Neuroblastoma is a rare form of childhood cancer that is particularly aggressive. Several years ago, a co-worker of mine sent me a link to a little girl named Lillie Boyte on http://www.caringbridge.org/. I did not know this little girl directly, but, the friend who submitted the link did. She asked that we check in and pray for this little girl who was suffering from Neuroblastoma. Caringbridge is an awesome website that allows family members and loved ones to write and document their family members journey through serious health events. I believe that it is a wonderful site, because it allows others to check in and be able to read about what is going on, people can sign in and write loving comments, etc. I believe that writing is theraputic, and that alone is huge if you are a parent or loved one going through this with your family member.
Lillie was born on Good Friday, 2004. She was 2 1/2 when she was diagnosed with this terrible disease called Neuroblastoma in October of 2006. NB causes tumors to build up all over your body. Lillie's primary tumor was on her adrenal gland (which is right above the kidney). On Caringbridge, her mother has documented her NB journey . When I was first signed on and praying for little Lillie, she was going through rounds of chemo treatments, yes, a 2 1/2 year old, going through this (it's awful for any adult)! Then, in July of 2007, the doctors discovered that Lillie was developing brain tumors. One erupted while she was playing it the hospital playroom where she was receiving treatment and required immediate surgery. Despite surgeries and radiation treatment, the disease had spread to her bone marrow, liver and lungs. According to her mama, Lillie's pain was severe and her life was a living hell.
To put it in her Mama's own words, "August 28, 2007 Lillie earned her angel wings and was cured of this horrific disease".
I can not begin tell you all the many reasons why this little girl means so much to me. I was never able to touch her with my own hands persay or to look directly into her sweet eyes...only her beautiful photos...what I was able to do was read the beautiful tapestry of words that her mama wrote about her sweet life, and through that, Lillie has touched my heart. Lillie left behind 2 sisters and a mother and father. Her mother gets on to write and journal still, and that is what brought her to my mind today. If you would like to read Lillie's story, you can find it here: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lillieboyte
Friends, love your children, realize what a gift they are...what a gift family is. Stop reading this and go give those babies a hug and a kiss...make a wrong relationship right...love deeply no matter what the cost. This life is short...make the most of it...each day is a gift, that is why it is called the "present".
xoxo -
Kasey
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