Today marks 4 years and 14 days for our beloved Daughter Avery and her battle with blood cancer. As a very precocious 6 year old, Avery has effectively grown up with this fight and only knows this as a way of life. But tomorrow the battle turns into all out war. On Monday May 18th, 2015 Avery begins the process for a bone marrow transplant.
“The Relapse”
On August 23rd, 2014 Avery completed her treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). It was a welcome relief after a very long difficult time which taxed every aspect of us as a family, as parents, and as human beings. On January 15th, 2015 at a routine monthly blood test her Oncologist said “so, Avery’s blood’s doing something weird”. Just writing that, recalling that, makes me realize that I intend to keep this website “G” rated. But for those of you who know me, you can hear exactly what I was saying to myself right at this moment in your own mind. The very next day we boarded an airplane to celebrate Avery’s recovery and her 6th birthday with a trip to Disney World.
“The worst days lie ahead”
Immediately upon our return on a regular old Monday morning around 11 am we were given the news which caused a silence in which I could hear the blood flow and pounding of my heartbeat physically in my ears. A feeling of disbelief, a raw fear, and dispair. We were warned that our worst days lie ahead. And what has unfolded since that day has ripped our faces off, and we have not even begun the most challenging phases. This is the genesis behind this website.
“The Chronicle”
So we have involuntarily embarked on the final effort to cure Avery of blood cancer. And in that effort we intend to chronicle this bloody knuckle fist fight. A chronicle for Avery, for you, for us. As many of you know her battle has been rough. What lies ahead is arduous but what she has endured and survived is monumental by any standards. Avery is brave, strong willed, and very developed as a 6 year old. Clearly a side effect from being engaged with medical professionals and treatment for so long. She knows what’s coming. She knows it’s gonna suck. But as she has shown us time and time again – it is Avery – who’s the strongest one in the room. Jeezus I love this Kid.
Finally:
To all of you who have supported us in every and any which way, we love you. To all of those who pray for us, and to those who empathize with us when you tuck your very own kids into bed at night, we thank you. Please keep this website close, for it will be our primary form of communication as to how things are going and what Avery may need. God bless our children, and health and happiness to you and your families. Love, Reggie, Kristina, Avery, and The Chopper Dog.