The Reasons Why We Walk

This is the theme of every CureSearch event.

Here are just a few of the reasons why we walk...

for our own sweet JuJu who inspires each one of us with her courageous life and spirit.  She has faced and beat cancer head on and continues to fight to get her quality of life back, bravely enduring whatever may come...

For Eve, who at the tender age of 2 was diagnosed with Wilms on both her kidneys.  She and Julia are one of only 40 kids each year diagnosed with anaplastic Wilms.  Living just a few cities away, we never dreamed our lives would be joined for this reason...

For precious Ellie who battled relapsed rhabdomyosarcoma while clinging fiercely to her faith and God's purpose for her in this world.  Sadly, Ellie lost her battle here on earth last June.  She earned her wings at the tender age of 6 leaving behind her twin sister and grieving family and friends...

 

For Vinny. He is our superhero.  Vinny's family was one of the first we connected with whom embraced us on this journey and encouraged us to stay positive.  The time we spend together is always blessed.  Vinny will be scanned today to determine if the treatment he has been receiving for relapsed rhabdomyosarcoma has been effective. The gravity of these days and decisions is crushing...   

For Lily, who's battle against neuroblastoma has found her in three states, several hospitals, on dozens of complicated medications, multiple surgeries, therapies and home health care, and with many hurdles along the way.  Today, Lily's tumor is stable and she is fully embracing kindergarten with all the gusto you can fit into one little body...

For princess Kate who battled leukemia, and relapse, and an "Italian miracle drug", and a bone marrow transplant, only to relapse again.  Princess Kate is now dancing in heaven and would have turned 6 two weeks ago, while her loving parents, brothers, and sisters carry on without her...

For Skye who was diagnosed with an extremely favorable form of Wilms.  She went on to relapse three times, face countless surgeries and complications at multiple hospitals, lived on dialysis, and on August 1 of last year was called home to heaven...

For Josh who was diagnosed with Wilms in 2008 and has beat cancer twice, endured VRE, bowel obstruction, radiation, chemos, surgeries, and more.  These are not supposed to be the activities of preschoolers!

For Brandon who always inspired us in the clinic with his artistic talent, wise spirit, and joyful demeanor.  At the age of 10 Brandon lost his arduous 5 year battle with neuroblastoma.  You are dearly missed Brandon...

For Hannah who is in the midst of her battle with relapsed Wilms tumor.  This sweet girl is treated in OKC at a hospital that is 6 hours away from home.  She and her mother have been battling this alone as the the rest of their family is another state away...

For Little Lilly.  This tiny little one has spent more of her life in the hospital and battling leukemia than she has as a healthy child.  She has currently been admitted at Brenners' for over a month and her blood counts are still at 0.  The doctors are concerned this may mean a bigger issue and Lilly will have another bone marrow aspiration Wednesday morning...

For darling Kate who was diagnosed with a sPNET brain tumor two years ago.  She has defied the odds and endured numerous intense therapies.  Just last week they were given the devastating news that the cancer has returned on the other side of the brain.  Their world has been shattered and their family is clinging to hope and pleading for God to given them more time together...

For Meghan, a superhero in so many eyes.  She was diagnosed with Wilms' tumor at the age of 16 and is now battling a tough relapse.  Through it all she has never lost her love for life and until recently has been working hard to complete nursing school while still in treatment.  She is an inspiration to so many Wilms' warriors in the trenches right now...

For Franklin whose battle with bilateral Wilms' tumor is hitting hard right now.  He has been in treatment for a year and has several more years of intense therapy ahead...

These are just a small handful of the children we carry in our hearts everyday.  Sadly there are dozens more.  Every one is a life full of beauty, innocence, joy, and potential.  They have been dealt a hand in life that most adults cannot even fathom, yet they endure.  These children battle cancer with everything they have.  Sadly, many will not even live life into the double-digits and those that do survive face lifelong health battles.  Please help us make a difference.  Every dollar counts.  Please join TEAM JULIA. And say a prayer for each one of these heroes and their families.