Today we remember all those fighting in the trenches of cancer, all those angels who have earned their wings, and all those survivors who carry their scars and move forward each day with hope for the future. We are wearing our shirts...
This picture was drawn by another Wilms' Warrior- Mackenzie, age 6. Here is her story, in her mother's words...
Madyson and Mackenzie were born that morning. Madyson arrived at 3:24am and shortly after at 3:53am Mackenzie was born. Twins. Born into the state foster care system. They were the 15th and 16th babies this birth mom had delivered. All of the surviving children were adopted years before. The phone call continued. “ The bigger one is being discharged tomorrow and the little one will have to stay for awhile. If you would like, you could take just one” Seriously?? How could twins be split up? Who could do that? The state foster system could do that because there are never enough foster parents and placing one child is easier than placing two. They said they would give me 40 minutes or so to call them back because they really needed to secure a placement for the baby being discharged. Our lives were changed forever. Within 7 weeks, adoption papers were signed and they were baptized at Guardian Angels on June 24, 2001.
Mackenzie was diagnosed with a Wilms Tumor on April 5, 2006- a few weeks before her 5th birthday. Her tumor pathology was Stage 2- favorable histology. She had her left kidney removed and completed 18 weeks of chemotherapy without any complications. During her off treatment scans we found out that a new tumor was growing in the left kidney bed. We also found out that our hospital had not sent her tumor to the Central Review lab and she had been initially misdiagnosed. Her tumor was actually Stage 3- Anaplasia. She should have received more aggressive chemo along with radiation.
Mackenzie finished the correct protocol in February 2007 but we were told that not treating her properly upon diagnosis could affect her chances of a cure. It was recommended that we switch to a children's hospital, so we did. In August 2007, Mackenzie's 6 month off treatment scans were clear or so we were told. Within 3 weeks, she had an inoperable tumor in her abdomen. Upon reviewing the August scan it was clear that a 5 x 5 cm tumor was missed by the radiologist. Another hospital and another mistake. This mistake would be the begining of trying to shrink a very large mass. Mackenzie endured months of high dose chemo only to eventually find out that the surgeon could not remove the tumor. It eventually started to grow again and our beautiful daughter took her place in eternal bliss. Our hearts will always ache and our lives will never be the same without Mackenzie.
I think back on that day often and how one phone call and one decision changed the course of our lives. Was it just meant to be? Was this God’s perfect plan that I routinely question now? How does a perfect plan involve so much sadness and loss? I suppose one day I will have all of those answers that I need until then I have no choice but to trust that He knows what is best.
So how could twins be split up?? Cancer splits up twins.
Mackenzie drew the picture on our shirts just days before she earned her angel wings.
So today we carry the torch forward for Mackenzie and all the other Wilms' Warriors who have fought with ALL they have. It is because of so many children and their families that we have the protocols we use today. Cancer research is not perfected in the lab, it is done on children. The thousands who have gone before are true heroes to those of us faced with this disease. They have endured the protocols and been the data. They deserve purple hearts for their brave sacrifice and courage. The least we can do is continue the fight, pray and support their families, and share their stories.
Madyson and Mackenzie were born that morning. Madyson arrived at 3:24am and shortly after at 3:53am Mackenzie was born. Twins. Born into the state foster care system. They were the 15th and 16th babies this birth mom had delivered. All of the surviving children were adopted years before. The phone call continued. “ The bigger one is being discharged tomorrow and the little one will have to stay for awhile. If you would like, you could take just one” Seriously?? How could twins be split up? Who could do that? The state foster system could do that because there are never enough foster parents and placing one child is easier than placing two. They said they would give me 40 minutes or so to call them back because they really needed to secure a placement for the baby being discharged. Our lives were changed forever. Within 7 weeks, adoption papers were signed and they were baptized at Guardian Angels on June 24, 2001.
Mackenzie was diagnosed with a Wilms Tumor on April 5, 2006- a few weeks before her 5th birthday. Her tumor pathology was Stage 2- favorable histology. She had her left kidney removed and completed 18 weeks of chemotherapy without any complications. During her off treatment scans we found out that a new tumor was growing in the left kidney bed. We also found out that our hospital had not sent her tumor to the Central Review lab and she had been initially misdiagnosed. Her tumor was actually Stage 3- Anaplasia. She should have received more aggressive chemo along with radiation.
Mackenzie finished the correct protocol in February 2007 but we were told that not treating her properly upon diagnosis could affect her chances of a cure. It was recommended that we switch to a children's hospital, so we did. In August 2007, Mackenzie's 6 month off treatment scans were clear or so we were told. Within 3 weeks, she had an inoperable tumor in her abdomen. Upon reviewing the August scan it was clear that a 5 x 5 cm tumor was missed by the radiologist. Another hospital and another mistake. This mistake would be the begining of trying to shrink a very large mass. Mackenzie endured months of high dose chemo only to eventually find out that the surgeon could not remove the tumor. It eventually started to grow again and our beautiful daughter took her place in eternal bliss. Our hearts will always ache and our lives will never be the same without Mackenzie.
I think back on that day often and how one phone call and one decision changed the course of our lives. Was it just meant to be? Was this God’s perfect plan that I routinely question now? How does a perfect plan involve so much sadness and loss? I suppose one day I will have all of those answers that I need until then I have no choice but to trust that He knows what is best.
So how could twins be split up?? Cancer splits up twins.
Mackenzie drew the picture on our shirts just days before she earned her angel wings.
So today we carry the torch forward for Mackenzie and all the other Wilms' Warriors who have fought with ALL they have. It is because of so many children and their families that we have the protocols we use today. Cancer research is not perfected in the lab, it is done on children. The thousands who have gone before are true heroes to those of us faced with this disease. They have endured the protocols and been the data. They deserve purple hearts for their brave sacrifice and courage. The least we can do is continue the fight, pray and support their families, and share their stories.
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