Our Inspirations

Ashlan - 4 years old - Diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) on October 29, 2004. Ashlan had a runny nose and was a bit constipated, and so we took her to the pediatrician. At first we were given medicine to alleviate her pain and went through a series of enemas and laxatives to relieve the constipation. A week later we returned to the doctor for a follow-up. She performed a blood test as a precaution and told us she would call. When the call came, we were not prepared for what we heard. We were told to report to the hospital immediately, for our child had leukemia. She was admitted to the hospital that evening and had her first of many "procedures" (bone marrow aspiration, spinal tap, and a port inserted) the following Monday. Tuesday we were introduced to the world of chemotherapy. Ashlan has had some reactions to the "mix" of drugs given in chemo causing stomach pains and bloating. At times her stomach has been as large as 27 inches around. She has spent time in the hospital having her stomach suctioned, and has had to have a tube inserted into her nose for a few weeks in order to keep her system cleaned out. She is doing very well now that those problems have been taken care of. She will have to undergo 4 phases of chemotherapy which will last two and a half years, after which she will be monitored for years to come. Currently she is in remission and is responding well to her treatment. Her spirit and determination sets an example for all who know her. When she has had bad days, been in pain, tired, or wants to do nothing but lie around and listen to the TV, when asked, she still says that "It is a good day". She told me that “when she grows up she wants to ‘paint the world’.” That kind of bravery and courage reminds me that life doesn't hand us anything we can't make it through if we decide to. Attitude is 90% of the battle. It is my hope that through our work with Gulf Coast Wings of Hope, Inc. we can help other families cope with what is a life-changing situation and that we CAN paint the world with hope—not just for Ashlan, but for everyone. To track Ashlan's progress and to hear her story, please visit her Caring Bridge Page.

Hayden - 3 years old - Diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) on August 4, 2004. Hayden woke up with unexplained bruises on his arms and legs and bumps at each of his temples. His mom immediately took him to the hospital where the tests were run and a diagnosis was given at 5:00 that evening. It was what we all dreaded hearing, but knew deep inside. Hayden had been inflicted with a disease no child should have to endure. Hayden has a smile that can light up a room and a laugh so contagious you find yourself simply giggling at him. He went from a "normal" 3 year old that liked to watch TV, play with his toys and aggravate his almost 2 year old brother to one that was being poked and prodded by nurses and doctors. He went into remission within the first 8 days, categorizing him as an "Early Rapid Responder" and has remained there since .Through it all, no matter how tired or sick he might get, Hayden has never lost the spirit that shines from deep inside him. He still lights up a room and sparkles at the sight of his 10 year old cousin coming through the door. He remains courageous even though times get hard. His magical personality has lead me to want to make a difference for children suffering from this horrible disease and to support other families suffering as we have. Hayden recently entered maintenance, but the fight is far from over. For the next several years we will have to go through treatments, blood tests, daily medicines, and monitor his every sniffle. But in the end, we will overcome this! Along the way we hope to change lives by providing information, support, and guidance to the children and families dealing with blood disorders and cancer. At Gulf Coast Wings of Hope, Inc., we will make a difference. To hear Hayden's story and to track his progress, please visit his Caring Bridge Page.

Nikolas - 7 years old - Diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) on March 4, 2005. Nikolas complained of unexplained lower body pain for about a week. When we took him to his pediatrician, he was given a clean bill of health. The doctor and I were both convinced he was suffering from sore joints due to a recent injury or his weekly Taekwondo sessions. The following week his soreness was gone and he was back to normal. That weekend, he developed a swollen gland. The doctor said there was no reason to be concerned if it went down within 24 hours; which it did. As the weeks went on, Nik became very lethargic and people started to say he looked pale. Neither my husband nor myself noticed how drastically different he actually looked at the time. It wasn't until he started running a high fever during the 4th week that I became concerned something was terribly wrong. After 2 nights of reoccurring fevers I worried that he may have been exposed to Meningitis from another student in our school. I made an appointment the following morning to simply rule it out, only to find his blood counts were terribly low. Within hours of his appointment, we were on our way to Sacred Heart Hospital in absolute fear of what lie ahead. After numerous tests, it was confirmed that Nik had a form of childhood cancer and would need a minimum of two and a half years of treatment. He spent almost the entire month of March in the hospital suffering from an infection, immense constipation, and severe nausea. He's currently in remission and into the second month of consolidation. His stomach has returned to its normal size, and his appetite remains large! He's lost just enough hair to save Mom and Dad money, and you wouldn't know he was sick if you saw him! Nik has displayed a tremendous amount of courage during this entire ordeal, and his strength increases day to day. It is our hope to educate others on childhood cancers and blood disorders through our work with Gulf Coast Wings of Hope, Inc. To track Nik's progress as he beats this illness, please visit his Caring Bridge Page.

Bradley - (From Bradley's Mother) My son was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called Neuroblastoma on June 4, 2002 already at the very late stage of 4. This is generally how this cancer is found. This is a very nasty kind of cancer that progresses so rapidly that it is in the advanced stages before it is detected. This was the case for our family. If you can be one of the "lucky" ones and catch it early there is a much better chance of actually having a chance of just maybe being a survivor. But this cancer is so rare that I was told by the doctor that diagnosed my son that a pediatrican can go their whole practice and never see a case of it. That took away the sting from me of wanting to blame someone for not catching this earlier. I had another doctor tell me that if he could get rid of one kind of childhood cancer it would be neuroblastoma because of how bad it was. This was the case for our family. After four surgeries, one lasting 9 hours (not including the "Prep" time) Chemo, two bone marrow transplants, radiation, drugs, too many port accesses, needle sticks, hospital stays and isolations from the world (Just to repeat it all over again.), my beautifully, smart, courageous, strong, happy, vivacious son was called home. He wasn't able to be a survivor on this earth now, but he's still a winner. There's nothing like the world of cancer from the perspective of a partent. To look into your child's eyes and see their pain and the constant begging "mommy please make them stop hurting me", but knowing that you have to hold them down all for the hope of a chance that your child will be one of those precious survivors. One of the ones who would get to wear one of those T-shirts. Unfortunately our family wasn't one of those few. Bradley went home on May 19, 2006 at 5:30 am leaving us behind, but only for a little while. Our children of cancer go through so much, but they are strong and generally do "live in the moment". I think us parents worry more and get upset more than they do. I know for Bradley as long he could have his chicken nuggets and sweet tea (no lemon) and toy, he could get through any port access or needle stick.

Bradley's story is too long to share. You'll have to get the book. But I did create for him a caring bridge web site for our family and friends. I hope the research continues. There is clearly not enough research done about this type of cancer. I hope the research continues until the survival rate is as high as some of the others. I know that's where our money will be going. I want to give encouragement to those parents still fighting. Don't give up.! It's true that cancer can't take the hope, as long as there's hope. There's a chance of winning. We never gave up, but the time came when we had to make that fateful decision to let him "live". He wasn't having the quality of life he once did. It was an easy decision and yet a tough one too. No parent ever should have to make that kind of decision for their child. Bradley touched a lot of lives and he blessed a lot of people and even though I would rather have him here with me. I know that he did his job and is now receiving his reward. I'm not quite sure yet how we'll go on, but they say time is a healer.