The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Community: Message List - ALL survivors

Re: ALL survivors

communityreply@lls.org — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:55:53 GMT

This was last bumped back in June. Back when I had no idea what lay in store. Back "before." I searched the boards for the word "inspiration" and was so happy to find this thread. Some days I bog myself down in horror stories, but most days I just want to read about the good.

So bump!

Elsa's Observations

Re: ALL survivors

communityreply@lls.org — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 20:09:57 GMT

I'm a 31 year survivor of ALL. I was diagnosed in June of 1980. For years, even after my remission, I tried to forget about my battle with ALL. The last few years, I've learned to embrace it and know inside that I'm different from 95% of the folks I'll meet. I'm here to tell you that there is life after ALL.

Re: ALL survivors

communityreply@lls.org — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 15:41:20 GMT

The top picture is from last year at Orange beach, Alabama. The bottom picture is from about 2005; she was one year off treatment, and we went back to Kissimee for vacation and worked at Give Kids the world. My kids loved it so much, we played on the beach and worked in the ice cream shop one night, and served breakfast in the restaurant the next day. It was wonderful. I still come to this board and read regularly. This was my second family for the duration of her treatment, and I want to offer encouragement and advice whenever I can. I feel like you are all extended family. You are all such great parents and I pray for you. Mary Kate's website is www.caringbridge.org/tx/marykate

Re: ALL survivors

communityreply@lls.org — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 06:08:45 GMT

I've read about Mary-Kate and your family over the past 4 years but have never seen a picture of your lovely children before! What a great shot and wonderful story!

My daughter, Isabel, has been in remission for 4 years and 4 months and off treatment for ALL a little over 2 years now. She is doing wonderfully! I worry about late cognitive effects but so far she is one of the brightest and happiest kids in her class (she's 9).

Re: ALL survivors

communityreply@lls.org — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 00:43:43 GMT

FANTASTIC!! How cool is that!!

Thank you for sharing!

Re: ALL survivors

communityreply@lls.org — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 20:59:35 GMT

Thanks so much for sharing that, and kudos to your wonderful children!

This is the kind of stuff I LOVE to read on these bds. Helps everyone keep going, no matter where in their journey they are!

Ann

Re: ALL survivors

communityreply@lls.org — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 20:52:32 GMT

Thank you, it's absolutely inspiring and uplifting.

Re: ALL survivors

communityreply@lls.org — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 17:21:10 GMT

Mary Kate (and twin sister Sarah) just finished their 8th annual Hot Chocolate, Lemonade and Brownie Stand benfitting the LLS. We did her first one in 2004 when she finished treatment. She turns 16 in about two weeks. Our total this year was $2252!! The last several years, we have made at least $2000. There is a sweet Dentist who lives on our street, and he came to us about the sixth year and told us he had watched us do the stand every year and thought it was so sweet and grassroots. He loved how my 4 children run the stand. His dad passed away from Non-Hodgkins and he wanted to match what we made that year. He brought us a check for $1000, and has done so EVERY year since. Mary Kate said she wants to keep doing it until no one is dying from this any more. I just wanted to share with you!

Re: ALL survivors

communityreply@lls.org — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 04:35:42 GMT

ALL and swimming champion

http://vanderweijdenisswimmingsarmstrong.blogspot.com/2008/08/olympics-van-der-weijden-is-swimmings.html

Re: ALL survivors

communityreply@lls.org — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 06:09:48 GMT

Fantastic! Now, that's what I call a rich and full life