher family from Rutgers for the little cars for Brady to play with in his crib, they will come in very handy during his time of isolation. Thank you to Aunt Arleen and Uncle Mike (Mike’s sister and brother-in-law) for the chunky Tonka trucks, Brady is driving them all over and making “vroom, vroom” noises! Thank you to the Knoll family (Sherrie’s cousin) for making a donation to the Caring Bridge website in honor of Brady. This site is free to anyone who needs it and helps us keep friends and family up to date on Brady’s status. Thank you to Cousin Nick, Dan, and Kellie for the toys and for the presents for us. It was really very thoughtful of you. Thank you to Cousin Julia and Cousin Katie for Brady’s hand made Christmas cards, he loves looking at them! Thank you to the Randi and the Embrace kids Foundation for the gift card and the Baby Einstein DVD, it’s a hit! Thank you to the Berkery family for the homemade tray of lasagna. We will be sure to devour it tonight for dinner! Thank you to Gina for taking such great care of Tatanka, Brady’s doggy! Thank you to Jacqueline (a former patient and a very sweet young lady) and her mom Lori for making us believe that during a time of crisis and need, anything is possible! Love and Hugs for everyone from Sherrie, Michael, and Brady…
*The Hugs for Brady Foundation will ALWAYS be in support of other foundations who allow people to donate blood, platelets, plasma, or register to become a bone marrow donor. However, we no longer ask supporters to donate financially to ‘The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’ as their focus on childhood cancers does not coincide with our foundation’s mission.
“8 Years Later—Still No Cure for Pediatric Cancer” is a series of posts revisiting the journal kept by Sherrie and Michael Wells during the cancer diagnosis and treatment of their son, Brady Michael. Hopefully these entires will provide an understanding of the journey families face when dealing with these horrific diseases and of the important work the Hugs for Brady Foundation does.