We would like to express a huge Mahalo to Julia and Scott for hosting the Friends of Carmen White benefit event at their home on Sunday July 17th.
With the wonders of technology and Skype it was nice to be able to see everyone's smiling faces enjoying the festivities in the sweltering 100 F (40 C) degree heat. 80 people, a band, face painting, games, food and beverage made for a fantastic day.
Quite honestly...the entire expression of generosity is completely overwhelming to us.
With warmest Aloha and Mahalo, Heather and I would like to say thank you to everyone who attended this special day;
Cathy Hall, Larry and Robina Smith, Nancy and Bill Mozina, Sarah and Dave Whitty, Lorraine and Darrell Randell, Kent and Josie Myles, Don and Bonnie Gale, Jane and Greg Smith, Dave and Valerie Terman, The Symon family, Henry & Marlene White and family, Tailor Straicher, Glenda Lee, Ariss Family, Gordana Cado, Jeffery Hall, The entire Brooks family, Stan and Dora and family, Lynn Mountford, Sharon Sherk, Darren Scott, Bill and Michele Mactaggart, Gaye Musselman, Tracey Groom, Karen Dewar Birk, Jason Lee, Denise MacDonald, David Deichart, Heather Dayman. (I really hope I got everyone....I apologize if I missed you).
Gaye....we will see you in Kaua'i!!!!
All I can say to everyone is that all of our prayers are being answered. I know you must feel that being so far away from Carmen is difficult but I can assure you that you are making a difference everyday. Your love and support is flowing directly to Carmen and giving her the strength to beat this disease.
Carmen is nearing the end of her 28 day Consolidation phase with her last lumbar puncture for a little while. This weeks results were once again amazing. Carmen's ANC result was 1820!!!!! This is still a fantastic number but has decreased three weeks in a row - caused by the new chemotherapy drugs. Every other indicator in Carmen's blood came back in the normal range, with the exception of her hemoglobin levels - which is still above concerning levels.
It is difficult to express the strength Carmen has. I do my best to put myself in her shoes to imagine what it is like and I really do not know if I posses the same courage and determination she has. She is truly the toughest little princess ever - which is why we are so convinced that Carmen is feeding off the power that you are all sending her.
This week Carmen and Mommy had to fly to Oahu on Wednesday night to prepare for their 9am Lumbar Puncture appointment at the hospital. Her port was accessed for blood work, she was poked and prodded and then sedated for her lumbar puncture. It is enough to put any of us down for days. But not Carmen. She takes all of this in stride with a smile on her face. She did so well this week that Carmen and Mommy were able to head to the airport early.
Carmen has two weeks off and then starts the next phase of treatment is called "Interim Maintenance phase I" lasting for 56 days. The chemotherapy drugs during this phase is a series of Vincristine, Methotrexate and Intrathecal Methotrexate.
Today is a beautiful day and we hope to get Carmen in the water again. She wants to go for a Kayak, so we will see what happens.
Love to all,
Team White
I am so grateful that Carmen is doing well. She has that strength and will power that Heather had at her age. Like Mommy like daughter. That strength will serve them well through out life. I can hardly wait to see all of you soon, hold and kiss my niece and nephew, play, swim, go to the park, get gelato, read books to them, have more than a few tea parties. It is going to be so much fun. Love, love, love, Auntie Deb
ReplyDeleteThank you Auntie Julia and Scott for having the benefit for Carmen, that was a truly special thing you did and appreciated by all the family.